The Grass is Always Greener…When It’s Artificial Turf
Are you worried that your artificial turf might fade in the sun over time?
When you choose to install a lush artificial turf field or lawn shimmering with tones of emerald and jade, the vibrant colors emanating out on that first day are mesmerizing.
But there’s something else that also happens on the first day artificial turf is installed—it begins a life of relentless exposure to direct heat from the sun—especially UV radiation. And then you begin to wonder how long before it loses its gorgeous green sheen.
Previously, artificial turf earned a reputation for losing its color after prolonged exposure to sun. The bright green fibers began to fade at an alarming speed, and within a few years, fake grass fields actually looked fake as they began to grey year after year.
The good news is that today’s generation of artificial turf is protected against sunlight and UV rays. During the manufacturing process, artificial turf is now UV stabilized, which protects against fading. It goes through rigorous testing for color fastness and UV resistance to ensure it retains its vibrant, green color all year long no matter what the weather or climate conditions.
Unlike early artificial turfs, in which color was directly applied to the fiber’s surface like paint, the natural color pigments in today’s artificial grass are embedded in the blades. So the color is locked in and won’t fade away.
So how long will Turfix artificial turf stay green?
Turfix artificial turf fields feature built-in UV inhibitors, which allow the artificial turf to hold color even in the harshest and sunniest conditions. This feature, along with the cloudy off seasons we see in the Midwest, creates a scenario where Turfix artificial turf can stay as green as it was on day one for its entire life.
Of course, it is inevitable that an extremely small percentage of fading will occur. Independent studies show that this fading occurs at a rate of 1% per year—a rate so small it is almost completely unrecognizable to the naked eye.
Bonus: Another discoloration factor artificial turf owners often voice their concerns about are stains. But they need not worry. Because of its composition, artificial turf is designed to prevent staining. When children and pets play, accidents are bound to happen, and when your athletes hit the field and leave their blood, sweat, and tears out there, the compounds in the artificial turf will prevent these fluids from absorbing into the material and staining the turf.
When you invest in artificial turf, not only will you be seeing green on the field, but also off the field as artificial turf keeps more green in your wallet! Contact Turfix today if you have any questions—we are experts in our field!