Artificial turf has become a popular choice for lawns and sports fields, but many wonder about its heat retention properties. You might be surprised to learn that artificial grass can indeed get quite warm on sunny days.
On hot summer days, artificial turf can reach temperatures between 140 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (60 to 93 degrees Celsius).
This high heat can make the surface uncomfortable and even dangerous to walk barefoot. At Artificial Turf Toronto, we know that the materials used in artificial turf contribute to its heat-retaining qualities. The plastic fibres and infill absorb and hold onto heat more than natural grass.
But don’t let this deter you from considering artificial turf. There are ways to cool it down. You can install misting systems, use special cooling infills, or apply water to the surface. These methods can help make your artificial lawn more comfortable during hot weather.
Composition and Characteristics of Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is made up of several parts that work together to mimic real grass. Its design aims to create a surface that looks and feels like natural grass while being tough enough for sports and other activities.
Materials Used in Artificial Turf
Artificial grass blades are made from plastic materials like nylon, polypropylene, and polyethylene. Each type has its own strengths. Nylon is very strong and can handle heavy use. Polypropylene is cheaper but less durable. Polyethylene feels softer and looks more like real grass.
The blades are attached to a backing made of materials like polyester or polypropylene. This backing holds everything together and lets water drain through.
Under the grass, there’s often a layer of sand or rubber pieces called infill. This helps the blades stand up and makes the surface feel more like real grass when you walk on it.
Artificial Turf Design Features
The look of artificial turf depends on factors like blade shape, colour, and density. Makers use different blade shapes to copy different types of grass. They also mix light and dark green blades to look more natural.
The thatch layer is important for making turf look real. It’s a curly layer of fibres at the base that hides the backing and adds fullness.
Quality artificial grass often has features to help it last longer. These can include UV protection to stop fading and special coatings to make it easier to clean.
Turf density affects how it looks and feels. Denser turf looks fuller but can trap more heat. Makers balance density with other features for the best results.
Temperature Dynamics of Artificial Turf
Artificial turf can reach very high temperatures on hot, sunny days. This can make playing or walking on it uncomfortable. The heat comes from how the turf is made and how it reacts to sunlight.
Heat Absorption and Retention
Artificial turf absorbs and keeps heat much more than natural grass. The plastic fibres and rubber infill soak up the sun’s energy quickly. On hot days, turf surfaces can get as warm as 60°C to 90°C. This is much hotter than the air around it.
The dark colours often used in artificial turf make the heating worse. Dark colours absorb more heat from the sun. The rubber bits between the fake grass blades also trap heat easily.
Unlike real grass, fake turf doesn’t cool itself through water loss. This means it stays hot for a long time, even after the sun goes down.
Effects of Sun Exposure and UV Rays
Direct sunlight makes artificial turf heat up fast. The more intense the sun, the hotter the turf gets. UV rays from the sun play a big role in this heating.
UV rays break down the turf materials over time. This can make the turf absorb even more heat as it ages. Newer types of turf try to reflect more sunlight to stay cooler.
The angle of the sun matters too. When the sun is directly overhead, the turf heats up more. This is why turf is often the hottest in the middle of the day.
Comparing Temperatures with Natural Surfaces
Artificial turf gets much hotter than natural grass or soil. While grass rarely goes above 38°C, turf can reach 70°C or more. This big difference is due to how the materials act in the sun.
Here’s a quick comparison:
- Artificial turf: Can reach 60°C to 90°C
- Natural grass: Usually stays below 38°C
- Concrete: Gets to about 50°C to 65°C
Natural grass cools itself by releasing water vapour. It also reflects more sunlight than artificial turf. Soil under grass acts as insulation, keeping the surface cooler.
Concrete and asphalt also get very hot, but not as hot as artificial turf. They cool down faster at night too.
Installation and Maintenance Considerations
Proper installation and regular upkeep are key to getting the most out of your artificial turf. These practices help ensure your lawn stays cool, drains well, and looks great for years to come.
