When choosing to use artificial grass to add some colour and low maintenance ground covering to your home and garden, it is important that you gather as much information on the subject as possible. One of the most common and important questions that we hear all the time are, “how is the grass installed” & “how long does artificial grass actually last?
This is actually a difficult question to answer for all situations as there are a number of variables that can affect how long a patch of artificial grass lasts. So, we have compiled this concise guide to artificial grass. You will find important considerations when choosing an option for you as well as some tips and pointers to get the greatest value from your investment.
Table of Contents
The Four Major Factors
There are four important points to keep in mind when trying to figure out how much longevity your artificial grass will give you. We will take a moment to explore each one and point out why they are so significant, what you should look for and how you can make sure the grass you choose is the best option for your needs.
Blade Material
Just like the real deal, artificial grass is made of many little blades of grass. Each one of these blades must be properly connected through sewing in the back. As you can imagine, the strength of these blades of grass is one of the most important deciding factors in determining how long your artificial grass will last you. With this in mind, it is important to consider the materials used in producing the grass you choose.
Typically, artificial grass is made of nylon and/or polypropylene, both of these are strong synthetic materials. But, there are some subtle differences between these two materials that can come to maturity a few years down the line. These differences will affect the overall longevity of your artificial grass.
Backing Bond
As mentioned earlier, each blade of artificial grass must be sewn properly into the tougher backing materials to hold the turf together/ The backing itself should be good quality and constructed of two layers one that holds the synthetic fibers in place and the bottom layer that forms the bonding materials which holds everything together.
If the bonding between the first and second layers begins to lose its functionality, you can expect the lifespan of your artificial turf to be sliced down considerably. With this in mind, be sure to inquire about bonding materials and test the strength of this backing agent on any samples you are given.
Usage
Of course, if you lay your artificial grass somewhere it will never be stepped on, it can last forever. But, traffic is usually implied and the amounts of traffic your artificial grass endures will have an effect on the overall lifespan as well. If you choose to use this in a corner of the lawn with little or no traffic, you can expect full life expectancy and then some. If you plan to use this around a pool side or in a children’s play room where the traffic will be heavy and frequent, the longevity will be cut back.
The quality choices you make should align with the predictable traffic levels.
Effective Installation
Poor installation is another major cause of artificial grass deteriorating faster than it should. Proper installation includes considering the drainage, reducing potential for weed growth, clearing the area and other details specific to each situation. When done properly, installation will ensure that you get more value from your artificial turf.
DIY enthusiasts will probably be able to accomplish the installation on their own if they have some experience or extensive knowledge on the details of artificial grass installation. If not, it is a good idea to rely on installation professionals who can ensure that all the finer points are properly addressed.
Final Notes
Artificial grass is a durable ground product that can be laid down to create a soft and more aesthetically pleasing surface for yards, patios, balconies, pool sides and many other indoor or outdoor locations. Of course, it will be essential to consider the longevity of your product and how you can increase the value of your purchase through proper maintenance.