Fiberglass Grating and Turf Pedestals
- January 10, 2022
- 6 min
How Fiberglass Grating Plays a Major Supporting Role
Civil engineers in cities across the world are facing the challenge of utilizing buildings' rooftops as an amenity for the buildings' tenants or residents. One common trend with rooftop hangout spots is artificial grass or astroturf. What you won't notice is what’s underneath: turf pedestals.
In this blog, we will discuss what turf pedestals are and what benefits they offer.
What are Turf Pedestals?
Turf pedestals support pavers or astroturf, enabling the installation of a secondary surface on top of the roof of a building or on top of a deck. Typically, Molded Fiberglass Grating lays on top of the pedestals to create a highly resilient load-bearing surface. The pedestals and grating combined, create a modular system. The system can lay out in different patterns and cut to fit any space or existing equipment.
Pedestals, when installed on top of the grating, provide the look and feel of grass without the additional weight of natural soil. Also, the constant maintenance required to keep natural grass looking good. The Molded Fiberglass Grating “gives” slightly, offering a more comfortable and natural feeling for those walking on it. Especially, when compared to turf laid directly on a hard, flat surface. This design choice has many benefits and we explore those benefits below.
Aesthetically Appealing
Turf pedestals positioned underneath the turf itself do not expose any unsightly building material to the end-user. The lush green astroturf will be the only thing people see. They can use it for kid's play, entertaining, playing with pets, and many other outdoor activities. The pedestals can help level the surface, as well.
Lightweight
People commonly make Turf Pedestals in conjunction with Molded Fiberglass Grating, which serves as a lightweight building material alternative to Steel or Aluminum. It is corrosion-resistant and fire retardant, making it ideal for the base of an outdoor turf floor. Its lightweight properties allow it to be placed directly on most roofs or decks without additional support. Additionally, the Molded Fiberglass Grating and turf pedestals’ relatively lightweight nature makes them easier to transport and install.
Drainage
Installing astroturf directly onto a non-porous surface such as a building’s roof or deck is less than ideal. Liquids, such as rainwater or pet waste, absorb into the astroturf when there is no designated drainage. This causes the material to deteriorate and emit foul odors. Utilizing pedestals raises the turf off the surface and the Molded Fiberglass Grating, which has an open area of around 44%, allows those liquids to filter through with sufficient air circulation as well.
Product Specifications
As mentioned previously, Molded Fiberglass Grating is a common product used in conjunction with turf pedestals. The specific product is McNICHOLS® Fiberglass Grating, Molded, Square Grid, MS-M-150 - MINI-GRID®, ADA, Fiberglass, SGF Polyester Resin, Dark Gray, 1-1/2" Grid Height, 3/4" x 3/4" Square Grid - (Top), 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" Square Grid - (Bottom), Grit Surface, 44% Open Area. The panels come in 4-foot by 12-foot dimensions, and you can cut them to size.
Fiberglass Grating offers a variety of construction types and different grit surfaces, depending on the load-bearing application or spacing of the turf pedestals.
Adding Molded Fiberglass Grating to Your Next Turf Pedestal Project
If you are creating an astroturf-covered deck or adding pavers to the roof of a building, consider using Molded Fiberglass Grating as the base of the pedestals.
McNICHOLS is the leading supplier of Specialty Metals, including Molded Fiberglass Gratings, in the U.S. and has 19 locations nationwide. We are ready and Inspired to Serve® you at 855.318.8791, [email protected], or via Live Chat on mcnichols.com.