luscious green roof on a garden shed

DIY Green Roof Guide

The online resource for building small scale green roofs on garden sheds, garages, house extensions and other small construction or retrofitting projects

a green roof on a new house extension

New Builds

A step by step guide to creating a SAFE and LEAK FREE green roof on a new small scale construction project. Learn from the vastly experienced authors how to accomplish it yourself or provide guidance to your contractors

a small green roof on an electrical substation

Retrofitting

Even the smallest of roof spaces can provide a small haven of beauty and a wildlife oasis. The retrofitting section advice can be used on garden sheds, cycle & bin shelters, the fundamentals remain the same!

edge details of a garden shed green roof

Detailing

From suggested screw sizes through edge details to drainage suggestions, John & Dusty take you through the process using text, photos, illustrations and videos

edge details of a garden shed green roof

Planting Ideas

Plant suggestions focussed on native species that can provide the maximum biodiversity. Separate lists for the UK, Eastern USA & Canada, Mid-West USA

The Roof Must Not Collapse


What loads are possible without the roof collapsing?

We tend to work on standard weights for various items in the green roof build-up. These are all saturated loads expressed in kg/m2. It should be noted that if you were retrofitting onto an existing building, you would have to ask a qualified engineer to provide you with the additional load that can be applied to the existing structure. Then you can work out what is possible.

  • Approximate saturated weights are provided for various green roof approaches.
  • How you can calculate the potential size of timber you will need, however we clearly recommend you take professional advice to ensure that your structure can take the weight intended.
  • What waterproofing layer can be used and how best to this can be installed without needing a professional roof contractor.
Get Started Now or Find Out More!

Gain immediate lifetime access for only £11.50 or browse the website and find out more about the whys and hows of designing and building small green roofs before you join.

Spring 2024 Special

The first 30 new registrations can get £2.50 off the usual price by using the discount code 20E3E039F7  at the checkout. That means only paying £9.00 in total to access the full guide. Grab a discounted membership now before they all go.