Non-infill artificial turf is popular at schools
Synthetic Turf Management (STM), a nationwide installer of artificial turf sports and education facilities, had a busy summer this year particularly in the capital where an existing space was transformed into a multi-use games area (MUGA).
Many London schools struggle for space in the built-up city, especially for outdoor activity. This means that new and innovative ways are needed to optimise space and create an area suitable for all PE sports. And this is exactly why St Angela’s Usuline School in East London decided to take action on their rooftop with non-infill artificial turf.
Why Non-Infill?
No doubt, most have heard of the 3G artificial grass or sand filled and sand dressed turf products which are brushed into artificial turf blades which allows them to stand upright and withstand tackles and falls. But a new and advanced product has been developed that doesn’t require infill which was perfect for the schools’ requirements. With this being a rooftop install the surface needed to be under a certain weight to meet health and safety standards. It is the infill that weighs artificial turf products down, averaging about 5 kilograms per square metre! So non-infill is a lot lighter.
STM used a non-infill turf which has two different types of yarn; a texturised monofilament under a fibrillated yarn therefore there is no need for rubber crumb or silica sand infill.
The Specification
As with most primary schools, it is important to provide a soft yet durable surface. That is why the turf was installed with a base panel underneath of 1×1 metre squares which are interlocked with grippers.
