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Reviewed: 22 September 2026

Green roofs

A planted roof is a designed build-up involving waterproofing, drainage, loading, planting and maintenance.

Practical Points

  • 1.

    Confirm roof structure, falls, waterproofing, root protection, drainage and edge restraint.

  • 2.

    Select planting for exposure, depth, irrigation and maintenance access.

  • 3.

    Coordinate outlets, inspections, fire considerations and adjacent roof details.

Considerations & Trade-offs

  • Additional saturated load and edge details can affect structure and cost.

  • A planted roof needs maintenance and does not remove waterproofing responsibility.

Related Internal Resources

Advice: Warm roof vs cold roof Editorial: Low-carbon systems and new technology: compare the whole home Inspiration: Roofing Inspiration: Extensions Service: Discuss roofing

Official Guidance & Technical Sources

Content angles / Explore further

  • • Pinterest: show the layers below planting—structure, waterproofing, drainage and edge restraint.
  • • Nextdoor: ask who will inspect outlets and maintain the planted roof after handover.
  • • LinkedIn: discuss saturated load and access before describing a green-roof concept.