How do you secure artificial grass on a rooftop without penetrating the roof?

What a non penetrating rooftop turf system looks like

You want stability without a single hole in the roof. The answer is smart restraint and ballast built on a protection layer. Here is the system that works.

Core components

• Protection layer: non woven geotextile or rubber underlayment that separates turf from the roof membrane.
• Optional drainage or shock panels: vented, interlocking panels that speed drainage and add cushion.
• Turf rolls: UV stable, rooftop suitable turf with perforated backing.
• Seam tape and polyurethane adhesive: bonds turf to turf, never to the roof.
• Perimeter restraint: non penetrating edging or rails held in place by ballast.
• Ballast: kiln dried sand infill in the turf plus perimeter pavers or rubber tiles where needed.

Step by step installation

1. Pre approvals and planning

• Get roof manufacturer approval and review warranty requirements.
• Have a qualified professional confirm structural capacity for added dead load from panels, pavers, and infill.
• Plan wind zones, perimeter detailing, drain access, and fire code compliance before you buy materials.
• Measure roll layout to minimize seams and place seams away from high wind edges and corners.

2. Surface protection and base

• Clean the roof and protect drains with removable covers.
• Lay a continuous protection layer over the membrane. Overlap seams per manufacturer guidance.
• If using drainage or shock panels, place them over the protection layer per the panel layout.

3. Layout and seams

• Unroll turf with pile facing the same direction. Let it relax to remove memory.
• Trim factory edges, align, and dry fit seams.
• Place seam tape centered under the joint on top of the protection layer or panels, then apply polyurethane adhesive and marry the seam. Do not glue to the roof.

4. Perimeter restraint without penetrations

• Set low profile edging or rails on top of the protection layer. Do not fasten through the membrane.
• Anchor edging by placing ballast pavers or rubber tiles on top of the edging at designed intervals and at all corners.
• Alternative method: build a paver border band around the turf field to create a continuous weighted perimeter.

5. Ballast and infill

• Distribute kiln dried sand infill evenly, typically 1 to 2 pounds per square foot, or per product specification.
• Brush infill into the fibers and repeat until target weight is reached.
• Add perimeter and corner ballast per the wind plan. Heavier weights are typically required at edges and corners.

6. Finishing checks

• Leave a small movement gap at walls and curbs. Do not bind turf to verticals.
• Trim cleanly around drains and equipment and keep access panels serviceable.
• Final groom, roll, and inspect seams and edges.

Wind, drainage, and load considerations

Wind uplift control

• Focus ballast at edges, corners, and parapets where uplift is highest.
• Use a continuous weighted perimeter and adequate infill to resist flutter and scuffing.
• For high wind sites, request a project specific ballast table based on ASCE 7 wind zones from your design professional.

Drainage and moisture

• Maintain positive slope to drains and keep all drains accessible.
• Use vented drainage panels when you need faster flow or airflow under the turf.
• Do not block scuppers, overflows, or roof expansion joints.

Structural load and membrane protection

• Confirm allowable dead load before adding panels, pavers, or extra infill.
• Use a compatible slip sheet so no component contacts the membrane directly.
• Avoid solvents, petroleum based products, or hot work near the roof system.

Fire, codes, and warranties

• Use turf and underlayment that meet local rooftop fire requirements as an assembly.
• Leave required fire breaks and clearances per code and the authority having jurisdiction.
• Obtain written roof manufacturer approval for the full overlay system.

Maintenance and inspections

• Inspect after storms. Rebalance any shifted ballast and rebrush infill.
• Check seams and edges seasonally and after rooftop service visits.
• Clean with a blower or light rinse. Keep chemicals and sharp tools off the membrane.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Fastening or gluing anything to the membrane.
• Too little ballast at edges and corners.
• Blocking drains or creating ponding areas.
• Skipping the protection layer under turf or panels.
• Forgetting movement gaps at walls and penetrations.

When to use panels or paver borders

• Choose drainage or shock panels for faster dry times, better airflow, and cleaner access to the roof surface.
• Use a paver border band when you want built in perimeter ballast and a neat, durable edge.
• Mix zones: turf for lounge areas, pavers for walkways and equipment access.

Need a rooftop turf plan?

We will map roll layout, seams, and ballast so your install is clean and compliant. Connect with a FusionTurf dealer to spec the right rooftop system for your building: https://find.fusionturf.com.