Extend artificial turf performance with SureSoak Drainage Panels

Artificial turf has become increasingly popular for residential and commercial landscapes, offering a lush green appearance with minimal maintenance. However, ensuring proper drainage is crucial to maintaining the longevity and functionality of your artificial turf. One innovative solution is the use of SureSoak Drainage Panels. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of incorporating SureSoak panels beneath your artificial turf and how they can enhance the overall performance of your outdoor space.

What is the importance of artificial turf drainage? 

Proper drainage is essential for any outdoor surface, including artificial turf. Without effective drainage, excess rainwater and other liquids can accumulate, leading to potential issues such as mould and uneven surfaces. Any active use upon the artificial turf can pull, stretch or tear the surface which leads to severe wear and damage of the turf fibres.

SureSoak Drainage Panels offer a strategic solution by promoting efficient water drainage. Placed underneath the artificial turf, they act as a void where water can quickly soak through, while providing a flat, stable and durable surface.

SureSoak Drainage Panels: What sets them apart?

Available in 20mm, 30mm or 50mm thicknesses, SureSoak drainage panels are designed with a diamond cup structure to facilitate optimal water drainage. They can be placed vertically against a retaining wall, or horizontal beneath artificial turf. They can even be used as soakage pits for gardens that receive little rainfall.

When placed underneath artificial turf, these lightweight, highly durable panels not only allow water to pass through but also provide a stable and supportive base for the turf above. If you’re using the area for parking and access routes, the 50mm panel can take the weight of cars and trucks, providing confidence that your surface material will last longer as foot or vehicle traffic won’t push the turf into the ground. SureSoak will keep the material dry and flat, allowing less opportunity for abrasions, wear and tear, as well as preventing puddling and water retention where the surface dips.

This means that at the end of the day, you can use your outdoor area no matter the weather conditions, because SureSoak keeps your artificial lawn flat, stable and dry.

What are the key features of SureSoak Drainage Panels?

• Diamond Shape Design: This unique structure allows water to flow through without decreasing its strength, preventing water from pooling on the surface.
• Durable Construction: SureSoak panels are lightweight but strong. They are engineered to withstand the weight of traffic, giving constant support to your surface material.
• Easy Installation: SureSoak drainage panels are simply clipped together and placed over a layer of geotextile. The panels can be easily cut to fit any shape or size of the project. The artificial turf is then laid on top.
• Enhanced Drainage: SureSoak panels provide improved drainage, preventing waterlogged areas and promoting a drier, more enjoyable outdoor space.
• Increased Turf Lifespan: A well-drained artificial turf surface is less prone to damage, ensuring a longer lifespan for your investment. SureSoak panels contribute to the overall health and durability of your turf.

A quick guide to installing SureSoak Drainage Panels

By using artificial turf, you’ve already made the conscious choice of providing customers or family with a low-maintenance surface you can use in all weather conditions, but to make sure it lasts a long time, it’s important to install it correctly. By preparing your sub-base and using the correct materials, you will ensure a long-lasting artificial turf surface.

• Ensure a level base: Before installing SureSoak drainage panels, make sure the ground is level to provide a stable foundation for the panels and the artificial turf.
• Use SureTex Geotextile: SureTex geotextile is used as a separation layer between the subbase and either the aggregate layers above, or the SureSoak panels if they are placed directly on top. This prevents either layer from sinking into the softer soil below, preventing dips and hollows on the surface above.

Incorporating SureSoak drainage panels beneath your artificial turf improves the long-term health and performance of your outdoor space. By promoting efficient water drainage, these panels contribute to a dry, clean, and visually appealing artificial turf surface, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of a green lawn without the worries of water-related issues.

Gardening in areas with limited rainfall can be a challenging task. Insufficient water supply poses a significant hurdle to maintaining healthy and vibrant plants. However, with the innovative use of SureSoak Drainage Cells, you can create an efficient soakage pit system that not only conserves water but also nurtures your garden, transforming it into a lush oasis even in arid conditions.

Dry gardens make it challenging to meet the water needs of plants. Infrequent rainfall can also lead to runoff issues, causing soil erosion and preventing water from penetrating the root zone. This can also mean that traditional watering methods may result in water wastage as the moisture doesn’t reach the plant roots effectively.

By creating a soakage pit beneath your garden, you will help nourish the plants and allow them to have a natural water source from which they can constantly feed from. Simply clear away and flatten the area you wish to use as a garden. Place a layer of geotextile then place SureSoak Drainage Cells until they cover the desired area, then place another layer of geotextile over the top before adding soil and small plantings. The upper layer of geotextile will act like a wick, absorbing water and feeding it up into the soil around plant roots.

 The benefits of a Soakage Pit: 

• Conserve Water: Soakage pits facilitate water conservation by allowing rainwater or irrigation to slowly permeate the soil, minimising runoff.
• Prevents Erosion: The design of soakage pits helps prevent soil erosion by ensuring water is absorbed gradually, giving the soil sufficient time to retain moisture.
• Improved Water Distribution: By channelling water directly to the root zone, soakage pits ensure efficient water distribution, promoting optimal plant growth.

SureSoak Drainage Cells are ideal for overcoming dry garden challenges. Their lightweight yet durable design makes them easy to install, and large void area makes sure they retain a high percentage of water. They will easily take the weight of wet soil, so you can rest assured that they won’t crack or collapse once buried underground.