The fibers of FieldTurf are made of a perfect blend of Polypropylene and Polyethylene to give the right balance between fiber toughness to withstand heavy usage and the softness for it to feel like grass. The backing underneath is made of Polyurethane.
2. Will the surface have to be Tiles / concrete / ground?
The surface on which FieldTurf can be installed can be almost anything: hard ground / rocky areas / rooftops (tiles / RCC) etc. Given that FieldTurf is porous, the only requirement being, if the installation is on a hard surface (which is non-porous like a rooftop) there needs to be adequate sloping to allow rainwater or other water to flow towards a water outlet. This requirement is not stringent if the installation in indoors where the client is sure that there will never be any water falling on FieldTurf. For installation is endorsed on the ground, adequate ground preparation is made to ensure that water that seeps through FieldTurf is quickly soaked into the ground.
FieldTurf is NOT stuck to the surface. Sticking will prevent water from flowing underneath the turf. Given that FieldTurf is porous (rain-water or any other water that falls on FieldTurf almost instantly flows down through the porous backing underneath) therefore it is installed in such a way that there is enough clearance for water to flow.
On hard ground, there is an elaborate sub-base preparation that is done to ensure that it is firm yet porous to allow water to seep into the ground. On a hard surface like concrete, tiles etc., a thick contoured mesh is laid, which allows a clearance of 4-6 mm for the water to flow along the slope towards the water outlet.
Old generation turfs or cheap substitutes do not allow for rainwater to flow through and therefore present a health hazard (foul, unpleasant air, fungus, moss, or even mosquitoes breeding).
The installation of FieldTurf is almost semi-permanent. In the sense, while it cannot be removed everyday or even frequently, it can be taken off permanently if required. In an extreme case (based on size and complexity), even a re-installation can be considered, but not advised.
FieldTurf is very porous. (Drains at over 12-14 inches per hour which is faster than the heaviest rain). Which is why it is installed in over 3,000 stadiums, where sporting activities continue even when it is raining heavily (Football, Rugby etc).
6. Is it porous? Any cleaning / wiping everyday? Will there be any leakage onto the floor below?
Yes. FieldTurf is porous.
Daily cleaning / wiping is not required. The only maintenance needed is an occasional brushing. The frequency is based on usage and may vary from once in a couple of weeks to once every few months.
The rainwater will flow onto the surface below, from where it is expected to flow along the normal sloping as rainwater may do on rooftops.
While the turf itself is not very heavy (about 175 gms per sft), there is a infill of Silica sand and Rubber granules that is infilled between the fibers. (The infill is required to support the fibers and prevent them from falling flat when walked upon and also to provide a soft cushioning when people walk on it). The approximate weight of infill in each sft is less than 1 to 2.5 kgs
Given that FieldTurf is porous, whenever it is observed that there is accumulation of dust on the surface, a light spray of water is all that is needed to wash the dust away. Alternatively, a light brushing is also effective. However, a vacuum cleaner should not be used, as it may suck up the infill of silica sand and rubber granules that is infilled between the fibers. For larger particles (food items, leaves etc) they can be picked up or a broom can be used.
9. Is it okay to keep potted plants on FieldTurf? What about stains?
Yes, it is okay to keep potted plants on FieldTurf. It is recommended that once every few weeks the position may be shifted slightly, so that the fibers that are bent temporarily can regain their shape. Or a light brushing will restore their shape.
If there are any stains, they can be washed or wiped away. Additionally, FieldTurf can also provide cleaning and maintenance solutions that can be used as appropriate.
10. What is the effect of sunlight and heat (Fading? Will the heat turn up the edges / corners)?
FieldTurf has been UV treated to resist fading.
The melting point of the fibers is over 150º Centigrade. There are many installation of FieldTurf in the Middle East, where temperatures are over 50ºC. Additionally it is also treated to be Fire-Retardant (and certified as such by a UK based Fire Research Laboratory).
The turf utilized for the installation is calculated, based on a span of 15 feet. The entire roll may not be charged in all situations. However, for any obstructions or cutouts in the middle of the installation (provision for play equipment / trees / statues / other such items) the area will be calculated all-inclusive.
13. Does FieldTurf install the site or does it have to be done by the client?
Installation will have to be done by FieldTurf, their Authorized Distributors or their trained installation teams.
Absolutely. There are thousands of installations, some of them over 15 years old that are outdoors in extreme conditions – desert-like summer heat to sub-zero winters.
17. How does it make commercial sense compared to natural grass?
Costs of natural grass, sodding, grass replacement, soil replacement, fertilizer, water, weeding, mowing, labour, extra RCC and water proofing etc., all contribute to a substantial cost of maintaining natural grass. When such costs are compared over 5-7 years it equates the investment in FieldTurf. And after that period, while natural grass will continue to need maintenance, FieldTurf can be enjoyed FREE for the rest of its long life.
Also, FieldTurf will be an ideal choice where grass does not grow or cannot be maintained. For eg:Rocky areas
Indoors
Water constraint
High summer heat
Heavy foot traffic areas
Rooftops
It is also used extensively for home / hotel / resort Golf Putting Greens. (PGA Tour approved).
18. What makes up the cost of procuring and installing FieldTurf?
FieldTurf is manufactured in the US and therefore has to be imported. After which there is an elaborate, exacting process to install it. Due to its porosity either a specific sub-base is constructed, or (on a rooftop) a special contoured mesh is laid. Then the turf is cut along the shape of the installation site. The fibers are brushed open with special machines. Extensive amount of Silica Sand (not beach sand), rubber granules are infilled and there is a finishing process. All these contribute to the one-time costs of procuring and installing FieldTurf.
Typically 2 to 4 weeks to supply and install FieldTurf. Exceptions for very large orders. Sale and Installation confirmations are based on a 60% advance of the total order value.
"FieldTurf is very clean, environment-friendly, totally maintenance free, what else could you ask for? Departing from natural grass was a very good decision. For a rooftop lawn you don't have to go any further.FieldTurf is the best solution."
