Artificial turf is most often used in arenas for sports that were originally or are normally played on grass. However, it is now being used on residential lawns and commercial applications as well. The main reason is maintenance—artificial turf standing up to heavy use, such as in sports, and requires no irrigation or trimming. Domed, covered, and partially covered stadiums may require artificial turf because of the difficulty of getting grass enough sunlight to stay healthy.

Alead offers many kinds of artificial turf products, which are made from strong and thick fibers for intensive wear and tear, with good bend recovery and excellent anti-UV effect.

1. Building a stable base for synthetic turf

Synthetic turf systems are designed to have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. In this regard, it would be prudent to build a base to match the lifespan of the synthetic turf to maximize investment returns. This can either be a compacted stone base, concrete base or any hard standing area to receive the synthetic turf system.

Synthetic turf systems to be laid directly on a soil base are not recommended. This is because the load bearing capacities of a soil base changes with water content. That is, a soil base softens after rainfall and it's load bearing capacities are reduced. Thus, if load (eg. cycling) is applied on the synthetic turf, permanent depressions will form in the soil base and will be visible on the synthetic turf surface. Accumulated depressions reduce aesthetics and remedial actions, which are costly, may be required.

2. Designing for drainage

Synthetic turf systems are designed for outdoor applications that allows rainwater to flow through quickly and effectively.

By designing effective drainage into our base systems to discharge water, we can prevent stagnant water from accumulating and thus prevent molding, moss, algae and bacteria concerns from arising.

3. Putting Infill on GreenTurf Synthetic turf systems

Using silica sand, rubber granules, thermoplastic elastomer granules and mesh fibres as our infill systems. These materials are laid or built into our synthetic turf system to provide comfort, shock absorbency and to hold up the synthetic turf fibres for a more vibrant lawn look.

Recommending sand or rubber infills as it provides for feel of a natural lawn and helps cool down the surface. For outdoor applications, sand and rubber infill retain moisture in the synthetic turf system in the voids between the granules through capillary action and evaporation of moisture helps to cool down the surface on a hot day. For synthetic turf systems without infill, the synthetic turf can heat up considerably on a hot day and the heat can be felt through the shoes when we walk on it.

4. Joining Synthetic Turf carpet

Synthetic Turf is supplied to our distributors and agents in two metre wide rolls. For areas wider than two metres, GreenTurf recommends that carpet rolls be joined together to ensure that seams between two adjacent rolls do not become tripping hazards.

Polyurethane adhesive is recommended to be used with textured seaming tapes to join synthetic turf carpet rolls. Polyurethane adhesives weather the elements well and provides for a long lasting bond for peace of mind.

5. Anchoring synthetic turf

Synthetic turf systems can be anchored to the ground to secure the carpet against lifting and vandalism. For countries and areas such as roof tops that experience high winds, it is recommended to anchor the edges of the carpet to prevent wind from flowing under the synthetic turf carpet and lifting it.

However, care has to be taken on excessive anchoring of synthetic turf as it will introduce stresses to carpet joints as synthetic turf carpets (backing) expand and contract with temperature and moisture content.