Will Artificial Grass Survive Extreme Rain?

The materials used to manufacture artificial turf are water resistant, even when exposed to large amounts of water. Artificial turf can even withstand being submerged for long periods of time without being damaged. The nylon/polyurethane material is resistant to moisture from almost any source. When it comes to extreme rainfall, the two main concerns for artificial turf are the type of infill that was used and the efficiency of the drainage system used by the manufacturer.

Efficient Drainage

Part of the reason artificial turf works so well as a playing field and lawn alternative is its ability to help drain away excess water, preventing puddles and large areas of standing water. The drainage systems can be very intricate and are capable of funneling away large amounts of water. Although the drainage system may begin to slow down if a large amount of water is present, the system will still be able to accommodate the excess water. As long as the culverts, ditches, and sewers do not become flooded, the drainage system should rise to the tasks and maintain adequate flow.

Infill Matters

In cases of extreme rainfall, the type of infill that is used in a lawn or playing field will matter. Infill materials that include sand or silica may begin to pack down or become tightly compacted. Crumb rubber and pea gravel, on the other hand, will resist compacting due to their larger size. Choosing the right type of infill from the beginning is important. If a person is going to put artificial turf next to a swimming pool or any other area where there will be an exposure to excessive amounts of moisture, the right type of infill will actually aid in the drainage process. This is also true for areas where there will be a moderate to high volume of snow. When the snow melts, the water will have to be drained away through the intricate network of channels within the turf.

Materials Won’t Degrade When Exposed to Water, but Watch Out for Mold!

All of the materials used in the construction of artificial turf are extremely durable and will not degrade or deteriorate when exposed to large amounts of water or extreme temperatures. Artificial turf manufacturers guarantee the durability of their product and the materials that are used in its construction. Even though the materials are water resistant, they are not resistant to the growth of mold. If the turf was fully submerged in water for any length of time, it may need to be treated with a cleanser or other solution that is capable of preventing the growth of mold. Mold is well known to cause upper respiratory allergies and may cause breathing problems in the elderly as well as the very young. Talk to the company who installed the turf to find the best way to combat the growth of mold.

Artificial turf is designed to withstand everything from an army of foot traffic to a small mountain of snow. It can be used in areas where heavy rain is a constant occurrence. With the right drainage and infill material, an artificial turf lawn can withstand several inches of rain over a short period of time.

The materials chosen for its construction and the techniques used when it is being manufactured are two factors that will determine whether or not the turf is reliable enough to withstand being submerged for any length of time. It’s important to talk to the landscapers to determine the best turf and infill for a homeowner’s particular needs. The weather and possibility of extreme temperatures and excessive amounts of rain or snowfall will be added into the equation.