If you're tempted by the thought of greening your space, but do not know where to start, read on for expert answers to common questions.
Professional advice from:
Tom Storrer Sky Garden
John Brennan JB Landscapes
Sam Thornell Hart Design and Construction
Simon Berry natures Balance
Folio London design
what that a green roof?
green or living roof is simply one that is covered with vegetation. It can be a full garden - known as a green roof "intensive" - but the classic set-up, we're used to seeing on residential property is a shallow stretch of low plants, or "extensive" green roof .
Extensive roofs consist of a series of layers: a protective layer covering it (waterproof) roof, followed by a drainage board, which contains many small cups - rather like an egg box - to hold water. Next there is a filtration layer, a substrate layer, then the vegetation. The plants are either supplied as individual files or as a vegetation cover that can be deployed.
Green roofs are often seen on new construction, but can also be retro-fitted to some existing roofs, too. And the surface should not be flat. "Even 45º roofs can be green: they simply special supports to stop plants slide down said Simon Berry Natures Balance, who designed the shape and surface finish of the salon garden [
green or living roof is simply one that is covered with vegetation. It can be a full garden - known as a green roof "intensive" - but the classic set-up, we're used to seeing on residential property is a shallow stretch of low plants, or "extensive" green roof .
Extensive roofs consist of a series of layers: a protective layer covering it (waterproof) roof, followed by a drainage board, which contains many small cups - rather like an egg box - to hold water. Next there is a filtration layer, a substrate layer, then the vegetation. The plants are either supplied as individual files or as a vegetation cover that can be deployed.
Green roofs are often seen on new construction, but can also be retro-fitted to some existing roofs, too. And the surface should not be flat. "Even 45º roofs can be green: they simply special supports to stop plants slide down said Simon Berry Natures Balance, who designed the shape and surface finish of the salon garden [
Feldman architecture, Inc.
What are the advantages?
there are so many benefits to having a green roof, it seems almost rude not ordered one immediately. Very nicely, they increase biodiversity. "Our wildflower roofs include 38 species of wild flowers and grasses, that attract insects such as bees and butterflies , 'said Tom Storrer Sky Garden .
They also help to mitigate flash floods. According to the Green Roof Centre in Sheffield, up to 75% is rainwater runoff in urban areas, with much of the land being sealed by buildings, paving and roads. "The green roof system holds a lot of water that plants absorb, helping to prevent flash floods, Tom said. "Plants also help purify rain water because they absorb a lot of toxins," he adds.
there are so many benefits to having a green roof, it seems almost rude not ordered one immediately. Very nicely, they increase biodiversity. "Our wildflower roofs include 38 species of wild flowers and grasses, that attract insects such as bees and butterflies , 'said Tom Storrer Sky Garden .
They also help to mitigate flash floods. According to the Green Roof Centre in Sheffield, up to 75% is rainwater runoff in urban areas, with much of the land being sealed by buildings, paving and roads. "The green roof system holds a lot of water that plants absorb, helping to prevent flash floods, Tom said. "Plants also help purify rain water because they absorb a lot of toxins," he adds.
PAD studio
A green roof can help regulate the temperature inside the building as it insulates the roof, cut demand for heating in winter and cooling in summer, but there are circumstances where this is not the case (see Downsides, below). 'It also helps to soundproof the room below, "adds Tom.
Green roofs reduce urban heat island (where the roofs absorb heat during the day and releasing it at night when the environment must be cooled) because they absorb less heat.
"they also protect the roof sealing membrane against UV damage and weather, helping to dual and sometimes triple of his life, "says Tom.
Green roofs reduce urban heat island (where the roofs absorb heat during the day and releasing it at night when the environment must be cooled) because they absorb less heat.
"they also protect the roof sealing membrane against UV damage and weather, helping to dual and sometimes triple of his life, "says Tom.
Designscape Architects
are there any drawbacks?
