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Playground Safety Surfacing

Artificial Grass

Rooftop Artificial Grass in San Diego

Rooftop artificial grass turns roof decks and terraces into green amenity space for residents, employees, students or guests. We plan drainage, edges and access with the building team. The building’s design professionals should confirm structural and drainage requirements before turf is added.

Synthetic turf play area with a play structure in an apartment community courtyard

Example: synthetic turf in an apartment community courtyard

Quick Answer

How does rooftop artificial grass work?

Rooftop turf is installed over the existing roof deck or a prepared surface rather than over soil. Water passes through the turf’s permeable backing and has to reach the roof’s drainage system.

Depending on the roof, turf may be bonded down so water flows laterally beneath it to the drains, or laid over a drainage layer. The method, and any load the system adds, is decided with the building’s design professionals.

Rooftop turf at a glance

Uses
Amenity decks, terraces, rooftop play and recreation areas
Installation
Bonded down or laid over a drainage layer, to suit the roof
Drainage
Water must reach the roof drains freely
Structure
Confirmed by the building’s design professionals
Estimates
Free; call (888) 902-3777

Applications

Where rooftop turf is used.

Common rooftop and elevated spaces.

Residential

Residential rooftops

Common decks and terraces for multifamily and high-rise residents.

Commercial

Office & hotel rooftops

Outdoor break areas and guest spaces on commercial buildings.

Play & recreation

Rooftop play areas

Rooftop play and recreation areas, often combined with rubber surfacing.

Also used for: rooftop putting greens, terraces, decks and patios. See deck & patio turf.

Roof Considerations

What has to be confirmed before turf goes on a roof.

The building comes first. The building’s design professionals should confirm structural and drainage requirements. We plan the turf installation around their direction and the roof’s existing systems; we don’t provide structural engineering.

Structure & loading

Confirmed by the building’s design professionals.

Roof drainage

Water has to reach drains and scuppers freely.

Roof surface

Protection of the existing roof is planned with the owner.

Penetrations

Turf finished around drains, vents and equipment.

Edges & transitions

Defined edges at walls, pavers and planters.

Access & staging

Deliveries, lifts and work hours planned with the building.

Wide view of shade sails over a playground and turf area

Benefits & Limits

What rooftop turf offers, and its limits.

Know the trade-offs before you plan a rooftop space.

Green outdoor space

A green surface where natural grass is hard to grow.

No mowing or irrigation

The turf itself isn’t mowed or watered.

Usable after rain

Water drains through the backing to the roof’s drainage.

Works with other features

Turf combines with pavers, planters and seating.

Depends on the roof

Structure and drainage must be confirmed first.

Can get warm

Turf can get warm in direct sun, especially on exposed roofs.

Wind & debris

Exposed roofs collect wind-blown debris.

Routine care

Brushing, debris removal and drain checks.

Installation Process

How rooftop turf is installed.

Typical steps; every roof is reviewed first.

01

Site & document review

We review the roof, access and the design team’s requirements.

02

Layout & specification

Turf areas, edges, drainage method and transitions are set.

03

Access & staging

Deliveries, lifting and work hours are planned with the building.

04

Surface preparation

The surface is prepared as directed for the installation method.

05

Turf installation

Turf is laid, seamed, secured and finished around penetrations and edges.

06

Review & care

We walk the area with you and explain care.

Timing depends on access, size and the building’s schedule. See our process

Tall shade structure over a turf play area

Clear,
brush &
inspect

Care & Maintenance

Caring for rooftop turf.

Rooftop turf needs routine care, and roof drains need to stay clear.

Clear debris

Remove leaves and wind-blown debris.

Keep drains clear

Make sure drains and scuppers aren’t blocked.

Brush the fibers

Brushing keeps busy areas looking even.

Inspect edges & seams

Check edges, seams and penetrations.

FAQ

Rooftop turf questions.

Common questions about artificial grass on roofs.

Talk to a surfacing specialist

Get help choosing, designing and scoping the right surface.

(888) 902-3777

Can artificial grass be installed on a roof?

On many roofs, yes, once the building’s design professionals have confirmed the structural and drainage requirements.

Water passes through the turf’s backing to the roof’s drainage system. Depending on the roof, turf is bonded down so water flows laterally beneath it, or laid over a drainage layer.

The building’s design professionals. We don’t provide structural engineering; we plan the installation around their direction.

Yes. Rooftop play areas often combine turf with poured-in-place rubber where a play surface is needed under equipment.

Clear debris, keep drains and scuppers clear, brush busy areas and inspect edges, seams and penetrations.

It depends on the size, access, surface preparation, drainage method and turf. We provide a free estimate after reviewing the project.

Free Estimates

Planning a rooftop space?

Send photos, the roof area and any drawings from your design team. We’ll recommend a turf installation and provide a free estimate.

Request an Estimate

Let’s talk about your surfacing project.

Our playground surfacing specialists are here to assist you at every stage of the process, from choosing the right product to design and installation.

  1. 1Share your projectSite type, location and what you have in mind.
  2. 2We follow upA specialist reviews your needs and next steps.
  3. 3Get your estimateA recommended surface system and scope for your site.

Call us

(888) 902-3777

Email

info@playgroundsafetysurfacing.pro

Service area

San Diego, Orange, Riverside & LA Counties

Request my free estimate

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