FAQs

Working with GreenGrid®

How do I get help or information about GreenGrid®?

You may reach the GreenGrid team by sending us a message through our contact page.

The GreenGrid® warranty is available whether you buy direct from GreenGrid® or through a waterproofing contractor. If you also want overburden removal as part of the warranty, then you’ll want to purchase a total system warranty from a waterproofing manufacturer such as the Carlisle GreenGrid® system. If you don’t need overburden removal, you can purchase GreenGrid® direct, or with most waterproofing systems.

The lead time for your GreenGrid® system depends on a few factors:

Immediate Needs: If we have the GreenGrid® system components in stock, we can often fulfill orders in as little as 2weeks.
Faster Option (Sedum Mats): For a quick turnaround with full coverage, consider our options that incorporate sedum mats. These require a 4-6 week lead time.

Custom Grown Systems: If you need a custom-grown GreenGrid® system, please plan for a 12-16 week lead time. Keep in mind that all growing is done outdoors during the growing season; we don’t have indoor growing facilities.

Yes. We have completed projects in Hawaii, Alaska, and rural areas on the mainland US.

Regional nurseries.

Yes, we currently have a 500 square foot minimum order requirement.

Features for Using the GreenGrid® System

Why buy GreenGrid®?

Each project has its own objectives. A few common reasons for purchase include:

  • Simple, fast, and easy to install
  • High quality, ‘instant green’ when installed
  • Cost effective
  • Truly modular features allow post-installation changes
  • Mixing and matching depths and plantings create great spaces at relatively low added cost
  • We offer a full line of coordinated accessories
  • We can custom grow and have lots of options
  • Trust in 6M square feet already installed and more than a 15 year history

100% pre-consumer linear low density or medium density polyethylene.

Locate the general area of the leak as best you can, then temporarily relocate trays until repairs can be made. Put the modules back, and the system remains undisturbed. You may want to consider an Electronic Leak Detection system as well.

Yes. By shielding the waterproofing layer from harsh temperature swings and damaging UV rays, the GreenGrid® system can significantly extend its lifespan—often doubling it or more.

A green roof can help achieve a few specific LEED credits. With our high percentage of recycled content and use of a regional supply chain, we can also contribute toward reaching your recycled content and local/regional materials credits. Our system-specific energy data can also be incorporated into your energy model, helping improve those calculations and awarded credits as well.

Absolutely. GreenGrid® systems offer measurable energy-saving benefits, particularly during the summer months. When actively cooling the roof surface, the system can provide an insulating effect equivalent to approximately R-100. In winter, the soil contributes thermal mass, offering an estimated R-7 insulation value. The actual impact on energy use depends on factors such as the percentage of roof coverage, building height, and overall project design.

In regions where green roof incentive programs are available, these should be factored into your cost-benefit analysis. Additionally, a well-designed green roof can significantly extend the lifespan of the underlying roofing system, improving long-term lifecycle costs.

Finally, if the green roof is visible or accessible, it can enhance the aesthetic and functional value of the property—potentially increasing building value and delivering a return on investment that far exceeds the initial installation cost.

The GreenGrid® system is highly effective at retaining and slowing rooftop stormwater runoff. Under typical conditions, it can retain up to 70% of a 1-inch rainfall event occurring within 1 hour. This can translate to a 40–60% reduction in total runoff volume annually.
Yes, GreenGrid® modules include alignment notches that help ensure accurate placement during installation. While the system is designed to function without mechanical interlocking, modules can be fastened together if specified by the design team—particularly in areas with slope or high wind exposure.

Designing with GreenGrid®

What sizes are available?
Module size is 2 ft x 2 ft. Tray depths are 2.75 in, 4 in, 6 in, and 8 in.

The GreenGrid® modules are warranted for a 20-year period. Plants carry 90 day/1yr/2yr standard warranty options.
To learn more about the warranties, click here.

A standard plant warranty is typically 1-year after installation and with documentation of maintenance. Extended plant warranties are also available.

Extensive green roofs typically do not require irrigation for central and northern climates in the US. Intensive roof gardens need irrigation given the different plant varieties used.

