luscious green roof on a garden shed

DIY Green Roof Guide

The comprehensive resource for building small scale green roofs on all manner of buildings including garden sheds, garages, carports and house extensions

a green roof on a new bike shed

New Builds

A step by step guide to creating a green roof on a new small scale construction project. Learn as John & Dustytake you through how to accomplish it yourself or provide guidance to your contractors

a small green roof on an old garden shed

Retrofitting

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

green roof details like flues and skylights covered

Detailing

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

plant ideas for 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

Before You Start

If you are involved in a new build try not to follow conventional green roof logic. This tends toward  the lightest solution possible. This is a built environment profession approach. This can lead to green roofs that are not resilient, especially during periods of hot weather. This can lead to  disappointment in years to come. Especially in periods of extended drought.  Any approach is possible but a good depth of substrate under a blanket, turf or a seed/plug approach is a must.

Small Scale Green Roofs - Good Luck

Therefore consider what you want to achieve and the decide on the structure you need. This is particularly important if you have delegated to an architect or designer. In the majority of cases the default approach for most design professionals is to go as light as possible. YOU dictate to the architect the load you want. YOU are the client.

If you are retrofitting you may be limited due to weight considerations. This may mean you may have to go for something lighter. In some situations such as sheds and some extensions, strengthening of the structure is very feasible.  You, however,  may consider this too much work and cost. Our advise is to seriously consider strengthening. You are going to live or someone else is going to live with the green roof for years to come. Why not do it well from the start to get maximum benefit and satisfaction from it in the long run.

Finally a green roof is not a building product. It is not inanimate. It is a living thing that changes with the seasons and the vagaries of our current climate changes! This is not a negative, though it can be perceived to be. It is a positive. Enjoy the visual changes through the seasons and the climate in a given year.

The guide will help you make the decisions you need to make.

Good luck and enjoy.

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