Heat-Resistant Artificial Grass: Staying Cool Under the UK Sun

Even in the UK, we’re starting to see warmer temperatures, more heatwaves, and the increased risk of drought from spring to late summer. It’s becoming increasingly popular to install heat-resistant artificial turf in your garden or outside space, which is both low maintenance and needs no watering, with added UV protection to prolong the artificial grass’s appearance and ensure the space remains usable all year round.

Older styles of artificial turf are at risk of heat building up on very sunny days, and can become too hot to touch, particularly on bare feet and paws. By choosing heat-resistant artificial grass for your lawn, you can help protect pets, children and those who use the space from burning themselves, as well as preserving the vivid colour and structure of your perfectly manicured lawn.

The Problem with Standard Artificial Turf in Hot Weather

Certain types of outdoor surfaces are prone to getting very hot under the intense summer sun, including patios, decking, and some types of artificial grass. Let’s take a look at why this happens and how to avoid it.

Why Some Grass Gets Too Hot

Artificial lawns made from certain synthetic materials, as well as some very dark shades and high-density faux turfs, can heat up on hot days as they can absorb the sun’s radiation and retain the heat. Some types of artificial grass infill, such as rubber materials, can also contribute towards surface heat up, whereas natural silica sand materials can help encourage heat to dissipate.

How Heat Affects Usability and Comfort

If your lawn gets too hot, it can not only be uncomfortable for people and pets to walk on, but there could be a risk of scalds or burns on very sunny days. Grass with no heat protection presents a risk to pets, children playing, and anyone using the space in the summer. And prolonged or intense heat could lead to the product becoming damaged, warped, or scorched. Heat retention can also lead to the outside area feeling hotter than usual, which may affect plants and wildlife within the garden. 

Heat-resistant artificial turf, however, is designed to stay cooler even in the hotter months. This allows the garden to safely be used throughout the summer, as well as during the other seasons, whilst also helping to preserve the grass’s colour and structure for longer.

What is Heat-Resistant Artificial Grass?

So, exactly what makes artificial turf heat-resistant, and how is it different to standard artificial turf? Heat-resistant artificial grass features special fibres which reflect the sun’s rays, minimising heat build-up on the surface. Some faux lawns also have a special UV coating to prevent sunlight from damaging and heating up the blades, and most products are designed to help improve airflow to promote cooling. Finally, if infill is used, this can be based on natural products or innovative synthetic materials which are specially designed to promote heat dissipation.

Key Features of Heat-Tolerant Grass 

Heat-resistant turf is specially made to reflect, rather than absorb, the sun’s rays. The density, colour and shape of the heat-resistant blades help to promote heat tolerance and reduce fading. W-shaped artificial turf is manufactured to diffuse and disperse light, enhancing the visual appeal and ensuring it remains cooler in prolonged sunlight.

Materials and UV Protection

Special UV coatings and polymers can be added to the blades during the manufacturing process, which helps reduce any heat buildup in direct sunlight. Think of it as an SPF for your lawn. DualChill™ and CoolPlay Turf™ are examples of heat-resistant coatings and UV stabilisers added to artificial lawns. Heat-resistant artificial grass that doesn't get hot, even in the warmest climates and sunnier seasons, is frequently cited as the best artificial grass for summer and all year round. The added coatings not only minimise heat absorption but also help to protect your lawn during other inclement weather in the autumn and winter.

Artificial Grass That Doesn't Get Hot: How it Works

Heat-tolerant grass can be achieved through manufacturing, using a specific fibre shape, a lighter colour, and using infrared reflecting fibres and coatings. Special cooling infills can help to support heat dissipation, and ensuring the correct installation with proper drainage, which also improves breathability, can all help to keep your lawn feeling cooler underfoot all summer.

Benefits of Heat-Resistant Turf in UK Summers

Choosing artificial grass that doesn't get hot is becoming increasingly popular, in hot climates as well as in the UK. As water becomes an increasingly precious resource, more and more people may turn to artificial lawns, which never need watering. And as record-breaking temperatures become commonplace, it’s essential to choose an artificial grass which won’t present a danger to pets or people on sunny days. 

Safer for Kids and Pets

Heat-resistant fake grass is much safer for pets and children, and helps make your outdoor space usable all year round. Pet-friendly artificial grass needs to be cool enough for sensitive paws to use, and children playing or adults using the space need to be able to use it safely, without the risk of burning or discomfort underfoot.

Better for Roof Terraces and Balconies 

One of the many benefits of an artificial lawn is its versatility vs real grass, and how it can be laid in shady spots, direct sunlight, over poor quality soil, and even on terraces and balconies. By opting for heat-tolerant grass, you can enjoy peace of mind when using the space in bare feet or sandals, as well as preserving the faux grass’s structure and colour in all seasons.

Energy Efficiency and Cooling Effects 

Heat-resistant fake grass helps reduce surface heating by having a built-in cooling effect. Exceptionally hot surfaces can be unusable in summer, and by effectively reflecting UV rays and dissipating heat, it can help the entire outdoor area to feel cooler. This can benefit plants, people and animals, as it won’t exacerbate high heat levels during heatwaves.

Installation Tips for Heat-Resistant Fake Grass

It’s essential to install your faux lawn correctly to support its heat-dissipating capabilities. Here are our top tips:

Surface Preparation for Warm Weather Areas  

If your garden has naturally shady spots, this will help to keep lawn areas cool. For south-facing gardens and balconies, though, ensuring your lawn has the appropriate drainage will help to encourage airflow and cooling. 

You could consider adding larger shrubs to provide extra shade during the summer. It’s also possible to lay your new faux lawn in such a way that the fibres face away from the direction of the midday sun, to promote UV reflection during the hottest parts of the day.

Enhancing Cooling with Underlays

To help support artificial grass that doesn't get hot, using a breathable and permeable grass underlay during installation can help. 

Beaded, foam, and shockpad varieties can help to promote cooling as well as provide comfort underfoot. Just ask our friendly team at Grass247 for help in choosing the best underlay option for your lawn.

FAQs on Artificial Turf and Heat

Does heat-resistant artificial turf fade?

Heat-resistant fake grass is designed to reflect, rather than absorb UV rays, which not only gives a cooling effect underfoot but helps to preserve your grass’s colour and appearance. This clever anti-fade technology reduces the risk of bleaching over time, as well as helping to preserve the structure of the fibres, preventing warping and structural damage.

Is it safe for dogs during summer?

Heat-tolerant grass is great for dogs and other pets, even in the hottest summers! The special heat-resistant design won’t heat up as much as other varieties, so it’s safe for sensitive paws and noses. Our range of non-toxic artificial lawns is ideal for pets, children and adults to enjoy all year round.