There have been several articles written over the past few years about secondary backings on synthetic turf and their characteristics. While most points of these articles were very helpful and on target, one glaring point in several of them were off base. The statement in question stated that “miracle ‘hot-melt’ backings often drain less efficiently and are less effective for pet turf and tend to be less heavy-duty than their urethane counterparts … reasons why perforated backings are overwhelmingly more popular.” This is a common remark for those who have little knowledge of the hot melt process used by Challenger Industries and the environmental and performance characteristics of this backing. (Challenger offers several products on urethane backing as well as a full line on Duraflo so we are very knowledgable about these backings and others used in the turf industry).

Challenger began using hotmelt as a secondary coating over 10 years ago as they sought out a more environmentally responsible backing program (as compared to urethane and latex). Over the years they have further developed the Duraflo system and created the most environmentally friendly backing in the turf industry, with no loss of performance to the turf system. Secondary backings are needed for two main reasons; the first being tuft bind, the second is to add stability. Urethane provides a very good option to addres and achieve needed tuft binds and a decent job of adding stability. Independent lab tests show that Duraflo E.E.B.S. achieves as good or better tuft bind properties as compared to the urethane results. Secondly, further independent lab tests show that Duraflo is more dimensionally stable as compared to urethane. Turf shrinkage, an issue any experienced turf installer has dealt with, is reduced with the Duraflo backing. In addition, the Duraflo backing can be much easier to relax and adjust to contours of your base.

Drainage is also a hot topic with turf systems. Lab tests clearly show that the Duraflo backing system drains at rates unseen by urethane or latex systems. Most products produced with this backing drain at rates ranging from 125 – 450+ inches per hour. Obviously, water drainage is not an issue with this backing system, and no potential damaging perforations are needed to achieve these drainage rates. Pet urine will keep any turf product moist and must be frequently flushed through the sub-base with water in order to prevent unwanted odors. This should happen whether you use a product with Duraflo, urethane, or a latex backing.

While urethane may add to the “total weight” of a product, this does not equate to better performance or yield a more “heavy duty” product. The lighter weight Duraflo backing helps the turf product conform to the landscape and can relax much faster than a urethane or latex backed product. Shipping can often cause wrinkles and “pinches” in the turf and this can be very difficult to deal with on a jobsite. Often a latex or urethane backed product may not relax to remove the unwanted pinch. Duraflo, being much lighter in weight can relax and can be stretched much easier to remove these unwanted issues.

There have been several attempts to copy the Duraflo E.E.B.S. backing system but no other products on the market show the quality results as compared to Duraflo backed products made by Challenger. Be sure to ask for test results of any backing system you are using and always ensure you ask for Duraflo by name! All Challenger products are stamped with the Duraflo E.E.B.S. name on the backing to ensure that our product can be identified in the field.

Other key charateristics of the Duraflo E.E.B.S. backing include:
• Installation Cost Savings: Installers use MUCH less adhesive when seaming Duraflo backed products. Large stitch rows on urethane backed landscape products and the peaks and valleys caused by them require an installer to use more adhesive during the seaming process to ensure proper coverage. The Duraflo backing process elimitates these peaks and valleys and can lead to an easier, cheaper install.

• Environmental Responsibilty: Products made with Duraflo E.E.B.S. are 100% polyolefin, allowing the entire turf product to be recycled. Challenger Industries saves and recycles 100% of our manufacturing waste collected during the production of these 100% polyolefin products. This waste is sold back to recyclers and used in the creation of new consumer products, thus saving our landfills of tens of thousands of lbs of waste per year!

• Urethanes and latex can be a stiff product that gets much stiffer in colder temperatures. This can lead to wrinkles in the turf that may not be recoverable. Furthermore, a turf’s ability to lay flat and conform to the base is critical to a quality installation. The DuraFlo system can help installers combat this issue because wrinkles dissipate quicker and Duraflo backed turf drapes to the contours of the base.

• Lighter weight. Without sacrificing tuft bind strength, the Duraflo system is approximately 10 oz. per square yard lighter than a comparable urethane backed product. This makes it easier for the installers to handle (lighter in weight) and helps reduce freight costs. Ability to relax fast / reduction in wrinkling issues on the jobsite.

• Duraflo is produced at lower temperatures than other backing systems, reducing the risk of streaking due to differential yarn bulk or texture.

• Energy / Environmental Security: Duraflo uses very little utility and water thus helping conserve valuable resources and helping increase U.S. energy and environmental security and independence.

• No introduction of new fossil carbon into the atmosphere during our unique coating process

• Environmental Impact: No hazardous waste to dispose of in a landfill

For more information on Duraflo E.E.B.S® backing and Challenger turf products please visit www.challengerind.com or call one of our representatives at 800-334-TURF. You can also visit us on Facebook!

