It can be difficult to be sure when your Atlanta synthetic grass only needs to be worked on and refreshed versus a total replacement. Don’t worry, we’re here to support you with this easy and complete guide.
ON-SITE ASSESSMENT
If it is a synthetic grass which can survive long beyond its warranty or a sports turf field, it’s important to consider some of the following things to look for damage and signs of age. Having a turf assessed by an expert is ideal.
INADEQUATE DRAINAGE
One of the primary indications of poor drainage can be viewed with standing water on the turf surface. Although this doesn’t indicate that the turf needs replacement but should be looked into or properly maintained over the life of the synthetic turf, then it can be handled during replacement. If you observe puddling, this could show signs of a problem or dips with the sub-base system. More often you will find that water will displace the turf infill which causes the turf to collapse as the water mats the fibers. This could be seen where downspouts are located as well as .
SURFACE DAMAGE
If your artificial turf is nearing the end of its life, you might start seeing degradation or other damage as a result of ultraviolet light. Be sure to frequently check your synthetic surface for damage due to pets or wild animals and occasionally even lawn mowers. Additionally, damage from fires, inclement weather, or other accidents can affect a turf’s condition.
STAINS & ODORS
Paint and oil spills can be particularly complicated to handle on artificial grass if not dealt with right away, leading to permanent damage. Lead-based paint is not removable from artificial surfaces. If you own a pet using the yard, it’s advised to do frequent cleaning to make sure it looks wonderful and stink free. Look at our cleaning guide here. If you’re working with artificial turf that’s been neglected, replacing it might be necessary.
FADED & MATTED SURFACE
UV exposure over the years is one of the greatest contributors to turf damage. High-quality artificial turf is treated with UV stabilizers, but once these stabilizers are depleted several years after installation, you might observe discoloration and areas where the grass becomes matted down From UV and frequent traffic. If the surface is not periodically professionally maintained as part of standard maintenance, it will be harder to revitalize the grass over time.
INFILL COMPACTIONS
Over time, infill might begin to compact, similarly to how soil does. If synthetic turf is not frequently maintained, it can cause the surface becoming stiff and compacted. Walk across the turf to feel for patches that are oddly firm. Having an artificial turf professional test the surface hardness with a testing tool such as GMAX is the only way to figure out how compacted 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 hits the surface.
INFILL MEASUREMENTS
With heavy rain or pedestrian traffic, infill materials will naturally began to migrate away from the surface. It’s important to maintain your infill depth over 20mm to keep the grass leaves standing upright and the artificial grass working the way it should. Synthetic grass that has lost a substantial quantity of infill will lead to further surface matting. It is very likely you just need an infill refresh instead of a total turf replacement, so make sure to talk to an expert.
GET SOUTHWEST GREENS QUALITY
Southwest Greens' oldest installations are at least 20 years old and have maintained the rich green color and texture of genuine grass. Our UV-resistant synthetic grass products look and work just like new because they’re designed to withstand heavy traffic, extreme weather conditions, and temperature fluctuations for year-round use.
All installations come have a complete one-year workmanship warranty and manufacturer's warranty that covers fading. Our synthetic turf is manufactured to be used and is great for busy areas or for long-term sporting purposes. Contact Southwest Greens of Atlanta now if you are ready to experience the Southwest Greens difference. We are glad to provide you with a no cost consultation.