Artificial grass is an ideal choice for South Florida homeowners seeking convenience and beauty. It is made of synthetic fibers that do not require watering, mowing, or fertilization. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for homeowners to know what to look for in artificial grass installers. Given the high costs of artificial turf, homeowners may end up spending thousands on a job that falls short of expectations. In this article, we discuss what South Florida homeowners should look for in turf installers.
1. Removal of existing vegetation
Any artificial grass installer should begin by removing the existing grass. Oftentimes companies looking to cut corners will simply fasten artificial turf mats onto existing vegetation. This results in an uneven surface and poor drainage. Over time, the artificial turf will sink into the ground as the grass underneath decomposes.
2. Flattening of surface
Once the vegetation is removed, companies should rake the soil until it is flat. A coarse sand mix should then be applied to ensure proper drainage of water, as sand will not hold water during heavy rainfall. Application of sand is followed by completely flattening it with a mechanical compactor. After this step the surface should be perfectly flat and the sand tightly packed. Finally, weed-guard should be placed over the sand to guarantee that no weeds will grow in between the artificial grass.
The most common misstep we see in turf installation is companies not adding sand to their projects due to the material costs. Though not adding sand results in higher profit margins for the installers, it leaves homeowners with yards that flood and uneven surfaces.
3. Thoroughly fastening Artificial Grass to surface
Once the surface has been flattened, the final step is to secure the artificial grass. Nails that are around 6 inches long should be driven through the turf, with special care taken to not squish any of the fibers. These nails should be spaced about 1 foot apart and placed all throughout the surface. Though expensive, these large nails guarantee minimal movement of the turf.
In addition, construction grade glue should be applied to join the edges of artificial turf strips. Some companies do not glue abutting edges of turf strips together, leading to visible breaks in the surface. Not only does this look bad, it also represents a tripping hazard and can slowly lift the rest of the material up.
Conclusion
If you are considering artificial grass in your South Florida home, make sure all installers follow the above steps. Though installers that follow all of these steps will be more expensive, the added costs are well worth the durability and aesthetic benefits. As a general rule of thumb, look for companies that have many pictures of their projects and have 5-star reviews. Though price is not always indicative of quality, legit turf installers charge anywhere from $8 to $14 per square foot of turf installed. If your installer gives you a quote significantly cheaper than that, they are likely cutting corners.
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