As space gets more and more expensive making the best use of what you have is an essential for the environment and your finances.
Green roofs and roof gardens have been around for a long time but are enjoying a surge in popularity in recent years both in domestic and commercial buildings. Whether you want to help create an oasis of green for small wildlife in an urban centre or just give yourself some open space to relax in a green roof is the best way to achieve both.
The system
Each roof has to be assessed for its load bearing capacity before a design is put together; some roofs can support trees and patios, others have to keep it more simple! A waterproof membrane is laid first which assists your current roof and helps prolong its life span. This is typically followed by stone and slate tiles for patio areas or a simple mat tiling system and soil that keeps itself well drained adding insulation and protection to the roof.
Creating space at home
It’s nice to have a natural space to relax in and rooftop gardens can create that feeling even in a busy town or city. So many houses have flat roofs on extensions and garages which can quickly turn green and incorporate decking and patios.
Creating space for wildlife
Our urban and even agricultural environments make life hard for many wildlife species; natural meadows and wild flowers are so rare that bees are becoming extinct in the UK! A green roof can be made up of grasses, lichen, shrubs, wildflowers and even trees creating small oases for insects and birds in even vast urban areas. Added environmental bonuses include improving building insulation which reduces energy usage and absorption of rainwater; this reduces the amount of water circulating in our sewer systems keeping it
active in the natural cycle.
Creating space at work
Few commercial buildings can afford open spaces for staff to relax or spend lunch breaks, however aerial photos of any town centre or business estate reveal acres of blank flat roof just crying out to get used; the added installation also has the effect of improving insulation and reducing your energy bills.
Green roofs offer huge potential for expanding your home with only very minor construction efforts; create a wildlife haven or a relaxing sun terrace where currently you just have a grey flat roof; some mixtures of grass and lichens can even be placed on pitched roofs. For further details of all our green roofing services and detailed advice on how they could develop your home or business property contact us at Tunbridge Wells Roofing today to arrange a no obligation survey and quotation.
