Green roof benefits.
The Netherlands is becoming grayer, summers hotter and storms more extreme. This leads to overloaded sewers and flooded streets. By installing a green roof, you can contribute to the fight against climate change. Great, right? Especially since it also benefits your own wallet. Read all the benefits of a green roof below!
Economic green roof benefits
Longer life & better protection
A green roof protects the roofing from sun, rain, wind and temperature fluctuations. As a result, your roof will last up to 60 years instead of 20-25 years. It also provides additional protection against extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, hail and storms, reducing the risk of damage and repair costs.
Read what exactly a green roof is and how this type of roofing provides additional protection from weather.
Energy savings & a cooler indoor environment
Thanks to the insulating effect of a green roof, your home stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This reduces the need for air conditioning and heating, resulting in lower energy bills and a more pleasant indoor environment. In addition, an air conditioner works more efficiently because the ambient temperature fluctuates less.
Lower insurance premiums
Some insurers offer property insurance discounts for homes with a green roof. This is because a green roof has fire-retardant and water-buffering properties, reducing the risk of damage. Check with your insurer about possible benefits.
Increased home value
A green roof increases the value of your home by contributing to lower energy costs, longer roof life and improved indoor climate. Homes with a green roof are more attractive to buyers, allowing them to sell faster and at a higher price.
Sempergreen’s research shows that green roofs increase home value by reducing energy consumption and extending the life of the roof.
Higher efficiency of solar panels
The lower ambient temperature due to a green roof increases the efficiency of solar panels by 9 to 16%. This provides a higher energy yield and a faster payback on your solar investment.
Fire retardant protection
The moist plant layer of a green roof slows the spread of fire, providing additional safety for homes and commercial properties. Although a green roof is not completely fire-resistant, it helps reduce the impact of fire.
Grant benefits & financial support
Many municipalities and governments offer subsidies for installing a green roof because of its ecological and economic benefits. This significantly lowers investment costs. View cost of a green roof for more insight into the price structure.
Ecological green roof benefits.
More biodiversity & a greener environment
A green roof creates a green ecosystem that helps increase biodiversity. The mix of sedums, herbs and grasses attracts bees, butterflies and birds, which helps sustain wildlife, especially in urban areas. Read how a green roof contributes to biodiversity and the conservation of bees and butterflies.
Clean air & less particulate matter
Green roofs clean the air by capturing particulate matter and pollutants and converting CO₂ into oxygen. This contributes to a healthier living environment and helps improve air quality, especially in busy cities.
Rainwater buffering & reduced risk of flooding
Green roofs capture rainwater and allow it to evaporate or drain gradually. This reduces pressure on the sewer system, reduces the risk of flooding and contributes to stable groundwater levels.
Lower ambient temperature & less heat island effect
In urban areas with lots of concrete and asphalt, a green roof can reduce temperatures by as much as 3°C. This helps reduce the heat island effect and makes the city more livable during hot summers. Explaining the urban heat island effect.
Protection against UV radiation & erosion
A green roof prevents harmful UV rays from affecting the roofing material, making it less likely to wear down. In addition, the vegetation layer protects against erosion from wind and heavy rainfall, making the roof even more durable.
Positive effect on well-being, productivity & social interaction
Greenery in the environment reduces stress and promotes relaxation. For homes, offices and schools, a green roof contributes to a healthier and more pleasant living environment. Research even shows that employees are more productive in a green work environment. 5 reasons for an office green wall In residential areas, a green roof can encourage social interaction and contribute to a closer-knit community.
Sound attenuation: less noise from outside
A green roof absorbs sound waves and acts as a natural sound barrier. This reduces ambient noise from traffic, rain and other environmental sounds, contributing to a quieter living environment, especially in urban areas.
Disadvantages of a green roof
After all these advantages, you’ll probably be thinking, but what are the disadvantages? Well, a sedum roof doesn’t really have any disadvantages. The only disadvantage is that there are costs involved. Fortunately, more and more municipalities, provinces and water boards are providing subsidies on green roofs so you don’t have to pay for the entire roof yourself. That is a nice bonus, of course. Check our subsidy page to see if your municipality provides subsidies for green roofs.
Maintenance
One possible disadvantage of green roofs is that they require some degree of maintenance. Although green roofs are low maintenance, they are not maintenance free – as with all forms of nature. Maintenance of a green roof includes the following activities. Below we have listed was maintenance needs. Check out our maintenance page, for more details.
- Inspecting the green roof
- Removal of weeds and unwanted ingrowths
- Inspection and cleaning of existing rainwater drains.
- Treat any small bare spots with new sedum shoots
- Application of new gravel, if necessary
- Fertilize the green roof, this is easy to order at: www.sedummest.nl
- Final check
Frequently Asked Questions
We assume that if two adults can stand on the roof, the roof is strong enough for our lightweight system, this system weighs only 45 kg/m2 saturated and is therefore suitable for almost all roofs around the house. However, this is not a guarantee. If you want to know for sure
, we recommend that you hire a structural engineer to check the roof.
Some sedum species can thrive in shade, but may have fewer blooms.
Yes, a sedum roof is low maintenance not maintenance free. A healthy and beautiful green roof requires minimum maintenance 2x couple of years. For more information on how to maintain your Sedum roof
check out our comprehensive instruction page with videos. Use sedum fertilizer for this purpose.
After delivery, you can store the sedum mats rolled up for up to two days in cold weather. In warm weather, a maximum of one day. It is important to store sedum mats in a cool, dry place, directly out of the sun. You can also temporarily unroll and water the mats if you can’t handle them right away. For more information on caring for sedum mats, click here.
Fertilize sedum twice a year, in April and September.
Want to learn more about green roofs?
Sedum as ground cover
Are you looking for a low-maintenance, beautiful and eco-friendly way to green up your garden, patio or roof? Then sedum is the plant for you.
All about green roof maintenance
A green roof is nice and low-maintenance, but it does need some attention from time to time. Here’s what you can do to keep it beautiful and healthy.
Can sedum be used in the garden?
Liven up your garden with sedum mats and colorful varieties. A sedum garden requires little care and is an eye-catcher every season.
Also excited about sedum?
Check out our knowledge base or social media and keep learning!
