The Pros and Cons of Rooftop Turf For Your Building’s Outdoor Deck

Rooftop turf one option for buildings planning on building a new rooftop deck (or renovating a pre-existing one). Rooftop turf can make a sterile building feel more relaxing and natural. That being said, when deciding whether or not to install rooftop turf on your building’s outdoor deck, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. 

What are the benefits of rooftop turf for your building’s outdoor deck?

1. Rooftop turf is low maintenance. Unlike traditional grass, which requires regular watering, mowing, and fertilizing, rooftop turf is virtually maintenance-free. Once it's installed, you’ll likely spend very little resources to keep it looking green for years to come.
   
2. Rooftop turf is durable (up until a point). Grass can easily be damaged by heavy foot traffic; however, rooftop turf is built to withstand foot traffic. This makes it an option for outdoor spaces designed for relaxation and entertaining. Keep in mind, however, over time, the wear and tear will become noticeable depending on which rooftop turf you select.
3. Rooftop turf might be eco-friendly. If you're looking for a way to go green, installing rooftop turf on your building’s outdoor deck a possibility. Unlike traditional grass, which requires the use of harmful chemicals like fertilizers and pesticides, rooftop turf doesn’t require any harsh substances to maintain.
   
4. Rooftop turf looks realistic from a distance. Artificial turf also has the advantage of looking pretty realistic. With a durable, low-maintenance option, your building’s rooftop deck will always look green.

What are the potential drawbacks of using rooftop turf?

While there are many benefits of rooftop turf, there are also drawbacks to using turf on an outdoor deck. As mentioned earlier, wear and tear will start to present itself over time. Since turf can be less durable than other materials (like wood or composite decking), it can be much easier to damage this material. As a result, turf will need to be replaced more often than other materials in the long run. 

Although artificial turf will look pretty realistic from a distance, it won't stand up to close inspection. Other materials feel better underfoot. And nothing beats a rooftop garden with real plants if you want to bring the health and wellness advantages of biophilic design to your rooftop deck.

Tips for maintaining rooftop turf on your outdoor deck

1. Keep It Clean
   The first step to maintaining your building’s rooftop turf is to keep it clean. Just like regular grass, artificial turf can get dirty and accumulate debris over time. Be sure to sweep or rake the turf on a regular basis to keep it looking its best. You should also hose it down periodically to remove any dirt or dust that has built up on the surface.

2. Protect It from the Elements
   Rooftop artificial turf is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, but it's still important to take steps to protect it from the elements when possible. During periods of extreme heat or cold, you may want to cover the turf with a tarp or other type of protective covering. This will help prolong its life and keep it looking its best for years to come.

When deciding whether or not to use turf on an outdoor deck, there are a lot of factors to consider. Turf has some benefits like being relatively inexpensive and easy to install; however, it also has some drawbacks like being less durable and less appealing than materials such as natural wood tiles or 2CM pavers. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use turf will come down to weighing the pros and cons and deciding what's best for your specific situation.

Important Notice: Bison Innovative Products recommends that all rooftop deck systems should be installed by a licensed contractor with at least 2 years of proven experience. Plans/designs for a rooftop deck should be reviewed by a safety/structural engineer before commencing construction. The roof must be able to safely carry the static and live load weights of the rooftop deck, and any amenities added along with the appropriate density of any insulation to resist crushing and damaging the waterproof membrane. Adding items such as hardscaping features, hot tubs, or pools to a rooftop deck requires additional guidance and oversight from an engineer. Property owners should research and abide by any building codes and other regulations to obtain the required permits prior to having a rooftop deck installed. Please read all product specifications posted on Bisonip.com to review all information prior to any installation.