WINTER EXTRA:
It is okay to use de-icing or use salt on the field. BUT you have to remember to wash the artificial turf very thoroughly after the winter, so the salt doesn’t stay.
If you want to use a machine to remove snow on the field you have to pay attention to set the material to be 5 centimeter above the grass.
You also have to be observant about the weight of the snow. If the snow gets very heavy, it can drag and remove the artificial turf. You can also make the lines lean. This cannot be put back later. There is also a high risk that the artificial turf will be withdrawn from itself if the snow is very heavy. So be cautious.
Some uses a snow blower. Also here you need to be cautious not to remove the rubber infill along with the snow. It will cost extra to add new rubber infill, and can only be done in 5 degrees Celsius temperature. So in the meantime the artificial turf can be damaged without the rubber infill and sand.
Of course the best solution is to cancel the game if the field is heavy covered in snow.
All maintenance solutions are to be found in our manual, or feel free to call anytime.
Get a noncommittal offer and your options for the right equipment for maintenance of artificial turf
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1.0 PREVENTATIVE MEASURES:
All forms of organic material, like leaf, cigarette butts, tape from socks and dirt will over time deteriorate the field. It is therefore important that all kind of organic materials is removed regularly. Organic materials will over time be mixed with rubber infill and sand and the result will be a “hard” field.
Precautions
- There should be placed boot brushes at the changing rooms.
- Smoking and use of open fire is not allowed at the field. Put up “No Smoking” signs.
- Garbage is not allowed on the field. Put up garbage bins.
- Soccer boots with steel knobs is not allowed.
- Be aware of broken glass on the field.
- Do not use any vehicle with a tire pressure in the field more than >0,5 kg/cm2.
- All damages must be repaired as fast as possible to avoid further damage on the artificial turf.
- Corroding chemicals and oil is not allowed to be used on the artificial turf.
- If you need to refuel any maintenance vehicle, you must leave the field to do so.
2.0 DAILY MAINTENANCE:
Garbage and other loose objects are to be removed regularly. Garbage and other loose objects should be removed with a broom, as this will flatten the rubber infill at the same time.
Stains can be removed with greasy dissolving detergent mixed with hot water.
Tough stains can be removed with a mixture of ammonia and hot water (Remember to wear rubber gloves). Stains of ink, oil, tarmac, paint or similar materials, can be removed with mineral turpentine.
Chewing gum can be removed when it’s dry by cutting it away, or by using cold freeze spray.
Animal excrement can be a problem. In order to remove it we suggest a mixture of equal amount of hot water and distilled vinegar.
In rare occasions the outer edges of the field can experience weeds. Please do not just drag the weeds up from the ground. This will cause damage to the substrate. Weeds are best removed with special removing fluid for weeds. Please do not try to burn the weeds away. This will cause the plastic artificial turf to melt.
3.0: OVER TOWING OF THE ARTIFICIAL TURF:
When the field is brand new it is best to tow the field twice a week. One time with the towing broom, and one time with the nylon broom.
The over towing must be done in circles. From the outer edges and into the middle of the field.
It is recommendable that you tow the penalty box, and the area around the corner flags daily. It is vital that the rubber infill is brushed back after daily use.
The towing broom is redistributing the rubber infill. The nylon broom is redistributing and brushing the plastic grass fibers up again.
After approximately 3 months it will be enough to over tow the field 1 time every week.
Remember to change to the towing broom and nylon broom if they are used down.
4.0: DAMMAGES AND REPAIRS:
Doing the warranty period all damages and repairs on the artificial turf and the lines must be done by the supplier.
The artificial turf can be laid on top of chock absorbent material, and it is very important that any damages here is glued together and NOT to the grass.
Please go through all the assembling of the artificial turf 1 time every month. If you discover any damage please contact supplier for repair.
If you need to drive big trucks or a 4 wheel tractor on the field, it is very important that you secure the artificial turf with plates. Or else you can destroy the artificial turf and the warranty will not cover for that.
If you are using a 4 wheel tractor to remove snow there is some measures you need to follow. The tractor must have low pressure tires on. You should use a snow blower on the tractor. The snow blower must have added wheels or skies, so the distance is 2-3 centimeters from the artificial turf at all times. If you use a snow plow instead of a snow blower you can risk destroying the artificial turf when you push the snow in front of you.
When you need to remove the last snow from the artificial turf, you need to use a rotating brush in the front of the tractor. It is very important that the brush have wheels attached, so it’s possible to adjust the height. The brush should not be able to remove the rubber infill and damage the surface. Be aware if you use salt before the snow arrives, you can clog the drain. Some is using Chlorcalcium that should be better that salt. Best solution is to let the snow melt itself.
If you need to remove the snow because field need to be used, it is VERY IMPORTANT that you remove the snow across the field.
You need to remove snow across the field and follow the assembling lines, in order to not damage the artificial turf.
