Artificial Turf Lingo 101: Infill
In natural grass, the blades are held up in place by water and nutrients being sent upward from the roots. With artificial grass, infill must be used to mimic this process and keep artificial grass blades standing upright.
Infill is a key component of artificial turf in any type of installation. The main purpose of infill is to support the individual blades of grass and help the grass blades stand up and return back to their intended upright position after they have been exposed to pressure.
Not only does infill help to maintain the look of artificial turf, but it also helps to gives it the feel of natural grass. Infill imitates the impact absorption qualities of the soil under natural grass so you feel as if you are walking on real grass. Another benefit of infill is that it helps to weigh down artificial turf, preventing it from developing wrinkles, buckles, or ripples that can occur as a result of movement as well as aiding in drainage and protecting the foundation of the turf.
Infill is made up of small pieces of crushed material that are placed over the top of the artificial grass and lay within the blades of grass. There are several types of infill—all created for the same purpose, but feature important differences. Here’s a look at some of three of the most popular types of infill materials commonly used in artificial grass:
Envirofill
Envirofill is the longest lasting progressive infill on the market today. With its superior durability, Envirofill can be used for multiple artificial turf lifecycles with no decrease in performance. In fact, Envirofill carries a 16-year warranty—the most extensive coverage in the industry. Envirofill also features Microban antimicrobial protection, which is infused into Envirofill during the manufacturing process to help prevent the growth of bacteria and microbes that can cause stains, odors, and product deterioration.
Crumb Rubber
Crumb rubber is one of the most common types of artificial turf infill and is made using recycled tires that have been shredded into very small, smooth pieces, and then rolled until all the sharp or rough edges are worn away. Crumb rubber is popular with artificial turf sports fields and other high traffic areas. Because rubber has a natural bounce, crumb rubber infill gives artificial grass a nice softness and makes it feel more natural while also adding volume to artificial turf making it look all lush and plush.
Silica Sand
Silica sand infill for artificial turf is popular for several reasons including affordability, a smooth texture, durability and an anti-microbial exterior. Silica sand infill also supports the protection from UV rays from the sun, which ultimately means your artificial grass will remain green and gorgeous for an extended period of time. Silica sand infill is ideal for areas that don’t get a lot of traffic, such as rooftops, balconies, commercial spaces, or other areas that don’t take as much of a beating as a football field for instance.
At Turfix, we not only install beautiful artificial turf, but also provide consulting services that level the playing field by educating, advising, and advocating for both current and prospective clients. The experts at Turfix will assist and guide you in navigating the complexities of all aspects of artificial turf, including infill selection.
If you’re curious about what type of infill is best for your artificial turf project or would like to know more about your infill options, Contact Turfix today and we will fill you in!