If you’ve ever walked barefoot across artificial grass on a sunny day, you’ve probably wondered just how hot it can get. As highlighted by the experts at Artificial Grass Vancouver, it’s more than just an inconvenience—understanding how artificial grass heats up is essential.
Generally speaking, artificial grass can reach temperatures between 120°F and 150°F in direct sunlight, making it significantly hotter than natural grass. Various factors like material, colour, and infill type influence how hot it gets, but there are effective methods to cool it down for safer use.
Especially if you’re planning to use it in warm climates or where children and pets will be playing.
1. The Science Behind Artificial Grass Heating Up
Artificial grass can reach surprisingly high temperatures in the sun, and it’s all due to the materials it’s made from. Unlike natural grass, which absorbs water and has a cooling effect, synthetic grass is made from plastic fibres that retain heat. These materials, combined with rubber or sand infill, can cause the surface temperature to skyrocket on a hot day.
1.1 Why It Gets So Hot
The synthetic fibres in artificial grass don’t have the natural cooling mechanism of real grass. When the sun’s rays hit the plastic, the heat is absorbed and trapped, causing the surface to heat up. Unlike natural grass, which stays relatively cool even in the summer, artificial grass can become quite hot to the touch.
2. Average Temperature Ranges for Artificial Grass
Just how hot does artificial grass get? It can reach temperatures much higher than natural grass or other outdoor surfaces.
2.1 Temperature Comparisons
On a typical summer day with direct sunlight, artificial grass can reach temperatures between 120°F (49°C) and 150°F (65°C). In contrast, natural grass usually stays around 85°F (29°C) to 100°F (38°C), depending on the climate. That’s a significant difference, and it’s something to consider if you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors.
3. Factors That Influence How Hot Artificial Grass Gets
Not all artificial grass heats up the same way. Several factors influence just how hot your lawn might get.
3.1 Material Composition
The type of synthetic fibre used plays a major role. Nylon, for example, tends to get hotter than polyethylene because it’s more durable and dense, which also makes it better at retaining heat. Polypropylene is a cooler option but isn’t as durable, so there’s a trade-off.
3.2 Color Matters
The colour of your artificial grass also impacts its temperature. Darker shades absorb more heat, making the grass hotter. Lighter-coloured grass, while less realistic-looking, tends to stay cooler.
3.3 Infill Type
The type of infill you choose can significantly affect the temperature. Rubber infill, commonly used for its durability, can make the grass hotter. On the other hand, sand infill reflects heat better, keeping the surface cooler.
3.4 Location, Location, Location
Where you live and where the grass is installed matters. Grass in full, direct sunlight will get hotter than grass in partial shade. Similarly, regions with high ambient temperatures will see higher surface temperatures on artificial grass.
4. Risks Associated with Hot Artificial Grass
Hot artificial grass isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be dangerous.
4.1 Potential Hazards
For one, it can burn your feet if you walk on it barefoot. Pets and small children are particularly vulnerable, as they are more likely to be in direct contact with the surface. Moreover, consistently high temperatures can cause the fibres to degrade faster, shortening the lifespan of your artificial grass. Additionally, the heat can affect surrounding areas, making adjacent decking or patios uncomfortably hot as well.
5. How to Cool Down Artificial Grass
Thankfully, there are several ways to keep your artificial grass cooler.
5.1 Watering Your Lawn
A simple and effective way to cool down artificial grass is to spray it with water. It’s a quick fix that can lower the temperature by 20°F to 30°F (11°C to 17°C). However, this is only a temporary solution, and the grass will heat up again once the water evaporates.
5.2 Adding Shade Structures
Installing shade structures like awnings, pergolas, or even strategically placed trees can reduce the amount of direct sunlight hitting your grass. Less sun means lower temperatures, making your lawn more comfortable to use during peak hours.
5.3 Using Specialized Infill
There are infill products specifically designed to cool down artificial grass. These cooling infills can reduce the surface temperature by up to 50°F (28°C), making them a worthwhile investment, especially in hot climates.
5.4 Cooling Technologies
Some artificial grass products now come with built-in cooling technology. These advanced materials reflect sunlight and dissipate heat more effectively than traditional synthetic grass, keeping the surface cooler throughout the day.
6. Alternatives to Traditional Artificial Grass
If heat is a major concern, consider alternatives to conventional artificial grass.
6.1 Hybrid Grass Systems
Hybrid systems combine synthetic grass with natural grass elements, offering a cooler surface without sacrificing the durability of artificial grass. These systems are ideal for areas where temperature control is crucial.
6.2 Cooling Artificial Grass Products
Some manufacturers offer artificial grass products specifically designed to stay cooler. These products use materials that reflect sunlight more efficiently and are a good option if you live in an area with intense heat.
6.3 Considering Natural Grass
In some cases, natural grass may be the better option, especially in climates where the heat is extreme. While it requires more maintenance, natural grass naturally stays cooler, providing a more comfortable surface during hot weather.
Conclusion
Artificial grass can get very hot, but understanding the factors that contribute to its temperature can help you manage it effectively. By choosing the right materials, colours, and infill, and by considering cooling solutions, you can enjoy your artificial lawn even on the hottest days.
FAQs
1. Can I walk barefoot on artificial grass during hot weather?
Walking barefoot on artificial grass during hot weather is not recommended, as the surface can become extremely hot and uncomfortable, potentially causing burns. If you plan to spend time on your artificial lawn in the summer, consider using cooling methods like watering or adding shade to reduce the temperature.
2. How often should I water artificial grass to keep it cool?
If you choose to cool down your artificial grass by watering, you may need to do so several times throughout the day, especially during peak sunlight hours. However, this is a temporary fix, as the grass will heat up again once the water evaporates. For a more lasting solution, consider using a cooling infill or installing shade structures.
3. Does artificial grass cool down quickly once the sun goes down?
Artificial grass can take some time to cool down after the sun sets, especially if it’s been exposed to direct sunlight all day. The heat absorbed by the synthetic fibres and infill can keep the surface warm for a while. However, the temperature will gradually decrease as the ambient temperature drops in the evening.
4. Is there a type of artificial grass that stays cooler naturally?
Yes, some types of artificial grass are designed to stay cooler. These cooling grass products use specialized materials that reflect sunlight more effectively, helping to keep the surface temperature lower. Additionally, lighter-coloured grass and certain types of infill can also help reduce heat retention.
5. Can artificial grass damage nearby plants or decking due to its heat?
The heat generated by artificial grass can indeed affect nearby plants or decking. Plants close to the grass might suffer from the additional heat, and decking surfaces can become extremely hot as well. To prevent this, consider using shade structures or cooling infill, and be mindful of the placement of plants near your artificial lawn.
