It was the year 1966 that marked an unprecedented shift in sports turf. For the first time ever, the Houston Astrodome installed artificial turf in place of natural grass. This revolutionary decision had a ripple effect throughout the world, with millions of businesses and homeowners trading in their lawns for artificial alternatives.
The debate of artificial turf versus natural grass has been a hotly contested one with significant pros and cons to both sides, and further still is the question of how hot artificial turf can get. Not only does it have to meet the same aesthetic standards, but it also needs to stand the test of outdoor elements such as sunlight and heat, raising questions about the practicality of synthetic materials in hot climates.
To answer the question, artificial turf does indeed get hot depending on the location it is used in and the materials used in its construction. However, there are features and maintenance processes which can reduce and even eliminate this problem. Furthermore, there are certain advantages that come with artificial turf – it is low maintenance, requires less water, and is more durable – that make it a viable option in places where natural turf may not survive otherwise. So, although it is true that artificial turf can become hot, it is far from a total deal-breaker.
Does Artificial Turf Get Hot?
Despite its higher initial cost, artificial turf offers a more cost-effective and low maintenance alternative to natural grass.
Not only do you not have to water it, trim it, apply pesticides, or get rid of weeds, but the upkeep costs of artificial turf are far lower than that of real grass over the long term.
Of course, a major concern when opting for artificial turf is that it may not be able to sustain long-term use in the face of intense temperatures.
Some fake grasses may become uncomfortably hot when exposed to the heat of the summer for extended periods, leaving users feeling greasy, sticky, and yearning for cool, refreshing grass.
Before purchasing artificial turf, assess the climate of your area and consider how it will stand up to long-term use in the sun.
Is Artificial Grass Hotter Than Natural Grass?
While many people may be drawn to brick or asphalt for landscaping, it can’t be ignored that artificial grass still has its advantages. In fact, the synthetic plastic blades in the turf actually absorb heat from the sun in a unique way, allowing for more natural warmth to remain on the field surface.
The good news is that due to recent technological advancements, the heat-absorbing capabilities of artificial grass have been greatly reduced. This means that artificial grass offers both an economical and cooler alternative to brick or asphalt. Not only is it a more budget-friendly choice, but it can also reduce outdoor heat levels considerably.
Another benefit of choosing artificial grass over brick or asphalt is that it requires much less maintenance. It’s not only important to consider the aesthetic benefits of your landscape choice, but also how much time and money will be required to maintain it. Artificial grass gives you just that – a low-maintenance solution with a long-lasting charm.
To sum it up, you can rest assured that artificial grass provides a great balance between comfort and cost. With its easy maintenance, lower temperatures and budget-friendly price tag, artificial grass is definitely a worthy option for any landscape. The definite answer to the question: “Should I choose artificial grass?” is yes.”
UNLV Study on Artificial Grass Heat Problems
An impressive study conducted in 2006-2007 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) found that artificial turf fields emitted heat which was up to 69 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than watered natural grass.
The research revealed that temperatures on the artificial turf rose up to an alarming 169 degrees Fahrenheit – 46 degrees higher than temperatures deemed safe for athletes.
This becomes even more concerning when you consider that the UNLV study was not even taken during the hottest months of the year.
But it’s not just athletes who are affected; these findings are also perilous for children and household pets who are unable to regulate their body temperatures as effectively as adults do.
The implications of this research provide a stark warning to not only recreational fields, but to any public places with artificial turf.
Artificial Turf Heat Problems Due to Crumb Rubber Infill
One of the culprits that is responsible for artificial turf heat problems is crumb rubber infill.
Studies have shown that the use of crumb rubber as an infill material in an artificial turf system can often result in unusually high surface temperatures.
Furthermore, this infill material is exceptionally capable of absorbing heat, making it a less than ideal choice for sports surfaces and other outdoor applications, where prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can be hazardous.
These findings, coupled with the fact that crumb rubber could potentially introduce toxic chemicals into the environment, make it necessary to investigate other options for infill to ensure player safety and protect the environment.
