Green Roofs
What are they?
Green roofs are installed on to a flat or pitched roof above the waterproofing membrane and encourage plants and wildlife to occupy the covering of your roof. They give nature a little bit of space back that is taken over by buildings and developments.
What’s the benefit?
Green roofs not only look pretty they encourage wildlife, improve air quality around your home, and protect your roof from weathering factors such as frost, erosion and UV light. They can also reduce noise pollution and offer a layer of thermal insulation keeping the roof warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
There are two main types of green roofs:
- Intensive System is a deep rooted system that can grow large shrubs and even trees. The depth of the growing medium requires extra loading requirements within the building frame of the supporting structure and also requires a slightly more complex irrigation system for maintenance. Intensive systems are generally fairly costly due to the nature of them, the planning involved and the extra structural design for the building.
- Extensive systems have a thin growing medium and use plants that have shallow roots. They require minimal maintenance once installed and they generally do not require much irrigation. They are generally cheaper to install than the intensive green roofs and they normally do not require any structural changes.
There are three main types of top layers commonly used in the UK: - Sedum mats: sedum grass covering
- Extensive hydro seeding: pre grown plants in mats or trays installed onto roof.
- Brown roof: local soil or recycled aggregate is used to promote extended area of surrounding wild green spaces. May be left to colonise naturally or seeded with wildflower or local seed source and left to nature to develop.
How can Footprint Building help?
We sell green roof systems from our showroom, including sedum mats and extensive hydro seeding systems. We can advise, design, supply and install them to suit your requirements.
Answers to frequently asked questions:
1. Are they suitable for my home?
Yes. Green roofs can be installed on most roofs depending on their pitch.
2. Do I need planning permission?
Yes. Planning permission is required before installation as it changes the appearance of the building. Full address details must be submitted along with plans and drawings as well as good quality photographs of the area which the roof is going to be installed onto.
NB: you do not need planning permission for green roofs on non-permanent structures such as sheds. Green roofs on conservatories, however, will need to be approved by planning.
For more information on planning contact:
Bristol City Council Planning Services,
Email: customerservices.ptsd@bristol.gov.uk,
Telephone: (0117) 922 3097
Planning, Transport and Sustainable Development
Bristol City Council
Brunel House
St George’s Road
BS1 5UY
For those outside Bristol, have a look here to find your nearest Planning authority.
3. Are there any grants available?
No. Within the UK the growth of self build and ecological construction processes from the late 1960’s has seen an increase in the number of green roofs being installed. It is a growing market which has never been fully exploited by either the industry or policy makers of this country. This means that the UK remains without incentives, standards or policies to encourage or support green roof installations.
Further information
For more information on green roofs please pop into our showroom on: 42 Pembroke Rd, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3BQ, or give us a call to discuss your individual requirements: 0117 3179571.
