Rooftop sedum is the name for the plants and wildlife that can be installed together with roofs. Sedum is the name of the living elements, but this manner of roofing system is commonly known as a green roof. Green roofs make reference to a roof consisting of a blanket of rooftop sedum which grows and flourishes to give a real and natural habitat for plants, animals and wildlife. These bio-diverse rooftop installations provide a home to wildlife and a good-looking, natural view for those fortunate to take workplace or residences that overlook these.
You can install a sedum rooftop green roof on any roof pitch from entirely flat to totally vertical. Naturally, with vertical green ‘roofs’ climbing up walls, you must make certain it’s fixed into place and consider that sedum flowers and plants will shed leaves and petals.
Green roofs aren’t just for commercial buildings like schools and offices. Many domestic residences are choosing green roofs to boost their quality of life and bring some of nature closer to their homes. An eco-home, if you will. Private projects are getting increasingly common as the benefits of green roofs are more apparent and cities become denser.
Roofs that are going to have almost any rooftop green roof system installed to them should be waterproofed already, but it’s always worth inspecting this within maintenance before green roof construction. You’ll only have to take it up again otherwise! A rooftop sedum system plays a part in the life of a roof as the sedum soaks up water and uses it to survive.
It’s highly recommended that if your building is older, or perhaps other structural work has been done like adding a roof light or lantern, that you will get a structural survey. That is down to simple fact that installing a green roofing will add weight to the roof. It’s usually around 100kg per m² so it’s prudent to share a specialist what your plan is so there’s no trouble further down the line.
Does a green roof require maintenance?
Sedum is drought-resistant vegetation, so that it doesn’t need to be watered. You can find some regular maintenance that would apply to any roof, though. This includes inspecting and cleaning gutters, as well as some maintenance that wouldn’t apply to standard roof tops! To illustrate, it’s advised that occasional weeding is undertaken to eliminate any unwanted species that disperse and seed themselves.
It’s advised that within the first few months of an install of a sedum roof that it’s saturated every day. This is certainly done manually if you have access to the green roof or it’s most frequently undertaken using an irrigation system.
Can you walk on a sedum roof?
You can walk on a sedum roof for maintenance sometimes also to do less common tasks like retrieving something dropped out of any window, but it’s generally not advised that you walk on a sedum roof often. Green roof systems are designed to flourish their own eco-system and habitat. So humans walking across this will disturb it, squash plants and scare off wildlife. Not to mention, the roofing it’s installed on may be safe for the load of the green roof and a few people, but as a thoroughfare or a location for staff members to sit and eat lunch, it’s not safe.
How much does a Semicircular Sedum Trays cost?
Sedum roofs are priced per m² as all roofs are. So this is dependent on which manufacturer you want to go with for your sedum roof construction and whether you pay for regular maintenance for these items. Installation by a professional is a must for a sedum roofing. Recent health and safety legislation has also mentioned that at least two different people must be there during the installation regardless of size.
Other variable factors include if you need to install an irrigation system because you don’t have access to the roof to water when it’s first installed or if you have a lot of detailing in the roofing like parapets and chimney stacks. You’ll also need to consider whether you want the sedum pre-grown or not. If you need sedum already grown so the green roof is actually ‘green’ when installed, this will cost more per m² than if you opt for something where the sedum is planted, however, not flowered yet.
Green roof benefits
Improves roof drainage and recycles rainwater
Classic drains are suitable for controlling where the water goes. As a result of this, however, a grand amount of water is traditionally filtered into built-up locations. A green roof is the perfect alternative as the plants can take in the water it requires before allowing it to naturally run its course.
Improves energy efficiency by insulating roofs
It should be no surprise that plant-based systems are much more efficient for the environment. By choosing to apply a green roof to your premises, you’re also saving costs on your air conditioner and heating bills – which causes another point!
Reduces the effect of Ultra violet rays on the roof, increasing life span
Traditional insulation has its benefits, but unfortunately, some issues can cause discomfort with the insulation. This can be anything from heating issues in the colder climates to over-heating issues in the warmer climates. Utilizing a sedum green roof means having more desirable heating in those specific temperatures. Especially in sunlightnier periods as plants can absorb the UV rays from the sun.
Likewise, because of the green roof’s natural ability to cope with certain climatic conditions, the sedum roof can help extend the life of the membrane beneath it.
Improves air and water quality in the area
According to National Statistics, buildings fell just behind transport as the key providers of CO² emissions in 2018. So sedum roofs are an excellent alternative! Enabling cleaner air to exist in built-up spaces and therefore reducing the consequences on the populace and nature.
Reduces noise transfer by up to 8 decibels
Noisy neighbours, vehicles and other various repetitive sounds can be considered a nightmare to deal with. Due to the depth of the sedum material, namely soil, this may lessen the noise from outside sources.
Adds more green space to dense, concrete cities
Overall, the visual aspect is the first and most notable thing you could be aware of when you’ve applied your new green roofing. Many areas today lack in having that natural, eco-friendly atmosphere. So adding this kind of roofing is definitely the way you can show your appreciation for the environment.
