FAQs

Q. Why is synthetic turf so popular?

A. Mainly because it is so versatile. You’ll find synthetic turf used in sports, including on GAA, soccer, rugby and hockey pitches and putting greens and tennis courts. You can also find it in domestic settings, like as lawns or on terraces, balconies and patios, and as swimming pool surrounds. In the arts, you can spot it on stage and in films, and in business for displays, exhibition stands and as contemporary office carpeting.

Q. When used outside how does it compare to natural turf?

A. In poor weather conditions when it’s too wet or too hot, synthetic turf fares much better than natural turf. Under a hot sun there’s no noticeable colour fading with synthetic turf as it is UV stabilised. What’s more, because it’s permeable, rain can drain through so no muddy areas develop.

Q. Is there a special yarn used in the manufacture of synthetic turf?

A. Yes, the main yarn used is polyethylene which has strong, waxy fibres and provides a low sliding resistance ideal for surface contact sports such as soccer and rugby and ball-roll for hockey.

Q. There are so many different types of synthetic turf – how do I know the right one to choose?

A. The needs of any one project can vary greatly so it’s a matter of highlighting the key points regarding the application of the turf. You need to look at:

• the specific use – sports, garden, landscaping, display
• the degree of wear and tear expected to take place
• if it’s for a sports surface, how skilled are the players
• who will be using it?

We help people and companies on a whole range of projects and are happy to help you make the correct decision.

Q. How long does synthetic turf last before it has to be replaced?

A. This depends upon the application and how much use the synthetic turf has to withstand. Our turf products cover different guarantee periods, but with proper care and maintenance synthetic turf surfaces have been known to last for over fifteen years.

Q. What about maintenance?

A. There’s very little to do to maintain a synthetic turf surface but it needs to be done – regular brushing, checking seams and infill levels and removing dirt and debris. Whether it’s a sports pitch or a back garden that’s involved, the costs involved are minimal compared to the maintenance required on natural turf surfaces.

Q. What about installation?

A. For sports applications such as GAA, soccer pitches, five-a-side pitches, hockey pitches, tennis courts, cricket wickets, golf putting greens and so on, a professional installation is required. SIS Pitches is unique amongst Irish suppliers of synthetic turf as we can offer a complete package from manufacturing through to full installation and follow-up maintenance.

Q. What about surface water collecting on synthetic turf?

A. Our turf products are water permeable so surface water drains through.

Q. What’s ‘infill’ and ‘sand infill’?

A. Infill is where sand or a mixture of rubber and sand is inserted into the synthetic turf to help stabilise it for better performance. Sand-infill refers to a specialist sand used in the same way and for the same reason. Check our latest innovation – SISFill.

Q. What is a ‘Shock Pad’?

A. This is sometimes required under a synthetic sports pitch such as for playing GAA, hockey or rugby. Whether you will need one depends upon the anticipated use and application of the pitch.

Q. What are the general advantages of synthetic turf for sports surfaces?

A. There is often the need to stage a range of sports and sometimes other events on an outdoor turfed pitch. Natural turf pitches do not stand up to this kind of use and so restrict the sports club from being able to offer a wider range of events. However, a pitch made of synthetic turf will stand up to this kind of use, and provide the opportunity not only for more events but potentially for more revenue.

Natural turf pitches suffer in bad weather, so in climates where there is frequent rain or lots of dry, sunny weather, the surface and playing quality can be adversely affected. This in turn can result in periods of non-use or poor use at the very least. There is also the cost of repairing and maintaining this type of pitch to keep it useful on a regular basis and this can be considerable. However, with synthetic turf pitches, very little maintenance and very few repairs are needed.