Just like quality artificial turf, it is critical to select the proper turf adhesive for sports fields. The cohesive nature of turf seams, their resistance to lifting edges and ability to resist instability under normal usage is provided by a strong adhesive. The correct football pitch, hockey field, cricket training field or multi-sport installation adhesive can provide a huge impact on the life of the installation.

There are a lot of people who consider only the quality of the turf, infill, shock pads, and drainage but forget the glue used for installation. But if the sports turf glue is weak, it won’t be suitable, and it is possible for it to lift with edges, wrinkles, and seams coming loose which will be very costly to repair. The fortunate part is that as long as you know the factors that make it easier to choose the best adhesive.

Why is it important to have a sports field with turf adhesive?

It is common to buy artificial turf in large rolls. Care must be taken to ensure that the rolls are secured in place so that the seams lie flat and secure when running, turning, sliding or moving in any other form of sport.

Professional turf adhesive provides a good adhesion between the backing and the seam tape. Can also be used to secure specific edges or areas of the turf, depending on the installation system and substrate. There are specialist polyurethane and hybrid adhesive systems available from manufacturers, specifically for synthetic turf use, such as in sports fields.

A good adhesive will assist:

• Make sure that the seams on the turf are well connected
• Lessen the chance of seam separation
• Avoid curling or lifting edges
• Use repeated player move when necessary
• Repels water and weather
• Be flexible in your plans for rising and falling temperatures
• Help maintain a clean and tidy appearance

The adhesive cannot be used on its own. The final product is influenced by the type of turf backing, seam tape, substrate preparation, application technique, curing conditions and installation quality.

What if Your Turf Glue Isn’t the Right One?

An adhesive that is inexpensive or readily available can end up causing issues. Typical stress, experienced on sports fields, is significantly greater than that experienced by a standard decorative artificial grass installation, therefore a standard glue might not be appropriate.

Common problems include:

• Open or weak seams
• When the edges of the turf (sward) rise away from the ground (base)
• The presence of wrinkles and uneven places
• General low adhesion, particularly during the rainy or moist season
• Chronic cracking of adhesive; brittle adhesive
• Longer service life (required repairs and maintenance)
• Safety issues relating to loose turf

Therefore, don’t choose an adhesive solely on the basis of its price. Read the full product specification and see if it meets your sports field’s synthetic turf requirements and conditions.

Types of Artificial Turf Adhesive

No single adhesive will fit all turf jobs. The various formulations are intended for use in various installation circumstances.

• One-Component Turf Adhesive

One component, or 1K, of adhesives are ready to use – no mixing is needed for application. Many are moisture cured polyurethane products, which are easy to use for some turf seaming and repair projects.

The primary benefit is that it is easy. The installer may prefer to do smaller jobs or repair work, since it does not require them to measure and mix two components.

Suitable for:

• Small turf installations
• Repairs
• Seam work
• Projects of simplicity, where simple application is important
• The selected indoor and outdoor uses

The curing performance may be influenced, however, by the temperature and humidity. Always follow manufacturer’s application and curing instructions.

• Two-Component Turf Adhesive

Two-component (also known as 2K) adhesives are made up of two different components that must be combined prior to use. They can create strong, controllable bonds and are used extensively with synthetic turf for demanding applications.

They especially benefit when the field is going to be used by a lot of people and has harsh outdoor elements.

Suitable for:

• Professional sports fields
• Football pitches
• Hockey fields
• Large commercial installations
• High-traffic turf applications
• The seam bonding is required to be strong

The only drawback is that the mixing should be done properly. The installer should also take into account the working life (or pot life) of the product after mixing the components.

• Polyurethane Turf Adhesive

One of the more common adhesive chemistries utilized for professional synthetic turf applications is called polyurethane, or PU, for short. When the field is subject to frequent changing movements and temperatures, PU systems can offer good bonding without sacrificing flexibility.

If using for outdoor sports fields, check for a PU adhesive that is formulated and tested to work on synthetic turf – do not assume that all polyurethane products will work.

Guidance on selecting the appropriate Turf Adhesive for a Sports Field

When purchasing a product, check out the following:

• Identify what kind of turf it is Determine the Type of Turf

Begin with the turf. The backing material, construction and installation requirements of different artificial grass products may be different.

The requirements for a football or hockey turf, a cricket practice turf or a multi-sport surface may be different. Be sure to review the turf manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation and then choose the adhesive.

The adhesive should be compatible with the following:

• Turf backing
• Seam tape
• Provide underlay or shock pad, as needed
• Base or substrate
• If there are line markings and logos on them, these will be bonded

Compatibility is a key factor in any adhesive, since the adhesive is of no use if it does not bind the materials in your turf system together.

• Consider the Substrate

Another factor in determining adhesive is the surface under the turf. The various bases such as concrete, asphalt, compacted aggregate systems, etc. may have different characteristics.

There are some adhesives that will bond to porous, non-porous or both, and others that are more specific to the kind of surface they are made to apply to. It is recommended that the substrate compatibility be verified before installation, according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

The substrate should usually be prepared and free of contamination prior to application which may cause bonding problems.

