The term “green roof” has many pseudonyms - living roof, brown roof, biodiverse roof, Sedum roof, eco-roof, grass roof, turfed roof, vegetated roof etc. Green roofs, typically designed to allow vegetative growth, can include both hard and soft roof landscaping solutions.
Blackdown green roofs are constructed from a range of components that replicate the natural growing environment for plants, without requiring the same depth and weight of construction:
1. Surface
Naturalistic plant communities are selected in accordance with the project's requirements and environment.
2. Substrate
The engineered substrate provides the medium for plant growth, providing the roots with the requisite air, water and nutrients.
3. Filter fleece
The filter fleece permits the percolation of water through the build-up, without washing out the fines - performing the role of sub-soils in natural ground conditions.
4. Drainage layers
Synthetic or mineral drainage layers facilitate the percolation of water so as to prevent waterlogging causing damage to the plant layer above. Protective and waterproofing layers complete the build-up - delivering a water-tight building envelope.
Types of Green Roofs
The different categories of green roof - extensive, biodiverse and intensive are presented in detail.
Benefits of Green Roofs
The multi-faceted benefits expected of a green roof include ecological, financial and building performance benefits.
Sustainable Construction
For the latest news of green roofs and their incorporation into a sustainable built environment.
