Are you tired of looking at your flat, boring rooftop or balcony?
Do you dream of transforming it into a lush, green oasis?
Installing artificial grass on your rooftop or balcony may be the perfect solution for you.
Not only does it add visual appeal, but it also requires minimal maintenance and can withstand various weather conditions.
However, proper installation is crucial to ensure longevity and safety.
In this article, we will guide you through the steps of installing artificial grass on your rooftop or balcony, so you can enjoy your new green retreat in no time.
How To Install Artificial Grass On Rooftop
Step 1: Prepare the Surface
Before installing artificial grass on your rooftop or balcony, you need to ensure that the surface is clean and level. Remove any debris, dirt, or rocks that may be present on the surface.
If your rooftop or balcony has a flat surface, you can skip this step. However, if it has a slope, you may need to level it out using a self-leveling compound.
Step 2: Install Drainage Grid
Proper drainage is crucial for the longevity of your artificial grass. Installing a drainage grid below the turf will allow water to run through and escape.
Lay the drainage grid over the surface and cut it to fit the area. Secure it in place using adhesive or tape.
Step 3: Lay Out Artificial Grass
Unroll the artificial grass over the surface and cut it to fit the area. Make sure to leave some excess around the edges for trimming later.
Step 4: Trim and Secure Edges
Trim any excess turf around the edges using a utility knife.
Secure the edges using adhesive or tape to prevent the turf from lifting or moving.
Step 5: Add Infill
Infill is used to weigh down and support the artificial grass fibers. Spread infill material evenly over the surface using a spreader or broom.
Step 6: Brush and Fluff
Use a power broom or stiff bristle brush to brush and fluff up the artificial grass fibers. This will give it a more natural look and feel.
Step 7: Enjoy Your New Green Retreat
Congratulations! You have successfully installed artificial grass on your rooftop or balcony. Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy your new green oasis.
Assessing Your Rooftop Or Balcony
Before installing artificial grass on your rooftop or balcony, it’s important to assess the area to ensure it’s suitable for installation.
Start by measuring the area where you want to install the artificial grass. Make sure to take accurate measurements and add a few inches to allow for trimming and adjustments.
Next, check the surface of your rooftop or balcony for any cracks or damage. If there are any issues, they will need to be repaired before installing the artificial grass.
It’s also important to consider the slope of your rooftop or balcony. If there is a slope, you may need to level it out using a self-leveling compound.
Another crucial factor to consider is drainage. Without proper drainage, water can pool on the surface and cause damage to both the artificial grass and your rooftop or balcony. Installing a drainage grid is essential for ensuring proper drainage.
Finally, consider the amount of foot traffic your rooftop or balcony will receive. If it’s a high-traffic area, you may need to choose a more durable type of artificial grass that can withstand heavy use.
By assessing your rooftop or balcony before installation, you can ensure that your artificial grass will look great and last for years to come.
Choosing The Right Artificial Grass
Choosing the right artificial grass for your rooftop or balcony can be a daunting task. It’s important to consider a few factors before making your purchase.
Firstly, don’t be fooled by the softness of the turf sample. Once installed, you’ll never pet it again. Overly soft products tend to fall over or lay down in warm sunlight. It’s better to choose a product that is a little stiff to the touch.
Secondly, avoid choosing a product that is too thick. Products that are overly thick tend to look like carpet and do not have a natural, disheveled look like real grass. A product with a face weight between 60oz to 70oz gives the most realistic look.
Lastly, view a larger sample on the ground standing at least 6 feet away from the turf sample and stare into the grain or fall of the grass blade. This will give you a better idea of how the product will look once installed.
By taking these factors into consideration, you can choose the right artificial grass that will not only look great but also last for many years to come.
Measuring And Preparing The Surface
Measuring and preparing the surface is a crucial step in installing artificial grass on your rooftop or balcony. First, measure the area to determine how much turf you will need. Make sure to add a few extra inches to the measurements to account for trimming and fitting.
Next, ensure that the surface is clean and level. Remove any debris, dirt, or rocks that may be present on the surface. If your rooftop or balcony has a slope, you may need to level it out using a self-leveling compound.
