SEDUM GREEN ROOFS

5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT…

Daniel Masterman, an associate

at Adam Knibb Architects (adamknibbarchitects.com) gives us the lowdown

1

THEY’RE GOOD LOOKING Sedum roofs look great externally,

but they can also visually extend the garden and provide immediate green space to the upper floors, something a normal grey roof doesn’t do.

2

THEY ADD INSULATION

Heat loss through the roof can be

reduced as the sedum roof provides additional insulation. However, bear in mind the additional weight this layer imposes on the roof’s structure.

3 THEY’RE GOOD FOR DRAINAGE

Rainwater is held before being released back into the atmosphere over time. This improves a project’s sustainability credentials and helps reduce the risk of local flooding.

4

THEY IMPROVE AIR QUALITY Airborne pollutants and CO2 are captured by the plants of a sedum

roof. This contributes to air purification.

5

THEY PROTECT THE ROOF The plants and soil of a sedum

system shield the roof membrane from the elements, effectively extending its lifespan.