Ensure You Have Artificial Grass That Stays Cool
Artificial grass has the significant advantage of offering substantial savings when compared to traditional grass, but it can also get heated up in the warmer months.
To ensure that you get the most out of your artificial grass installation and avoid any issues with summer heat, it is important to make an informed decision about the type of artificial grass you choose and how it is installed.
With a little consideration, you can enjoy all the benefits of artificial grass without worrying about it getting unbearably hot in the summer months.
Some ways that will ensure artificial turf that is cool enough to use include:
- Choosing a turf with cooling technology
- Installing turf that is lighter in color
- Using infill that has proven to be cooler due to its composition
- Avoiding crumb rubber infill.
Choose a Cool Turf
If you’re looking to install artificial turf that won’t get too hot, you should consider getting a cool turf.
This type of turf is specifically designed to repel the sun’s heat, meaning it won’t get as hot as other kinds of artificial turf.
In addition to being cooler to the touch, a cool turf also offers superior drainage, which can prevent the build-up of rainwater, and allow for quick and easy cleaning.
If you want an artificial turf that won’t overheat, investing in a cool turf is one of the best options available.
Recommended – TigerCool Turf
TigerCool is revolutionizing the artificial turf industry with its cutting-edge cooling technology.
The blades of the TigerCool turf are specially designed to contain advanced UV inhibitors and heat reflective pigments, ensuring that the turf remains cooler than ever before.
Not only does this provide a more comfortable playing surface, it also prolongs the lifespan of the turf while reducing its environmental impact.
With TigerCool, you can have peace of mind knowing that your turf will perform at its peak no matter how hot it gets outside.
According to tests, artificial turf that has been engineered with TigerCool technology has a surface temperature 15% lower than that without TigerCool technology, which is almost 10 degrees.
TigerCool turf is not only a safe option for both pets and kids alike, but it’s also an excellent choice for public parks, businesses, and other recreational areas.
With its resilience to wear and tear, you can rest assured that your outdoor space will remain beautiful, durable, and safe for everyone to enjoy.
Not to mention, its ease of installation means you can have a beautiful outdoor environment with minimal effort!
All in all, TigerCool turf makes for a safe, attractive, and practical choice for any outdoor landscape.
Choose an Artificial Turf with Lighter Color
To further reduce the heat emitted by artificial turf, you may want to consider selecting a turf with lighter colored blades.
Lighter shades such as white, beige and lighter greens have been proven to absorb less heat than darker colors, making them a great option for those looking for a cooler turf surface.
White colored turf in particular is the best choice since it has the lowest rate of heat absorption.
Furthermore, choosing a turf with longer blades can also help to promote better air circulation and, ultimately, a cooler surface.
Use Cool Infill like ZeoFill
Consumers who are looking for an artificial turf solution that can stand up to extreme heat should consider utilizing an infill that has been designed with heat repellent properties.
Such a product can provide significant relief from the sweltering temperatures, while still delivering a thick and bouncy surface.
Not only is an infill designed with heat repellant capabilities effective in keeping the turf area cool and comfortable, but it also provides a lush, attractive appearance while resisting any damage from heat or direct sunlight.
Furthermore, such an infill is relatively inexpensive and will last for many years, allowing consumers to save money in the long run while enjoying a great artificial turf experience.
ZeoFill is such an infill.
ZeoFill is a 100% natural infill, made from zeolite that has had its small silica crystals removed during the preparation process, resulting in a lightweight material.
Its unique permeability gives it a distinctive ability to cool artificial turf by almost 20 degrees compared to other infills.
This cooling effect is created through evapotranspiration- similar to how natural grass is cooled naturally.
The ZeoFill’s absorbent properties allow it to optimally regulate moisture to keep surfaces comfortable and safe.
Not only does ZeoFill create a more pleasant environment, but it also helps reduce the risk of overheating and potential skin irritations for athletes and those who frequent these areas.
In addition, it helps to reduce maintenance costs by keeping the turf dry and free from debris, making it an ideal and economical choice for synthetic turf applications.