The initial cost will be more than an ordinary roof. Your roof must be properly waterproofed before vegetation can be placed: a roofer can help with this
Generally, roofs are strong enough to hold a large green blanket, but some may need to strengthen .. "If you are not sure, you could probably send dimensions and a picture with green society on the roof of their opinion," John said. A roofer could then do the necessary work; some green roof companies can take care of this for you.
"It is extremely important to have a solid roof, especially if it is large, you do not want to end up with the accumulation of water in a region," said Sam Hart Design and Thornell construction. "To measure imagine it was a floor to walk on :. If it can support the weight of a couple of people, it should be pretty strong "
Green roofs can isolate the room below. However, according to the Center green roof, this can be tempered by the amount of water from the roof holds, as water has a negative effect on the thermal conductance, so in a wet winter, it may have little effect.
The initial cost will be more than an ordinary roof. Your roof must be properly waterproofed before vegetation can be placed: a roofer can help with this
Generally, roofs are strong enough to hold a large green blanket, but some may need to strengthen .. "If you are not sure, you could probably send dimensions and a picture with green society on the roof of their opinion," John said. A roofer could then do the necessary work; some green roof companies can take care of this for you.
"It is extremely important to have a solid roof, especially if it is large, you do not want to end up with the accumulation of water in a region," said Sam Hart Design and Thornell construction. "To measure imagine it was a floor to walk on :. If it can support the weight of a couple of people, it should be pretty strong "
Green roofs can isolate the room below. However, according to the Center green roof, this can be tempered by the amount of water from the roof holds, as water has a negative effect on the thermal conductance, so in a wet winter, it may have little effect.
Martyn Clarke architecture
What are the main types of large rooftop?
the two most common green roofs sedum and wildflowers.
Sedum roofs
Sedum is a perennial plant with succulent leaves, fleshy stems and clusters of flowers in a star shape. It is perfect for extensive green roofs as it offers a lush blanket and needs very little soil. It is very rustic, also, shrugging off cold shoulders and heat as well, even if extreme can damage it.
It changes color with the seasons, with many species turning red at the end of autumn. "Our sedum roofs comprise 10 to 12 species, so you get different flower color at different times of the year - red, green, yellow and white, said John Brennan JB Landscapes
Sedum roofs are equally. light, as the substrate is only around 80mm - the minimum depth for happy plants, "says John -. which also means the weeds are struggling to take root, especially as the vegetation is well packed
the two most common green roofs sedum and wildflowers.
Sedum roofs
Sedum is a perennial plant with succulent leaves, fleshy stems and clusters of flowers in a star shape. It is perfect for extensive green roofs as it offers a lush blanket and needs very little soil. It is very rustic, also, shrugging off cold shoulders and heat as well, even if extreme can damage it.
It changes color with the seasons, with many species turning red at the end of autumn. "Our sedum roofs comprise 10 to 12 species, so you get different flower color at different times of the year - red, green, yellow and white, said John Brennan JB Landscapes
Sedum roofs are equally. light, as the substrate is only around 80mm - the minimum depth for happy plants, "says John -. which also means the weeds are struggling to take root, especially as the vegetation is well packed
Sky Garden Ltd
Wildflower roofs
Since the 1930s, the UK has lost 97% of meadows of wild flowers, to add a tissue patch size will somehow restore balance. Wildflower roofs are certainly prettier than the sedum, even if they are only in bloom for half of the year. They are heavier than the roofs of sedum, because they require a deeper substrate - around 150mm - which also means weeds can take hold more easily.
Many companies will customize your selection of wild flowers so that you can get the look and attract insects that you desire.
Discover more ways to create a haven of wild flowers in your garden
Since the 1930s, the UK has lost 97% of meadows of wild flowers, to add a tissue patch size will somehow restore balance. Wildflower roofs are certainly prettier than the sedum, even if they are only in bloom for half of the year. They are heavier than the roofs of sedum, because they require a deeper substrate - around 150mm - which also means weeds can take hold more easily.
Many companies will customize your selection of wild flowers so that you can get the look and attract insects that you desire.
