Green Roof Guidelines

Who should install green roofs?

Installing a green roof system is completely different to the installation of
landscapes over natural ground. Ideally only people who have been trained in the
installations of green roofs should undertake this task. However, if contractors who
are untrained in green roof installation do attempt to install one, they should take
particular care working at height, and not to damage the waterproof membrane,
amongst other considerations.
There are increasing number of contractors who have received specialist training in
green roof installation and care from organisations such as GRO (The Green Roof
Organisation) and BALI (British Association of Landscape Industries).

How do different green roof systems affect construction practice?

a ) Mat-Based Green Roofs

Typically consist of pre-grown mats of sedum or meadow flowers placed over water
retentive material (e.g. horticultural rockwool), or a thin layer of substrate. Pre-
cultivated mats are a good solution for wind-exposed areas, as they hold
additional substrate in place. Biodegradable nets can be secured over the whole
green roof area to hold the mats in place. These materials tend to be supplied on
pallets and simply require rolling out like turf, cutting to size and watering in. The
rolled up vegetation mats will suffer if they are stored in rolls for more than 48
hours. Aim for these to arrive on site the day they are to be installed.

b ) Substrate-based green roofs

Typically consist of layers of growing medium which support plant growth. The
materials for these roofs come to site as separate elements, the moisture mat,
drainage board and filter layer will usually be supplied in rolls or large sheets. The
substrate will be delivered in bulk bags and be craned on to the roof to be spread
or blown on to the roof using hoses
Where strong winds may cause substrate to be dislodged, biodegradable nets can
be secured over the whole green roof area. Over time the vegetation will bind the
substrate surface together and the net will degrade into the roof.

c ) Biodiverse / Wildlife
Locally sourced aggregates and natural features are used to recreate habitats for a
specific species or a variety of flora or fauna. Successful biodiverse and wildlife
roofs need a high level of design input from specialists if they are to provide
suitable habitats for the target species. Biodiverse roofs are normally left to
vegetate through natural colonisation but may also be seeded with a locally
appropriate wildflower seed mixture or planted with suitable wild-flower plugs.
The placing of unscreened demolition waste and building rubble on roofs is
unlawful as it may leach pollutants into the water table. All green roofs which
include intentional vegetation should be watered-in for between 4 and 6 weeks
after installation, depending on the weather at the time.

How should the delivery and storage of green roof materials be organised?

a ) Programming
Ideally the green roof should be the last element of constructions on any
development. Elements of the roof which are living products i.e. plants, must be
delivered in a just in time manner.

b ) Vegetation Care and Preperation

Ensure a good pressure of water is available at roof level. All plants and pre-grown
mats should be well watered while in storage; prior to installation and after
installation. Depending on weather conditions, 6 or 8 weeks of watering maybe
required.
Where strong winds may cause substrate to be dislodged, biodegradable nets can
be secured over the whole green roof area. Over time the vegetation will bind the
substrate surface together and the net will degrade into the roof.

c ) Site Storage
Where materials come on to site that need
the risk of damage is kept to a minimum.
stacked more than two bags high and care
not get mixed with other aggregates being
to be stored, care should be taken that
Bulk bags of substrate should not be
should be taken that substrate does
used on site.

d ) Delivery to the Roof

Materials should be stored at ground level and carried, craned or pumped up when
required. Ensure that materials are not stored, even for a short time, in one
position on the roof whilst awaiting installation - although a building may be
designed to take the additional load of a green roof. The loading is usually based
on even distribution across the roof.

Are there seasonal considerations for the implementation of a green roof?

a ) Planting Seasons
Spring or autumn are the best times to install a green roof and ensure successful
establishment. It is recommended that green roofs are not installed during the
summer months - this needs to be factored into the construction programme.

b ) Exceptions
Biodiverse roofs, which are not intended to have plants on them from an early
stage can be installed at any time of year.
Green Roof Guidelines

How should maintenance be managed?

a) Maintenance
The maintenance of green roofs is perceived to be one of the greatest barriers to
their installation. The maintenance schedule should be considered during the
design process, when the demand for maintenance input can be anticipated.
There is no such thing as a 'no' maintenance roof, green or otherwise. All new
commercial buildings are required to have roof and gutter checks twice a year and
an extensive green roof can be designed to align with this requirement. The
maintenance required will depend on the outcome desired by the client; this may
range from weekly checks during summer on an intensive roof garden, to quarterly
or even twice yearly checks on the most extensive green roofs. However, it is
strongly advised to include the cost of the post installation maintenance
programme within the budget and tender documents.
Biodiverse roofs and those designed to be low-maintenance will still require visits
once or twice a year to clear gutters and drains and remove any unwanted debris or
litter. Extensive sedum roofs may require a more intensive maintenance regime,
with some manufacturers recommending weeding three times a year and
application of fertiliser once a year. Semi intensive roofs (unless a biodiverse type)
and intensive green roofs designed with aesthetic appeal or the functionality of a
roof garden, will necessarily dictate a more intensive maintenance regime, as
would be required in most gardens. Maintenance usually occurs in late winter or
early spring. Where breeding birds are expected such works should be undertaken
before the nesting season begins. Roofs near to deciduous trees also need
maintaining in late autumn to clear leaves.

