Extensive Green Roof Systems

 

Bauder Sweeps the Board at the National Roofing Awards 2008 with six of the accolades, including the coveted 'Best In Show'
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Extensive green roofs are constructed using low maintenance planting such as sedums (succulents) and indigenous herbs and grasses which provide excellent cover and increased protection to the waterproofing system.  An extensive green roof is not for leisure purposes as they are primarily used for their ecological benefits or aesthetic appearance.

Green roof gardens have many environmental and ecological benefits as well as enhancing biodiversity.

There are three extensive green systems available; the sedum blankets which provide instant coverage, the hydroplanting technique which uses seeds and cuttings in a coagulant which is sprayed onto the subtrate, and plug planting where small sedums are planted by hand over the roof. Both the hydroplanting and plug-planting options require 12-18 months to become established.

Sedum blankets

The vegetation blankets provide the benefit of ‘instant greening’ and are the most popular approach to the construction of an extensive green roof.  It requires little in the way of long-term maintenance which is a prerequisite for many of our clients. We have grown our sedum blankets in the UK since 1997

The Xero Flor system is well proven since its introduction in 1987, with over 2 million square metres installed throughout Europe and Japan. Grown in the UK by Bauder since 1997, these unique ‘ready to roll’ living blankets are a great success.

Hydro-planting and Plug-planting

	HYDROPLANTING On larger roof areas it can be more cost effective to use hydro-planting as an alternative to vegetation blankets. A special coagulate mixture containing seeds, plant cuttings, mulch and fertiliser is sprayed on to a lightweight substrate growing medium.
	PLUG-PLANTING Planting individual sedums (plugs) into a growing substrate on smaller roofs gives both choice of plant species and layout of design. Generally 15 - 20 plants per square metre is the recommended density.

With both these options a greater variety of plant species can be incorporated than with the blanket system. and plant establishment takes place over a period of between 12-18 months, dependent upon time of year of installation.

Whilst the long term situation with our vegetation blanket is a system with little routine maintenance, there is an initial requirement immediately after installation for fertilising and irrigation until the blankets become established and adapt to their new roof top environment.

All of our extensive green roof systems are accompanied by a maintenance commitment to ensure that the roof achieves full establishment.

As each green roof has individual requirements we advise you to contact us as soon as possible during the project process to ensure that your design can be fully maximised upon.