Growing media is an engineered lightweight blend consisting of inorganic and organic components. The mix blends are based on the German FLL guidelines for planning, execution, and upkeep of green roof sites. The actual components used vary between regions, depending on availability of resources.

Typically for extensive (shallow) green roof systems, varieties of sedums or other ground covers are selected. Decorative roof gardens may opt to include perennials or ornamental grasses.

Most varieties of sedums are considered adaptive; however, native plants can be selected by regional climate. Keep in mind that the rooftop environment is often very different from the native condition, so native plants often are not well suited to green roof applications.

No, they don’t. The plants used in the GreenGrid® system—such as sedum, ornamental grasses, and flowering perennials—are not aggressive root growers and don’t require space beyond their individual trays. Sedum, in particular, has shallow roots and naturally thrives in tight, rocky spaces. On a green roof, water and nutrients move downward through the well-drained soil mix, so roots grow vertically rather than spreading out sideways.

This depends on the waterproofing system and manufacturer recommendations. Often the waterproofing manufacturer will request that a thin, 4 to 12-ounce fabric be placed under the modules to protect the membrane. Does this mean that the fabric goes between the membrane and the module?

The GreenGrid® modules have rigid sidewalls and therefore do not need perimeter edging to retain the growing media. If the layout requires cutting the modules to fit, then edging can be used to retain soil media within the cut trays.

The standard 2 ft x 2 ft dimensions of the GreenGrid® system are intentionally designed to align seamlessly with common hardscape materials such as concrete pavers, wood tiles, and other modular elements that follow the same sizing. This compatibility simplifies integration between vegetated and non-vegetated roof areas.

For specific guidance on transitioning between softscape and hardscape zones, feel free to contact us or explore the detailed interface options available on our website.

Standard modules are designed for installation on flat or low-slope roofs with pitches up to 1:12. With appropriate engineering controls in place, they can also be used on slopes up to 2:12. For steeper applications, custom module solutions are available to meet specific project requirements.

Installing GreenGrid®

What type of equipment is needed to off-load and install the GreenGrid® modules?

The hoisting equipment will depend on the type of building and associated height of roof. Please see the installation guide for detailed descriptions.

A typical crew of 4-8 workers can install extensive modules at a rate of 2,100 to 8,400sf per day, depending on logistics and hoisting conditions. The deeper trays, which are often shipped on racks, require additional handling and generally average between 1,200 to 3,000sf per day.

Extensive modules are shipped palletized and shrink-wrapped, ready for quick unloading, hoisting, and installation—similar to other standard building materials. Deeper modules or those with taller plantings are typically shipped on metal racks or modified pallets that provide ample space for airflow and plant protection during transit.

GreenGrid® is typically installed by roofing contractors and landscape companies. We do not require installers to be certified. An Installation Guide is available on the website.

Yes, with sufficient lead time—or by selecting options like sedum mats or higher-density plantings—pre-grown GreenGrid® modules can achieve 80–95% plant coverage or more by the time of delivery. Because our modules are grown outdoors, timing is important. For example, a spring delivery using standard plantings typically needs to be planted and grown during the previous summer to reach optimal coverage.

GreenGrid® offers a full line of coordinated accessories.

Maintaining GreenGrid®

Can you walk on the GreenGrid® system?

Yes, GreenGrid® modules are designed to support occasional foot traffic, primarily for maintenance purposes. However, they are not intended for recreational use. Frequent or heavy foot traffic can damage the vegetation and compromise the system’s performance, so access should be limited to essential maintenance activities.

See the GreenGrid® maintenance guide on website.

The most reliable way to ensure compliance with your plant warranty is to contract with us for ongoing, cost-effective maintenance services. If that is not feasible, it’s essential to maintain detailed records. Be sure to submit maintenance logs and accompanying photos for each service visit as it occurs.

Yes, GreenGrid® offers maintenance services in select locations. Where direct service is not available, we can coordinate with your local maintenance providers to ensure they understand the specific requirements for maintaining your green roof system effectively.

Commercially-available fertilizers need to be applied periodically to sustain healthy plant growth. Your plant selections, climate, and project-specific goals will determine the best product for a project.

MORE ABOUT GreenGrid®