Synthetic Grass
SYNTHETIC GRASS SYSTEMS
NON-INFILL SYSTEMS
Synthetic Grass systems which requires no infill are usually products with narrower gauges. To clarify, the gauges are the distance between the rows on the backing. However some of these Artificial Grass products can have slightly wider gauges.
Non-infill Synthetic Grasses normally have a high volume stitch rate per m² / inch (tuft density). The stitch rate in other words is the amount of fibres stitched to the backing material.
These non-infill Artificial Lawn products normally consist of a combination of straight and fibrillated yarns.
The fibrillated yarn or commonly referred to as thatch in the turf assists with the monofilament recovery. Essentially it assists the blades of grass to stand up straight, similarly acting like infill material.
View the manufacturing process.
The thatch consists of either mono or various shades of brown. The browns as a result give the Artificial Lawn a natural appearance.
Although some manufacturers claim that some non-infill Artificial Grasses does not require infill material an addition of infill in some instances will assist with product durability. Moreover infill will provide better recovery of the straight blades. Infill is also recommended for non-infill Synthetic Grasses which is not extremely dense; or has a low volume of stitches per m² / inch.
CHARACTERISTICS
- Dense non-infill Artificial Lawns certainly has a softer underfoot feel.
- The brown layer of thatch in the Synthetic Turf similarly gives it a more natural appearance.
- Further a large variety of non-infill grasses are available and vary in length of fibre, colour and density.
- In addition non-infill products are normally more aesthetic appealing.
- These grass types are usually the preferred product for indoor applications.
- Infill not necessarily required throughout lifespan of product.
- However an addition of infill material in non-infill grasses will assist with the durability and quicker recovery of the grass blades during use.
NON-FILL GRASS APPLICATIONS
- Residential leisure Artificial Grass
- Residential landscape Synthetic Grass
- Commercial lawns and recreational areas
- Rooftops and balconies
- Crèches, play schools and schools
- Around swimming pools and entertainment areas
- Use non-infill Synthetic Grass for a natural look.
INFILL SYSTEMS
Infill Artificial Grass systems are products with larger gauges (distance between rows on backing). Most importantly these products have a low stitch rate per m² / inch (tuft density).
View the manufacturing process.
These grasses normally only consist of either straight or only fibrillated yarn and is usually mono-coloured green.
View the main fibre types and their characteristics.
Infill products usually lay flat without the infill material and therefore the synthetic fibres requires structure. The infill will assist the fibres to be lifted (stand up).
Some infill systems require only a silica quartz infill and others a silica quartz and rubber granule infill. This will depend on your product of choice and from one manufacturer to another.
Products with short length fibres, narrow gauges and high volume stitch rates per m² / inch may also require silica quartz infill. Importantly and especially for high traffic areas or Multisport applications i.e. Tennis, Golf, Putting Greens, Cricket, Hockey, Netball, Basketball etc. However the shorter products may not require infill if used for normal landscaping or indoor applications.
There are however some exceptions to the rules, where some longer length, wide gauge products will also only be silica quartz infill systems.
Subsequently infill systems requires maintenance by means of topping up the silica quartz / rubber granule infill material throughout the products lifespan.
CHARACTERISTICS
- Some infill grasses are dense for example Multi-Sport artificial grass and other are sparse. However these grasses requires infill to assist with keeping the turf fibers upright or assist with durability.
- These grasess are normally monotone in colour, however some might have shades and tones incorporated for a more natural appearance.
- Infill synthetic turf comes in a large variety of fiber lengths and densities in example 13mm, 40mm, 50mm and more.
- Furthermore infill products are not as aesthetically appealing as non-infill varieties, however designed for their use and functionality.
- These grass types are usually the preferred product for sports applications.
- Product infill is required throughout lifespan of product and maintenance or top up of infill is required.
- The infill material will assist with the durability and quicker recovery of the grass blades during use.
INFILL GRASS APPLICATIONS
- High foot traffic areas.
- Schools, playschools, creches and pre-schools.
- Sports applications; soccer, golf, putting greens, hockey, netball, cricket and more.
- Commercial and public areas.
- Walkways.
- Infill systems can handle more traffic than non-infill systems.
TO SUMMARIZE AND CONCLUDE
In conclusion infill material can be added to both Infill & Non –Infill Fake Grasses and as a result infill will offer the following advantages:
- Stability
- Resistance
- Durability
- Infill material will weigh down the Artificial Grass to prevent crease formation. Creases can occur during normal product expansion in warm weather. This phenomenon is also known as thermal expansion.
- It gives the turf fibres stability to prevent pile crush or matting of the grass during foot traffic / use. Acting similarly like a memory foam mattress.
- Infill protects the primary turf backing against harmful UV exposure. The backing is robust and durable however infill will add an additional protection layer.
ARTIFICIAL TURF INSTALLATIONS
Artificial Lawn can literally be installed in any possible location and on virtually every type of surface.
The types of installations can be classified in two main groups.
EXISTING SURFACES
NEW BASES - BASE CONSTRUCTION
Existing surfaces includes but are not limited to concrete slab, tiles, paving, waterproofing etc. When considering Artificial Lawn as a project on an existing base the following important factors would need to be assessed and repaired if required;
- Soundness of the base
- Base stability
- Sharp edges on the base
- Holes or deep cracks
- Drainage levels and drainage systems
- Level of comfort and durability required of the area of use
- Maintenance of existing surface required i.e. waterproofing
The construction of a new base for Synthetic Grass includes but is not limited to new aggregate base construction, concrete slabs, self-levelling screeds etc.
As with existing surfaces the following rules apply;
- Base should be sound and stable
- Correct levels for water drainage or water drainage systems in place
- Level of comfort and durability required of the area of use
- Correct graded base material used during new base construction
- Addition of hard landscaping requirements i.e. kerbs / edging
IN CONCLUSION = THE IDEAL FAKE LAWN SURFACE
Area should be smooth, stable (no sharp edges) and adequate gradient for water to drain or drainage system in place. Firstly evaluate the surface area to ensure that the requirements are in order. Secondly repair the base if it’s required ahead of the Artificial Turf installation.
With new and existing surfaces it is preferred to seek professionals who can evaluate your requirements. Above all professional advice and workmanship will assure the correct surface for your Artificial Lawn. In addition it will contribute to the durability, longevity and warranty offering of the grass.
TFSSA (Pty) Ltd operates as a ONE-STOP professional installation contractor. We offer our services throughout Gauteng. For example Sandton, Pretoria, Johannesburg, Randburg, Roodepoort, Johannesburg South & East and surrounds
OUR SERVICES
Our services include, but are not limited to;
Planning and designing of projects using a technical drawing program
Full Base construction, reconstruction or base repairs
General Building and hardscaping – Paving, Edging, Kerbing, Cladding, Concrete Slabs,
Water Drainage systems
Professional artificial grass installations with highest quality materials and consumables used
Workmanship and product warranty & guarantee offerings
Contact us today to discuss your project requirements. Professional quotes supplied. 083-388-7674 or info@tfssa.co.za
Need help? Chat with us.