If you’re looking to make your home more environmentally friendly or have more of an eco-look, you may have heard of a sedum roof.
But do they save money and what are the benefits of a sedum roof?
In this blog, we explain what they are and whether the new craze is just a buzzword or if they are worth your time and investment.
What is the definition of a sedum roof?
Rooftop sedum is the name for the plants and wildlife you can install on top of your roof. Sedum is the name of the living elements, but this type of roofing system is commonly known as a green roof.
Also known as ‘green roofs’ or ‘living roofs’, they are partially or fully covered in plants and vegetables. The vegetation is usually planted over a drainage membrane on the highest point, with additional layers such as root barriers and waterproofing products. This will help the plants thrive without causing trouble to the structure of your home.
You may also use a modular green roof tray system to keep all of your plants and components in one unit on top of a waterproofed layer.
The green roof has a layer of vegetation (living plants) put on top of it. On a sedum roof, the majority of the plants are low-growing succulents from the sedum, or stonecrop, family.
Natural properties of sedum make this succulent plant suitable for green roofs. It’s also a genus of the Crassulaceae family of plants, a family that consists of 500 species with thousands of variants.
Sedum stores the water in its leaves, which is why you may have seen it referred to as a leaf succulent. Thanks to its natural properties, it requires little maintenance and needs little water, be it from rain or nutrients.
What are the benefits to a sedum roof?
There are a number of benefits to having a sedum roof, let’s take a closer look at them.
Improves roof drainage and helps recycle rainwater
Drains are ideal for controlling where water runs. A green roof is a fantastic alternative as the water is soaked up by plants before letting it naturally run its course, rather than causing a build up where you don’t wish there to be one.
Sedum roofs reduce the effect of UV rays and increase your roof’s lifespan
These green roofs have a natural ability to deal with weather conditions such as rain and sleet, which, in turn, can help extend the lifespan of the membrane underneath. Plants will also soak up the UV rays from the sun and help reduce the effects of the rays on the roof.
Whilst traditional insulation has its own benefits, a lot of issues can arise from heating issues in colder climates to overheating in warmer climates. Admittedly the UK doesn’t have much of the latter, but we have plenty of the former.
Using a sedum roof means having more suitable heating in those specific temperatures. Especially in the sunnier periods as plants can soak up the UV rays from the sun.
Improves the quality of air and water in your area
National Statistics show that buildings are still one of the main providers of carbon dioxide emissions in recent years. Sedum roofs are a superb alternative as they allow for cleaner air to exist in built-up areas, helping to reduce effects on nature and the human population.
Reduces noise
One overlooked benefit to having a sedum green roof is it can help reduce the noise of traffic, noisy neighbours and other irritating sounds by up to eight decibels.
Improves your energy efficiency
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that plant-based systems are more efficient and benefit the environment more. Having a green roof will also ensure you’re saving money on your heating and cooling bills.
They add more green space to populated areas
The first thing people will notice about your home will likely be your sedum roof. Many areas today lack that natural, eco-friendly atmosphere. So adding this type of roofing will show your appreciation for the environment and help lower your carbon footprint.
In urban areas, green roofs offer safe spaces for wildlife and nature to thrive. They can help insects, birds and plants to find a haven in spaces that would otherwise be hostile. This promotes better biodiversity all round, and can be especially beneficial in big cities where nature is often pushed to the outskirts.
What are the downsides to a sedum roof?
Whilst we’ve looked at the benefits to having a sedum or a green roof, let’s take a closer look at the downside to having one installed.
They can cost a lot money and can easily be installed incorrectly
The biggest drawback to having a sedum roof is the cost of these systems. You will need to look at owning one as an investment with ongoing benefits, it’s not a short-term way of making savings due to the money you will shell out to begin with.
Getting the installation wrong, whilst not common, can have detrimental effects on your property. This includes roof leaks, root penetration and – in extreme cases – could cause your roof to collapse. This usually happens when people decide to install their own green roof, so it’s a good idea to get the roof installed by professionals.
When it comes to price, green roofs are an investment – there’s no such thing as a cheap green roof. Skipping certain layers to keep costs down won’t work out in the long run. Sedum roofs are priced per m² as all roofs are.
Do sedum roofs require regular maintenance?
Sedum roofs are drought resistant, meaning they will not need to be watered. However, like any plant-based system, there will be some maintenance required.
You will need to inspect and clear your gutters, as well as occasionally weed the area to get rid of any unwanted species that have decided to embed themselves on your roof.
In the first few months you will want to saturate your sedum roof every day, either manually or through an irrigation system.
Can you install rooftop sedum on any roof?
You are able to install a sedum roof on any shaped rooftop, whether it’s flat or vertical.
Green roofs aren’t just for commercial buildings like schools and offices. In fact, many homeowners choose green roofs to improve their quality of life and bring some nature closer to their house.
Can I get insurance on a home with a sedum roof?
No matter what home you have, whether it’s got a sedum roof or any other special quality, Adrian Flux are on hand to help with specialist household insurance.
We offer competitive rates and can tailor an insurance policy to your exact needs. For our best rates, call 0800 369 8590 or book a callback at a time that works for you.
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