• Consider an indoor/outdoor installation

It’s not the same environment that an outdoor football field is in.

Outdoor mowing lawns are open to being exposed to:

• Rain
• Humidity
• Direct sunlight
• Temperature changes
• Dust
• Heavy foot traffic
• Seasonal weather changes

Therefore, when selecting an outdoor football turf adhesive, you should make sure that it is compatible with the weather and moisture.

Low VOC and low odour substrates may be a good alternative for indoor facilities, especially in enclosed areas.   Refer to manufacturer’s technical and safety data always.

• Provide proper temperature and humidity

Adhesive performance may be influenced by weather conditions, particularly when being applied and curing.

A few one-component moisture curing adhesives can take longer to cure in cold, dry environments. In some difficult conditions, the curing reaction does not depend entirely on the moisture in the air and two-component systems may provide more predictable curing.

Before beginning to work, check:

• Recommended application temperature
• The minimum and maximum temperatures
• Humidity requirements
• Surface moisture requirements
• Open time
• Working time
• Initial set time
• Full cure time

Don’t assume that an adhesive will react to all seasons or seasons alike.

• Water and Weather Resistance

There is a high likelihood of moisture in outdoor sports fields. The following factors can be a concern for an adhesive system when it comes to rain, irrigation, humidity and wet ground conditions.

A product used for outdoor synthetic turf will need to be waterproof and weatherproof and should be checked in the technical documentation. There are some professional turf adhesives which are specifically developed to have performance in demanding outdoor conditions.

Be aware, waterproofing is NOT a drainage solution. An appropriate drainage design is yet to be produced for the complete sports field system.

• The next step is to consider the bond strength and flexibility

A sports field is in constant change. Players run, stop, turn, slide and pivot. It is therefore desirable to have an adhesive that is capable of holding the turf firmly in place and that will allow for normal movement.

Don’t use bond strength as a measure of quality. Other factors to take into account are flexibility and longevity.

The ideal application adhesive for putting sod down should have the following properties:

• Strong initial grab
• Reliable final bond
• Good flexibility
• Referred to as the “Dislike of repeated motion. Known as “Reiterative motion aversion.
• Appropriate weather resistance
• The ability to adhere with the turf backing and seam tape

• The Project Size should be specified

For minor repairs, a one-component product that comes ready to use may be more convenient. 

For larger projects it may be feasible to use one adhesive system or another. for a large football or hockey field.

Take into account how the application is going to be used. Glue boxes or notched trowels can be employed for specialist work like large projects to ensure that the adhesive has good coverage.

The 2 choices are 1K vs 2K Turf Adhesive, which to use?

Which products are “stronger” depends on the project, which should be the first consideration when making a choice between the one-component and two-component adhesive.

Note: If mixing is necessary, follow instructions on the package.

Factor	1K Adhesive	2K Adhesive
Mixing	No mixing required	Two components must be mixed
Application	Simple	Requires accurate mixing
Convenience	High	Moderate
Large sports projects	Suitable for selected applications	Common choice for demanding projects
Curing	Moisture and conditions can be a factor	More controlled curing
Repairs	Very convenient	Can be used where indicated
High-traffic areas	Depends on product	Often preferred for demanding applications
Skill required	Lower	Higher

For all adhesives always refer to the technical data sheet from the manufacturer and not solely to the 1K/2K designation.

What quantity of adhesive should be used?

Different types of sports fields will require different amounts of adhesive. The amount of consumption is determined by the adhesive, trowel size, seam tape, turf backing, type of substrate and application method.

For instance, certain turf adhesives have varying rates of cover, depending on whether they are to be used on seams or other larger areas. One manufacturer states that the coverage is around 0.5-1.5kg/m² depending upon the application technique, and the type of substrate.

So, avoid using any random rule you may find online to make an estimate.

Instead:

• Take the area measurements of the turf and lengths of the seams

• Look at the coverage rate on the adhesive manufacturer’s label

• Ensure that method of application is recommended

• Take into account the porosity of the substrate

• Work out how many you need

• Provide for actual installation losses as appropriate

When it comes to planning the materials for a professional sports field, there’s a big risk of running out of materials, or wasting them unnecessarily.

The importance of the use of seam tape for turf installations

Typically, turf adhesive and seam tape go hand-in-hand. Under the joint between turf rolls, there is a seam tape; the adhesive holds the backing to the turf.

This has a reinforcing effect to connect and tie two sections of turf together. Most professional synthetic turf systems use a specially designed seam tape and adhesive as opposed to just glue.

A simple seam installation is made up of:

• Correctly positioning the turf rolls

• Placing seam tape under the joint

• Applying the recommended adhesive in even application

• Tightly stitched edges of the turf together without tension or openings

• Compressing the turf into the adhesive

• Rolling or weighting the seam as recommended

• Curing adhesive prior to heavy use

The method always should follow the instructions of the turf and adhesive manufacturer.

The following are the common mistakes that may occur while using Sports Turf Glue:

No matter how good the glue, if it’s not used properly.

• Using General-Purpose Glue

Don’t assume carpet glue or “regular” construction adhesive will work on a professional sports field. The adhesive should be used for synthetic turf and the conditions to which it will be subjected.

