Have you thought of adding a green roof to your garden room? If you are contemplating the idea of adding a green roof to your garden room, this blog will guide you through the benefits for both you and the environment, the process and installation.
Green roofs are a design option that we offer at Cosy Garden Rooms. The roof structure of our buildings is durable and strong, a green roof can be added without the need for modifications to the building, use of materials or cost (cost of the building, the roof is an additional cost). The roof of any Cosy Garden Room is strong enough for a green roof to be fitted upon it.
So, first things first what is a green roof and are green roofs and sedum roofs the same thing?
A green roof is a living roof, that is partially or completely covered with plants and vegetation. There are many different types of plant that can be used including meadow flowers, sedum, moss and herbs. Turf roofs are also an option but are not often used because they are heavy and need a lot of maintenance i.e. cutting, otherwise they become messy.
All green roofs are made up of multiple layers, including a waterproofing membrane, growing medium, and plants.
At Cosy Garden Rooms, we use sedum roofs in our garden room designs. A green roof is a generic term for any living roof, while a sedum roof specifically features low-growing succulents, a type of plant species. We use sedum-based living roofs because they are low-maintenance, durable, and can provide year-round visual interest.
Benefits of Green and Sedum Roofs:
Thermal and acoustic insulation: Provides a good layer of insulation, keeping your garden room warmer and quieter.
Ecosystem creation: Supports a wonderful ecosystem for birds and insects, promoting wildlife in your garden.
Visual appeal: Offers a softer, more natural look compared to traditional roofing materials, especially when viewed from higher levels.
Biodiversity: Attracts wildlife and helps increase the biodiversity of your garden.
Water Management: Green roofs, including sedum roofs, act as natural sponges by absorbing and retaining rainwater, reducing runoff, preventing flooding, filtering pollutants, and easing the strain on drainage systems around garden rooms.
Environmental benefits: Absorbs carbon dioxide and increases green space, contributing to a healthier environment.
Drought tolerance: Sedum plants need little to no watering, making them ideal for low-maintenance roofs.
Low maintenance: Sedum requires no mowing and minimal feeding and deliver a lush green covering.
Practical Considerations
Installation and Structural Support
When installing a green or sedum roof, one of the most important considerations is the structural strength of the garden room. Green roofs are heavier than standard roofing materials, especially when wet, as they hold both plants and substrate. Fortunately, Cosy Garden Rooms’ standard roofs are designed to be strong enough to support a sedum green roof without the need for structural modifications. This simplifies the installation process, making it an easy optional upgrade for those looking to add sustainability and beauty to their garden rooms.
Maintenance Requirements
While green roofs in general may require some maintenance, sedum roofs are particularly low-maintenance, making them a popular choice. Sedum plants are drought-tolerant, needing little to no watering once established, and they don’t require frequent feeding. A light application of fertilizer once a year is typically sufficient to keep the plants healthy. Additionally, sedum roofs don’t need mowing, making them an easy-care option for homeowners. Occasional weeding or trimming might be necessary, but overall, they are a practical, fuss-free choice for anyone looking to incorporate a living roof into their garden room.
Cost
A green roof is an additional cost. Your garden room will function perfectly well without one. However, people like them, and they are becoming popular. As a basic guide price, they cost £50 per square meter plus trims and fitting if the roof is strong enough for the additional weight. They are easy to fit and can be a DIY project.
For those looking for an eco-friendly upgrade, a sedum roof offers a cost-effective solution, especially when installed as part of a Cosy Garden Room design, where no additional structural changes are needed.
If you like the sound of having a green roof on your garden room, please contact us on 0115 7722715 or email mark@cosygardenrooms.co.uk
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