You’re not alone if you’re considering an artificial turf football field for your next game. There are many advantages to synthetic grass. These benefits include durability, low cost, and water drainage. But before installing this type of turf, you need to know a few things.
Synthetic Turf Is a Great Alternative to Natural Grass
One reason to use natural grass for football field installation is that it is safer for athletes to play on it. A synthetic field is composed of petroleum-based fibers and can be extremely hot, even with regular watering. As a result, athletes can suffer from heat stroke, dehydration, and even injury. On the other hand, natural grass has a natural cooling mechanism to withstand extreme temperatures better than synthetic turf. Furthermore, artificial fields can be used 3,000 hours a year, which means there is no “rest” period.
Synthetic turf is also more environmentally friendly. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, there are no direct links between exposure to artificial turf and air pollution levels. However, studies have shown that these fields are prone to chemical pollution and can pose a health risk to nearby animals and plants.
It Is More Affordable
One of the biggest myths about synthetic turf football field installation is that it is more affordable than natural grass. The Australian government has debunked that claim. Installing artificial turf is indeed cheaper, but it is not free. Regular upkeep is necessary to maintain a synthetic turf field, and more users mean more maintenance costs. That cost is typically about 40% of the original price.
Depending on the quality and brand, the price of an artificial turf football field installation can run anywhere from $2.00 to $5.00 per square foot. However, many manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty for their products. In addition to purchasing the synthetic turf, the installation costs around $1,159,000, or $620,000 for a 70,000-square-foot field.
It Is Durable
If you are looking for a durable and reliable football field, you should consider an Artificial Turf Football Field Installation. American football is a game of inches, and a turf football field must stand up to a similar challenge. The experts at Keystone Sports Construction have the experience and expertise to help you design a lot that will offer your players the best footing, speed, and safety. All of their products are engineered to absorb impact and maximize the life of your football field.
When it comes to durability, you should ensure that your installation is done right. It is essential to know that synthetic turf tends to fade gradually, especially when exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods. However, the fibers are UV stabilized to resist this degradation. The installation process is flexible, taking up to 60 days, depending on the customer’s requirements.
It Drains Water
Proper drainage is key to the success of an Artificial Turf Football Field Installation. Ideally, you should install a completely porous system that allows water to drain away from the field without clogging up drainage holes. Ideally, the system would include a gravel base to prevent puddles and pooling.
There are several different types of subsurface drainage systems. Some are flat, 6 to 18 inches wide and are made of one to two layers of filter fabric. They are placed in a herringbone pattern across the playing surface, with the broadest part facing down. Some installers connect the strip drain to the perforated pipe, while others rely on washed gravel.
It Is Safe
There is a great deal of controversy surrounding the safety of artificial turf football fields. Concerns have been raised about the toxicity of crumb rubber, a common component of artificial turf. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have studied the issue. However, their conclusions are limited, and more testing is needed.
A recent study in California found no correlation between the density of artificial turf fields and the incidence of lymphoma. Moreover, crumb rubber contains PAH carcinogens, but multiple lines of evidence have demonstrated that these contaminants are not easily absorbed and released. Furthermore, many assessments have concluded that artificial turf has low cancer risks.
It Is Easy to Maintain
You can do many things to care for the turf on your field. However, regular cleaning and grooming of the field are essential to maintain its look and performance. Hire a maintenance crew that is familiar with the turf and follows best practices. A deep cleaning every year can make a huge difference and increase the life of your turf.
Proper infill depth is an important consideration in maintaining artificial turf. Inadequate infill depth can cause the turf fibers to break, leading to uneven performance and longevity. Therefore, ensure that your field is regularly maintained so that infill doesn’t shift and that you follow the recommended moisture level.
