Living roof ideas for EDPM roof

[PJKB]

Hi,

 

We have a flat roof at first floor level over part of a kitchen/diner room (roof area is about 6m x 4m) covered with EDPM over 20mm ply with a fall to one end with a gutter and are looking at options. It's got double doors leading on to it from a bedroom and we have permission for a balcony with balustrade. We've looked at a floating frame and then getting it boarded with Millboard (or similar) with a glass balustrade, but it's a pretty big area to look out on and would be far bigger than we would use.

 

We've started thinking about having part of the area boarded and balustraded, with the area round the outside of the balustrade a living/sedum type roof. I can see suppliers who can provide modular systems in trays as well people who build up a living covering from the level of EDPM in layers. We are in the NW of England so (normally) get a reasonable amount of rain. If anyone's done this or has any suggestions for a living/sedum type roof, I would be really grateful. 

 

Thanks,

 

Paul.

[Mr Punter]

In my experience balconies accessed from bedrooms are seldom used, unless it is a hotel room.

 

Have you had this work priced?

[ToughButterCup]

1 hour ago, PJKB said:

.... If anyone's done this or has any suggestions for a living/sedum type roof, I would be really grateful. 

 

We were initially very enthusiastic. At the same time as our enthusiasm for them we were - daily - driving past an eco- garden on a University campus (in the North West) Two (3?) small student shelters were constructed  next to the eco-garden. The shelters had sedum / eco-friendly roofs.

 

That was four years ago. Initially oooohs, and ahhhs. Now look at them: tatty, patchy, tired, un-un summat or other. Sightly is the word.

Once fitted, they need work.

Still we have our Newts to keep us scorched by the heat of our own worthiness.

[KA-CT]

It's absolutely imperative when installing a green or blue roof system, to properly consider the waterproofing layer. Typically, a seamless system is recommended, as these are less prone to failures. Single ply (epdm) unless installed in a single piece, can be prone to welding defects on the laps,  as well as root penetration. A liquid applied system works well, something like the Proteus system, which is specifically designed to sit beneath a living roof build up.

 

My best advice would be to approach your chosen system manufacturer for design support in the early stages. They'll make all of the necessary recommendations in terms of specification for the system, they will also provide a list of locally trained and approved installers - both crucial aspects when it comes to obtaining a meaningful, single point warranty for the system.

 

If you're planning to undertake the work yourself, then the 'tray systems' make it perfectly viable for you to do so. As above with the waterproofing layer though, be sure to properly consider the draining, and how the water will be managed from roof down to ground level. 

 

I love living roofs, I think they're such a fantastic investment. Absolute disaster when you need to uplift one to find a defect the size of a pin prick in some epdm though! 

 

Kevin