Build your own green roof or have it done? The pros and cons
You can do a green roof (extensive green roof) just fine yourself-especially on flat roofs around the house. Yet sometimes having it done is smarter: faster, tighter and hassle-free at height. In this guide we compare DIY vs professional installation on costs, risks, time and finish, including clear price examples and practical tips. Want to see how we install right away? Check out the installation page to see exactly how.
What does installing a green roof yourself involve?
Installing a green roof is actually quite simple. A green roof package consists of 3/4 layers. You lay these on top of each other on your roof. That’s it. Want to know exactly what a green roof is? Read this here. But here are the layers in brief:
For the lightweight sedum mat package:
– (Root barrier if needed): So that roots cannot grow into the roof.
– Drainage: So that water can drain properly.
– Substrate: This is where the roots grow.
– Sedum mats: The sedum mats themselves!
For cassettes it’s even easier. This consists of only 2 layers.
–Protective cover
–Cassette with plants: all layers are already in here.
Would you like to build your own green roof? And are you looking for the right package? Then download our decision aid!
What does having it laid out involve?
We check roof condition and details, recommend construction (root protection yes/no), apply layers and tightly finish edges/drainage. You get a single point of contact, tight installation and assurance on details (penetrations, domes, slope).
Everything about our construction service can be found here . The price of this depends on your distance from our office. The price can be calculated from the page above.
The advantages of doing it yourself
Cheaper: you only pay for materials (see prices below).
Flexible: plan your own day; ideal for small/medium-sized roofs.
Fast results: with two people often finished in half a day.
Instructive: you know your roof and construction exactly.
The disadvantages of doing it yourself
Risk of error: leakage/drainage/finishing should be done right the first time. But with careful work, this is certainly doable for anyone.
Safety & lifting: working at height, moving tiles/rolls.
No placement warranty: materials have warranty, execution does not.
The benefits of having it done
Craftsmanship & speed: Tight end result, less inconvenience. And it was done tremendously fast.
Assurance: Proper layer construction, neat details, on-site consultant.
The disadvantages of having it done
- Higher costs: You pay labor and call-out fees.
- Less flexible in scheduling: We plan a date together. But when you put it on yourself, of course you can more easily choose when this will be.
Cost comparison: self vs having it done
Kostenvergelijking sedumdak – materiaal, aanleg & voorbeeld
| Systeem | Materiaal €/m² | Aanleg €/m² | Totaal €/m² (zelf) | Totaal €/m² (laten) | Voorbeeld 20 m² – Zelf | Voorbeeld 20 m² – Laten |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedummatten 20 mm | ||||||
| Sedummatten 40 mm | ||||||
| Sedum cassettes – licht | ||||||
| Sedum cassettes – zwaarder | ||||||
| Biodivers pakket (100–120 mm) |
Prijzen **indicatief**, incl. btw. Minimale afname **20 m²** (Voor installatie rekenen we minimaal 20 m²). Aanlegtarief volgens afstandstier (0–50 km: €22,95/m² · 0–100 km: €27,95/m² · 101–150 km: €32,95/m² · 150+ km: €39,95/m²). Extra’s zoals wortelwerende folie, profielen, grind en bolroosters niet inbegrepen.
Factors that determine what is best for you
- Budget: do you want to save primarily? Then DIY is the best option. At sedumworld, we also offer the lowest price guarantee . This means you always have the best price.
- Complexity of roof: many details/slope/large area? → have it done. Especially with a large slope (more than 15 degrees), installation is strongly recommended.
- DIY project → Do you like diy projects? Then building a green roof yourself is a fun project, especially when you do it with a group.
- Time/safety: don’t feel like lifting/height work? → get it done.
- Final image & security: 100% tight and fast? → get it done.
- Not fit → Are you not physically strong and do not have friends or family who can help you? Then it is also best to have it done.
Conclusion & Recommendation
Small to medium flat roof, simple detail work: install yourself with sedum mats or cassettes.
Large roof, slope or many penetrations: have it installed through our installation service.
Having doubts? Send a photo + dimensions and we will provide brief advice and a quote suitable for grant application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes-with the proper materials and manual. Is this doable for almost anyone.
From ±€42/m² (material), excl. accessories.
Guarantee of placement, speed, tight end result.
Many municipalities do; you can find this on your municipality’s website.
Also excited about sedum?
Check out our knowledge base or social media and keep learning!
