Understanding Artificial Grass Technology
A type of man-made turf composed of plastic or rubber is artificial grass. Any surface, including asphalt, concrete, and roofs, may support its mounting. It is a well-liked option for playgrounds and sporting fields because of its mix of softness to the touch and hardness to withstand extensive use. Artificial grass is rising in popularity because of its attractiveness, durability, utility, and ease of maintenance. Thanks to improvements in production technique and the materials used, synthetic grass now closely mimics genuine grass by fusing a variety of fibre thicknesses and hues.
The use of artificial grass has become so widespread that it can be seen everywhere, including on ball fields, around residences and other buildings. Today, it is the go-to place to buy grass that suits both a lifestyle and the urgent need to protect the environment and water resources. Given all that, one would assume that artificial turf is now well-known to everybody.
Unnatural materials might be a great option for a patio, balcony, or yard. You should research the fake grass and synthetic grass options before making any judgments about your backyard remodelling. If you’ve been considering putting artificial grass in your home or place of business, here are some important facts you need to be aware of.
The Environmental Impact Of Fake Grass Is Less Than You May Imagine
There is a myth that because synthetic plastic fibres are used to make fake grass, it is very detrimental to the environment. Even though it’s made of plastic, it’s not quite as horrible as it seems. The first thing to keep in mind is that artificial grass doesn’t require watering as a real lawn does. A limited resource, water. Humans have access to only 1% of the fresh water on Earth, and countries all around the world are already experiencing water shortages.
Although artificial grass won’t completely alleviate the water deficit issue, it will assist some. Additionally, there is no requirement to use hazardous pesticides, chemical weedkillers, or petrol or electric lawnmowers. Additionally, unlike single-use plastics, which are a major cause of problems worldwide, our grasses have a lifespan of well over a decade.
Artificial Grass Is Suitable For Pets
Artificial grass is the ideal option if you have pets in your house. Pets may play with it comfortably and walk on it safely. Your pet can play outside all year round since it never gets too hot or cold. Unlike with real grass, you don’t have to worry about them getting their paws soiled from mud or chemicals.
This makes it perfect for households with dogs or young kids who like playing outside. Additionally, there is a lower possibility of your dog’s being injured by thorns or sharp items. However, you must get high-quality fake grass made especially for use with animals. If you’re curious about the price of synthetic grass, you should be prepared to spend a few hundred dollars for a sizable area.
Density
Artificial grass density is often mentioned in Dtex. The density of fake grass increases with the number of stitches. Denser artificial lawns resemble real grass more than thinner ones. The elasticity and resilience of the lawn will also be impacted by the product’s density. You must choose if you enjoy the thick appearance and whether the density is also required since your garden has heavy foot traffic.
Overall Weight Vs. Face Weight
Marketing terminology for product weight includes “face weight” and “total weight,” both of which are expressed in ounces per square yard. Ask if the indicated weight of the artificial grass product is face weight or total weight if it is not specified on the label.
The weight of the fibres used to create the artificial grass pile is the product’s face weight; the weight of the backing is not included. The weight of the synthetic grass backing and the face weight of the fibres are both included in the product’s overall weight. When seeking full, lush grass, face weight is more crucial than overall weight because the weight of the backing is essentially irrelevant. Your lawn’s strength and density will be determined by its face weight. Total weight has been used by rivals to sell their goods, which may be quite deceptive when attempting to compare turf company quotations fairly.
Thatching
Thatching refers to the minuscule fibre threads used to create fake grass. They are generally gold in colour, slender, and tiny. They are created to resemble the thin layer of grass blades that assembles at the bottom of a genuine lawn. This small adjustment contributes to the result being more realistic. It also enhances the aesthetic appeal and aids in heat reflection.
Cost Effective
Many homes may be turned off by the initial cost of switching from real grass to artificial grass on their lawn. However, it offers practical economic advantages that over time will make artificial grass a more affordable option. Your fake grass may last up to 15 years, so you won’t need to spend money on fertilizers, weed killers, and grass seed to keep it looking good. You may also save money on your summer utility costs by not watering your grass, especially if you already use an electric lawnmower.
Family- And Pet-Friendly
Not only is fake grass resilient to the rigors of family and pet life, but if your pet has a penchant for escape, most artificial grass is resistant to digging, allowing you to increase the security and safety of your garden for your animals. Artificial grass is ideal for kids since it doesn’t contain any chemicals, has a cushioned feel, and is mess-free, so there won’t be any more muddy footsteps.
Base Construction
Install a sub-foundation beneath the fake grass carpet to improve durability, offer drainage, and aid in preventing settling. The sub-base’s depth will change depending on the state of the ground. However, a 50mm layer of compacted sub-foundation material—often MOT1—laid atop a geotextile membrane is sufficient in the majority of situations. For a flat, level final carpet surface, this should be coated with a 25mm coating of grit sand. To very slightly elevate the completed surface level over the adjacent levels to enhance drainage. Depending on the needs and characteristics of the location, different edging details will be used.
Backing
The synthetic grass support system is crucial to everything. Support is going to be crucial in this process to get it up and operating for obvious reasons. Therefore, the backing material needs to be given the highest consideration.
Consider the project’s need for durability specifically while examining the backing material. It is always preferable to be mindful of our purchases and what we can do to make environmentally friendly choices. To make sure that your small craft lasts a long time, use latex or polyurethane.
Seaming
All the separate components that make up the grass length are sewn together to form the length. Once more, selecting the proper material for this operation is crucial. The main options for materials for this phase are industrial double-sided tape, seaming tape and adhesive, and sodded staples.
All of these resources have advantages of their own, but they also have certain drawbacks. Climate, pricing, and sub-base materials are some of the factors that were predetermined for this process. While seaming tape and glue may seem more costly, they offer the ideal long-term hiding solution for this seaming procedure. On the other hand, double-sided tape that afterwards peels off easily can be used in sweltering heat.
Infill
Along with maintaining the straightness of artificial turf, infill serves a variety of functions. The backing is shielded by infill from direct sunlight, which would otherwise reduce the longevity of the turf. Even the lawn gains weight and durability from it. Even after receiving high traffic, the grass may recover thanks to the increased ballast for matting prevention. Talk to your installer about the ideal material that will be required for the job.
Nails
In some circumstances, nails maintain the artificial turf’s edges in place and keep everything safe. The usual nails will do the job, and the knowledgeable installers will assist you in selecting the ideal form and size for the project and maintaining a solid grip.
Turf Blades
The most vital part is the blade. For these blades, nylon or polyethylene are frequently employed. Bags, bottles, and other goods are frequently made of polyethylene, a kind of plastic. In contrast to their regular solid state, the blades are usually made of melted plastic that has been mixed with various dyes and chemicals to make them extremely durable, UV resistant, and long-lasting. Additionally, nylon sheets are used to create the blades of fake grass. In general, moulds are used to extrude nylon sheets for fine fibres with oblong or circular cross sections. The extruded grass blades are of a high calibre and feel and look almost exactly like real grass.