For over twenty years I have witnessed the evolution of the synthetic turf industry. Every year new products and accessories are being born to enhance the performance and variety of its use. Not only has synthetic turf changed, but underlayments, shock pads and drainage grids are becoming the “much needed” trend in completing systems that are now designed for multi-use.

It is strongly recommended that a drainage grid be placed under Pet Relief Areas, Rooftops, Balconies and Playgrounds where aeration and permeation is needed.

AirDrain is a low cost, easy to install, Geocell drainage grid that creates a 1 inch 92% air void underneath your artificial turf.

AirDrain elevates the synthetic turf above the subgrade to allow air to circulate and water to pass through rapidly. AirDrain helps keeps the surface temperature at lower levels due to its ability to allow continuous movement of air.

AirDrain is made from 100% recycled copolymer which has the impact modifier “metallocene” added to it for qualification as a “No Break” plastic, making it able to withstand extreme heat and cold and still maintain its performance.

This innovative design is a “must have” when installing Pet runs, kennels and larger facilities. Tried and true with over 500+ pet facilities installed to date. If you want to be successful in synthetic turf pet installations do not take short cuts. AirDrain Drainage is crucial to EVERY successful pet turf installations.

It is a great solution for commercial kennels/pet day care centers and for residences that need kennels to be installed over concrete flooring where it would provide ultimate in odor control and drainage.

AirDrain separates the artificial grass from the concrete and directs the waste to a predetermined drainage to allow the urine and waste to reduce odors and prevents buildup of possible bacterial

AirDrain Geocell has patented expansion and contraction connectors built into the part and can add valuable LEED points to any green roofing project. With a unique and extremely easy to install assembly design and 100% post-manufactured recycled content.

Lightweight at only 3.1 pounds per 7 square feet, with a rating 33,552 psf. AirDrain is the ideal drainage medium for green roof top applications whether decorative or in constant use.

Move water rapidly vertically and horizontally or capture it for retention with AirDrain’s 92% air void and 400 drainage notches on each side of the part, it’s easy.

AirDrain is capable of holding .576 gallons of water per sq.ft. if needed until it can evacuate from the roof to the perimeter exit drains. Which is a holding capacity equal to approximately 6 inches of compacted gravel.

Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) single-ply roofing are among the fastest growing commercial roofing products. Most residential and commercial roofs are being constructed with TPO when Tile or Shake roofing materials are not specified. TPO allows 100% protection of water penetration and offers an inexpensive way to completing a roof system. Even though TPO is a great roofing solution, its white flat surface is not a pretty site, especially when viewing from above. Roof top and balconies that are constructed with the TPO membrane gives the client the option to use synthetic turf other than standard tile, coatings or outdoor carpet.

Who would have ever thought synthetic turf could ever be placed on balconies?

This growing trend provides visual beauty to multi-level homes, high rise condominiums and balconies that want the “green look” and feel of natural grass. The only issue is that contractors turn away from offering this service due to not understanding how to properly install this system. SGW has the solution.

Playgrounds are susceptible to many contaminates. Most synthetic turf playgrounds are installed with a shock pad or some type of cushion that prevents bodily harm and head injury. When these systems are not permeable, blood, urine, vomit and other bacteria are given the chance to take residence within the system.

Carefully plan your playground installations to include Airdrain for the safety of the children. Not all drainage is created equal! AirDrain offers 100% vertical drainage and has 92% air void. This combination effectively collects and redirects water easily. Additionally, AirDrain raises the entire profile a full 1”, letting gravity drain the entire playground quickly and efficiently. The combined effect of AirDrain is a more stable surface area, reduced expenses for repairs and more play time.

A drainage system should allow for water to quickly drain away from the surface and be directed to exit drains, thus allowing a shorter turnaround time for the continuation of play. AirDrain provides drainage which is unmatched in the industry – up to 40gpm/sf – allowing the surface to be free of water. AirDrain is only limited by the drainage capacity of the profile above and the capacity of the exit drains.

AirDrain is installed on top of required safety padding, which is placed directly onto the properly prepared subbase of concrete, asphalt or compacted aggregate. Airdrain creates a 1” air void and allows for maximum drainage.

AirDrain pallets cover approximately 798 sq/ft per pallet. They should be staged accordingly within the installation area so that you minimize the amount of time to stage the AirDrain grid along the install lines across the project. The AirDrain Pallets are designed to be able to be taken up an elevator at 32″ x 32″  

All installations must start in the Top Left Corner of the Field and work Left to Right to be installed properly.

Orientate the AirDrain GeoCell materials with the integral indicator tab to the panel’s bottom left corner (painted yellow). Install the AirDrain units by placing units with the connectors and platforms up creating a flat surface for the profile above. If the male connectors do not fall or drop into the female connectors then the orientation is incorrect.

!!! IMPORTANT !!!

The height that the of the AirDrain is only 1 inch. If you are going to secure with nails or staples make sure they are long enough to secure the turf to the base. When placing nails or staples you must position and insert without hitting the AirDrain. If you hit it, just pull it out and move over a bit.

(Same as if you would hit a rock)

Prior to installing any turf in a backyard that’s rear elevation is higher than the foundation of the home or building, it is imperative that you not take on the responsibility of floodwaters.

The image to the left shows that the putting green was placed in the center of the yard. The putting green had to be raised and leveled so that the golf ball wouldn’t roll off the surface.

Raising of the putting greens edge near the house caused the entire length of the putting green to be much higher than the threshold of the patio door. This caused flooding to the interior.

If you zoom in, you will see that the roof scoffers added to the problem by allowing the rooftop to drain to the scoffers, forcing floodwaters to enter the patio door.

I recommend installing catch basins, drains and/or piping to allow for the escape of floodwaters.

!!! DO NOT OVERDRIVE THE NAIL OR STAPLE !!!

The AirDrain is only 1 inch so make sure you only drive the nail or staple to the base of the turf. When you overdrive the nail or staple it will cause divots in the turf surface. Not only will they be noticeable but will eventually work themselves out and may cause injury.

For more information regarding Air Drain, please contact J.W at 888.846.3598 or email AskJW@SGWcorp.com

Suggestions for the use of ASK JW installation techniques are solely at the end users discretion; however, the user should determine suitability for the intended use by his/her own evaluation. Because the use of the materials is beyond our control, neither ASK JW nor SGW shall be liable for the outcome of any use of said materials including any injury, loss, or damage, direct or consequential, arising out of the use or inability to use these techniques and products.