Green Roofs

Green roof systems are not a modern addition to the construction industry.

In-fact, the first green roofs date back thousands of years, the most famous of all is the hanging gardens of Babylon which dates back 500 B.C.

These terraced structures were built over arched stone beams, and waterproofed with layers of reeds and tar, soil was laid and plants and trees were planted, these gardens are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

The most recognisable green roofs are in North America and were installed in the 1930s on the Rockefeller centre in New York City, these rooftop gardens continue to flourish today after more than seventy years of service.

Green spaces are becoming more important, especially in urban areas, as global warming increases, green roofs can not only look attractive, they give habitat to birds and fauna, and it acts as a natural insulation and can actually purify the air that we breath by filtering out pollutants.

A green roof consists of a matt of grass, moss or succulent plants such as sedum, laying over a drainage layer, but different roof situations need alternative systems.

The main benefits of a green roof is that  it creates a green area which is eco friendly, sound proofing, keeps the building warmer in winter and cooler in summer and increases property value.

Extends waterproofing life of the roof covering, protects against UV temperature extremes.

Improves microclimate, air quality by binding filtering dust, reduces impact of urban growth, retains moisture in dryer seasons, provides a home for birds and other wildlife.

Reduces drain overflow likelihood and pressure on streams and rivers.

At Acorn we can carry out a complete green roof application from start to finish.