Green Roofs explained

With the ever increasing focus on the all things green, garden roofs offer homeowners a real opportunity to reduce the environmental impact of a roofing project and also save money in the longer term.

Garden roofs, (sometimes referred to as green roofs) are a lightweight, engineered roofing system that allows for the development of rooftop vegetation ( incorporating a sedum mat), while protecting the underlying roof structure.

No longer merely the premise of  eco-warriors,  green roofs  offer both significant ecological benefits and also financial benefits to homeowners, and are rapidly increasing in popularity for extensions, garages, outhouses and any area where a flat roof is required..

What is a green roof?

The fundamentals of a garden roof are the same as for any single ply membrane roof, with the addition of the all important sedum layer. 

1. a plywood deck - possibly strengthened
2. a vapour control layer
3. an insulation board
4. the waterproofing membrane
5. the green roof - a sedum mat in corporating the substrate and plants

Ecological benefits of a green roof

• cooling the: air
• the production of oxygen
• better regulation of moisture in the air
• absorbtion of dust
• improved rainwater storage
• provides a natural habitat for insects and birds

Financial and other benefits

• reduced renovation costs
• the waterproofing`s life expectancy is increased - up to 40 years - because it is better protected from UV-rays, hail and extreme temperature differences. 
• reduced energy costs due to thermal insulating 
• green roofs can offer additional space 
• reduced noise level due to the soft plant level of green roofs

For all the above reasons, garden roofs are becoming desirable, and we offer a full service in conjunction with our green roof partner Green Roofs Naturally, who have extensive experience. Please visit www.greenroofsnaturally.co.uk for more information.