First, what are some of the causes of sticky approaches.

1. Humidity is one of the most common causes of sticky approaches. Both wood and synthetic approaches can be affected by humidity. While low humidity might cause approaches to become a little slicker then normal, high humidity in most cases, will cause approaches to become sticky. Usually sticky approaches aren't much of a problem in the winter months when the humidity is lower. In the summer months when humidity is higher, air conditioners can usually remove a lot of the humidity from the air and this will improve the sliding on the approaches. In some areas of the country, during the spring and fall months, when neither the heater or air conditioners are running, the humidity might rise in the center and cause sticky approaches. Running exhaust fans in some cases may even cause the approach problems to become worse. When it is humid outside, running exhaust fans will remove the air in the center and replace it with outside air, thus greatly increasing the humidity in the center. Exhaust fans usually should never be run in combination with heaters or air conditioners. If is cold outside then the exhaust fan will bring in cold air and if it is hot out, then the hot air will be brought into the building. If a bowling center can keep the humidity levels between 40 - 50%, then the approaches should slide fine.

2. Wood approaches are covered with an approach finish. If this finish becomes worn down to bare wood, this can be the cause of sticking approaches. The solution here is to apply a new coat of approach finish.

3. Contamination is another cause for stick approaches. If the tile floors in the bowling center have been waxed or the carpet has been cleaned and then scotchbrited, then both wax and scotchbrite can tracked onto the approaches by the bowlers and this can build up on the approaches and cause both wood and synthetic approaches to become sticky. To solve this problem, it is recommended to not wax tile floors and to not scotchbrite the carpeted areas in a bowling center. Cleaning the approaches with an approach cleaner, should remove the contamination from the approaches.

4. Spills in the bowler's area or on the approaches will also cause bowlers to stick. Keeping food and drinks away from the bowler's area is a good idea.

These are just a few ideas to help solve approach problem that might occur and improve your bowling center. We also have more information in the Brunswick Synthetic Lane Care Manual