Seam ruptures (seam separation) in synthetic grass are not only unsightly, but they also become worse with time. You’ll have to undertake extra repairs if you wait too long to mend a seam rupture. The open seam will disintegrate over time from its edge, eventually working its way into the remaining synthetic turf. Climate change has the potential to hasten the deterioration. When the edge of a seam rupture is exposed to UV radiation, high heat, or thawing out from winter snow, the seam rupture dries up, shrinks, and the backing material begins to delaminate.
Seam ruptures might be misinterpreted as a sign of poor craftsmanship. Cutting the seam fibers can make the seam apparent, making it appear as if it has ruptured. You must be careful not to cut any fibers while cutting the edges for a seam. Cutting fibers at the seam allows additional infill to accumulate within the seam line, requiring you to cut out damaged fibers and replace them with synthetic grass strips.
Tools Needed For An Artificial Grass Seam Repair
- SHOP VAC
- SHARP CARPET KNIFE
- HAMMER
- 50 POUND INFILL BAGS
- SEAM ADHESIVE
- TAPE MEASURE
- NAILS
- SEAM TAPE
- PLASTIC DRYWALL SPATULA
- STIFF BRISTLE HAND BRUSH
- SCISSORS
- INFILL
- SYNTHETIC TURF
Step-By-Step Guide: Artificial Grass Seam Repair
Step 1. Vacuum out the infill about 12 inches on both sides of the seam patch using a shopvac. It’s critical that any infill is kept away from the repair. Placing the adhesive on the seam tape with infill will increase the risk of future seam failure since the infill will prevent a firm binding. Fold back the fibers and vacuum out enough filler for the repair if the seam rupture is minor.
Step 2. Large nails can be used to keep the two portions open for repair. To have fresh backing and fibers for the new repair, you may need to cut the margins of the current seam. Remove any excess filling and backing material that fell onto your work surface with a vacuum.
Step 3. Each length of the torn seam should be measured and written down. Each seam separation’s “gap width” should be measured and written down. STEP 4 will require these measurements.
Step 4. Seam tape should be rolled out to the length of the repair. Cut strips for the repair that are at least 6″ wide and long, depending on how broad and long the seam rupture and separation is.
Step 5. Take a straight line and mark the center of the seam tape strip once it has been cut to the proper length and breadth. This will create a “glue line” where the synthetic grass strip will adhere to the seam tape.
Step 6. Take a straight line and mark the center of the seam tape strip once it has been cut to the proper length and breadth. This will create a “glue line” for the synthetic grass strip to attach to the seam tape.
Step 7. Place seam adhesive on the seaming tape’s center designated line, about 12″ wide and 12″ tall. I recommend putting adhesive in the cartridge since it makes it simpler to apply the glue and prevents it from getting on the fibers. Place the grass strip on the glue along the center line and press down until it cures.
Step 8. Place the grass strip in between the two pieces of existing synthetic turf once it has been glued to the seaming tape. To guarantee a correct fit, you will need to remove any extra synthetic turf backing at this point. If the fit is too snug, a Mohawk will form, and the repair will be apparent. To keep the grass strip in place, attach it to the subgrade. Make sure your nails are 3 12″ in length. When completing tiny repairs, I advise against using huge nails. If you use huge nails, you risk hitting pebbles behind the seaming tape, causing the repair to slip.
Step 9. Fold back the two portions of the seaming tape and carefully lay adhesive covering the remainder of the seaming tape at a minimum of 1/8″ inch thick. Make sure the glue doesn’t get on the grass strip fibers. If you can’t get the glue on the turf strip without getting it on the fibers, I propose using “Blue Painters Tape” to protect the turf strip from the adhesive.
Step 10. Slowly fold both turf pieces to the middle of the grass strip. When putting the two portions into the grass strip, we recommend someone help you. Run your palm down the middle of the repair and compress the portions to the seaming tape once they’re in place.
Step 11. Compression can be achieved by securing the fix with tiny nails.
Step 12. All seam repairs should be done by hand, in my opinion. By trapping the fibers, too much filler might split the seam. Place infill in a big cup and use a tiny hand brush to massage it in.
Step 13. After the infill has been installed, I recommend brushing up the surrounding synthetic grass with a power broom to blend the repair in. Avoid sweeping the mended seam with the power broom across.
Step 14. Trim any superfluous fibers that have risen to the surface as a result of the mending. Cleaning and repairing separated seams that have lifted owing to faulty installation or weak glue is possible. You can inject glue and fix the repair if the space between the two pieces of the seam has not shifted.
We Can Help!
It’s important to take proper care of your artificial lawn to prevent rips from happening. Repairing an artificial grass seam can be tricky. If you need assistance repairing your artificial lawn, we’d be happy to answer any questions or schedule a service. Contact us at (800) 674-TURF.