Green Roofs

  • What is a Green Roof?

    We are pleased to announce we now provide a complete local Green Roof installation and maintenance service, accredited through our partnerships with Bauder and Skygarden.

    A Green Roof is essentially a construction on a flat / near flat roof, that creates an environment suitable for growing vegetation, without affecting the integrity or waterproofing of your roof. The construction generally includes a protection layer, drainage layer and filtration layer (many of which are made from recycled materials), upon which a suitable substrate and planting is established.

  • How does it work?

    Different depths of substrate (soil) will determine what type of plants and habitat can be created on the roof.

    This is of course determined by the structural capacity of the building, and needs to be considered during the planning and design stage (but Green Roofs can also be installed ‘retrospectively’ to existing roofs).

    See below for the construction layers installed to create a Green Roof.

1. Wildflower mix; Different mixes are available to suit different environmental conditions and soil depth

2. Substrate; Specific substrate to create perfect growing conditions for wildflowers

3. Filter fleece; To prevent substrate from washing into the drainage and water storage layer

4. Drainage Layer; Water storage and drainage layer to promote healthy plant growth

5. Protection layer; To prevent damage to the waterproofing layer

6. Waterproof layer; Bituminous membrane, Hot Melt or cold applied liquid systems (provided by approved roofing contractor)

  • Why should I consider a Green Roof?

    There are multiple and wide-ranging benefits to installing a Green Roof, many of which relate to local planning objectives and aims including:

    • Delivers ‘Environmental Gain’ to help gain Planning Permission

    • Helps blend a building into the surrounding landscape, creates a natural habitat for flora and fauna, and aids dispersal and connectivity

    • Retains and slows water run-off to reduce flooding risk - part of Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDs) scheme

    • Improved air quality as vegetation assists in reducing pollutants and dust

    • Reduces urban ‘heat island effect’ through absorption of heat and natural evaporation

    • Noise reduction

    • Increase in property value

  • How do I get one?

    We specialise in ‘Biodiverse’ or ‘Extensive’ Green Roofs, that provide a sufficient depth of substrate on the roof to allow for flowering plants and grasses to be planted and establish. These provide real environmental and ecological enhancement, and habitat for many species of insects and birds.

    We provide the supply, installation and ongoing maintenance through our accredited local team, reducing the cost of getting a mainland or continental installer. Alongside our partners at Bauder and Skygarden we can also help in the design and planning stage of the Green Roof.

    Please get in touch for advice and to discuss your Green Roof requirements.