The winter season is officially here. For most athletic directors, this means closing down the outdoor courts. But for Platform Tennis and Paddle facilities, the season is just hitting its peak.
Managing a platform tennis court presents a unique set of challenges that standard tennis products simply cannot handle. Between the heaters beneath the deck, the abrasive wire “cage” fencing, and the punishing mix of snow, ice, and wind, you need windscreens that are specifically engineered for the environment.
Our recent data shows a surge in facility managers searching for “custom platform tennis screens” this month. They are finding that generic, “one-size-fits-all” rolls of fabric are failing mid-season. Here is why upgrading to custom-fabricated screens from All Court Fabrics is the best investment for your paddle courts this winter.
1. The “Cage” Requires a Custom Fit
Platform tennis courts are not standard chain link fences. They are tensioned wire cages with unique dimensions, superstructure supports, and “trap doors” for snow removal.
Trying to force a standard 60-foot roll of windscreen onto a paddle cage results in loose flaps, poor aesthetics, and rapid material failure. At All Court Fabrics, we custom fabricate every panel to your exact measurements. This ensures:
- Perfect Corners: No bunching or gaps where wind can whip through.
- Cutouts for Features: We can integrate cutouts for heaters, lights, and structure supports.
- Snow Gates: We can fabricate skirt panels that lift easily to allow for snow clearing without damaging the screen.
2. Materials Built for Sub-Zero Performance
Standard polypropylene mesh—often used on summer tennis courts—can become brittle and crack when temperatures drop below freezing.
For platform tennis, we recommend our heavy-duty vinyl-coated polyester options, such as Permascreen Plus or Permascreen 70. These materials are:
- Weather Resistant: The vinyl coating protects the polyester core from freezing moisture and ice buildup.
- Wind Blocking: With opacity options up to 85%, these screens provide the critical wind block players need to keep the ball in play during blustery January matches.
- Tear Resistant: Reinforced hems and brass grommets prevent the screens from ripping away from the wire fencing under heavy snow loads.
3. Privacy for the “Fishbowl” Effect
Because platform courts are often raised and illuminated at night, players can feel like they are in a “fishbowl.” High-opacity custom windscreens provide the visual background players need to track the ball against the glare of court lights or snowy surroundings, while offering privacy from the parking lot or clubhouse.
Keep Your Courts Playable All Winter
You cannot afford a screen failure in January. Ensure your platform tennis courts are ready for the height of the season with screens that fit perfectly and last longer.