Discover more ways to create a haven of wild flowers in your garden
Hart design and Construction
What should I consider before installing a green roof?
outside the strength and tightness of the roof, discussed earlier, think about how all the elements work. "During the planning, consider the drainage so the finish is neat," advises Simon. "You do not really want a channel that comes out.
Also , it may seem obvious, but think about how you intend to access the roof to deal with repairs or edit the planting - it is important you (or a professional) can get there easily and safely
spring and fall are the best times to install green roofs for the roots to establish so that, if possible, organize the project to coincide with one of these seasons.
outside the strength and tightness of the roof, discussed earlier, think about how all the elements work. "During the planning, consider the drainage so the finish is neat," advises Simon. "You do not really want a channel that comes out.
Also , it may seem obvious, but think about how you intend to access the roof to deal with repairs or edit the planting - it is important you (or a professional) can get there easily and safely
spring and fall are the best times to install green roofs for the roots to establish so that, if possible, organize the project to coincide with one of these seasons.
Feldman architecture, Inc.
What maintenance should I do?
A new extensive green roof should ideally be watered daily for the first three months. Beyond this, however, maintenance is a discreet affair. 'Pop up and weed the area once or twice a year, "Simon advises. Wildflowers might need a little more light weeding and should be pruned every autumn, the more you may need to water them occasionally in a heat wave. "Make sure gutters are free from leakage with nothing in them," says John.
Sedum roofs and wild flowers sometimes need of replacement insert plugs if one or more plants fail to grow. Many companies offer a semi-annual or annual maintenance visit if you prefer to be completely hands-off.
A new extensive green roof should ideally be watered daily for the first three months. Beyond this, however, maintenance is a discreet affair. 'Pop up and weed the area once or twice a year, "Simon advises. Wildflowers might need a little more light weeding and should be pruned every autumn, the more you may need to water them occasionally in a heat wave. "Make sure gutters are free from leakage with nothing in them," says John.
Sedum roofs and wild flowers sometimes need of replacement insert plugs if one or more plants fail to grow. Many companies offer a semi-annual or annual maintenance visit if you prefer to be completely hands-off.
Balance Home Natural Builders
Do I need a gravel border?
The gravel around many green roofs is a firewall. The Green Roof Centre in Sheffield recommends gravel 50cm wide fire breaks should be provided around openings penetrating the roof surface and on the edges of the roof. A metal backsplash can be used in place of the gravel.
"The border also helps to prevent tumbling vegetation on the roof edge and being caught in the gutters, John said.
The gravel around many green roofs is a firewall. The Green Roof Centre in Sheffield recommends gravel 50cm wide fire breaks should be provided around openings penetrating the roof surface and on the edges of the roof. A metal backsplash can be used in place of the gravel.
"The border also helps to prevent tumbling vegetation on the roof edge and being caught in the gutters, John said.
DDWH Architects
what will it cost?
prices vary widely, but the caps are generally more expensive than the covers - think of the work involved in the installation of individual plants - but wild flowers and sedum roofs are roughly comparable.
Companies such as Sky Garden offer a single supply option, so you can adapt the roof you. For information, the offer will envelop green roof costs from £ 0 per square meter Sky Garden, while a hedge installation cost from £ 336 per square meter.
prices vary widely, but the caps are generally more expensive than the covers - think of the work involved in the installation of individual plants - but wild flowers and sedum roofs are roughly comparable.
Companies such as Sky Garden offer a single supply option, so you can adapt the roof you. For information, the offer will envelop green roof costs from £ 0 per square meter Sky Garden, while a hedge installation cost from £ 336 per square meter.
Sky Garden Ltd
How long will it last?
If it is neat, a green roof can last for decades. "There's a green roof in Austria, which is over 70 years," Tom said.
See ways to create a shed that you'll want to potter in
Tell us ...
have you - or are you tempted by - a green roof? Share your thoughts, tips and photos in the comments below.
If it is neat, a green roof can last for decades. "There's a green roof in Austria, which is over 70 years," Tom said.
See ways to create a shed that you'll want to potter in
Tell us ...
have you - or are you tempted by - a green roof? Share your thoughts, tips and photos in the comments below.
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