• Use Adhesive on a Dirty Surface

Oil, dust, loose particles etc. can affect bonding. The key to a successful installation is correct surface preparation.

• Ignoring the Weather

Curing and bond performance may be impacted by installing adhesive outside of its recommended temperature/moisture range.

• Too much or too little application

The more adhesive, the stronger bond is not always true. The amount and placement of use will vary according to manufacturer’s directions and the installation system.

• Walking On the Turf Too Early

While the glue may seem like it has set, it has not necessarily cured completely. Wait according to manufacturer’s specifications before loading with heavy traffic.

What to look for on the Adhesive Technical Data Sheet?

When buying any artificial grass adhesive, request the technical data sheet otherwise known as the TDS.

Important information includes:

• Adhesive type
• It can be applied in one-part or two-part formulation
• Recommended substrates
• Mixing ratio (if applicable)
• Coverage
• Working time
• Open time
• Curing time
• Application temperature
• Moisture requirements
• Storage conditions
• Shelf life
• Safety information
• VOC information
• Appropriate testing or standards for the performance

If you’re designing a sports project, it’s particularly critical that you document the adhesive, since it is a component of the entire playing surface system.

The proper storage of Turf Adhesive

One often overlooked aspect of correct storage is that of storage. Improper storage or use of adhesive after the recommended shelf life may degrade adhesive performance.

Store in line with manufacturer’s directions. Keep it away from poor temperature, humidity, direct sunlight and damaged packaging.

Always store both components of two-component products correctly, and adhere to the mixing ratio specified for the application when installing the product.

The importance of professional installation

Selecting the appropriate adhesive is just half the solution. The nature of the installation will be a significant factor in the outcome.

A professional installer knows how to:

• Prepare the substrate
• When installing seam tape, ensure it is in the proper location
• Coat the adhesives evenly
• Keep a correct alignment of the turf
• Manage working time
• Handle weather conditions
• Press firmly on the area that is being bonded
• Follow curing requirements

This is especially critical for fields of play, such as football, hockey, and other sports fields where players create “stress” on the surface.

Before you purchase Turf Adhesive, be sure to do this:

Here are few questions that need to be asked before ordering:

• Is the adhesive specifically designed for synthetic turf?

• Is it compatible to my type of backing for the turf?

• Does it fit into the seam tape?

• Can I use it in my substrate?

• Will the field be an indoor or outdoor location?

• What will be its climate?

• Will it work for high usage in sports?

• What temperature range is suggested?

• What is the length of the working time?

• How many days does it require for curing?

• What type of coverage will be available?

• Is suitable technical documentation available for the product?

• Does it meet the project specification or required sports standard?

Before purchasing a product, if you can answer these questions, then you are not likely to end up making a wrong choice.

FAQs

Q1. What’s the best glue for fake grass?

Ans. In some sports applications, synthetic turf is installed using a professional adhesive, often polyurethane or other turf specific adhesive.  The selection will depend on the substrate, backing of the turf, method of installation, climate, traffic load and manufacturer’s recommendations.

Q2. What glue to use for artificial turf?

Ans. The best option is to use a special artificial turf adhesive. A general-purpose construction adhesive may not offer sufficient flexibility, waterproofing, curing properties or compatibility for the professional sports turf installation.

Q3. What kind of glue works best with artificial grass that’s installed on concrete?

Ans. A turf specific polyurethane or hybrid adhesive for concrete may be appropriate, as long as it is compatible with the turf backing and installation system. The bonding process should also be undertaken properly by the concrete.

Q4. How much time is needed for the drying out of artificial turf adhesive?

Ans. The drying or curing time is quite different from adhesive type to type and ambient conditions to ambient conditions. Certain products may start setting fairly promptly and complete curing may require a longer time. Never assume a curing or working time, always use manufacturer’s recommended time.

Q5. Do you need seam tape with artificial turf adhesive?

Ans. Adhesive is often used along with seam tape for professional turf seam installation. The tape is used to create a base under the joint and the adhesive holds the turf backing to the tape. When using the two as a compatible system, it contributes to a secure seam.

Q6. Is it OK to use turf adhesive in wet weather?

Ans. This will depend on the product. Not all turf adhesives are used on wet or waterlogged surfaces, but some are specifically developed for difficult outdoor use. Follow manufacturer’s temperature, moisture and surface preparation guidelines before installation.

Conclusion

Selecting an appropriate turf adhesive for a sports field is a critical component to a successful functioning artificial turf system. The adhesive must match the backing of the turf, seam tape, substrate, weather conditions, traffic and how the turf is being installed.

If the facility is a professional sports facility, avoid sticking to an inexpensive or readily available glue. Look for a product that is appropriate for the type of turf, and has a proper bond, flexibility, weather resistance, curing and technical documentation. With selection of the appropriate sports turf glue and careful surface preparation, and expert installation, the risk of failure of the seams can be reduced and the turf will hold its shape for many years.

But most important, don’t forget that the adhesive is only a part of the sports turf system. By combining all these factors, a safe and long-lasting playing surface is developed.