Synthetic Turf & Artificial Grass FAQs

According to the CSLB (Contractors State License Board), a contractor must either have their C-27 license or their C-61/D12 license to legally install turf. If a contractor has their C-61/D06 (Paver License) or C-12 license and states that they can also install synthetic turf, this is NOT true, as they are not licensed to do so! They must apply for an additional classification with the CSLB and obtain their Synthetic Products license. INSTALL-IT-DIRECT has ALL 3; C-27, D06 and D12.

The face weight is how much the yarn weighs per square yard not including the backing or infill (yarn only). This measurement tells you how much product you are getting for your money as long as the comparison is apples to apples. Nylon thatch based products are the most expensive to produce although most artificial turf is produced using 28% nylon thatch. Products can also be made with up to 45% thatch, which increases the quality, durability and thickness. INSTALL-IT-DIRECT carries both products.

Yarn technology is also important. For instance: How many microns per blade, yarn shape for optimal performance, and stitch rates to balance performance and aesthetics are crucial to achieving a top quality product. INSTALL-IT-DIRECT takes all theses variables and more into consideration when choosing only the absolute best artificial turf available world-wide.

There are many different styles of artificial turf and many of the synthetic turf applications are installed with generic styles of turf due to an assumption that all turf is the same or a limited variety is offered. This is not true and the INSTALL-IT-DIRECT team can show you all your options and select the best application for your project. Very low activity areas need to address quality, density, and aesthetics where as areas with mid-level activity or more should have a thatch product with a higher density turf installed. A high-density thatch based product significantly recovers better during activity and grooming, as well as a high quality yarn.

Not at all. Installation quality is very important for aesthetics and longevity. How the sub-surface is sculpted, how the edges are addressed, how the product is secured, and most importantly how the seams are put together. A inexperienced crew will leave you with noticeable seams, which is not aesthetically pleasing and will continue to open up over time.

DURAFILL is the latest technology in infill product for artificial grass. Some of the many benefits include; Animal Urine and other external elements are not absorbed which eliminates building bacterial spores within the infill product. Durafill does not degradate over time and does not need repeated applications. Durafill does not become blistering hot in the heat which would otherwise cause more heat by transfer to the synthetic grass. Durafill is environmentally safe and does not contain silica dust, zinc or heavy metals.

NO. All of the synthetic turf products contain NO detectable traces of lead or other RCRA hazardous waste heavy metals.

Compare face weights, stitch rates, nylon thatch percentage and backings. There are less expensive backings now with many “wonderful claims” and do not qualify to be used on sports fields. Comparing the latter will reveal the quality of the products and what you are getting for your money. Yarn technology is more difficult to determine, however, INSTALL-IT-DIRECT only carries the latest technology yarns available.

Yes. Synthetic Turf should be rinsed and groomed periodically. The frequency of cleaning should be determined by the activity level. For instance, if your turf is subject to animals and pets it should be rinsed more often. The higher traffic areas should also be groomed more often. To properly clean, and rinse, we suggest you use a stiff bristled broom or rake to groom the fibers. If you have access to a power broom this can work as well too. Occasional cleaning/grooming will help prevent matting and maintain the appearance. If the turf is not groomed periodically and does mat substantially, we suggest you have it groomed professionally to restore its appearance. We also suggest for areas of heavy path traffic that you place stepping stones or form some kind of path.

Yes, Yes and Yes! Turf is extremely popular for Animal Hospitals, Kennels, Ranch Owners and Home Owners with pets. Animal urine does not damage or stain synthetic turf. Now you can sustain a green lawn year around as opposed to the brown spots which are an eye soar.

It’s Easy! Simply rinse with water as needed. With pets, pick up solid waste and the residue can be sprayed clean. Rinse as frequently as needed to avoid odors which are a build-up of bacterial spores. INSTALL-IT-DIRECT only uses the best infill, Durafill, which does not absorb external elements, and as a result limits bacteria and odor as well as many other benefits. For a thorough cleaning, which should be rarely needed, flush the turf with a mixture of 50% white distilled vinegar and 50% water. This will neutralize the bacterial spores.

The turf can get hot in temperatures typically above 80-90 degrees in direct sunlight. Blade temperature can be decreased with Durafill infill. Durafill does not heat up like rubber, which other installers use, therefore not transferring that intense heat into the blades of grass.

“Non-infill products” make an install easier and less expensive and we do not advise non-infill products. There are important, functional reasons for the infill. The primary reasons are the following: the infill gives a barrier and protects the turf during activity. The infill is used for ballast-on a typical install there will be hundreds or thousands of pounds of infill to weigh down the product. The infill offers G-MAX, which is the softness under your feet, it’s safer too. Infill also offers a base for increased blade recovery. We believe a more appropriate name would be minimal infill products.

The backing is perforated and will drain as natural grass typically would. If drains would be needed with natural grass, synthetic grass should be treated the same. Many of the synthetic turf products that we install drain 28 in. of rain per hour, per square yard.

The sheen will progressively diminish and go away. Some products in the market place are shiner than other for various reasons i.e. wider blades refract more light, rectangular yarns refract more light, and some yarns go through a de-lustering process. The length of time depends on the product shape and the chemical makeup of the yarn.