Ask and compare face weights, stitch rates, warranties and backings. There are less expensive backings now with many claims and do not qualify to be used on football fields. Comparing the aforementioned will reveal the quality of the products and what you are getting for your money.
Yes there is. Turf should be rinsed and groomed periodically. The frequency should be determined by the activity level. For example, a dog are should be rinsed more often, and the higher the traffic the more often the turf should be groomed. Rinse to clean and use a stiff bristled broom or a rake to groom up fibers, which will help prevent matting. If the turf is not groomed regularly or neglected and does matt substantially, having it professionally groomed mechanically can restore it's appearance. It is also a good idea to have stepping stones or some form of path for a repeated, heavy traveled pattern through the turf.
Yes! And it is becoming extremely popular for animal hospitals, kennels and home owners with pets. Animal urine does not damage or fade the turf. What is most attractive is even with pets a green lawn can be sustained.
Simply rinse with water as needed. With pets, pick up solid waste and any residue can be spray cleaned. Rinse as frequently as needed to avoid odors which are a build up of bacterial spores. Durafill does not absorb external elements, which limits bacteria and odor as well as many other benefits. For a thorough cleaning which should be rarely needed-flush with a mixture of 50% white distilled vinegar and 50% water. Afterwards flush with water. This will neutralize all bacterial spores.
The turf can get hot in temperatures usually above 85-90 degrees in direct sunlight. Blade temperature can be decreased with Durafill. Durafill does not heat like rubber, therefore not transferring that intense heat into the blades of grass.
Non-Infill products are convenient when directly to the public or simply to make an install easier and less expensive. There are crucial, functional reasons for infill. The primary reasons are the following: the infill gives a barrier and protects the tufts during activity. The infill is used for ballast-on typical install there will be thousands of pounds of infill to weigh down the product. The infill offers G-MAX, which is the softness under your feet, it's safer too. Infill also offers a base for increased blade recovery.
The backing is perforated and will drain as natural grass typically would. If drains would be needed with natural grass, synthetic grass should be treated the same.
The sheen will progressively diminish and go away. Some products in the market place are shinier than others for various reasons i.e. wider blades refract more light. The length of time depends on the product and the chemical make up of your yarn.
The face weight is how much the yarn weighs per square yard not including the backing or the infill (yarn only). This measurement tells you how much product you are getting for your money and how dense the finished product will look. Every ounce makes quite a difference especially when comparing between similar blade types such as slit film or monofilament.
It is very important to install a quality product. Be sure to compare and ask about face weights, blade types, backings and warranties. Warranties are specifically important because properties in the yarns dictate the length of the warranty.
Many Synthetic Turf applications are installed with generic styles of turf due to an assumption that all turf isthe same or a limited variety is offered. Very low activity areas need to address quality, density and aesthetics where as areas with a mid-level activity or more should have a thatch product with a high density installed. A high density thatch based product significantly recovers better during activity and grooming.
Not all installations are the same! Installation quality is very important for aesthetics and longevity. How the sub-surface is sculpted, the edges are addressed, how the product is secured. These are some of the issues. If you are unsure take time and look at installs.