Thermal deformation usually results from the interaction of four factors:
- Polymer thermal expansion and contraction
- Backing dimensional stability
- Installation tension and seam construction
- Temperature, sunlight, moisture, and substrate conditions
Synthetic turf fibers and backing materials are polymer-based, so their dimensions can change as temperature changes.
When the turf expands but cannot release the resulting stress, compression may accumulate within the sheet. This can manifest as:
- Small ripples
- Localized wrinkles
- Raised areas
- Bubbles
- Seam opening
- Edge lifting
The same principle applies in reverse during cooling: excessive contraction can place additional stress on seams and adhesive joints.
Therefore, good non-infill turf design is not about eliminating thermal movement completely; it is about controlling and accommodating that movement.
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