It may be tough to be sure when your Kennewick synthetic grass only needs maintenance and restored versus a complete replacement. Don’t worry, we’re here to support you with this easy and complete guide.
ON-SITE ASSESSMENT
If it is an artificial lawn that can last long past its warranty or a sports turf field, it’s crucial to check some of the following items to look for damage and signs of age. Having a synthetic turf assessed by an expert is best.
POOR DRAINAGE
One of the earliest indications of poor drainage could be seen with standing water on the turf. Even though this does not indicate that the synthetic turf is needing replacement but should be fixed or correctly maintained throughout the lifetime of the synthetic turf, then it can be addressed during replacement. If you observe puddling, this could indicate an issue or dips with the sub-base system. More regularly you will find that water will dislodge the turf infill which causes the turf to flatten as the water mats the fibers. This can happen where downspouts are placed as well as .
SURFACE DAMAGE
If your artificial turf is close to the end of its lifecycle, you might begin observing degradation or other damage due to UV. Make sure to frequently check your synthetic surface for damage due to pets or wild animals and even lawn mowers. Moreover, damage from backyard fires, rough weather, or other incidents can impact a turf’s lifespan.
STAINS & ODORS
Paint and oil spills could be especially difficult to manage on artificial grass if not cleaned promptly, leading to irreparable damage. Lead-based paint is not removable from artificial surfaces. If you have a pet that uses the yard, it’s best to do daily cleaning to ensure it looks great and stink free. Look at our cleaning guide here. If you are dealing with artificial turf that has been neglected, replacing it may be the only option.
FADED & MATTED SURFACE
Years of UV exposure is one of the biggest contributors to turf wear. High-quality synthetic turf is treated with UV stabilizers, but once these stabilizers are consumed numerous years after installation, you might notice discoloration and areas where the turf becomes matted down From UV and frequent traffic. If the surface is not periodically professionally maintained as part of regular maintenance, it will be tricky to revitalize the grass over time.
INFILL COMPACTIONS
Over time, infill could start to compact, exactly like soil does. If artificial grass is not regularly maintained, it can lead to the surface becoming stiff and compacted. Walk across the turf to feel for patches that are unusually stiff. Having an artificial grass expert test the surface hardness with a testing tool such as GMAX is the only way to know how compact the surface actually is. These systems will drop a weight that contains an accelerometer from a known height to ascertain deceleration, AKA how quickly the weight stops once it impacts the surface.
INFILL MEASUREMENTS
With heavy rain or pedestrian traffic, infill materials will usually start to migrate away from the surface. It’s crucial to keep your infill depth over 20mm to keep the grass leaves standing upright and the synthetic grass working the way it should. Artificial turf that has lost a significant quantity of infill will lead to further surface matting. It is very likely you just require an infill refresh instead of a whole turf replacement, so be sure to talk to an expert.
GET SOUTHWEST GREENS QUALITY
Southwest Greens' first installations are 20 years old or older and have kept the rich green color and texture of genuine grass. Our UV-resistant artificial turf products look and function just like new because they’re engineered to stand up to heavy traffic, harsh weather conditions, and temperature swings for all-year use.
All installations come have a complete one-year warranty on workmanship and manufacturer's warranty that covers fading. Our synthetic grass is manufactured to be used and is great for heavy use areas or for long-term sporting uses. Contact Southwest Greens of Eastern Washington now if you’re prepared to experience the Southwest Greens difference. We are delighted to provide you with a free consultation.