The Australian climate is unpredictable and erratic, something all builders and architects need to take into account when creating outdoor playgrounds and commercial flooring surfaces.
However, it’s a common misconception that weather, especially extreme weather conditions, can adversely affect the performance of synthetic grass. Once installed, the opposite is actually true: both soft fall rubber and synthetic grass are perfect for challenging weather conditions.
Synthetic grass is designed to withstand various weather conditions and is not susceptible to the same deterioration as natural grass. When it comes to climate, synthetic grass outperforms natural grass which can become muddy and spongy, and also comes out ahead of concrete which is non-porous and creates pools of water. Synthetic turf comes complete with drainage holes placed at every 100mm in the backing which allows for efficient water run-off.
One thing to keep in mind however is that synthetic turf cannot be installed in rainy weather as the binders and glues used in the installation process can fail if they aren’t allowed time to cure in dry weather. Also, synthetic turf is not designed to be fully submerged in water for long periods so this can cause some degradation of the material.
For the most part, however, because weather conditions do not affect the performance of synthetic grass, ovals and playing fields can remain open and in use even in inclement weather. Even though the initial outlay for synthetic turf might be a little higher than natural grass, it delivers a better return on investment and works out more cost-effective in the long run. It also offers less risk of attack by pests and can take more general wear and tear than natural grass, so it’s more likely to remain in good condition throughout the year.
When it comes to the condition of your playing fields, you don’t have to worry about your synthetic turf getting muddy or soggy when it rains. If anything, maintenance work is reduced with synthetic turf fields and can be scheduled at convenient intervals.
Likewise, soft fall rubber surfaces deliver excellent performance in all weather conditions. Most rubber softfall achieves a reasonable slip rating, though this can vary from product to product, and rubber has air pockets throughout, meaning water runs straight through it into the sub-base, and can drain away easily, allowing public playspaces and school playgrounds to remain open immediately after, and even during adverse weather.
There are many benefits when it comes to choosing synthetic grass:
Waterlogged ovals and muddy sports fields? It happens all the time. Why? Because natural grass is not always the most suitable choice for Australian conditions, and rain causes a lot of issues with playing surfaces. The last thing you want is a slippery field on sports day or sports called off because of the poor condition of the playing surface.
With the rise of synthetic surfaces, we’re seeing a huge increase in the number of sports clubs and events taking place on them. And for good reason: they solve a lot of problems that people have with traditional grass surfaces.
Synthetic surfaces are more environmentally friendly because they don’t require pesticides or fertilisers to keep them looking great. They’re also budget-friendly with low maintenance costs, as they don’t need mowing, watering, or reseeding. And they’re much more versatile than natural surfaces, meaning you can use specific types of synthetic grass for different kinds of sports such as soccer, cricket, and golf.
Synthetic turf and rubber soft fall surfaces are also ideal for high-traffic areas that can often be hard to maintain. Best of all, it looks good all year round and makes it easier for kids and adults to get more involved in sports.
We work with top-tier landscapers, civil contractors, architects, schools, and local councils to help bring your outdoor areas to life. Contact our team of experts today to discuss your project.
