Every product has a lifespan, and the aging of artificial turf is inevitable. Qualified artificial turf typically lasts 8-25 years, but this varies depending on usage. Poor quality turf may degrade unpredictably, sometimes in 1 year.
The aging of artificial turf is linked to several factors. Proper maintenance of each component is essential for the turf’s longevity. This includes the foundation, the turf base made of silk fiber cloth with grass, the degree of adhesion between grass blades, and the quality of elastic rubber particles used as filler.
Artificial turf naturally ages during use. Although aging is uncontrollable over time, methods exist to identify and extend its lifespan as much as possible.
Contents
1. Hairy, Pilling, and Powdered Grass Fibers
One of the most noticeable signs of aging in artificial turf is when the grass fibers appear hairy, pill, or powder. This is often seen in football fields and high-use school grounds where intense activity accelerates wear. Better quality yarn and wear-resistant materials can mitigate these effects.
2. Grass Fibers Detaching from the Gum
This significant aging sign is usually related to the production process, base cloth, and glue quality. These factors directly impact the turf’s lifespan.
3. Fading Grass Fibers
Fading can result from substandard fiber quality, environmental factors like UV radiation, acid rain, and pollution, or inferior filler materials causing discoloration.
4. Decayed Turf Base
Substrate decay is a primary aging characteristic. Typically, polypropylene (PP) is used for the base cloth. In outdoor football stadiums, long-term use and poor drainage can cause the base cloth to crack and deteriorate.
5. Widening Splices in Artificial Lawn
Widening splices are a common sign of aging, particularly in artificial lawns made from polyethylene (PE) materials and subject to prolonged use. These lawns are pieced together with stitching and special glue, which may deteriorate over time.
Conclusion
Artificial lawn aging is influenced by multiple factors. Recognizing these signs is crucial for timely repairs or replacement to ensure the longevity of the artificial turf. Relyir, established in 1999, has cemented its reputation as a distinguished manufacturer and supplier of various types of artificial grass. Our direct-from-factory sales model allows us to offer these products at prices significantly lower than retail – typically ranging between 50% to 70% of the retail prices for equivalent quality.