Support for Synthetic Turf Roof Decks
At first glance, laying synthetic turf on a rooftop might seem problematic. It can’t be laid directly on the roof membrane, it needs good drainage, normally you want a perfectly level surface and it must not blow away. And that’s why Archatrak ‘MiniMesh’ fiberglass grating panels provide the ideal base for artificial turf pedestal systems.
Archatrak ‘SpanTrak’ fiberglass grating panels offer the most cost-effective and technically advanced support system for all types of synthetic turf – they are stable, perfectly level, fire-resistant, free-draining, easy to install. The top surface of our 4’ x 8’ ‘MiniMesh’ grating panels have apertures of just ¼”, ensuring rapid drainage of water and eliminating pooling, both critical factors in synthetic turf installations. The slight ‘give’ characteristic of fiberglass gratings also offers a more comfortable and natural feeling underfoot compared with installations over a totally hard surface like concrete.
The large 4’ x 8’ panels can be securely locked together with stainless steel clips and secured to the parapet surrounding the deck area, offering a totally connected surface that is highly resistant to wind uplift. The turf itself can be secured to the grate by adhesive and also by mechanically fixing it to battens under the grate, or more simply by using 1/4″ diam. aluminum rivets.
In addition, our SpanTrak fiberglass panels do not add significantly to the weight loading on a roof deck. At only 3.5-4.0 lb. per sq.ft., they are much lighter than concrete or porcelain pavers. Even when filled with sand to stabilize the artificial turf pedestal system, the total weight of the grating plus turf will be less than 7 lb. per sq.ft.
Benefits of SpanTrak FRP Grating Panels
- Slight ‘give’ characteristic adds to comfort
- Large panel size ensures quick installation
- Open mesh structure ensures quick drainage
- Excellent strength and load bearing capacity
- Zero maintenance
- Class A fire resistant
- Easily cut to size on site
Artificial grass on roof decks must always be secured to the fiberglass grating so it cannot blow off. Typically this is achieved by using a combination of adhesives and mechanical fixings (depending on the specific installation) and finished with an infill of sand. The sand provides the foundation for the turf, adding weight and giving the grass the spring to return to upright after being walked upon.
Where adhesives are used to hold down the turf, we recommend Nordot adhesives, although you should always confirm any adhesive recommendation from the turf supplier directly to avoid negating any product warranty. To avoid adhesives dripping through the apertures onto the rooftop membrane, a sacrificial protection sheet should be placed under pedestals before they are placed in position.
To secure the turf by mechanical means, it is possible to use 1/4″ diam. aluminum rivets pushed through the 1/4″ grid spacing. The mandrel should be cut off as close to the head of the rivet as possible with end-cutting nippers.
We generally do not recommend the Do-It-Yourself installation of artificial turf on rooftops unless it is a small area. Instead, we suggest engaging a professional installer recommended by the turf supplier.
Archatrak ‘MidiMesh’ fiberglass grating panels have primary load bars at 1 1/2″ on center and a two secondary load bars which extend 1″ from the top surface positioned between the primary load bars. This gives an aperture size of just 1/4″, providing a smooth surface for the turf with a maximized surface area for secure fixing with adhesives or hold down screws, yet still ensuring excellent drainage.
For artificial turf support applications Archatrak only supplies gratings manufactured with pure isophthalic resins and not lower cost polyester resins which do not offer sufficient long term durability in harsh exterior conditions.
All our grating panels use aluminum hydroxide filler (not calcium carbonate) for maximum fire resistance (flame retardant and smoke suppression) and contain UV stabilizers.
Archatrak ‘MidiMesh’
Thickness: 1 1/4″
Primary load bars: 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ on center
Secondary load bars: two bars between primary bars – 1/2″ deep
Mesh aperture: 1/4″ x 1/4″
Open area: 30%
Weight: 4.5 lb/sq.ft.
There are many manufacturers of artificial turf and all products should normally be suitable for laying over small mesh size FRP grating. However you should always check with your selected supplier, not just their approved substrates, but the technical specification of the products including length of warranty, test data on weight and denier, grab, tear and dimensional stability, PILL flammability according to ASTM D-2859, water permeability, tuft bind and breaking strength, UV stability, water/heat/frost resistance and fire resistance.
Most manufacturers offer a number of turf options depending on the intended use. For example, Turfscape currently offer at least eight turf options in total, but the following three products would generally be regarded as most suitable for roof deck applications, based on appearance, intended use and feel.
Leisure Estate
Features ultra-soft grass yarn technology, resulting in the softest and most comfortable feel of any artificial turf products we have evaluated. It actually feels like grass!
Primary & secondary yarn polymer: Polyethylene
Color: Field/olive green with tan/green thatch
Face weight: 75 oz/sq.yd.
Total Weight: 102 oz/sq.yd.
Pile height: 1 3/4”
Fabric width: 15′
Natural Estate
Features a W-shaped grass yarn with thatch that is stunning, comfortable, and resilient.
The Estate is Turfscape’s premier product for luxury buyers.
Primary & secondary yarn polymer: Polyethylene
Color: Field/olive green with tan/green thatch
Face weight: 75 oz/sq.yd.
Total Weight: 102 oz/sq.yd.
Pile height: 1 3/4”
Fabric width: 15′
Highland
Highland consists of a four-color primary yarn combination with two W-Blade colors and two diamond blade colors. This is a lighter weight turf with slightly shorter blades, but has more color variation than the Leisure Estate or Natural Estate and a more visible light tan thatch.
Primary & secondary yarn polymer: Polyethylene
Color: Field/Olive W-Blade, Field/Lime Diamond Blade with tan/green thatch
Face weight: 48 oz/sq.yd.
Total Weight: 75 oz/sq.yd.
Pile height: 1 1/2”
Fabric width: 15′