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A sedum roof is a great addition to any garden room

9 Sep 2024

We're often asked about the possibility of installing a sedum roof on our garden rooms. If you've heard the term but aren't quite sure what it means, this guide will explain what a sedum roof is, its benefits, and why it might be the perfect addition to your garden room. 

What is a sedum roof?

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A sedum roof, also known as a green roof or a living roof, is a roof that is partially or completely covered with vegetation, specifically sedum plants. Sedums are succulent plants (plants that store water in their leaves and/or stems) that are hardy and easy to grow, making them ideal for green roofing. A sedum roof typically consists of several layers, including a waterproof membrane, a drainage layer, a growing medium (like soil) and the sedum plants themselves.

Why choose sedum for a living roof?

Sedum plants are low-maintenance, drought resistant and can thrive in shallow soil. Their ability to store water in their leaves allows them to survive in environments where other plants might not, making them perfect for living roofs. 

There are more than 400 species of sedums, ranging in size and colour; they can grow from 2 inches to two feet and their colours include purple, blue, pink and red. Sedums create a visually appealing and biodiverse environment, attracting a variety of pollinators such as butterflies and bees. 

We use Evermat Sedum Blanket on our garden rooms, which is exclusively grown on the shores of the Irish sea. The blend of 9 varieties of sedum is grown to withstand the harshest weather conditions that our Scottish climate can throw at it, ensuring an extra tough, easy-care Sedum Blanket System. Watch our team installing the system on one of our rooms in Edinburgh.

Sedum Roof installation

What are the benefits of a sedum roof on a garden room?

If you are thinking about adding a garden room, the roof might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, a sedum roof can enhance not only the look of your garden room but also the functionality and sustainability of your space. Here’s our list of reasons why a living roof could be a perfect fit for your garden room.

1. Visually striking

Garden Room sedum

Sedum roofs certainly catch the eye. With a mix of succulent plants that change colour and throughout the seasons, a sedum roof can transform your garden room into a living paradise.

2. Environmental Benefits

Sedum roofs are great for biodiversity, providing a habitat for pollinators like bees and butterflies. If you’ve only got a small garden, a living roof is a fantastic way of adding additional plants to your outside space and attracting more wildlife. 

3. Insulation and energy efficiency

The layer of vegetation acts as a natural insulator, helping to keep your garden room warm in winter and cool in summer. This thermal regulation can reduce the need for artificial heating and cooling, leading to lower energy bills and a more sustainable lifestyle.

4. Improved drainage

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Sedum roofs contribute to effective water management. They absorb rainwater, reducing runoff and the risk of flooding. This absorbed water is then slowly released back into the atmosphere through evaporation, which can help to lower the overall temperature in the immediate environment. In wetter climates, this also eases the burden on local drainage systems.

5. Increase the lifespan of the roof

Sedum roofs are incredibly durable. The plants used are hardy and drought-resistant, requiring minimal maintenance once established. The protective layers of the sedum roof also shield the underlying structure from UV rays, extreme temperatures, and physical damage, which can extend the lifespan of your garden room's roof compared to traditional materials.

6. Low Maintenance

Sedum roof

Once established, sedum roofs are relatively low maintenance. Sedum plants are known for their hardiness, requiring little more than occasional weeding and, in some cases, supplementary watering during prolonged dry periods. This makes them an ideal choice for those who want the benefits of a green roof without the hassle of intensive upkeep.

Are you considering adding a garden room to your home? Installing a sedum roof is just one of the customisable options that we offer. Get in touch with us today for a free garden room quote. 

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