It’s more than just synthetic grass.
Turf Types
Have you ever been on artificial turf?
Did you ever think about what goes into the manufacturing of synthetic turf?
It’s okay if you haven’t. Most people probably haven’t.
But, if you’re interested to learn more, here’s our guide for you. Turf can be manufactured from many elements such as polyester, nylon, or combination of both.
Learn about the pros and cons of each type of fiber with our comparison guide.
NYLON
Pros
- While denier and yarn composition affect durability, nylon is usually stronger in direct comparison.
Cons
- More susceptible to expansion and contraction.
- Exposure to direct sunlight causes fading.
POLYESTER
Pros
- Less prone to expansion and contraction.
- Polyester resists UV more efficiently than nylon.
Cons
- Less durable than nylon per pound.
NYLON & POLYESTER
Pros
- Has water-resistant properties.
- Resistance to tearing.
- Resistant to saltwater corrosion and mildew.
Cons
- Nylon and Polyester are flammable. However, each responds differently to fire; nylon melts before it burns, polyester melts and burns subsequently.
It’s Not Only About Fiber
There are lots of artificial grass manufacturers marketing their products out there. But, we’d like to let you in on a little secret. One of the most important elements of synthetic grass is not only the material the fiber (grass blades) is made from. Turf is a system that needs to be built correctly for proper performance. Here are just a sampling of components that establish a high-quality turf from a low-quality turf.
BACKING
The backing is made of two layers and then a urethane coating is applied. These components are important as they hold the fibers (grass blades) in place, allow water to drain, and stand up to abrasion from the base material.
INFILL
Infill is a crucial piece. This adds time and labor but it’s the finishing touch that makes certain your warranty is secure and your solution performs well. Infill provides ballast, this makes sure the turf is has no wrinkles and dimensionally solid. Infill adds further protection to the yarn and backing, assists drainage, and ensures a proper footing.
YARN FIBER
The yarn fiber is comprised of resins designed to solve the twin challenges of softness and durability. Fibers come in numerous shades and combinations that allow you to see a variety of greens. Thatch is often added for further realism.
Keeping Things Cool with Science
We love one product in particular, HydroChill™, our patented evaporative cooling technology.
Sweating is a natural form of thermoregulation called evaporative cooling. Evaporation of moisture from the skin’s surface provides a cooling effect. Likewise, HydroChill™ has demonstrated the ability to cool synthetic turf surfaces utilizing the same principle of evaporative cooling. As turf surfaces are heated by the sun’s radiation, moisture present in the HydroChill™ turf is released. As the moisture evaporates, it provides a cooler, more comfortable playing surface.
A regular wet lawn will provide some cooling, but temperatures may rise rapidly and may surpass comfortable levels of heat. A HydroChill™ lawn has been shown to create a notable temperature differential in real-world applications. Based on actual lab and outdoor lawn thermocouple testing, HydroChill™ has achieved 30° to 50° lower surface temperatures versus a typical synthetic turf system.
Less Work. More Play.
Southwest Greens is more than just a product, it is also a solution. One that requires significantly less water each year, substantially reduces the impact on mother nature, and requires far less maintenance. All of which gives you the option of less work, more play.