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The Ultimate Guide to the Best Artificial Turf for Rooftops

Posted by Artificial Turf Express on February 9, 2023
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How to Install the Best Artificial Turf on Rooftops-ATE

The best artificial turf is synonymous to lawns and backyards, but did you know that it works just as well on rooftops? It’s the best and fastest way to green up a bare roof deck and turn it into a beautiful, functional outdoor living space!

Better yet, it’s completely doable as a DIY project. All you need is the right artificial turf, and depending on your surface material, it’s even a bit easier than installing turf on regular soil.

In this article, we’ll help guide you on how to make sure your artificial turf installation goes as smoothly as possible. Let’s get started!

Why Use Artificial Grass for Rooftop Design?

First things first – why use artificial grass for your roof instead of real grass?

Lighter than real sod and grass

Roof decks have unique structural considerations that aren’t a factor with ground-level installations. For example, you need to consider the weight, since anything too heavy can compromise the structural integrity not just of the roof, but the entire house. Soil and grass is incredibly heavy, especially when it gets wet.

Add the weight of people, furniture, and plants, and your roof deck can quickly become too much for it to handle. In contrast,  synthetic turf is much lighter, so you can enjoy a comfortable outdoor space without worrying about your roof collapsing.

Non-slip

Rooftop surfaces can be extra slippery when wet, whether you have concrete, wood, tile, and even real grass.  Artificial turf, on the other hand, is designed to be non-slip and gives you a secure footing every time. It’s also comfortable to walk on and won’t hurt bare feet.

Excellent drainage

Drainage is another major reason why artificial turf works better on a roof than other materials. Installing artificial grass on a roof deck also requires planning for a drainage system.

This can include laying drainage mats under the turf itself then directing the water to a downspout or whatever system you’re currently using. With artificial grass, the water will be quickly filtered and won’t pool or puddle like it does with regular turf.

This addresses a variety of safety concerns that can come up with other types for surfacing. As an example, it prevents the incredible weight of soggy soil. It heads off the water damage that wood decks are prone to. It also eliminates the need for additional protective coatings or treatment on your rooftop.

Artificial turf drainage also reduces the risk of mold and mildew, two common issues with rooftops no matter what material you use.

Durable and weather-resistant

Roof decks, no matter how much shade you have there, are still exposed to the elements 24/7. That means you need a surface material that can handle constant exposure to UV rays, snow, ice, rain, and more. Artificial turf is designed to be highly durable and resistant to all of these elements, ensuring your rooftop oasis will last for many years to come.

Feels like the real thing

Want the look of grass for your roof deck without all the trouble and work that comes with it? The best way to achieve this is with artificial grass. Artificial Turf Express synthetic turf looks and feels almost exactly like real grass. We invite you to check it out when you come visit our showroom!

It’s soft to the touch and won’t suffer from yellowing or discoloration in the face of extreme heat and cold. Our turf products have complex shades of green, yellow, brown, and even a thatch later to simulate the look and feel of real grass.

Install it and forget it

Hate mowing, pulling out weeds, and other lawn chores? Roof deck grass maintenance takes that to a whole new level. Imagine lugging a mower and all your other tools up to the roof! Now think about trying to mow around furniture, grills, and other obstacles. Then, you’ll need to lug everything – including bags of trash – down again.

With artificial grass installation, you can forget about all of that. A simple rinse with a hose or a light brush is all it takes to keep your roof deck looking sharp. You won’t need any fertilizers or other chemicals, so you won’t have to worry about that either.

Cleaner, hypoallergenic, and pest-resistant

Finally, artificial grass is one of the absolute safest materials you can use for your roof deck. For instance, every single product we have here at Artificial Turf Express has passed the most stringent testing — including tests for lead, zinc, heavy metals, and other pollutants. Our turf will never produce pollen, so it won’t trigger allergies like real grass does.

As for bugs like ants, ticks, fleas, and vermin? They’re out as well.  Artificial turf installation creates an inhospitable environment for these pests, so you won’t have to worry about them infesting your rooftop.

Creative Ways to Add the Best Artificial Turf to Rooftops

Here are some of the places you can green up with artificial grass:

On the Floor

Artificial grass makes for fantastic flooring for roof decks. It’s soft, resilient and looks great. Plus, it stays fresh-looking all year round so you can enjoy your outdoor area just as much in the wet months as you do in the summer.

On the Walls

Cover a wall or two with synthetic turf to make a statement and give your rooftop an oasis feel. And yes, artificial grass also works on vertical surfaces! We’ve seen stunning walls of grass that look awesome  and add texture to rooftop decks.

On the Ceiling

When you think outside the box, the possibilities are endless. Covering the ceiling of your rooftop oasis with turf may sound a bit crazy, but it looks amazing. Not only does it provide shade and a unique look, it also helps to block out noise from below. Our wide variety of turf products means you’ll be able to find the right grass for your unique project.

How to Install Artificial Grass in Your Rooftop

Excited to spruce up your rooftop with eco-friendly fake grass? Follow these easy steps:

Determine the Site

Establish where you want to install artificial grass on your rooftop. Then, take note of the area’s measurements and any fixtures on it that you can’t remove, like a platform or a permanent grill.

Shop for Turf and Tools

Make sure you buy enough artificial grass to cover the installation site, then buy a bit more. That way, you’ll have spare turf in case you need it. Pick up installation tools and the best artificial grass accessories as well. Start shopping for accessories and turf here, then contact us if you have any questions about prep!

Clean the Site

Remove everything on the installation site, then hose it down. You can also wash and scrub it to make sure it’s clean, then rinse it and wait for it to dry.

If you’re installing artificial grass over a concrete deck, don’t forget to read this guide, too.

Prepare the Artificial Grass for Installation

Roll out the artificial grass, then cut it to size for the installation site using a utility knife. Use a ruler or a stick while you cut to ensure neat edges. Then, figure out how you’ll lay it down on your rooftop.

Install the Artificial Grass

Apply adhesive evenly on the artificial grass, then place it on the installation site. Once all your turf pieces are in place, add adhesive to their edges and gaps to make sure they’ll stay in place.

And that’s about it! Note that these steps are just the basics of installation. If you want to learn more about the other parts of the process, like infill and edging installation, check out our guide.

Give Your Rooftop a Makeover With the Best Artificial Turf in San Jose

We know you’re excited about getting started on your project, and we want to make it easy for you.

Here at Artificial Turf Express, we have everything you need to install artificial grass on your rooftop. We have high-quality artificial grasses, infill, accessories, and more—all on hand and ready for pickup at our store!

If you have questions, we’re here to help. Send us a message online or give us a call at 408-413-3179.