The Importance of Renewing Artificial Turf on Soccer Pitches

Relaying an artificial turf soccer pitch is an operation which is often postponed for various reasons.

In most cases there is a preference for small repair and renovation works, but over time these can become more frequent and often do not solve the problem.

As much as it is built to last, an artificial turf soccer pitch or a five-a-side pitch can lose its technical and sports functionality over time.

When, then, is it time to intervene and replace the artificial turf surface?

Let's find out together.

Relaying an Artificial Turf Soccer Pitch: When and Why to Do It

Worn areas, uneven bounce and playing characteristics, frequent detachment, drainage problems …

Renewal of the artificial turf surface of a soccer pitch should be performed before these things occur.

Over and above the aesthetic aspect, if player performance and comfort are no longer optimum, this can have impacts not only on play, but on safety.

At both the highest levels and in amateur play, every pass, shot and bounce counts, and a soccer pitch which has lost its response weighs down the game and makes it unpredictable – and not in a good way!

Whether we are talking about relaying a full soccer field or the playing surface of a five-a-side pitch, the benefits of renewal are clear:

  • Performance and safety: the reactiveness and uniformity of the artificial turf surface are as essential for playing performance as for safe play
  • Attractive appearance: an overhaul of a soccer pitch generates new interest around the facilities, with benefits both for athletes and the entire local community
  • Approval: relaying the artificial turf surface of soccer fields or five-a-side pitches opens up the possibility for the sports facility to become a new location for events and tournaments
  • Savings: when relaying an artificial turf soccer pitch, the stabilizing infill layer and technical infill can be recovered from the old system, subject to testing

Maintenance of Artificial Turf Surfaces: Is It Possible to Prevent the Need for Relaying the Surface?

We need to start off by looking at the main “early wear factors” for artificial turf surfaces for soccer or five-a-side pitches, which are:

  • Number of hours of intensive play
  • Particular atmospheric conditions (e.g. outdoor artificial turf soccer pitches in areas subject to significant solar exposure)

Where it is possible to make interventions is in maintenance of the artificial turf surface: while little maintenance is actually required, this must be regular.

Dishomogeneous infill, for example, can not only lead to humps or depressions which impact playability, but also lead to early wear of the filaments.

There are indeed products which are effective in removing oil or water stains, as well as various kinds of residue, from the artificial turf surface, but without constant inspections and regular interventions, the damage is likely to spread, just like a stain.

The moral of the story is that maintenance of artificial turf surfaces has represented a revolution for those used to the care and attention required by natural turf. But we mustn't get carried away.

If you wish to extend the service life of artificial turf soccer or five-a-side pitches, “maintenance” is the magic word!

Relaying Soccer Pitches: Ready for an Upgrade?

What is the average service life of an artificial turf soccer pitch? Seven to ten years of intensive use?

Well, in recent years, while match after match has been played on the pitch, the manufacturers of artificial turf for soccer pitches have been engaged in a challenge: continuing to improve the performance of their surfaces.

What we mean to say is that relaying the artificial turf surface of a soccer pitch also brings with it all the innovations and new performance achieved by the sector.

In recent years, the R&D performed by Mondo has led to a series of technical and performance improvements in artificial turf for soccer and five-a-side pitches, thanks to analysis of the performance of the surfaces and partnerships with universities and players:

  • Artificial turf for five-a-side soccer without the need for infill
  • Special filaments which provide a ball roll closer to that of natural turf
  • Filament combinations which increase duration, resilience and softness performance
  • Cork performance infills
  • Shock-absorbing surfaces able to optimize the biomechanical damping parameters of shock and vertical deformation

If you are interested in renewing an artificial turf soccer field or a new surface for a five-a-side pitch, get in touch with Mondo, and our technicians will provide you with additional information and a custom quote.

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