b) Extensive <100mm Low Nutrition Substrate

● Drainage outlets and inspection chambers cleared of vegetation, as with any

roof.
● Ensure outlets and shingle perimeters clear of dead and live plants.
● Generally they are allowed to develop into dry meadows.

c) Semi Extensive - 100mm to 200mm low to medium nutrition

substrate
 ● Drainage outlets and inspection chambers cleared of vegetation.
● Ensure outlets and shingle perimeters clear of dead and live plants.
● Removal of undesirable vegetation 6 monthly.

d) Intensive - 200mm + medium nutrition substrates and top

soils

● Drainage outlets and inspection chambers cleared of vegetation.

● Ensure outlets and shingle perimeters clear of dead and live plants.
● Intensive care of lawns, hedges etc.
● Replacement of failed plants exceeding 5% of plants installed.
● Replenishment of any areas of settled substrate.

e) Biodiverse - very low to low nutrition

● Drainage outlets and inspection chambers cleared of vegetation.

● Ensure outlets and shingle perimeters clear of dead and live plants.
● Low vegetation is common and none is general undesirable.

f) Post Installation
Many contractors will include, or at least suggest and offer, an agreed period of
regular maintenance. This is especially important whilst the roof is establishing.
Some extensive green roof system suppliers will have their own approved
contractors who will monitor progress immediately following installation and after
the first full growing season (usually between 12-18 months) before finally signing
over maintenance duties to the building manager. There are an increasing
number of maintenance contractors who have received specialist training in green
roof care from organisations such as GRO (The Green Roof Organisation) and BALI
(British Association of Landscape Industries)

What are the key factors that should be considered during maintenance?

a) Undesirable Plants
All efforts should be made to prevent drains becoming blocked and the growth of
unintentional vegetation which could be detrimental to the intentional planting
regime, biodiversity aims and the building fabric (Buddleia, for example, should be
removed while still immature).
Sedums are not very competitive plants and after a warm and wet summer, areas
of weeds can appear on an extensive roof. The weeds can be cleared. And bare
areas left to naturally regenerate with sedum or other naturally colonising
vegetation such as grasses. The sedum can then be seen merely as a successional
stage that will lead to a more biodiverse roof.
An alternative is to place cuttings of sedums on bare areas, cover with substrate
and then water. After 3-4 weeks, the cuttings will become established. This should
be carried out during spring or autumn to ensure climatic extremes such as frosts
or hot sun will not inhibit growth.

b) Irrigation
Access to a water point is essential during the establishment stage of most green
roofs. However, on an extensive green roof a permanent irrigation system is not
necessary. On intensive roofs such as lawns in rain shadowed locations this may
be required. The deeper the substrate used the more moisture it can hold to
ensure plant survival during dry periods.
c) Fertilisers
The preferred option is not to fertilise extensive green roofs, as species diversity
may be reduced and the use of fertiliser will result in increased nutrient levels in
storm-water runoff which will negatively affect local water quality. Where fertiliser is
required to maintain the health of particular plant species, fertiliser application
should be kept to a minimum and should be in accordance with the advice of the
supplier. Where rainwater is harvested from a green roof, fertiliser should not be
applied.

d) Fire Breaks
Vegetation breaks/barriers have an important safety function and prevent the
spread of fire. All vegetation barriers at up-stands, roof penetrations and fire
breaks must be maintained at their original width and cleared of any encroaching
plants.

e) Drain Heads and Outlets

All drainage points must be checked every year and cleared out if necessary to
ensure optimum performance. Excess water must be able to leave the roof, to
avoid ponding and overloading.

f) Health and Safety During Maintenance

Where maintenance will be undertaken within 2m of the edge of a green roof, fall
protection must be provided. It is important that fall protection systems are
themselves maintained once a year. There are examples of green roofs on low-
rise buildings that are now being designed so that the complete roof can be
accessed from a cherry picker to reduce the risk of accidents.

How can damage of the green roof be minimised during maintenance?

a) Build-Up Awareness
Ensure anyone working on the roof is briefed as to the build-up of layered
components.

b) Tools
Tools must be carefully chosen so as not to interfere or damage anything below
the substrate.

c) Programme
Works should be programmed in order to minimise the amount of traffic across the
green roof after installation. Repeated walking on a limited area of green roof will
result in substrate compression and damage to vegetation.
www.greenroofguidelines.co.uk
Funded by
Life+ Fund, European Commission
Groundwork Sheffield
Homes and Community Agency
Green Roof Centre
Livingroofs.org
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