Cracking Is Inevitable   

Once a court begins to develop structural cracks, there is a very good chance the existing cracks will grow in width and length and more will develop over time.

Overlays, the addition of new asphalt on top of old failed asphalt, will result in new "failed" asphalt.  

The old cracks reflect through the new pavement within a year or two.  

The most common problem with asphalt tennis courts is cracking which is caused, in part, by the natural tendency of asphalt to shrink as it weathers and ages. In addition, asphalt loses its flexibility and becomes more brittle over time. Since outdoor courts are also exposed to weathering, including expansion and contraction caused by temperature extremes, cracking is inevitable.

Asphalt tennis courts crack more quickly than asphalt roads and parking lots because tennis courts do not benefit from the compressive kneading generated by traffic which helps to keep the asphalt pliable and, thereby, delay cracking.

Premature or extensive cracking may be caused by poor asphalt mix, poor site conditions, poor design, or by poor construction. Quality design and construction may minimize or delay cracking but cannot completely eliminate it. Once cracks appear it may be impossible to repair their cause, but it is not impossible to repair the crack itself.  The majority of cracking is a result of old asphalt which has lost its ability to "flex" and the pavement "shrinks" therefore "tearing" apart. Some cracking may occur prematurely, in pavements less than 12 years old if there are "weak" paving joints, sub standard asphalt mix and or application, unstable base and or sub-base materials.