Silica sand is the most popular sand used as a filler in artificial grass. It varies from ordinary sand in that it has at least 95% silicon dioxide content. As a result, the edges become finer and smoother. It is possible to find silica sand made expressly for use with artificial turf. Sand is graded, typically sanitized to prevent bacterial growth, and frequently colored.

Depending on its function, infill can be used for many things. Although it might seem innocent, it plays a crucial part in artificial turf’s performance, upkeep, and aesthetic.

One of the most well-known types of infill is sand. It is not only a reasonable choice but also comes with several benefits that other forms of infill do not. Sand infills are the best option due to their advantages in several applications.

Should artificial grass be covered with sand?

After installing artificial turf, most products call for an infill, with silica sand being one of the most popular materials.

The material sandwiched between artificial grass blades is called infill and has several uses. When pressure is applied, its primary function is to support and bring the synthetic fibre blades into an upright posture. They won’t become matted and then lie flat due to this.

All types of infills fulfil this purpose, although the type of infill you select will frequently depend on the characteristics of your artificial turf. You are more likely to choose a rubber infill for an athletic field. How artificial turf is used in a residential context and in several commercial applications is very different. Aesthetic appeal is essential, as is the turf’s ability to maintain cleanliness and sanitary conditions while accommodating family use. Silica sand may be the best option to fill the gaps in this case.

Types of Silica Sand Used in Artificial Grass

Silica comes in a wide range of forms. The size of the silica grains and the pores in the silica grading sieve define the grade.

The fillers must evenly settle on the artificial turf’s base to be effective. Depending on how much face-to-face contact is on the ground, there are varying sizes of silica. The higher the silica content needed for the infill to be successful, the bigger the gauge (basically the spacing between rows) in the grass and the lower the face rate.

Washed Regular Sand

Sand that has been periodically cleaned is the most cost-effective replacement. It does have certain advantages in terms of cost, but there are also a lot of drawbacks. Sand that is not rounded like silica that has been specifically produced. This could have several detrimental effects. They consist of:

Due to the rough edges of the granules, it can damage fibers and form a bacterial trap. It can also cluster together and is known to disintegrate more quickly, necessitating more frequent replacement.

Regular sand is a poor alternative and should only be used if you have no other choice due to financial constraints.

Using Silica

If you use silica that has been processed to work with artificial turf, most of the negative aspects of normal sand have been removed. Silica is high-quality sand composed of at minimum 95 percent silicon dioxide (SiO 2). It is formed by the erosion of quartz, resulting in the granule with a more excellent rounded shape.

Silica sand for artificial turf is classified. The sand is then put through various sieves to achieve an even granule size with different sizes to accommodate different densities of synthetic grass. After the granules have been classified, they are processed and treated with various chemicals to increase their capacity to be clean and free of bacteria. They are dyed to complement the popular colors for artificial turf, adding color and adding to the look of the turf.

Treated Silica with Microban

The best grades of silica infill are treated with Microban (TM). This Microban coating is a protective acrylic layer that guards against germs and pathogens. It can aid in reducing unpleasant smells, filth, and other issues that could weaken artificial turf.

Applying treatments like Microban will probably increase the synthetic grass’s lifespan and make it a more kid- and family-friendly environment.

Benefits of Using Silica on Artificial Turf

Utilizing silica as the filler for artificial turf has various benefits. Using it has benefits that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The Sand Acts as Ballast

The weight of the infill provides extra structural support by acting as ballast for the artificial turf’s mat or base.

This is significant because temperature changes may cause artificial grass bases to expand and compress.

When this happens, the base will likely grow until it develops wrinkles or sags in particular areas.

This is a problem when artificial turf is installed impervious, such as a concrete base.

Using carefully formulated glues or tapes is the only method to keep the foundation in place.

Silica and sand will give more ballast than other infills due to their weight, which helps to keep the base of artificial turf anchored it is laid on.

Improves the Longevity of The Artificial Turf

We have found that infill is essential for maintaining the straightness of the synthetic grass strands. Synthetic grass fibers lack the inherent properties that allow grass blades to align, in contrast to natural turf. This might shorten the lifespan of the grass surface by causing the edges to become matted over time, which could harm the fibers. If you have a synthetic turfed surface with built-up edges, the infill can be used to smooth out the advantages and prevent matting.

Improved Fire Rating for Artificial Turf

One of the many reasons artificial grasses is preferable to genuine grass is its ability to replicate the qualities of natural grass in an indoor environment. However, the device must have several safety credentials, the most crucial of which is a fire rating certification, to be used indoors.

Artificial grass often receives a Class 2 certification, which means that while it is appropriate for use outside, it does not meet the indoor-use criteria. The correct sort of infills, such as silica or sand infill, can be used to modify the fire rating to Class 1. This makes it possible for the material to be appropriate for usage.

Helps with Drainage

In addition to rain, artificial grass needs a lot of water. Since synthetic grass retains heat and radiates it throughout the summer, the turf needs water to keep it clean and cool down.

Much water may be required to return the grass to its average temperature. Drainage is essential in this situation. Silica sand infills are excellent for drainage.

When you water often or after an intense downpour, the silica sand infill is a filter. This filtering function slows down water loss and prevents flooding at the base of the lawn by limiting the amount of water that can reach there.

Health Benefits

Numerous concerns exist regarding the potential health dangers that various infill materials, such as rubber pellets may present. Sand infills have the advantage of not having the same health problems that can be very important to your peace of mind.

The advantages of treated silica for cleanliness in household and family settings are significant. They offer a better defense against germs and bacteria, which makes them a suitable alternative for artificial turf fields in residential neighborhoods.