Envylawn Pet Turf
Maintenance Recommendations

Advantages of Synthetic Turf for your Pet Area:
• Appearance – always green and well manicured
• Maintenance – reduced costs over natural surfaces (watering and care)
• Urine – will not leave unsightly yellow dead spots, topical antimicrobial solutions available to help control bacteria and odors
• Drainage – drains as well as natural grass, without any mud
• Safety – no harmful fertilizers or chemicals

Proper Installation is the Key:
• The base is the key to the installation with the amount of water that is sprayed on the Pet Turf to keep the odor down
• If a solid base is not used at a minimum of 3-5” of ¾” rock to dust and 1-2” of ¼” rock to dust; it can fail due to improper drainage
• If improper drainage is in place there could be a risk of pooling of water and thus more potential for the base to fail! Poor drainage can also lead to odor issues.

Maintenance Recommendations:
• Rinse/flush the entire turf system with a water hose / sprinkler system to control odor and push urine through the drainage system. This should be done on a regular basis
• Use a leaf blower to remove debris (leaves, sticks, etc)
• An anti-microbial spray can be used regularly to help combat odor and bacteria (e.g. Bacshield anti-microbial topical spray). The turf fibers themselves have anti-microbial properties but a topical spray will help re-enforce odor and bacteria control giving the owner piece of mind.
• Clean up spills as they occur or are found. Blot up spill with towels. Clean with water and mild detergent (a small amount of bleach if necessary) and flush with clean water. Blot with dry towels to remove moisture. If necessary, remove the infill with a shop vacuum, clean turf as above, and replace with new infill. Debris should be removed daily.
• Broom regularly with a stiff shop broom to revitalize the fiber (and keep the infill level, if applicable). Apply necessary infill, if necessary, with drop spreader and broom to level.
• Most cleaning agents will not harm the fiber. Check with the manufacturer prior to using any solvents as some do damage the backing.

Synthetic grass is an alternative to natural grass in residences, commercial/business establishments, golf greens, tennis courts, parks and playgrounds and many other sport and leisure activities. Synthetic turf alternatives to natural grass have saved homeowners and business owner’s effort, time, and money.

There are many reasons why “fake” grass is going viral:

1. It conserves water and other natural resources. Water prices in the US and globally are soaring because of limited water supply. Many residents have switched to using synthetic grass to save water. With an Envylawn® in your backyard you will also save on fuel costs. Synthetic turf eliminates the need to mow and fertilize saving not only hard earned dollars but also eliminating the need for use of oil and gas resources.

2. It requires minimal maintenance. Home owners and businesses will save valuable time and money if they choose to install synthetic turf in their lawns or commercial areas. The need for maintenance is drastically reduced because owners no longer have to mow, fertilize, over-seed, or irrigate. Our products provide superior performance in all weather types.

3. It is the most environmentally friendly product on the market. With our proprietary backing system, Duraflo E.E.B.S® (Environmentally Engineered Backing System), our turf products are 100% recyclable and provide the “greenest” turf product ever made.

4. It is SAFE! Artificial grass products have come a long way over the past 20 years. Challenger Industries manufacturers synthetic turf products that are perfectly safe for your children and pets. We have products designed for not only your backyard play area, but many options for day cars, playgrounds, and pet areas.

5. It stays green all year long!. Dry climates, no rain, no problem! Artificial grass can stand up in any climate and will be the envy of the neighborhood year round. The synthetic turf manufactured by Challenger Industries will guarantee customers that the products will remain green and lush all year round.

The first step to enjoying the many benefits of artificial grass is to contact one of our friendly sales representatives. For details, visit http://www.challengerind.com or www.envylawn.com, or call us at 800-334-TURF.

Unfortunately for local residents that already enjoy their synthetic grass landscape, Glendale Mayor Laura Friedman and city leaders might not have been adequately briefed about the safety and many benefits of synthetic grass. The Synthetic Turf Council, a non-profit trade association we belong to, has urged the City of Glendale to reconsider its decision. After all, today’s environmentally friendly synthetic grass looks like natural grass and has been proven to be safe by organizations such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Glendale High School, Disneyland, the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Base and thousands of homes, businesses, golf courses, and public spaces have turned to synthetic grass to provide a lush, attractive landscape solution that saves precious water, eliminates the use of toxic fertilizers, and requires minimal maintenance. Synthetic turf playgrounds and sports fields help combat childhood obesity by giving kids a safe place to play while also creating more recreational opportunities for people with disabilities that require an accessible play area. It is used by retirement communities for landscaping to assist residents with mobility challenges.

