Are you considering synthetic turf for your athletic field? If so, you’re in good company. There are thousands of synthetic turf sports fields across North America — you can find them in schools, parks, professional sports stadiums, and colleges. Synthetic turf has continued to grow in popularity for a number of reasons:
- Keeps the field looking good, regardless of weather
- Conserves water and reduces maintenance costs
- Withstands heavy, multi-activity usage
While synthetic turf can cut down on maintenance, it does have to be installed properly in order to deliver all of the benefits. If it’s installed improperly, your costs can quickly add up as you deal with drainage issues, wrinkling, and other anomalies. Additionally, if you don’t use the right adhesive to secure your artificial turf to the surface below, you’re practically inviting trouble to visit your field.
Let’s take a closer look at things you should consider when choosing the right adhesive for your synthetic turf field.
Temperature Makes a Difference
Unless you live in Southern California where the weather stays mid-70s year round, you’re likely dealing with seasonal temperature fluctuations. These changes in temperature can have an impact on the integrity of your installation, as well as the longevity of your artificial turf field. When choosing an adhesive, talk to your supplier or installer to ensure that it can withstand the temperature extremes for your particular location. You want an adhesive that will create a strong, lasting bond that can keep your turf in place for years to come.
Real-World Experience Counts
There’s a lot to be said for seeing an adhesive in action. Be sure to ask for references when considering artificial turf companies, and take the time to talk to their customers about their overall experience. If they have other customers close by, consider visiting their artificial turf fields to see how they’re holding up. Search online forums and blogs for reviews on the specific setup you have in mind. Don’t be shy about asking your colleagues for recommendations on artificial turf materials, adhesives, and installers. The point is to gather as much from-the-field information as you can, so you can make a smart decision.
Price Matters … but Not the Most
Certainly, the cost is a consideration for schools, professional sports teams and other organizations investing in synthetic turf. However, don’t let a low cost lure you into making a poor long-term decision. The best adhesive for your situation may be the cheapest one available — or it may be the most expensive, or somewhere in between. The biggest thing you need to look for is an adhesive that will provide years of service, regardless of exposure to temperature extremes, rain, and continual use. Insist on an adhesive that has proven success in outdoor usage. This is one of those situations in life where “lowest cost” should be a bit lower on your priority list.
Smart Choices Lead to Long-Term Success
Synthetic turf comes with a variety of benefits — reduced maintenance costs, durability and good looks being at the top of the list. Yet if the adhesive used to install your synthetic turf isn’t up to par, you’re not making the most of your investment. When selecting an adhesive for your artificial turf application, keep in mind the climate in your location. Ask others to share their synthetic turf experiences with you, and be willing to consider more than just the cheapest adhesive. By making smart decisions on your artificial turf adhesive today, you’ll be setting yourself up for long-term synthetic turf success.