Proper Installation Techniques
Start by prepping the ground. Remove existing grass and level the area. Add a layer of crushed stone for drainage. Place a weed barrier on top. Unroll the turf, making sure the blades all face the same way. Secure the edges with landscape staples or nails.
Use a power broom to fluff up the fibres. This helps them stand upright. Spread infill material evenly across the surface. This adds weight and supports the blades.
A proper base is crucial for drainage. Slope the ground away from buildings. This prevents water from pooling. Install a drainage system if needed.
Maintenance Practices for Optimal Performance
Artificial turf needs less care than real grass, but some upkeep is still needed. Brush the turf regularly with a stiff broom. This keeps the fibres upright and stops matting.
Remove leaves and debris with a leaf blower or rake. Clean up spills quickly to prevent stains. Use a mix of water and mild soap for tough spots.
Water your turf on hot days. This cools it down and removes dust. A quick spray with a hose works well. You can also set up a sprinkler system for easy watering.
Drainage Solutions
Good drainage keeps your turf dry and prevents odours. Install a permeable base layer during setup. This lets water flow through easily.
Add drainage pipes if needed. These move water away from the turf. Slope the ground slightly to help water runoff.
Check drainage regularly. Clear any clogged areas. Add more drainage holes if water pools in spots.
Clean infill materials can improve drainage. Replace old infill if it gets compacted. This helps water move through faster.
Health and Environmental Concerns
Artificial turf poses risks to pets, people, and the planet. Its high temperatures and synthetic materials raise worries about safety and sustainability.
Potential Risks to Pets and Humans
Artificial turf can get very hot in the sun. On warm days, it may reach 65°C or more. This heat can burn skin and paws. Dogs and kids playing on hot turf risk injuries.
Melting plastic turf can stick to shoes and feet. This may cause burns or skin damage. In extreme weather, the turf’s heat can make the whole area feel hotter.
Some people worry about chemicals in artificial grass. The turf may give off strange odours when hot. This can bother those with breathing problems.
Wear shoes on artificial turf to protect your feet. Keep pets off hot turf to shield their paws. Check the turf’s temperature before letting kids play.
Environmental Impact of Artificial Turf
Artificial turf affects local plants and animals. It removes natural habitat for bugs and small creatures. Unlike real grass, it doesn’t help clean the air or cool the ground.
Plastic grass can shed tiny bits over time. These pieces may wash into streams and harm fish. The turf’s rubber filling can also spread and pollute nearby soil and water.
Artificial turf doesn’t need mowing or watering. This can save water and cut down on yard work. But it also means less green space for nature in your backyard.
When designing your yard, think about mixing turf with real plants. This can help balance looks with eco-friendliness. Using some organic materials in your yard helps local wildlife.
Cooling Strategies for Artificial Turf
Artificial turf can get hot in the summer, but there are ways to keep it cool. Let’s look at some new cooling tech and easy tips to lower turf temperatures.
Innovations in Cooling Technology
New cooling systems for artificial turf are making it more comfortable. Liquid cooling is one option. It uses pipes under the turf to move cool water around. This helps control the temperature on hot days.
Another innovation is special infill. Some types of infill can hold water and release it slowly. This creates a cooling effect that lasts for hours. Silica sand and other materials can be mixed in to help with cooling.
Some companies are working on turf fibres that reflect heat. These fibres don’t get as hot in the sun. They can make a big difference in how the turf feels on sunny days.
Practical Tips to Lower Turf Temperatures
You can take simple steps to cool your artificial grass. Watering is a quick fix. Spray your turf with water on hot days. This can drop the temperature by several degrees.
Adding shade is another good idea. You can put up shade sails or a retractable awning. Trees and tall plants can also provide natural shade.
Think about the area around your turf too. Light-coloured gravel or pavers nearby can reflect less heat onto the grass. This can help keep the whole area cooler.
For long-term comfort, pick the right infill when you install your turf. Some infills stay cooler than others. Ask about options that can help with temperature control.