Glue Down Artificial Turf Installation Procedures

 

Artificial turf installation requires planning. That’s why we’ve created this instruction and tips guide to help during the process.

Check the texture, color, and style upon delivery of the artificial turf. In other words, identify any defects prior to installation.

 

Concrete Floor Preparation

 

Temperature and Humidity:

Before the installation, keep the temperature between 65 deg F and 95 deg F and the relative humidity between 10% and 65% in the area where the artificial turf installation will take place. If installed over concrete, the slab temperature should not be less than 65 deg F.

Maintain these temperature and humidity conditions for at least 48 hours before, during, and 48 hours after installation.

Foundation:

Inspect each subfloor to determine any special care required in order to make it a suitable foundation for turf.

Then fill or level all cracks 1/8″ wide or protrusions over 1/32″.

Concrete:

Prior to installing turf with adhesive, make sure the concrete is free of paint, dirt, grease, oil, curing or parting agents, and other contamination, including sealers. This allows the adhesive to bond completely to the concrete floor. 

Whenever a powdery or porous surface is encountered, use a primer compatible with the adhesive to provide a suitable surface for the glue-down installation. 

Patch cracks and depressions with an appropriate and compatible latex or polymer fortified patching compound. Do not exceed manufacturer’s recommendations for patch thickness. 

Large patched areas must be primed.

Moisture Testing:

Concrete floors, even with adequate curing time, can present an unacceptable moisture condition by allowing excessive amounts of moisture vapor to pass through to the surface. 

This can be a problem even on suspended concrete floors. 

Test all concrete floors for moisture emission rate with an Anhydrous Calcium Chloride Moisture test kit available from installation supplies and accessories distributors. Since this quantitative method is very precise, conduct this step carefully with strict attention to the test kit manufacturer’s detailed instructions. 

Moisture emission rate is expressed in lbs/1000 sq ft/24 hours.

The calcium chloride test for emission rate requires 3 days to conduct, so proper installation planning is a must. 

As a general guideline, an emission rate of 3 lbs or less is acceptable for most turf. From 3 lbs to 5 lbs, turf with porous backings can usually be installed successfully, but the risk of moisture-related problems increases. 

Since some floor covering products are less tolerant of moisture than others, always consult the individual manufacturer to determine the emission rate for specific products.

 

Turf Preparation and Installation

 

Trimming Selvedge (edge/seam):

Cut the artificial turf face-down using straight edge and turf knife.
Use a chalk line to mark a straight line for cut reference.

Glue Preparation:

(1) Get glue approval before starting
(2) Must use Urethane Compatible Glue for Turf with 5mm foam

Artificial Turf Installation:

• Start in the middle of the room using chalk line.
• Butt turf together SQUARE at center line.
• Place weight (anything over 30 pounds) every 5-10 feet starting seven feet off the center line in both directions.
• CAUTION: do not forcefully move turf when folding/unfolding. Carefully keep the turf square to the center line and adjoining turf.
• Fold back the artificial turf at the center line and glue down six feet on both sides of center line.
• Unfold the turf one side at a time.
• Use a “seaming tape/fabric” at the seams.
• Apply the fabric at the seams, then apply adhesive with a trowel to the fabric.
• Fold turf onto adhesive.
• Roll turf with 100 pound roller.
• Follow the instructions on the adhesive for proper cure time.

Shop artificial turf or request a quote.