Synthetic turf installation has been associated with some relatively common misconceptions namely regarding toxicity concerns, heat exposure, safety, expense, as well as its adverse effects on the environment. Following are some of the most common myths and misconceptions associated with synthetic turf installation along followed by a dose of reality.
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Unsafe for Children and Pets
Similar to the ordinary carpet, synthetic turf is manufactured using the same materials and methods. Poly or Nylon yarn fibers are tufted into a primary backing system made from polypropylene and then secured into position with a secondary backing made with another poly material such as urethane or olefin. Synthetic turf undergoes a rigorous manufacturing standard check that enables the product to become safe for everyday use. This requirement standard check takes all aspects into consideration including children and pets.
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Gets Too Hot
Notable rises in the temperature of artificial turf have been a pressing concern amongst consumers. Synthetic turf, when compared to natural grass, will become warmer owing to the lack of moisture running through its veins to help it maintain normal temperatures but this rise in temperature is everything but extreme.
Latest fiber innovations have exhibited positive results in terms of heat absorption as the most recently introduced products have been shown to maintain normal room temperature. Their unique design enables these innovative fibers do not absorb heat as they deflect sunlight allowing the blade to remain cool. Additionally, there have not been reports regarding anyone experiencing any degree of burns from overheated synthetic turf.
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Toxicity Concerns
Artificial turf is everything but toxic; it uses materials that do not cause any harm to us. Silica sand, crumb rubber, or mixtures of the two are the most commonly employed types of infills that are used in artificial turf. Infills are used to provide cushioning and blade support to the artificial turf.
Silica sand is natural sand that has been treated to washing and kiln before being dried and shipped to the market. Crumb rubber is a recycled product of tires as large pieces of rubber are cryogenically processed to remove any traces of metals after which they are broken down into chips. Both of the above-mentioned materials are used to make other everyday products.
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Threat to The Environment
Contrary to common misconception, artificial turf is actually a lot safer for the environment because it is manufactured using recycled tires. Artificial turf manufacture puts old rubber tires to good use which would otherwise be dumped in landfills. Artificial turf does not require careful pest control using pesticides or insecticides; both of which are known threats to the ozone. The same applies for fertilizers. Since artificial turf does not require watering, you are also conserving water in the process.
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High Cost
Synthetic turf installation costs depend on multiple factors such as ground preparation, site access, base system, etc. The cost of artificial turf might initially seem high but the saving cost of maintenance and resources for approximately the next 15 years will compensate for the hefty investment.
