Approximate reading time: 4 minutes, 22 seconds
One of the most frequent questions from our customers is how artificial grass drains water. And it's no wonder, because if the water isn't drained properly, it can get trapped between the surface and the grass, creating puddles or folds.
Artificial turf is a solution that saves you time and money. It's a way to eliminate worries and have more free time to enjoy with your family and friends. That's why it has its own drainage system, so you won't have any problems.
The drainage system of artificial turf consists of holes located on the backing ,which allow liquids to flow quickly to the surface below. The more holes the turf has, or the larger their diameter, the better the drainage. Furthermore, because it is made of plastic materials, it does not absorb water, so the surface will always remain dry.
Another important aspect to consider is the type of ground where it will be installed. If it's installed on soil, drainage will be carried out as with any other type of ground, through absorption. In the case of installation on tile or concrete, it's important to have a slight slope in the ground leading to a drain or sump.
Convert from L/min/m2 to L/H/m2
usually drainage capacity of artificial turf expressed as L/H/m², but sometimes it may be given in minutes. To help you compare different synthetic grass models, we'll explain how to convert between these units.
For example, if the drainage rate is 3600 L/min/m2, we only need to keep in mind that 1 hour is 60 minutes. We divide 3600 by 60 and we get that 3600 L/min/m2 is the same as saying 60 L/H/m2.
Drainage capacity of artificial turf
A good drainage capacity is considered to be one that can evacuate 60 liters per minute per square meter. The appropriate diameter for the holes is 5 mm. This is an optimal size to allow drainage without being easily noticeable.
Importance of good drainage
The drainage of artificial turf will influence more aspects than we realize. Below we list some of them.
Avoid puddles
A good drainage system will prevent puddles from forming on the surface, which can damage the artificial turf. These puddles can cause creases or separation of the pads. Stagnant water is also prone to mold and mildew growth.
Prevent bad odors
If mold or mildew, the smell will also become unpleasant. A good drainage system prevents all these problems.
Good condition
The perfect appearance of artificial grass depends on the condition of the fibers. If these fibers are subjected to water accumulation, they may eventually become deformed.
Durability
The synthetic materials used to make artificial turf can deteriorate when exposed to puddles. Therefore, ensuring proper drainage lifespan will significantly extend
Consequences of poor drainage
Flooding
The most common problem with a poor drainage system in artificial turf is the formation of puddles on the surface. This problem occurs as a result of inadequate ground preparation prior to installation. Factors such as insufficient slope or the lack of a drain or runoff can contribute to this.
Uneven surfaces or irregularities
Poorly prepared soil for the installation of artificial turf can lead to soil malformations that cause wrinkles, folds, or irregularities in the artificial grass.
For example, some installers prefer to remove some soil from the ground and replace it with sand before installing artificial turf to promote water absorption.
Factors that influence the permeability of artificial turf
Drainage holes
The size and distribution of drainage holes is a key factor determining the drainage capacity of artificial turf. Generally, all models have holes 5 mm in diameter.
Backing type
Latex and polyurethane are the most commonly used materials for the backing of artificial turf. Both offer good drainage. While it's true that latex absorbs more moisture than polyurethane, this doesn't cause problems for the artificial grass.
Sand fill
has Silica sand infill many advantages in artificial turf installations. Regarding drainage, it has the following effects:
- It makes the water filter properly.
- Regulate the speed of the water so that it filters gradually and the ground or drain has time to absorb.
- It prevents the formation of puddles.
- It filters out dirt so that it doesn't clog the drain holes.
Tips for improving drainage in artificial turf
There are certain actions we can take to improve the permeability of artificial turf and avoid the consequences of poor drainage.
Installation according to the surface
As we mentioned earlier, part of the success of an artificial turf drainage system depends on the type of terrain where it will be installed. Depending on the surface, different measures will be necessary.
Concrete, tile or cement
When installing artificial grass on a hard surface such as concrete, tile, or paving stones, it's important that the ground has a slope of 1% towards a drain or sink. This slope and drain are usually present on most tiled terraces or surfaces, so generally, no prior work is required to install artificial grass.
Furthermore, on this type of surface, it is not recommended to glue the entire surface to the floor. Only the perimeter needs to be glued.
Soil or natural grass
When installing artificial grass on soil, it's important to have a level surface, but with a slight slope. This prevents heavy rain from pooling and directing water to a single area. A 2% slope is sufficient.
The type of terrain will also be key to the drainage of artificial turf. For example, clay soils don't absorb much water, so the ground will need to be prepared with a slope towards natural drainage points.
On the other hand, if the soil is sandier, the absorption will be much better, so less soil preparation will be required.
Regardless of the type of terrain, it's advisable to add a layer of gravel on top to aid drainage and level the surface. This layer should be between 3 and 5 cm thick, depending on the soil conditions. River sand is typically used as the gravel. The geotextile mesh, and finally, the artificial turf is laid down.
Maintenance
Maintaining artificial turf is essential to keep its physical appearance perfect for many years.
Depending on the season and the amount of fallen leaves, the drainage system of artificial turf can become clogged. To prevent this, we must:
- Brush the artificial grass to remove anything that might obstruct the flow of water through the drainage holes.
- Clean the drains or sinks to prevent blockages that impede the proper suction of water.
In conclusion, artificial turf has its own drainage system to prevent problems such as waterlogging, accumulation of water, mold, etc. However, proper ground preparation is key to achieving optimal drainage.