Can I Barbecue on My Artificial Grass?
With the British summertime almost upon us, June is the ideal time to freshen up your garden and get the barbecue ready. Whether you’re entertaining friends in the long summer evenings or have a leisurely afternoon with the family planned, chuck a few burgers and sausages on the BBQ, and everybody will be happy. If you have an artificial lawn or are considering installing artificial grass in your garden, you may be wondering how safe it is under the scorching sun or where your barbecue should be positioned.
These are frequently asked questions and as artificial grass specialists; you’ve come to the right place for the answers. In the following guide, we’ll answer all your questions and at the end, you’ll find our top tips for keeping your artificial lawn safe and looking pristine this summer.
Can artificial grass catch fire?
All of our artificial grass products are made from a high-quality synthetic material that is fire retardant and therefore, will not burn. However, you should never expose your artificial grass to a naked flame. For more information on the fire-rating certification of our synthetic grass products, please contact a member of the Unreal Lawns team.
Like many products made from synthetic materials, our artificial products may not burn, but they will melt when exposed to high temperatures, fires or hot objects. We strongly recommend that you avoid placing hot, flaming objects or sources of heat on your artificial lawn to prevent any unwanted damage. This includes garden apparatus such as barbecues, grills, fire pits and patio heaters.
Sand-filled artificial grass can be rated as fireproof thanks to the sand acting as an extinguishing agent that will help to prevent any heat or flame from spreading should something be ablaze on your artificial lawn.
Is it safe to position my BBQ on my artificial lawn?
We recommend that all barbecues and grills be situated on a level hard standing, non-combustible surfaces such as paving slabs or a brick patio in the event hot embers land on the ground. This will help to reduce the risk of damage to your artificial grass, keeping it looking better for longer.
With a choice of food and drinks on offer, it is inevitable that crumbs and spillages fall on your lawn. Artificial grass is super easy to clean and maintain, and usually, a quick hose off will suffice. If you’re faced with any problem stains, simply use soapy water or a half-and-half solution of water and vinegar, and you’ll be able to easily wipe away any stains or unpleasant smells. There’s no need to use harsh chemicals, eliminating any further flammable substances.
Always remember to stay safe around any heat source be it a barbecue or fire pit. Keep small children out of harm’s way and only ever allow a competent person to use the barbecue.
Can fake grass be repaired?
Due to the properties of the synthetic materials used to make artificial grass, there aren’t many cost-effective ways to repair your artificial lawn once exposed to high temperatures. If your lawn has suffered from melted patches, you would need to replace the affected areas with new artificial turf.
To avoid any further damages, always identify the cause to help eliminate any risk of it happening again in the future. It may be that part of your lawn has melted due to reflective surfaces that may need to be moved or covered, or if your grass came in to contact with flames, how can your lawn be better protected moving forward?
5 Top tips to keep your garden safe this summer
- Position barbecues, grills, fire pits and patio heaters on a level, hard standing surface such as paving slabs or a brick patio.
- Avoid using any flammable chemicals to clean your artificial grass. A simple hose-off should be enough but if you have tough to remove stains, warm soapy water or a half-and-half water/vinegar solution will do the job.
- Adopt good housekeeping in your garden and clear your lawn of any obstacles or debris.
- If you or your guests smoke, make sure an ash-tray is on hand to put out cigarettes and dispose of cigarette butts safely.
- Move or cover any reflective surfaces that could cause hot-spots on your artificial lawn.
For more information on how to care for your artificial grass, check out our guide on How to Maintain an Artificial Lawn. If you’re considering installing artificial grass, see our products page or request a free quote.
