UV/weathering tests are useful for comparing products, but an accelerated laboratory exposure time should not automatically be converted into a specific number of outdoor years.

For example, manufacturers may report testing at 2,000, 3,000, 5,000 hours or other exposure periods.

The important information is not just:

“The product passed 3,000 hours.”

You should also ask:

• Which test method was used?
• What radiation and exposure conditions were applied?
• Which property was measured?
• What was the original value?
• What value remained after exposure?
• What acceptance criterion was applied?

Relevant international weathering methods may include ISO 4892 series or applicable ASTM weathering methods, depending on the product and market.

Accelerated weathering is a laboratory comparison tool; it does not provide a universally valid one-to-one conversion into outdoor service years.

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Warranty Period vs. Actual Service Life

This distinction is extremely important.

Warranty

A warranty is a contractual commitment subject to defined conditions.

It may specify:

• Duration
• Covered defects
• Acceptable performance thresholds
• Exclusions
• Installation requirements
• Maintenance requirements
• Remedy or replacement conditions

Service life

Service life is the period during which the turf remains sufficiently functional and visually acceptable for its intended application.

A product can remain usable after the warranty expires.

Conversely, improper installation or abnormal use can cause problems before the expected service period.

Therefore:

Warranty period ≠ guaranteed service life

When comparing products, look at both.