What is silica sand used for?

If you have artificial turf in your home or are thinking of installing it, you’ve probably heard of silica sand. But do you know why it is important and what is its function? If you don’t know or want to know more, keep reading this article to discover its usefulness and find out all about it.

What is silica sand?

Silica sand is a combination of silica atoms (up to 96%) and oxygen, which appears as small white grains of sand. It is the most common infill for installing artificial turf. Although it is not necessary to use it, we recommend that you do so to keep your lawn in perfect condition for a long time. This material provides stability to the filaments and prolongs the life of the artificial turf.

“Silica sand extends the life of turf“.

Reasons why it is important to use silica sand

Using silica sand in your artificial turf offers several advantages:

Increased stability

Silica sand increases the stability and protection of the grass fibers, giving it a more natural look and greater durability. This is because it adds weight to the turf, preventing it from shifting or lifting with wind or heavy use. With it, your lawn will stay in place even in areas with high traffic of people or animals, regardless of the surface on which you are going to install it: soil, pavement…

Footprint comfort

By placing a layer of silica sand, the sand acts as a shock absorber by evenly distributing the walker’s weight and pressure over the surface of the turf, softening the footfall and reducing impact on the feet and joints. This makes walking on it much more pleasant, providing a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Verticality of the fibers

This material helps the grass fibers to remain upright and vertical. It contributes to its preservation and improves the aesthetics of the turf. By keeping the grass fibers upright, sand contributes to a more natural and pleasant underfoot feel, similar to that of natural grass. At the same time, it protects the fibers from wear and tear, prolonging the life of the artificial turf.

Better grip and adherence to the surface on which the artificial turf is installed.

Silica sand significantly improves the grip and adherence of the artificial turf to the underlying surface due to its physical properties and even distribution among the fibers. As a dense, heavy material, it adds additional weight to the turf, keeping it firmly in place and preventing it from shifting or lifting with daily use or adverse weather conditions.

In addition, its ability to infiltrate and compact between the fibers and over the base of the turf creates a stable, uniform layer that effectively anchors the turf. This stability prevents wrinkling, rippling and shifting, ensuring that the turf remains aesthetically pleasing over time.

Works as a thermal insulator

Silica sand is an excellent thermal insulator that helps reduce surface heat during the hottest months. If you water your lawn, especially on the hottest days of the year, the sand will help keep it cool and reduce the temperature. This is especially helpful when the lawn receives direct sunlight as it reflects some of the radiation. In addition, silica sand’s ability to retain moisture also helps to cool the surface as the evaporation of the water draws heat from the environment.

Reduction of static electricity

Reduction of static electricity generated by friction between the synthetic fibers. Silica sand works as a natural dissipator, minimizing this effect and making artificial turf safer and more pleasant to the touch.

How is silica sand placed?

To properly place silica sand on your artificial turf, follow these steps:

1. Sod installation: Once you have installed the sod, spread the silica sand over it. This step is done only once.
2. Transporting the sand: You can transport the sand in a wheelbarrow and spread it with a shovel or with your hands, whichever is more comfortable for you.
3. Sand distribution: Spread between 3 and 7 kg of sand per square meter over the entire surface of the artificial turf. This amount will depend on the height of the installed grass fibers.
4. Brushing: Brush the lawn against the direction of the fibers so that the sand goes down to the bottom. You can use a stiff bristle brush or an electric brush.
5. Watering: Water the lawn with a little water and let it settle.

Silica sand is a perfect element to keep your artificial turf in optimal condition. It not only provides stability and protection to the fibers, but also improves the comfort, appearance and durability of the turf. In addition, it acts as an excellent thermal insulator, and dissipates static electricity. By following the correct steps for its installation, you will be able to enjoy an impeccable and long-lasting artificial turf.

Although it is not essential, use silica sand in your artificial turf and benefit from all its advantages.