Once the surface is level, you can lay down a weed barrier to prevent any weeds from growing through the turf. Cut the weed barrier to fit the area and secure it in place using adhesive or tape.
After laying down the weed barrier, you can install a foam padding layer for added comfort and cushioning. Cut the foam padding to fit the area and secure it in place using adhesive or tape.
Finally, you can lay out the artificial grass over the surface and cut it to fit the area. Make sure to leave some excess around the edges for trimming later. Once the turf is in place, you can proceed with securing the edges and adding infill as described above.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your artificial grass installation on your rooftop or balcony is successful and long-lasting.
Installing The Base And Drainage System
The base and drainage system are crucial components of installing artificial grass on your rooftop or balcony. Without proper drainage, the synthetic turf will not last long and may become damaged due to thermal contraction and the buildup of contaminants.
Step 1: Remove Existing Sod and Dirt
Begin by removing 2-5 inches of existing sod and/or dirt from the surface. Cap and/or remove any sprinklers. Set a rough grade for drainage.
Step 2: Lay Drain Rock
Lay 2-2.5 inches of drain rock over the surface. Hose down the rock and use a vibrating plate compactor to compact it to 90%.
Step 3: Add Road Base or Decomposed Granite
Lay 1-1.5 inches of either class II road base or decomposed granite over the drain rock.
Step 4: Optional Weed Barrier Fabric
Place a weed barrier fabric over the road base or decomposed granite. This step is optional but can be useful if the soil beneath your installation is “alive” and weeds are wildly grown prior to installation.
Step 5: Compact Material
Settle the material until it is well compacted before continuing.
Step 6: Second Layer of Woven Fabric
Place a second layer of permeable woven fabric on top of the gravel or stones.
Step 7: Lay Artificial Grass
Lay the artificial grass over the surface, making sure to leave some excess around the edges for trimming later.
Step 8: Trim and Secure Edges
Trim any excess turf around the edges using a utility knife. Secure the edges using adhesive or tape to prevent the turf from lifting or moving.
Step 9: Add Infill
Spread infill material evenly over the surface using a spreader or broom.
Step 10: Brush and Fluff
Use a power broom or stiff bristle brush to brush and fluff up the artificial grass fibers. This will give it a more natural look and feel.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your rooftop or balcony installation of artificial grass has a solid base and proper drainage. This will help to ensure the longevity of your synthetic turf and provide you with a beautiful green space to enjoy.
Laying And Securing The Artificial Grass
Once you have laid out the artificial grass, it’s time to secure it in place to prevent it from lifting or moving. This is an important step that will ensure the longevity of your rooftop or balcony installation.
To secure the edges of the artificial grass, use adhesive or tape to hold them down. Make sure to apply the adhesive or tape evenly and firmly to prevent any gaps or air pockets.
In addition to securing the edges, you will also need to add infill material to weigh down and support the artificial grass fibers. Spread the infill material evenly over the surface using a spreader or broom.
Once you have added the infill material, use a power broom or stiff bristle brush to brush and fluff up the artificial grass fibers. This will give it a more natural look and feel.
It’s important to note that if your rooftop or balcony installation is in a windy area, you may need to take additional steps to secure the artificial grass. Consider using lattice fencing as a windbreak, or placing plastic planting containers around the edges of the grass for shelter and as another means to weigh it down.
By following these steps and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure that your artificial grass installation on your rooftop or balcony will look great and stay in place for years to come.
Adding The Finishing Touches
After completing the installation of your artificial grass, there are a few finishing touches that you can add to enhance the overall look and feel of your rooftop or balcony.
One option is to add decorative elements such as potted plants, outdoor furniture, or lighting fixtures. These can help create a more inviting and comfortable space for you and your guests to enjoy.
Another option is to add a border around the perimeter of the artificial grass. This can be done using materials such as bricks, stones, or wood. Not only does this create a clean and polished look, but it also helps to keep the turf in place.
Lastly, consider adding some shade or protection from the elements. This can be done using umbrellas, awnings, or even a pergola. By providing some shade, you can create a more comfortable and enjoyable outdoor space even during hot summer days.
By adding these finishing touches, you can transform your rooftop or balcony into a beautiful and functional outdoor retreat that you can enjoy for years to come.