Wednesday, July 30, 2014

What One Should Know About Artificial Grass

By Annabelle Holman


Companies continue finding solutions to meet the high demand for fields that are able to support heavy uses like football matches. Artificial grass is one of the solutions developed. This invention refers to a surface made from synthetic fibers with close resemblance to natural grass. Fields are continuously being redone with the synthetic due to its ability to support heavy use more often. Playground owners get good profits from the minimum maintenance requirements of this product.

There are many advantages associated with this product that cannot be matched by natural turf in any way. Maintenance encompasses many activities such as irrigation, trimming, and fertilizing among others. Such requirements are eliminated by this product besides being able to be installed in stadiums that are completely or partially covered at the top. Major areas of use include all forms of playgrounds such as golf courses and football pitches. Domestic uses in backyards and lawns are also possible.

Besides the many benefits that artificial turf presents, it also has its own shortcomings. The fibers have comparatively shorter life spans. Even though they are good for supporting heavy use, the fibers last a very short time compared to natural grasses. The fibers must also be maintained through regular cleaning and disinfection to keep them clean and in healthy condition.

There are also increased safety concerns associated with the use of fake turf. First, injuries sustained due to friction with the fibers seem to be more severe than they should. Toxic chemicals are also released by the infill into the atmosphere and to players. Manufacturers have responded to these complaints by producing products that do not use infill and with better fibers. This has made the grass safer than before.

Manufactures incorporate safety measures in the products that make them gain more use in various settings. Global annual sales and production levels of fake turf currently stands at billions of tons. There are different versions of the product and latest versions have better qualities than the old ones. As a result, FIFA and other major bodies that govern various sports have approved their use in playgrounds. Use of natural turf is however not made illegal.

The benefits associated with fake grass have made them to replace natural turf and pavements in major airports and airstrips in the world. The surface provided by this product is safe for firefighting vehicles and aircrafts that veer off course to move on without any risks. The commodity does not harbor food sources hence does not attract wildlife besides being able to reduce foreign object damage. As a result, the number of collisions between planes and wildlife has been greatly reduced.

A clear visual difference is provided between runways and taxiways even during winter by the ever green color of these products. Rainy seasons do not cause mud, making runways to remain unwashed and stable. Friction from the wheels of the airplanes does not cause erosion on runways too. During maintenance and repair, security personnel have easy time with security checks because there is reduced maintenance requiring few workers.

How much a product costs varies with various factors. Brand, manufacturer, version, size, and quality are some of the influential factors. Expensive brands are better because the level of safety is also high.




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