Brits warned of common heatwave mistake that can cost thousands in garden repairs

As temperatures rise and Brits head outdoors to enjoy barbecues and garden gatherings, experts are warning homeowners about a surprisingly common heatwave mistake.

Artificial grass has become increasingly popular in UK gardens thanks to its low-maintenance, year-round appeal.

But while it can withstand muddy paws, football games and summer parties, it is far less resilient when it comes to intense heat.

According to Colin Potts, founder of Artificial Grass Direct, many are unknowingly damaging their artificial lawns with everything from barbecues to mirrors and glass furniture.

He tells Metro: ‘A disposable barbecue left on the lawn, or even sunlight bouncing off a glass door at the wrong angle, can cause permanent damage that’s completely avoidable with a bit of know-how.’

The synthetic fibres used to make artificial turf can melt or scorch when exposed to concentrated heat. Even a small disposable barbecue placed directly on the lawn for a short period can leave behind blackened patches or melted plastic that cannot be repaired easily.

In many cases, the only solution is to replace entire sections — with repairs running from £150 for a small patch to more than £2,000 for a full replacement.

And beyond the garden, there’s a human cost to summertime carelessness too, which applies regardless of whether you’ve got artificial grass.

Data from RoSPA and the Children’s Burns Trust shows 215 children were hospitalised with serious barbecue‑related burns last year, a 7% rise in a single year, while hundreds more young people (and potentially thousands of adults) were treated for less severe injuries. 

Commenting on the findings, Rebecca Guy, senior policy manager at RoSPA, says: ‘Barbecues cause serious burns every year, often because people underestimate how hot they stay long after cooking has finished.

‘Children should be kept well away from barbecues at all times, and disposable barbecues must never be moved or put in bins until they are completely cold. Simple steps like safe placement, supervision and proper disposal can prevent life‑changing injuries.’

In terms of protecting your lawn, Colin recommends keeping barbecues on hard, fireproof surfaces, paving slabs or a patio area only, rather than on or near any artificial grass, and allowing space for embers that may spit or roll.

Additionally, wait until coals are fully extinguished and cold before moving the barbecue, and consider using a specialised heat mat or fire pit pad as an extra precaution on any surface.

Barbecues aren’t the only hidden risk during warmer weather, though; even sunlight itself can do a lot of damage when reflected towards a single spot.

‘We see this a lot in the spring when people start getting their gardens ready,’ says Colin.

‘A garden mirror goes up, or new double glazing has been installed over the winter, and suddenly there’s a melted patch appearing on the lawn. Once you know what to look for, it’s easy to prevent, but it catches a lot of people off guard.’

Essentially, sunlight reflecting from mirrors, patio doors, windows and even decorative objects can create concentrated heat hotspots powerful enough to melt synthetic grass fibres over time — as well as burning (or in some cases starting fires on) regular grass, fencing, and garden furniture.

Garden mirrors in particular have become a major trend in recent years, with many homeowners using them to make smaller outdoor spaces appear brighter and larger.

Matt Baldock, buyer at Garden Trading, explains: ‘When placed strategically, mirrors can reflect both light and planting to create the illusion of a larger, more open space. They can completely transform how enclosed a garden feels.’

Still, the very same way they amplify light and greenery around your space can pose an issue in the wrong spot, creating an effect like a magnifying glass.

Angèle Sofia, founder at jewellery company L’ERA, urges Brits to be mindful of shiny objects in their home too, saying: ‘Mirrors, glass holders, crystal trays and mirrored jewellery boxes can all be overlooked, but if they’re sitting in direct sunlight, they can reflect light onto flammable materials nearby.’

To avoid this, it’s a good idea to move any shiny items away from windows or doors to somewhere that doesn’t receive direct sunlight during the day, and to ensure outdoor mirrors are positioned in shadier spots.

Homeowners are also advised to keep an eye out for discoloured or flattened patches appearing in specific areas after sunny weather (especially without any obvious heat source nearby), and to move offending items accordingly.

Taking these precautions now could help prevent costly repairs and potential injuries — allowing you to make the most of the rare British sunshine safely.

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المصدر: Metro UK