It might be difficult to be sure when your Toronto synthetic grass only needs upkeep and freshened up compared to a total replacement. But we are here to assist you with this quick and handy guide.
ON-SITE EVALUATION
Whether it is an artificial yard which can survive long beyond its warranty or a sports turf field, it’s crucial to check some of the following points to check for wear. Having an artificial turf assessed for the following by an expert is best.
BAD DRAINAGE
One of the earliest signs of inadequate drainage could be seen with standing water on the grass. Even though this doesn’t suggest that the artificial turf is needing replacement but should be addressed or properly maintained during the life of the synthetic turf, then it can be fixed during replacement. If you observe pooling, this may indicate an issue or dips with the sub-base system. More often you will learn that water will move around the turf infill making the turf to lay down as the water will mat the fibers. This could occur where downspouts are placed as well as water run off areas.
SURFACE DAMAGE
If your artificial turf is close to the end of its life, you might begin seeing deterioration or other damage due to UV. Be certain to regularly check your synthetic surface for damage due to pets or wildlife and even lawn mowers. Moreover, damage from fires, rough weather, or other incidents can affect a turf’s lifespan.
STAINS & ODORS
Paint or oil spills could be especially complicated to deal with on synthetic turf if not cleaned right away, leading to permanent damage. Lead-based paint is not removable from synthetic surfaces. If you have a pet using the grass, it is preferred to do regular cleaning to make sure it looks great and odor free. Look at our cleaning guide here. If you’re dealing with artificial turf that has been overlooked, replacing it could be necessary.
FADED & MATTED SURFACE
UV exposure for many years is one of the biggest contributors to turf damage. High-quality artificial turf is treated with UV stabilizers, but once these stabilizers are consumed many years after installation, you might see discoloration and sections where the grass becomes matted down From UV and heavy traffic. If the surface is not regularly professionally maintained as part of regular maintenance, it will be more difficult to restore the turf every year.
INFILL COMPACTIONS
After a while, infill could start to compact, similarly to how soil does. If synthetic turf is not frequently maintained, it can lead to the surface becoming stiff and compacted. Walk on the turf to feel for patches that are oddly hard. Having an synthetic grass pro test the surface hardness with a testing tool like the GMAX is the only way to figure out how compact the surface may be. These devices will drop a weight that has an accelerometer from a established height to determine deceleration, AKA how fast the weight stops once it strikes the surface.
INFILL MEASUREMENTS
With heavy rainfall or foot traffic, infill materials will usually start to migrate away from the surface. It is essential to keep your infill depth over 20mm to keep the grass blades upright and the turf working the way it should. Synthetic turf that has lost a substantial quantity of infill will lead to more surface matting. It is quite possible you just need an infill refill rather than a total turf replacement, so be sure to talk to a professional.
GET SOUTHWEST GREENS QUALITY
Southwest Greens' first installations are 20 years old or older and have kept the natural green color and texture of genuine grass. Our UV-resistant artificial grass products look and function just like new because they are built to stand up to heavy traffic, harsh weather conditions, and temperature ups and downs for all-year use.
All installations come with a complete one-year warranty on workmanship and manufacturer's warranty that covers fading. Our artificial grass is designed to be used and is great for heavy use areas or for long-term sporting purposes. Contact Southwest Greens Ontario now if you are ready to experience the Southwest Greens difference. We’re glad to offer a free consultation.