A blue roof system is designed to catch and temporarily retain rainfall, before controlled release at a pre-determined rate. Blue roofs are not a new concept, but development has accelerated in recent years to reduce pressure on urban waterways and minimise local flood risks. Blue roofs have many different design options, from open water catchment to complex tubing systems. The type of system you select will
There are a number of eco-friendly options available for roofing, including green, blue roofing, brown and biodiverse roofing projects. These types of roof systems are often combined to deliver a comprehensive approach to the project. Making a roof eco-friendly isn’t as difficult as it might first seem, but it does involve more than simply adding plants or a growing medium to a flat roof. The teams
The planting layer of a green roof can consist of a single species, such as sedum or a variety of succulents and suitable low-maintenance garden plants. It is common for green roof plants to be installed using a series of ‘mats’ to ease planting and decision making. Talk to our green roof division for advice about selecting the components for your project – from the waterproofing
Blue roofs are designed to release the stored water at a pre-determined rate. The way this is calculated will depend on several factors. These can include, but are not always limited to: Geographical location – local surface water guidelines The type of blue roof system installed Whether there is rainwater harvesting
Blue roofs are not intended to provide permanent water storage. The purpose of blue roofing is to temporarily hold rainwater to avoid overwhelming local urban surface water systems. It is then released under controlled conditions back into the systems. The water can be used, however, to irrigate green roofs when these two technologies are combined. In some cases blue roofs can be harvested, and the water
Planning consent will vary from authority to authority in the UK. It is always a good idea to talk to your local planning officer when considering any major project. It is here that you may also find useful information that will help plan the controlled release of water from your blue roof, which may also be subject to regulation or guidelines.
Blue roof systems are complex, and we would recommend careful planning and professional installation for the best results. However, installing the waterproofing membrane is perfectly suitable for a skilled and confident DIYer. We stock a range of complete EPDM flat roof kits in standard or custom sizes to suit your needs.
EPDM is the ideal base waterproofing membrane for a blue roof system. This is due to the exceptional service life expectancy and its proven performance in the field in a wide range of conditions and climates. RubberCover EPDM offers a reliable approach, as it can be installed in much larger sheets (up to 15m x 60m) than other systems. This means that for most projects, there
Brown roofs are not generally watered once installation is complete. During the earliest stages, watering may be needed during exceptionally dry weather. The concept of a brown roof is for nature to take over.
Yes. An insulating layer will be added over the waterproofing membrane to protect it during the construction process. There are many options for this, from insulating boards to weed suppressant.