Why Artificial Grass Needs Infill
If you have been shopping around for synthetic grass in Sarasota, you are certain to keep hearing about one very key element of turf — infill. Infill is what makes the grass stand up and replicate the feel of the natural grass. Here are a few facts you have to know about synthetic turf infill.
What Precisely is Infill?
Infill for synthetic turf is important for the appearance and behavior of the grass. Infill is the material that is placed between the blades of artificial grass. It helps the blades in standing up and bouncing back to their intended position after any pressure they might experience (think footsteps, kids or pets laying around on the turf, etc.). It also plays a vital role in offering outflow, preventing odors, and, most of all - safeguarding the grass base.
What Forms of Infill Are Employed?
A huge range of infill materials can be employed for synthetic turf. Every one of them offers similar benefits but might not provide those advantages in the same way. Let’s take a look at the various forms of infill that are common for modern turf.
Crumb Rubber
Crumb rubber is made from old truck and car tires. They're chopped up and recycled, with all of the steel and fiber elements of the tire being eliminated during the process. After that, the freshly made rubber pellets are classed by size. You will frequently see crumb rubber infill on sports turf because this kind of infill is durable and gives fantastic shock absorption and improved traction for athletes.
Silica Sand
Silica sand is created from quartz that is weathered by the force of wind and water, breaking it down into tiny sand grains. This is the most popular type of infill for turf in Sarasota today since its shape helps synthetic turf blades stand upright and bounce back quicker when force is applied. It also helps keep some moisture, providing you a cooler surface.
Acrylic-Coated Sand
Acrylic-Coated sand usually utilizes technology like Microban® for its antimicrobial properties to kill bacteria and harmful microbes. Acrylic-coated sand does not crush after use like some other infill types do, so it leaves more room for rain or pet urine to drain through the surface as easily as ever.
Geofill
Organic products are getting popularity today, as a result of their eco-friendly compounds. Organic infill is generally produced from things like walnut shells, coconut shells, or cork. At Dance Floor Custom Greens, we use Shawgrass' organic infill which uses coconut imported from Sri Lanka or India, as they are the top providers of coconut fibers globally. Geofill is the best quality organic infill in the industry — substituting soil for landscaping projects. Owing to the saltwater retting process, Geofill is resistent against mildew, mold and salts.
What Kind Do You Require?
In most situations, we suggest silica sand. Thanks to its flexibility, natural properties, and cost-effectiveness. That’s a difficult question to answer. Despite that, without looking at your plan, it is challenging to advise which infill is the right one for your turf system.
When it comes to picking artificial grass infill, it’s best left to the experts. Contact us now so we can set up a free consultation. We’re available to help with your upcoming project.