A GUIDE TO ARTIFICIAL
GRASS ADHESIVE SYSTEMS
Brian Spencer, Technical Director
at Envirostik has over 25 years’
experience advising on the correct use
of adhesives when fitting synthetic
turf. He is able to pass on some key
installation knowledge.
In an age when people have less free
time, but still wish to enjoy a beautiful
landscaped area for relaxation, the
requirement for low maintenance is
paramount.
The rapid increase in the use of
artificial grassed areas brings new
challenges, not only to the landscaping
contractor but also to the general
public who are now encouraged to buy
products on line and undertake their
own installation.
Where joints are required to the rolls
of carpet then an adhesive system
will be required and the choice can
appear complex, but are really quite
straightforward when selected
properly and used correctly.
A strong, invisible seam joint is
essential to produce a continuous
surface that will enhance the
appearance of the artificial grassed
area.
There are basically three adhesives
systems in common use for jointing
the carpet edges. Two component
and single component adhesives also
require a jointing tape, usually a
geotextile strip, on which to apply the
adhesive.
Two Component Adhesives
Generally, polyurethane polymer
based adhesives require pre mixing
of the components before application.
The cured adhesive provides a very
strong bonding medium that, when
used correctly, will outlast the life
The third system is an adhesive coated of the carpet. Supplied in varied
tape that has a heavy coating of self- size containers, this system is often
adhesive polymer. The choice of fixing the first choice for landscapers and
will often depend on the size of the professional installers, and is also
area and the expected foot traffic. chosen for bonding carpets direct
to other substrates, for example on
balconies, decking or roof top gardens.
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Landscape & Urban Design Issue 38 2019