Artificial grass on balconies and rooftops is a trendy way to amplify your space and has become more and more common among homeowners because it provides a cozy barefoot-friendly feel to an otherwise drab area. But what is there to consider before moving forward? Will this work for you?
Some of our favorite projects are transforming rooftops and balconies into lush zen spaces for our clients. With the ease of installation, use, and maintenance, synthetic grass is an excellent addition in most scenarios. However, there are a few things we suggest considering before laying turf on your hard surface. Keep reading below to learn a few factors that may affect not only the installation but the longevity of your investment!
Open vs. Enclosed Space
The process of laying down fake grass becomes much more difficult when you have an open balcony or rooftop. This is because there is more risk of uplift when there's nothing enclosing the area. But don't worry, we've got tricks to keep it down! The best way to install fake grass on an open rooftop or balcony is to either apply weight to the surface with sand infill or by attaching it to the balcony with a professional adhesive. Keep in mind adhesives may permanently stain the hard surface upon removal of artificial grass. Below is an example of an enclosed balcony.
One of the most important considerations when installing artificial grass on a balcony or rooftop is drainage. If your space has issues with this, we wouldn't recommend installing turf on the surface. Without adequate drainage, water may pool above and below the synthetic grass causing mold and mildew growth.
Before installation, you must confirm that there is a way for water to flow. Because of this, manufacturers recommend installing a drainage layer beneath turf on balconies and rooftops. Often many homeowners will skip this step, but be aware of the risks.
Installing artificial grass on rooftops requires a few extra considerations. First, if your roof is damaged in any way, we don't recommend installing the turf. Turf is not an insulator, so it will provide no added protection. Second, if at any point after installation there are leaks coming from the roof, it can be difficult to pinpoint where they are coming from and it can become much more expensive.
The achilles heel of artificial grass is magnification. On high-temperature days, any material laying in the sun can become warm. Magnification occurs when sunlight reflects off a window onto your turf. It often leads to synthetic materials melting where the reflection hits the surface, and it can be spotted by looking for white reflection lines on your surface.
If your door opens out onto the balcony or rooftop rather than slide open and closed, you may need to trim the artificial turf in order to avoid any safety hazards. The most common problem with these types of doors is that with taller barefoot-friendly grass the door often cannot easily open and close after installation. If this is the case, it's best to trim the affected grass so that at least 1-2 in. of space exists between the door and the ground. You can also avoid this issue by opting for short grass, however, typically longer grasses are more preferred in these areas.
At InstallArtificial, we can either take care of the entire installation ourselves or help you purchase the necessary materials so you can DIY! Once you consider the factors above and you're ready to have your very own cozy outdoor space, contact us today by requesting an estimate below.