Do You Need Drainage Under Artificial Grass?

Ensuring the durability and functionality of artificial grass requires appropriate drainage during installation. Though water-resistant by design, artificial turf can develop mould, pool water, and emit an unpleasant stench if there is insufficient drainage beneath it. The majority of artificial grass has a backing that is perforated to let water pass through. To effectively direct water away, it is imperative to prepare the base using a material that drains properly, like gravel or crushed stone. A specialized drainage system can be required in locations with high rainfall or inadequate soil drainage in order to prevent flooding and guarantee a dry, smooth surface.

How Do Fake Grass Drainage Systems Work?

Artificial grass will let water seep through and reach the water table, just like real grass does. Usually, drainage pores in the product's backing material allow it to do so.

This is usually a straightforward and easy operation. However, when the drainage system fails, water might become trapped on or just under your covering of artificial turf. This can cause chaos, especially when it rains a lot, as flooding may result.

Because grass backing is perforated and partially or completely permeable, water can freely drain from the grass's surface to the earth beneath it. Just like with actual grass, there is practically no barrier to water draining away from the grass area—and in certain cases, even more effectively. Experts in artificial grass installation take their time prepping the area and inspecting the drainage and soil conditions. However, not all teams install artificial grass to the same standards, and some homeowners choose to handle it on their own.

The topsoil should be supplemented with a sub-base layer made of three to four inches of gravel, decomposed granite, and shale or finely powdered rock. This needs to be compacted just enough to provide a level, porous surface on which to lay grass, but not too much that it causes unintended drainage problems. Professionally installed grass should efficiently drain rainfall via the grass and base layer, given that the grass is of suitable quality.

How Is Water Drained From Fake Grass?

The engineering of artificial grass is divided into two primary sections that are combined:

There are differences in terms of appearance, functionality, and comfort between the plastic yarn-made artificial grass blades that you see and walk on. The greatest artificial grass varieties, which are frequently composed of polyethylene monofilament, resemble genuine grass quite closely.

The grass's primary support structure, known as the backing, is composed of two parts: a primary backing, typically made of woven polypropylene, to which artificial fibres are sewn or adhered, and a secondary layer, typically composed of latex or polyurethane.

What Makes Drainage Crucial?

Although porous, artificial grass does not absorb water like naturally occurring grass does. Natural lawns allow water to sink into the soil and gradually drain away. Water from artificial turf needs to be diverted away from the surface since it pours through the perforated backing. This is where having a drainage system that is ready to go is important.

Proper drainage is crucial for artificial grass for numerous reasons. Poor drainage can cause all sorts of concerns including the following:

-Water that is trapped can create instability and unevenness, which might result in unintentional falls.

-A buildup of stagnant water can lead to the growth of mould, moss, and mildew.

-Your front garden may become unusable due to puddles because nobody likes to walk on them!

-Your plants may drown if your neighbouring flowerbeds flood as a result of poor drainage.

-In the winter, trapped water may ice over, raising the possibility of slipping and getting hurt.

-Additionally, poor drainage shortens the life of your artificial grass.

Possible Problems With Drainage:

If the sub-base is not prepared properly, drainage problems may arise. Attempting to "shortcut" an installation can cause the water flow to be interrupted, which can result in a number of issues.

Before the artificial grass is put in, a drainage system can be made if issues with water draining away are noted during the installation due to the soil, sub-base layer, or another reason. During the ground preparation process, small drainage gaps—typically filled with shingles—may be left around every 15 cm around the area's border.

With new fake turf, the infill presents another possible drainage problem. Usually made of silica, this substance is utilized to give the turf additional weight in order to increase stability and give it a more genuine look and feel. The improper infill might obstruct drainage by filling in the holes in the turf backing.

Typical Issues Brought On By Drainage Problems:

1. Unsightly Appearance:

No homeowner needs to be told that this is a problem: It is ugly and will eventually begin to harm the appearance of the fake grass fibres if water is not flowing off the surface of the artificial grass and instead forms puddles.

Unattractive weeds can also be more prevalent in areas with poor drainage, though this should not be a major concern for artificial grass that is placed and maintained properly.

2. Risks To One's Health And Safety:

People using continuously moist lawn areas run the risk of falling. The whole region will become more slick if water collects on the surface rather than draining away.

Pooled water can also contribute to mold, mildew, smells, bacteria traps, and other horrors. Water, for example, draws mosquitoes, which can lay eggs and provide still another unwelcome issue.

3. Reduced Lifespan:

Artificial grass that has been professionally put in can last up to fifteen years. If it has drainage problems, its lifespan will be decreased due to the slow breakdown of the fibers.

The installation of fake grass can be made to last as long as possible by paying a little more care to it during the process.

Yes, in order to avoid surface damage, mould growth, and water gathering beneath fake grass, drainage is necessary. Effective water flow is ensured by proper base preparation using materials like crushed stone, preserving the longevity and aesthetic appeal of the lawn. It is guaranteed that an artificial lawn will last for many years and look nice if proper drainage is installed.