One of the many advantages of artificial grass is its inherent durability. With proper care and maintenance, you can look forward to using your artificial grass for the next 15-20 years. This is especially true when you get top-quality artificial turf, such as the kind that we carry at Perth Artificial Grass.
That being said, there are some common mistakes that lead to the damage of synthetic turf, and by extension, its longevity. It is worth noting that artificial grass isn’t easily damaged, but it does get damaged. Here is a look at some of the ways that you may damage your synthetic turf, and which you should avoid if you want to keep using your synthetic turf for a while
1. Keeping Heat Sources too Close
synthetic turf is made from polypropylene and polyethylene and may melt when exposed to too much heat. This will happen when the temperatures to which the turf is exposed are above the melting point of the polymer used in manufacturing the artificial grass.
To avoid damage to your turf, keep your fire pits and barbecue grills away from the turf. Stray embers from either can burn into your turf. Avoid smoking around areas that are covered with artificial grass. Something may fall off the lit cigarette onto your artificial grass, not to mention the fact that you may mindlessly throw away your cigarette butt on the ground. You should also avoid using fireworks near the turf for the same reason.
Away form direct heat sources, your turf may also suffer damage due to indirect heat sources. The most common of these is the heat from a highly reflective surfaces such as windows, mirrors, polished gutters and any other reflective panel around your property. The best thing you can do is to cover these reflective objects and surfaces until the sunlight dissipates.
2. Not Minding Sharp Items
Sharp object will tear into your artificial grass. The sharper the object, the greater the risk.
Sharp-edged garden tools can cause such damage. To avoid this eventually, store them as far away as possible from your artificial turf. If you must keep them near your synthetic turf, ensure that you gently set them down and if possible, do so with the sharp-edged side facing up.
Sharp furniture feet are another culprit. The risk becomes even greater when you try to shift or move these pieces of furniture. You can put your patio furniture with sharp feet elsewhere. You could also cover these feet with fabric or plastic to avoid damage.
3. Exposure to Chemicals
How careful should you be around synthetic turf with chemicals? Very careful, since the resulting damage can be so bad that you may need to replace your synthetic lawn altogether.
Pesticides and other chemicals will react with your synthetic turf, and you may be left staring with patches that appear burned and have changed colour from the reaction. You also want to keep gasoline and vehicle fluid away from your turf.
If you are using any such chemicals near your turf, then you may want to consider laying protective tarp over your grass. Do this when, for example, you have a painting job going on near your artificial grass installation. In case of any accidental spills, use a mild cleaning solution to remove the spills immediately.
4. Damage From Too Much Weight
Too much weight will flatten and damage your artificial grass. Once this happens, you may not be able to get the pile of fibers on your artificial grass to stand back up again, permanently affecting your installation’s aesthetics.
This is not to say that you should not put things on your synthetic turf. It does, however, mean that you must be careful about what place or allow to rest on the turf. As much as possible, avoid heavy garden furniture. You also shouldn’t park your vehicles on the synthetic turf for long periods of time.
Repair or Replacement?
What happens if your synthetic turf gets damaged, because of one reason or the other? You have two option; to repair, or to replace. Which of the two you should go with will depend on, among other factors the extent and severity of the damage.
If, for example, you are dealing with a small tear on your artificial grass installation from a sharp garden tool left lying around, a patch-up will do just fine. On the other hand, you may need to consider replacing synthetic turf that’s been discoloured from exposure to heavy-duty chemicals.
Take care of your artificial grass installation, and avoid the common causes of damage highlighted, and more and you can improve its longevity.
