Green Roofing Systems
Green roofs have been popping up on flat roofs around the world for several decades. Many European municipalities are encouraging their incorporation in the urban landscape and, in some regions, even making them mandatory for new buildings.
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Green Roofing Systems for Sustainable Irish Buildings
Green roofing systems (sometimes referred to as living roofs) provide a practical way to improve building performance while delivering environmental benefits. These systems combine waterproofing, drainage, growing media, and vegetation to create roofs that manage rainwater, improve insulation, and extend the life of the underlying membrane.
QBM supplies complete green roofing systems for projects across Dublin and Ireland, supporting both extensive and intensive installations. From lightweight sedum roofs on commercial buildings to deeper landscaped systems on new developments, we help contractors and specifiers select solutions that suit structural capacity, budget, and maintenance expectations.
Extensive green roofs use shallow growing media and low-maintenance planting, making them ideal for commercial buildings where access is limited. Intensive systems use deeper substrates to support a wider range of plants and create usable roof spaces, but require greater structural capacity and ongoing maintenance.
When correctly specified and installed, green roofing systems perform reliably in Irish weather conditions, helping manage rainfall, reduce heat build-up, and support sustainable construction goals. QBM provides technical guidance, product compatibility advice, and complete system supply to ensure long-term performance.
Got a Question? Find the Answer Here
Can green roofs be installed on existing buildings in Ireland?
Green roofs can be retrofitted onto existing Irish buildings if structural capacity permits the additional weight of saturated growing medium, drainage layers, and vegetation. Engineers must verify that existing roof structures can safely support green roof loads, typically ranging from 60-900 kg/m², depending on system depth. Many older buildings lack adequate capacity without costly reinforcement. Waterproofing must be in excellent condition or replaced with root-resistant membranes before installation. Access for installation and maintenance also requires consideration. Feasibility studies combining structural assessment and cost analysis determine retrofit viability.
What plants grow best on Irish green roofs?
Irish green roofs perform well with native sedum species, grasses, and wildflowers adapted to local climate conditions, including high rainfall, moderate temperatures, and occasional drought. Sedum album, Sedum acre, and Sedum reflexum dominate extensive systems due to exceptional drought tolerance and minimal maintenance requirements. Deeper intensive systems support native grasses like fescues, wildflowers including thrift and bird's-foot trefoil, plus hardy perennials and shrubs. Plant selection considers exposure to wind, substrate depth, irrigation availability, and maintenance commitment. Native species provide superior biodiversity value compared to exotic alternatives whilst requiring less intervention.
How do green roofs perform during Irish winters?
Green roofs function reliably during Irish winters when properly designed for local conditions. Most sedum species remain semi-evergreen, providing year-round coverage and stormwater management. Substrate and vegetation insulate underlying waterproofing from freeze-thaw cycles that damage conventional roofing. Drainage systems must handle increased winter rainfall without blockage or overflow. Snow loads combine with saturated substrate weight, requiring structural verification during design. Properly specified systems withstand Irish winter conditions without special intervention. Spring growth typically fills any winter damage naturally. Annual autumn maintenance removes debris before winter to maintain drainage function.