Is Artificial Turf Flammable?
Synthetic grass is not fire-resistant. It’s made of plastic, which means that when something like a hot ember or a burning cigarette falls on it, there is normally nothing to worry about besides a little melting in one particular spot. This is just a brief introduction. Further down, we’ll discuss why this happens, talk about the actual fire safety ratings of artificial grass and other important things.
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Is Artificial Turf Flammable?
We receive that question every single week. Is artificial grass flammable? Is astro turf flammable? Or is astroturf flammable – that’s the exact same question just with a different spelling? Is turf flammable even? Well, here’s the truth. Synthetic grass doesn’t burn like natural dry grass does. Typically it’s made up of polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon. These materials won’t burn until after they melt. Turf exposed to extreme temperatures will shrink and curl. And the fibers turn into hard little balls. It’s possible to get it to scorch if a flame was to touch it – but it’ll put itself out.
Is Artificial Turf Fire-Resistant or Fireproof?
They’re often used interchangeably. But they aren’t the same at all.
- Fireproof – doesn’t burn or melt in any case. No synthetic lawn has this quality.
- Fire-resistant – doesn’t catch fire easily and retards flames from spreading.
- Flame retardant – made or processed in a way to self-extinguish rather than fuel the fire.
So, if a company offers fire resistant artificial grass, you should be pleased. However, don’t misunderstand it. The fire-resistant lawn isn’t immune to a flame but will resist ignition. Moreover, fire-resistant turf can never stand being placed directly in front of a flame because of melting under the heat. We discuss fiber types among other things in our types of artificial grass article.
How to Check Artificial Turf Fire Ratings Before Installation
Here’s one key question to ask before any material enters your property: is this material rated for fire resistance, and do you have the certificate to prove it? An honest team – like the Site Prep team – will provide you with a lab certification without hesitation. Important to note:
- The type of fiber used
- And whether it has passed the specified standards (we’ll discuss them soon)
- The material’s compliance with your area’s building regulations
In most cases, the absence of certification means that no testing took place. Not to mention that the base layer underneath your turf is just as important – read more about it in our installation guide.
Artificial Turf Fire Ratings and Safety Standards
Here’s where the real proof lives. A few names you’ll run into:
- ASTM E108 – measures flame spread; a Class A rating is the top tier, and the one you want.
- ASTM D2859 / CPSC FF 1-70 – the federal flammability “pill test” for surface materials.
- CAL 117 (California) and EN 13501-1 (Europe) – regional benchmarks.
When a product is labeled artificial grass fire retardant, one of these tests is usually behind the claim. Live somewhere that takes wildfire seriously? Lean Class A. Curious how these products hold up over the years too? Our guide on how long artificial grass lasts breaks it down.
Fire-Rated Artificial Turf: What to Look For Before Buying
Shopping smart beats hoping for the best. Look for:
- A clear Class A or fire-resistant rating, backed by a test document.
- Nylon or modified polyethylene fibers – they handle heat better.
- An installer who won’t dodge your questions.
Planning a backyard turf project? Bring up fire safety on day one – not after the fire pit’s already in place.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, not possible. There will be burning particles that will fall to the ground. Since artificial grass melts with heat, this should be prevented from happening by placing your fire pit over a layer of paving stones, concrete, or gravel.
Is it normal sunlight? Not at all. However, reflected sunlight does the dirty deed for the low-E, energy-efficient windows that are able to concentrate sunlight and burn a swath right into your grass. The dark grass will be very hot to the touch during an extreme day.
Of course, heat is the major threat – embers, sparks, lit cigarettes, and reflective surfaces. However, there are other dangers to be aware of like rough surfaces, strong chemicals, and pet waste allowed to sit. In all honesty, proper maintenance of fake grass – cleaning, brushing, and keeping it away from heat – stops problems from arising.
The damaged blades fuse into a hard, discolored patch that won’t bounce back. It doesn’t usually spread – but it won’t self-heal either. The fix is replacing that section, not repairing the melt.
- Keep grills, fire pits, and smoke areas off of grass and on the hardscaped areas.
- Install a non-flammable edge around any area with heating sources.
- Buy fire-resistant material in the first place.
- See melted spots? Either move reflective items or block the window that causes it.
Yes, for the most part – and frequently safer even than dead natural grass, which burns quickly. In areas prone to wildfires, in fact, a Class A lawn atop an incombustible surface serves as a protective barrier. This is one of the key reasons homeowners living in hotter climes choose it.
Avoid attempting to mend the melt area directly. Instead, remove the affected area entirely and replace it with a piece that will blend seamlessly with your current turf. Wondering about the level of damage? Have Site Prep assess and install your new turf.