Green complements the beauty of your dream home and artificial grass is at your service to provide you with the most elegant designs, textures and comfort. But there are sure to be more than one question that will arise before you decide to install it.
We’ve compiled a list of ten of the most frequently asked questions people ask before installing artificial turf.
Let’s take a look at your concerns!
1. Why choose artificial turf over natural grass?
Artificial turf remains lush, green and perfect all year round with no major watering, seeding and maintenance requirements, unlike natural grass. You’ll save energy, time and costs, plus enjoy the convenience of a lawn that almost maintains itself.
Is artificial turf safe for my family?
Artificial grass is non-toxic, at least if you choose the right grass from a reputable manufacturer that follows quality standards. For example, Albergrass grass is hypoallergenic and free of heavy metals, so we can guarantee that it is non-toxic.
The biggest concern when it comes to artificial turf has been given by some materials used for infill, such as recycled rubber. Although tests have been done and the results have never shown any evident danger, from Albergrass we always recommend using silica sand as infill, completely safe and helps to keep the lawn cooler in summer.
3. Can I install it over an existing lawn?
Yes, it is possible, but it is not recommended because the result will not be what you expected. If the base on which you install the lawn is not well prepared, it can cause drainage problems, imbalances and it will not last. So you will feel like you have thrown your money away.
Artificial turf can be installed on almost any surface, but from Albergrass we never tire of stressing the importance of a good installation to get the best results and that the grass lasts more years and in better conditions.
4. I don't have a lot of time, is it difficult to maintain it?
Artificial turf is not only attractive, but it’s also easy to maintain. Unlike natural grass, you don’t have to seed, water and spray with chemicals to keep it lush and safe. You only need to clean and moisturize it from time to time, saving you more time for yourself and money.
How long does artificial turf last?
The durability of artificial turf will depend on factors such as climate and the care you give it. But, on average, we could say that artificial turf can last 10 to 15 years in good condition. Not bad, right? Also, if you have a quality artificial turf and take good care of it, with the recommended maintenance, you can enjoy a lush lawn for up to 20-25 years.
Do not confuse durability with warranty, as no reputable manufacturer will give a warranty longer than about 9 years in perfect condition. Although in reality the lawn will last much longer.
What is the estimated cost of artificial turf?
The cost of an artificial lawn will depend on many factors, such as the type of grass you choose, the size of the area you want to cover, if you need installation services, etc. Prices per square meter can vary between 15 and 45 euros depending on the performance of each lawn.
Based only on the price per square meter when choosing artificial turf can be a mistake because cheaper turfs tend to last less time, so in the long run an expensive turf can be cheaper. Finally, beware of extremely low cost turfs that are usually imported, without following European quality standards and where quality and safety are compromised.
7. Is there a drainage system in the artificial turf?
A big yes! A quality artificial turf is equipped with a perforation system that guarantees a fast and effective drainage. Therefore, water does not accumulate or stagnate and is distributed and reabsorbed by the soil.
8. What material is used to manufacture artificial turf?
Three types of fiber can be used as the base for artificial turf : polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) or nylon-polyamide (PA). A good manufacturer can achieve a reasonable performance turf using polypropylene or polyethylene as a base. But to manufacture a high quality turf, the only option is to use as raw material Nylon.
How often should I clean the artificial turf?
It will depend on where you have installed your artificial turf and how you use it. In principle, a monthly cleaning may be the best option for areas of heavy use. You will only need to remove any leaves or debris that may have accumulated on the surface, a brushing and a quick hose down. If you have pets, pick up solid droppings, spray the area with a neutral soap solution (or equal parts water and vinegar), and then rinse the area with water.
Although the frequency can be set by you depending on how much your artificial turf gets dirty. It is also good to perform a professional maintenance, every year or every two years, to extend the life of your artificial turf to the maximum.
What are the different types of artificial turf?
There are several types of artificial turf usually created and designed thinking about the purpose or use that will be given to them, therefore we could say that there are as many types of artificial turf as uses for which they are required.
In terms of performance, we can distinguish two main categories into which the different types of turf can be grouped: turf for sports and turf for gardening. And, to these two main categories we could add the category of specialized turf, which normally includes turfs with some technological advance or system and are usually very specific for a single purpose (for example, children’s playgrounds).
It is also worth noting that within each category there are many other types of turf. For example in sports turf, a soccer turf would be very different from a tennis turf. In gardening there are also different types, depending on the intensity of use, for example, they could be more decorative grasses for a low intensity of use or more technological grasses with higher performance for a higher intensity of use.
We hope we have helped you with this list of frequently asked questions.
But if you have any questions, do not hesitate to write to us and we will answer you as soon as possible.
