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Water Considerations for Green Roofs: A Guide
When it comes to green roofs, water is a crucial factor to consider. However, during the establishment stage, access to a water point is essential, especially if installation takes place during the hotter, drier summer months. While a permanent irrigation system isn't necessary for extensive sedum green roofs, the roof should be monitored during periods of prolonged drought (2 weeks) to ensure plant survival. Sedum roofs usually require watering only during exceptionally dry weather. Sky Garden offers temporary/permanent irrigation systems if required. Wildflowers by their nature thrive on poor soils where there is little competition however they are more vulnerable to drought. For that reason, Sky Garden recommends irrigation system be installed on those roofs. For green roofs with deeper substrates ( intensive green roofs), regular irrigation is required. The deeper the substrate, the more moisture it can hold, making it easier for plants to endure dry periods.
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If you have a maintenance contract in place for your green roof with an irrigation system, Sky Garden will ensure its ongoing performance. We commission the system in spring and decommission it in autumn to prevent freezing and pipe damage. Our team also inspects all components to ensure they are fully operational, keeping your irrigation system running efficiently so your green roof thrives year-round.

Irrigation related FAQs

  • Can I still have solar panels?
    Yes. Green roofs can be designed to fit around solar panels or the panels can fit on top of the roof. This can not only increase the efficiency of the solar panels, but the shade created by the solar panels can increase biodiversity of the underlying green roof. Special care must be taken when selecting plants to be installed in the shaded areas to ensure they grow well in low light conditions.
  • Green Roofs as Ecosystems
    Green roofs - what?
    Environmentally friendly, wildlife-friendly, attractive and sustainable. That’s what. Sky Garden aims to tick all of those boxes right from the original consultation, through to design, installation and maintenance.
    Leading in our field (excuse the pun), we work on modern, attractive projects that are kind to the world around us. You could be an environmentally conscious business owner or simply someone who is keen to be green- we welcome everyone.
    How do green roofs work?
    This is the science-y bit. Non geeks, look away now. It’s pretty simple really.
    A drainage board is laid (nature’s bed rock) followed by a growing medium (soil, in short), which is tailored to your choice of vegetation. That could be wildflower, for those who want a beautifully colourful finish, or a sedum roof, for an instant green dream, right above your head.
    All our vegetation is grown and maintained in our very own nurseries, using regionally sourced materials, ready to adorn and embellish roofs all over the country.
    Why opt for a green roof?
    • We work closely with Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) to tailor our roofs to the needs to endangered wildlife. That way, we ensure local wildlife have a tranquil habitat to enjoy (and you have a magnificent roof!)
    • Our roofs aren’t just to be admired- why not create a space to chill out and relax in those warm summer months? This is hugely beneficial to those with smaller spaces- you could create somewhere for friends and family to come when the weather is too lovely for you to be indoors. Not to mention the value it could add to your property.
    • Especially in the Cotswolds, a landscape so beautiful must be preserved. A green roof will ensure the stunning setting in which we live is only added to.
    • The run-off of water that a green roof provides can help in preventing flooding that the UK so often suffers with. Unlike its counterparts- slate and concrete, a green roof reduces the amount of rainwater run-off, helping us to stay dry and safe.
    • A green roof can also absorb noise pollution by up to 8db- something a standard roof cannot. This is most useful in built-up areas with high noise pollution.
    Why Sky Garden?
    We’re a team that knows our stuff. Ecologists, botanists, hydrologists… you name it, we know it. Which is why we’re the UK’s leading experts in green roofing, and we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service and the highest quality of installation there is. We only use regionally sourced materials, which we grow and nurture ourselves, and we care.
    In a world full of pollution, we aim to provide a sanctuary for wildlife, and beautiful spaces for all to enjoy.

20+

Years of Green Roof Experience

UK

Grown & Sourced

210 +

acres of green roof planted

Award Winning

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Request an Irrigation Quote Today

Fill out this enquiry form or email us at supplyonly@sky-garden.co.uk and we aim to respond within 24 hours.

Irrigation Quote

Contact us on 01242 620905 or visit our FAQs.