Are sedum roofs any good?
Are sedum roofs any good?
A sedum roof can be a great choice. Sedum’s natural characteristics make it a plant that’s eminently suitable for a green roof. It has shallow roots so only needs a thin substrate layer, which makes this a lightweight roof. Sedum plants, which store water in their leaves, can tolerate drought and are very hardy.
Do you need planning permission for a sedum roof?
In most cases where green roofs are installed on existing buildings, planning permission is not required. However, it is always advisable when making any kind of alteration to a building to contact your local planning department.
Can I grow my own sedum roof?
So time to have-a-go at growing our own sedums. Sedum plants have evolved to thrive in conditions that other plants hate. They have waxy leaves and stems to limit water loss and are usually ground hugging to limit water loss through wind movement.
How long does a sedum roof last?
That being said, this isn’t a long term fix – while sedum tolerates shade most out of all the succulents that can survive on a shallow substrate, you’ll still need to replace this at least every two years.
What are two drawbacks of green roofs?
Although green roofs have advantages that speak for themselves, there are still a few drawbacks that you should keep in mind before investing in a green roof.
- A higher cost than traditional roofs.
- Weight load increase.
- Needs extra maintenance.
- Requires a tedious effort.
What goes under a sedum roof?
pea gravel! If your roof is flat (or up to 5°), a thin 10mm layer of pea gravel over the plant protection fleece to ensure water can drain without blockages. Use extensive lightweight green roof substrate designed for sedum or wild flowers which require between 70-200mm depth of substrate to root.
Does a sedum roof need drainage?
A sedum green roof needs a drainage layer, some means of retaining enough rainwater for the plants to survive, growing medium and of course, sedum plants.
What do you need for a sedum roof?
Components of a green roof system
- Waterproofing of the roof deck.
- Root barrier.
- Drainage Membrane.
- Filter layer / geotextile filter.
- Green Roof Substrate / growing medium.
- Vegetation.
Do sedum roofs need maintenance?
A typical extensive sedum or meadow roof will only require limited maintenance. Once or twice a year to weed and feed should be sufficient. Keeping edges tidy and gutters clear will help stop damage to your roof and the underlying building.
Can you walk on a sedum roof?
Yes, you can occasionally walk on a Sedum roof. For instance, when you fertilize the roof once a year, walking on the Sedum plants is not a problem. However, be careful if it freezes: it is not advisable to walk on the vegetation if the plants are frozen, you may damage them.
