SpecTip: Rooftop Synthetic Turf
Carlisle’s GRO Synthetic Turf System: Year-Round Green Without the Hassle
Modern green roof technology began to take shape in Germany during the 1960s and gradually gained traction in the United States in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Traditional green roofing systems are composed of multiple layers, including protection fabrics, drainage and moisture retention components, engineered growing media, and living vegetation. These systems have grown in popularity due to the wide range of environmental and performance benefits they offer. Green roofs help manage stormwater by retaining and detaining runoff, reduce the urban heat island effect, sequester carbon dioxide while producing oxygen, and reintroduce biodiversity into urban environments. Additionally, they protect the underlying roofing membrane from UV exposure and physical damage, which can significantly extend its service life.
However, traditional green roofing systems are not without challenges. They are heavy, often requiring structural enhancements that increase project costs. They also demand ongoing maintenance—watering, weeding, fertilization, and seasonal upkeep—to preserve both function and appearance. In colder climates, vegetation enters dormancy during the winter months, temporarily eliminating the green aesthetic. And in hot/arid regions like Florida, Texas, Arizona, and Southern California, traditional green roofs can be difficult to maintain and are often ruled out entirely due to irrigation demands and long-term maintenance costs.
While traditional vegetated roofing will always play an important role in sustainable design, building owners seeking the natural, year-round appearance of a green roof—without the maintenance burden—now have the option of a rooftop synthetic turf system.
Synthetic turf delivers the green aesthetic of a natural landscape—without the ongoing burden of watering, mowing, or landscaping. Because it’s not living vegetation, synthetic turf is more resistant to foot traffic and significantly lighter than traditional green roof systems—often weighing less than a quarter of the weight. This makes it easier to incorporate into existing structural designs. Additionally, because it is installed above the roofing membrane—similar to a traditional green roof—it provides an added layer of protection against UV exposure and physical wear, helping to extend the life of the roof system.
Carlisle’s GRO Synthetic Turf System offers a durable and versatile alternative to conventional vegetated roofing. With six turf varieties available— including pet-friendly and putting green options— the system accommodates a range of rooftop applications. Unlike other turf systems that rely on sand ballast or perimeter tape to keep it in place, GRO Synthetic Turf is fastened into structural grates that are supported on adjustable pedestals. This design eliminates the need for adhesives or penetrations, maintains proper drainage, and allows for a level surface—even over sloped substrates—while effectively concealing rooftop elements like drains and conduit.
To further protect your investment, Carlisle’s GRO Synthetic Turf System is eligible for inclusion in Carlisle’s industry-leading Single-Source Overburden Warranty, providing peace of mind for up to 20 years in the event of a roof leak.
SPECTIP
When specifying synthetic turf, place it in the section for the roofing assembly it will be installed upon.
Division 7 Sections for the project’s roofing membrane will be:
For more information, check out the following resources:
GRO Synthetic Turf Product Data Sheet
GRO Synthetic Turf Installation Guide
Modern green roof technology began to take shape in Germany during the 1960s and gradually gained traction in the United States in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Traditional green roofing systems are composed of multiple layers, including protection fabrics, drainage and moisture retention components, engineered growing media, and living vegetation. These systems have grown in popularity due to the wide range of environmental and performance benefits they offer. Green roofs help manage stormwater by retaining and detaining runoff, reduce the urban heat island effect, sequester carbon dioxide while producing oxygen, and reintroduce biodiversity into urban environments. Additionally, they protect the underlying roofing membrane from UV exposure and physical damage, which can significantly extend its service life.
However, traditional green roofing systems are not without challenges. They are heavy, often requiring structural enhancements that increase project costs. They also demand ongoing maintenance—watering, weeding, fertilization, and seasonal upkeep—to preserve both function and appearance. In colder climates, vegetation enters dormancy during the winter months, temporarily eliminating the green aesthetic. And in hot/arid regions like Florida, Texas, Arizona, and Southern California, traditional green roofs can be difficult to maintain and are often ruled out entirely due to irrigation demands and long-term maintenance costs.
While traditional vegetated roofing will always play an important role in sustainable design, building owners seeking the natural, year-round appearance of a green roof—without the maintenance burden—now have the option of a rooftop synthetic turf system.
Synthetic turf delivers the green aesthetic of a natural landscape—without the ongoing burden of watering, mowing, or landscaping. Because it’s not living vegetation, synthetic turf is more resistant to foot traffic and significantly lighter than traditional green roof systems—often weighing less than a quarter of the weight. This makes it easier to incorporate into existing structural designs. Additionally, because it is installed above the roofing membrane—similar to a traditional green roof—it provides an added layer of protection against UV exposure and physical wear, helping to extend the life of the roof system.
Carlisle’s GRO Synthetic Turf System offers a durable and versatile alternative to conventional vegetated roofing. With six turf varieties available— including pet-friendly and putting green options— the system accommodates a range of rooftop applications. Unlike other turf systems that rely on sand ballast or perimeter tape to keep it in place, GRO Synthetic Turf is fastened into structural grates that are supported on adjustable pedestals. This design eliminates the need for adhesives or penetrations, maintains proper drainage, and allows for a level surface—even over sloped substrates—while effectively concealing rooftop elements like drains and conduit.
To further protect your investment, Carlisle’s GRO Synthetic Turf System is eligible for inclusion in Carlisle’s industry-leading Single-Source Overburden Warranty, providing peace of mind for up to 20 years in the event of a roof leak.
SPECTIP
When specifying synthetic turf, place it in the section for the roofing assembly it will be installed upon.
Division 7 Sections for the project’s roofing membrane will be:
- EPDM Membrane Roofing – Section 075323
- TPO Membrane Roofing – Section 075423
- PVC membrane Roofing – Section 075419
For more information, check out the following resources:
GRO Synthetic Turf Product Data Sheet
GRO Synthetic Turf Installation Guide
Up Next
July 24, 2025
SpecTopics: Rooftop Mechanical Equipment Securement and the Building Code
The 2018 International Building Codes (I-Codes), which includes the International Mechanical Code (IMC), has new requirements for wind resistance of rooftop equipment. The 2018 IMC governs the design, construction, erection, and installation of mechanical appliances.
June 18, 2025
Sure-Seal Cool Gray EPDM: A New Shade of Performance
Learn how Carlisle’s new Sure-Seal Cool Gray EPDM offers a balanced solution for mixed climates by combining the reflectivity of lighter membranes with the thermal benefits of darker ones.
May 21, 2025
SpecTopics: ISO 14001 Certification: What It Means and Why It Matters
Learn more about the benefits of ISO 14001 implementation, which can include improved operational efficiency, cost savings, risk reduction, and enhanced trust from customers, regulators, and other stakeholders.