How Do You Install A Sedum Roof?

How Do You Install A Sedum Roof?

A sedum roof is an easy DIY green roof that anyone can install. With the decking in place, here are the steps to installing a green roof:

Install Waterproof Membrane, Put down Plastic Sheet, Add Foam Installation, and Set Drainage Mat, Frame the Sides, Add Soil, Place Plants, and Water

1. Install Waterproof Membrane.

Install a monolithic-type waterproof membrane which can either be rubber or plastic, on top of the roof decking. This helps to protect your roof decking from becoming wet and moldy.

2. Put down the Plastic Sheet.

Place a 6-mil construction plastic sheeting layer over the waterproof membrane to keep weeds, seeds, and other unwanted materials out of your green roof.

Use pieces of wood to hold the plastic sheeting in place as you roll it out over the top of the waterproof membrane.

3. Add Spray Foam Insulation and Drainage Matting.

The Spray foam insulation is sprayed onto the underside of your roof deck, creating an insulating layer on top of your structure’s existing insulation, saving energy costs and adding on extra insulation without needing to tear off any part of the current roof surface or cut into the structure itself.

4. Set Drainage Matting.

The drainage matting is then tied together to form a grid for the top of the drainage system. The drainage matting helps to ensure that water will drain from the surface of your Sedum roof so that any excess water will flow into your downspouts.

5. Frame the Sides.

Then, use pieces of wood to hold up your side walls or joists along one edge of your green roof, creating a support frame for the sides of your Sedum roof.

6. Add Soil and Plants.

Then add soil and plants on top of your newly installed Sedum roofing, with plants in pots or garden beds as needed for proper support and growth.

7. Water

Finally, you must regularly water your green roof until the plants are fully established.

A sedum roof isn’t planted with traditional grasses or flowers. The leaves of the plants are usually small and don’t have roots that can potentially damage your home.

Sedum roofing isn’t only drought-tolerant; it is extremely easy to care for – all you have to do is add water once or twice a week during the first growing season, as well as apply a layer of compost every year in order to replenish soil nutrients.

This type of green roof requires no irrigation and is considered semi-permanent. You can expect this installation to last thirty to forty years or more.

Can You Have A Pitched Sedum Roof?

Yes, you can. Sedum Green Roof Kits are intended for use on sloped roofs ranging from 3 to 20 degrees. Please see Flat Roof Kits if you have a flat roof with a slope of 3 degrees or less.

A living green roof is more than a trend or ornamental curiosity; it supplies insulation, air, and water to the building, increases storm water infiltration, and provides shade in hot weather. The benefits of using sedum on a sloped roof are many.

How Deep Is A Sedum Roof?

Sedum roofs are large, green roofs with a medium depth of 3-8 inches. It is not unusual to see green roofs on 15-degree or steeper roofs, but they are not intended as a substitute.

Sedum on steep slopes tends to grow very slowly and is more difficult to shape and maintain. If you have a sloped roof between 15 and 20 degrees, an all-red sedum roof is probably best for you.

Do You Need To Maintain A Sedum Roof?

Yes, green roof kits typically require more maintenance. Inspect the Sedum roof for weeds and seeds (borne by the wind) at least twice a year and physically remove any undesirable vegetation.

This is best done in the spring and fall. We do not propose using chemical insecticides to promote biodiversity but keep in mind that woody cuttings can sprout roots and become invasive.

The harder the plant, the more likely it is to be a perennial, and you will need less maintenance. If you have a very thin layer of soil on your roof, consider adding some compost or a thick layer of mulch to provide support for your sedum plants.