Green roofs are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, thanks to their sustainable construction and the aesthetic appeal they bring to what can be a boring space. There are a number of green roof types that you can choose from, meaning you are guaranteed to find a style that fits your home.
Of course, with each type of green roof, there are benefits such as environmental impact, additional insulation, enhanced biodiversity and water management.
At Green & Flat Roofing, we are an experienced team that specialises in installing green roofs on a diverse range of roofing structures – residential and commercial.
In this blog, we explain everything you need to know about green roof types.
What is a Green Roof?
A green roof is a roofing system that incorporates vegetation, plants, and soil on the top of a flat roof.
You can think of it as an extension of your garden. These roofing solutions provide a home for wildlife and will add a bit of colour and vibrancy to the top of your property.
Key components of a green roof include:
- Waterproof membrane
- Root barrier
- Drainage layer
- Substrate
- Plants and greenery
There are three types of green roofs you can choose from.
Green Roof Types
1. Extensive Green Roofs
These green roofs are lightweight and low-maintenance, typically using hardy, drought-resistant plants like sedum, mosses, and grasses.
Extensive green roofs can also be known as sedum green roofs and usually are best suited for residential properties, sheds, and garages due to their minimal structural requirements.
This can make them very green with little variation of other colours.
The benefits of this type of green roof are:
- Cost-effective
- Easy to install
However, they offer limited biodiversity compared to other types of green roofs.
2. Intensive Green Roofs
Intensive green roofs can also be referred to as roof gardens or wildflower green roofs. These require a deeper soil level and usually need more maintenance than extensive green roofs.
They are heavier than the above option and in need of a strong structural foundation. Often, trees, shrubs and even walkways are incorporated, making them more immersive and more like a garden.
You are likely to see these types of green roofs on commercial buildings such as hotels and urban developments.
3. Semi-Intensive Green Roofs
If you want a mixture of these green roofs, then a semi-intensive green roof is the ideal solution.
These are a mix between an extensive and intensive green roof, utilising drought-resistant plants and soils as well as flowers, trees and shrubs.
The roof will need a medium-depth substrate, which allows for a wider range of plant species to flourish.
Unlike an extensive green roof, this roof type will have a more varied biodiversity, but it won’t be as high maintenance as an intensive one.
Alternative Green Roof Systems
There are a few other green roof types that are more complex than simply adding plants to the roof of your garden room, shed or extension.
These include:
- Modular green roofs - pre-planted trays that can be easily installed and replaced.
- Blue-green roofs - integrated rainwater management systems for better drainage and water storage.
Key Benefits of Green Roofs
The three most common green roof types offer the same benefits.
- Thermal Insulation - they can help regulate indoor temperatures, reducing heating and cooling costs.
- Stormwater management - absorbs rainwater, reducing surface runoff and flooding risk.
- Biodiversity support - provides habitats for insects, birds and pollinators, promoting a healthy ecosystem.
- Air quality improvement - filters pollutants and enhances urban air quality.
- Aesthetic appeal and property value - enhance the look of a building and may increase its value.
Choosing the Right Green Roof for Your Property
If you aren’t sure which one is right for your property after reading this far, don’t worry. There are a few factors you can consider that might help you figure it out.
Factors to consider include:
- Weight capacity
- Budget
- Maintenance needs
- What space is under the roof?
- Planning permission needs and Building Regulation compliance
Considering these factors will help you determine which green roof type will best suit your property.
Discover More About Green Roof Types From Our Experts
At Green & Flat Roofing, we specialise in installing the main three green roof types. We have years of experience fitting roofing and transforming standard roofs into lush, biodiverse havens for wildlife.
Our experts are always on hand to discuss the types of green roofs and suitability for your property. So, if you want to learn more about your options, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. Call us on 023 8251 2832 or complete our online contact form, and we will get in touch.