Dead space, how would I go about a living roof?

[4390evans]

On the roof of my kitchen there is nothing, I'm wanting to put some creeping plants in there that will be good for bee's (please send me suggestions, I thought creeping thyme?).

But I was wondering what I would do to go about creating a living roof? What would I put down to protect the roof itself, would I have to build a frame?

If anyone has any knowledge of this please let me know, pro's and con's welcome. I will get a pic on of the space asap as its quite large and flat.

thanks guys.

[roitelet]

I don't know much about living roofs but the first thing that springs to mind is, is the roof strong enough to support the weight of soil required?

[4390evans]

Not sure, I was hoping I could build a frame off it or something, maybe have a gap between the base and the roof but have a frame going all the way round the frame of the roof. If that makes sense?

[Potstubsdustbins]

Usually the timber work is designed to take the weight of the slates/tiles etc and very little else.

If you think like the builder why would you spend more money installing timber that wasn't necessary. Can you post a pic of your roof?

[Jungle Jane]

Coco coir is lighter in weight than soil/compost,so you could get a good depth with it & it wouldn't be as heavy. It dries out quicker but that might be good through autumn/winter. Also seeds germinate really well in it

[veggiechicken]

Does this help? http://www.thegreenroofcentre.co.uk/...Guide%20v2.pdf

On a previous house,I had a greenhouse on a flatroofed extension. The extension needed a new roof so I had it rebuilt with additional structural supports to carry the weight. With a greenroof, its not just the weight of the soil/compost, its the weight of it when soaking wet that you have to consider - and worry about.

[Greenleaves]

Are there potential insurance implications? We had to tell our insurers when we installed solar panels so just wondering

[jessica_alinari]

I see no problem in building a rooftop garden. There are many tutorials with wonderful ideas, useful and applicable advices, such as this one .... Mod edit...... As you will see, every roof can be transformed into a garden. However, you need to decide if you wish a container garden on the roof (which requires less maintenance) or an entire roof garden, covered with soil and directly planted with vegetation.

[bearded bloke]

I have removed the link from the above post as some of the information in it is inaccurate for UK construction methods, all encompassing statements such as ....

Every roof of a building can be covered with greenery. There are no restrictions in the type and the size of a roof. No matter if your roof is flat, sloping or curved, it can easily be transformed into contemporary urban garden. It's irrelevant whether the building is new or old

.... could well result in damage to a property & it's contents.

[Potstubsdustbins]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Well its nearly right. Yes, every roof can be made into a garden if you have Richard Branson money to throw at it.

Like when I am talking to clients and they ask "Could you do so and so Potty?" The answer is always "Yes." Then we go on to discuss the financial implications.

[JimmyRay]

I would just advise you to carefully research the matter in your area. As others have stated, insurance might be a problem, the construction might be a problem.. I don't mean to dissuade you, no madam, but it's better to know things beforehand. Also, I will give this link - it encompasses most of the things you need to check before lunging in - https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=289 . I'm really sorry beforehand, if I'm not allowed to. Still can't edit my profile too, so.. Have a nice day!