Can EPDM Used in Green Roof Projects?

What’s in this guide?

In this useful guide, we will introduce you to RubberCover EPDM rubber roofing sheets, and look at whether these high-performance flat roof membranes can be used in green roof projects.

We will also take a look at the layering aspect of green roofing, and why the base waterproofing is critical to the integrity of the entire installation.

More and more homeowners are concerned about the environmental impact of carrying out work on their properties and look to find more ‘green’ options.

Many homeowners and some house building companies are now looking at green roof project installation to help with the drainage and absorption of surface rainwater and to attract wildlife.

Green roofing can be as beneficial to homes as solar panels and cavity wall insulation in environmental terms, and these have long been the environmentally-friendly, go-to home improvements of choice, as well as being great for saving energy and cost.

There are so many more options these days, for all over your house and garden, and green roofing is growing in popularity across the UK.

There are several layers involved in green roof installation, and each plays an important role.

From the planting layer down, there is a plant medium, such as topsoil, several drainage layers and an insulation layer over the waterproofing membrane.

Green roofing can be considerably heavier than any other roofing system, and a structural survey can often be a wise decision to make during the initial stages of the planning process. Ensuring the roof deck can carry the additional weight can make or break the entire project.

Choosing your waterproofing layer for a green roof

One of the most crucial layers is the bottom layer that protects the flat roof deck from water ingress – the waterproofing layer.

Some of the best flat roof membranes are EPDM flat roof systems, but will they cut it for green roof projects?

When it comes to making your installation watertight, it is critical to choose the right base material.

If you do not make the correct choice, and your base membrane fails, the entire project, often made up of several layers of stones, gravel, sand and planting medium in addition to plants and decorative finishes, will require dismantling.

You can begin to picture the upheaval, mess, waste of time and expense.

EPDM flat roof systems are an excellent roofing option because they deliver the perfect surface for a roof garden or vegetation.

With an accurately measured, custom-cut, single-piece EPDM membrane, you know there are no vulnerable joins waiting to fail beneath the surface.

The longevity and water-resistant capabilities of EPDM flat roof systems ensure a reliable performance over the long-term.

You do have to make the usual safeguard against the gravel layer, using an insulating blanket to prevent any sharp stones piercing the membrane, but EPDM membrane is reliably waterproof and resistant to micro-organisms or to any roots growing through, so it’s perfect for sustaining a green roof project for many years. Simplified further for DIY with the introduction of flat roof kits.