According to the Southern Nevada Water Authority, every square foot of natural grass replaced by synthetic turf conserves 55 gallons a year. If an average lawn is 1,800 square feet, then homeowners in Glendale save 99,000 gallons of water each year or about $400 annually. Glendale should also study the impact of yard trimmings on its municipal solid waste. In the U.S., the EPA estimates that 33.2 million tons of yard trimmings were generated in 2009, the third largest component of Municipal Solid Waste in landfills. As yard trimmings decompose, they generate methane gas, an explosive greenhouse gas and acidic leachate. Recognizing these benefits, other California municipalities such as Riverside and Foster City are offering homeowners rebates to replace their irrigated areas with synthetic grass.

The safety of synthetic turf has been verified following studies by the U.S. EPA, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment of the California EPA, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Health, Connecticut Departments of Public Health and the Environment to name a few. Visit www.syntheticturfcouncil.org to see studies posted in their entirety under Research & Latest Thinking or to learn more about synthetic turf overall.

We appreciate your time and will keep you posted as this situation unfolds. Thanks for your interest in synthetic grass!

Regards,

Challenger Industries, Inc.
www.challengerind.com

Since there is no need to mow EnvyLawn, there are no lawn clippings in the storm water runoff and this leads to lower phosphorous levels in lakes and streams. Yet another benefit from switching to EnvyLawn artificial grass!

The fact remains, however that purchasing outside the country seems to offer immediate financial
benefits. Certainly purchasing goods overseas, especially from the Chinas and Indias of the world, allows for the average American to afford consumer goods and durables that were once only
afforded by the middle-upper class American. Yet, if we could take the seemingly immediate gain off the table for only a moment – one might reconsider that the pros of purchasing American
certainly outweigh the cons – TENFOLD.

» US Manufacturing Processes are much healthier for the environment than many other countries.
Purchasing American made products can help to keep the global environment a
little bit cleaner – a benefit for us and generations to come.

» Many foreign countries have low standards that allow unsafe working conditions. When you support American manufacturers, you are also supporting good working conditions for the American worker and
ensuring that child labor laws are enforced.

» When one chooses American made products, he or she is supporting a fair day’s wage for an honest
day’s work. Many countries do not have a minimum wage law and workers are exploited.

Why support jobs being shipped overseas? When you purchase goods made in the US, you support the American economy. Supporting domestic manufacturing by purchasing American products prohibits the “leakage” of US funds overseas. Should we participate in a concerted domestic procurement program we, as consumers, have the ability to increase U.S. manufacturing job creation by an astounding 33%! All the while ensuring that our tax dollars actually go directly to US job creation!

» Foreign product safety standards are much lower than those in the US. By purchasing American goods, one can be assured that consumer protection laws and safety standards will be in place to protect one’s self and their entire family.

» When we make the decision to purchase American goods we are helping America to grow more
independent by not forcing us as a nation to outsource our need for manufactured goods to any other country.

» If America’s commerce becomes solely dependant upon service and agricultural endeavors, we
allow precious jobs to continue to disappear. Buying American helps to ensure that jobs with fair wages continue to be available to us and for future generations!

At Challenger Industries, Inc. we strive to keep business on American soil. Our vendors are all American-based and/or materials from vendors made in the U.S. , and all of our manufacturing is done locally in Dalton, GA.

By purchasing Envylawn artificial grass from Challenger Industries and it’s network of dealer/installers you are supporting the American economy!

These yarns will begin being introduced over the coming weeks so please work with your Challenger sales representative and our customer service staff as we make the transitions.

The following is a list of product changes by turf series:

Envy Series (NVY1, NVY2, NVY3):

• Upgrade face yarn to new MS ULTRA fiber technology

Superlawn Series (ELSB, ELSP, ELSE, ELSF):

• Upgrade face yarn to new EL OMEGA-R fiber technology

• Addition of new product:

o ELSF – Superlawn First cut, 60 oz, 1.56 inch pile, tan thatch layer

Fescue Series (ELFP, ELFE, ELFC, ELFS, ELFX):

• Continue use of MS Pro yarn

• Upgrade thatch layer to heavier denier for greater durability

• Addition of 2 new products:

o ELFS – Fescue, 50 oz, 1.75 inch

o ELFX – Fescue Xtreme, 80 oz, 2 inch

Note: CMD1 will now be called “ELFP – Fescue Pro”, CMD2 will now be called “ELFE – Fescue Elite”

Product specification sheets and samples will be ready in the coming week(s) so please contact your sales representative with any questions or requests. Also, please be on the lookout for more details on these changes that will be sent via our Challenger Newsletter.

We pledge that we will continue to keep the Envylawn® product line at the top of it’s class by our research and development of new yarn systems. We appreciate your continued loyalty and hope that all these upgrades and additions will allow you to better serve your customers!

To follow us on Twitter, go to http://twitter.com/#!/synthetic_turf

Challenger will continue to bring all our friends the most up to date news and analysis concerning the artificial grass industry.  We will bring you the latest on our two brands Envylawn and Duraplay throughout the year!