Avoid Crumb Rubber Infill
For those looking to keep their artificial turf cool, crumb rubber infill may not be the best option.
This is because, due to its composition, crumb rubber infill can easily heat up, especially during hot summer days.
Fortunately, there are other infills available on the market, such as ZeoFill, which offer the same economical benefits of crumb rubber infill while being far more efficient at keeping turf temperatures down.
Therefore, if someone wants to ensure their artificial turf remains on the cooler side, they should opt for infills other than crumb rubber.
How to Keep Artificial Turf Cool
To ensure artificial turf stays cool in the summer months and that enjoying it does not cause any health concerns, it is important to choose turf and infill with excellent heat-repelling properties.
After making the correct choice, there are further steps that can be taken to maximize the turf’s cooling capabilities.
This can include the installation of an irrigation system which is set up to provide regular, even watering of the turf.
This system should have the ability to apply an extra amount of water when temperatures reach a certain level.
Secondly, adding a reflective backing or layer on top of the turf will help to reflect sunlight.
Finally, applying a specialized turf protection over the artificial turfs surface will reduce the ambient air temperature.
In doing so, these steps can work together to ensure that even in extreme temperatures, the artificial turf remains cool and enjoyable.
Rinsing with Water (But Not Too Much)
Cooling down the turf before kids and pets run on it is more than just a good idea – it’s an essential part of proper artificial turf maintenance.
Not only does this rinse help dispel the heat, but it makes the turf more comfortable for everyone.
However, it’s important to remember that too much water can cause the infill – the material that helps keep the grass blades upright – to wash away.
To ensure that you maintain the integrity of the artificial turf, use only enough water to rinse off the turf, not totally saturate it.
Installing the Turf Under Tree Shade
Installing artificial turf in areas of tree shade can be an excellent choice due to the lack of sunlight that would otherwise limit the growth of natural grass. Additionally, the shade helps keep the turf cooler than if it were exposed to direct sunshine – and this can provide an advantage to those who wish to use the area, as they will not have to worry as much about the scorching rays of summer heat.
Admittedly, there are some drawbacks to this option, such as a potential increase in maintenance costs, as artificial turf may require more upkeep relative to natural grass. That said, the tradeoff may be worth it for the added comfort of inhabiting a cooler location, especially during those hot summer afternoons!
Installing a Canopy or Shade
For those who don’t have the benefit of trees offering shade, a canopy or other shading device may be the perfect solution to keep artificial turf from becoming too hot.
By affixing the canopy above the location of the turf, it will provide an effective barrier against the sun’s heat and ensure the turf remains at an optimal temperature for longer.
Not only that, but the coverage will serve to protect the turf even more, ensuring it retains its colour and integrity for years to come.
Retractable Awnings
Retractable awnings are a fantastic option for those wanting to cool their outdoor spaces with minimal effort.
By extending the awning at the peak of the hottest hours and seasons, you can create a paradise in your backyard.
Moreover, retractable awnings take up very little space and can be neatly tucked away when not in use.
This means that even if your outdoor area is small, investing in awning can help you enjoy the great outdoors in comfort.
Using a Sprinkler System
For a pleasant and comfortable outdoor experience on sunny summer afternoons, it’s a great idea to switch on an existing sprinkler system for several minutes if you have artificial turf in your yard or lawn.
Doing so helps to cool the artificial turf down faster, providing a refreshing setting for you to enjoy the warm weather in your front or backyard.
Conclusion
Not only does natural grass have its own unique beauty, but the practical benefits of installing artificial turf cannot be denied.
The one downside of artificial turf is that it can get hot in the summer months, however with the right preparation, this can be easily countered.
For instance, artificial turf surfaces can be made lighter in color and kept adequately hydrated to help keep the temperature down.
Turf can also be treated with technology solutions such as cooling agents that act as reflective shields to keep the temperature low.
This ultimately allows for your artificial turf to remain comfortable underfoot, whatever the weather.