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Green Roof Systems

A green roof system is an environmentally responsible and eco friendly solution that transforms unused rooftop space into a living, functional landscape.

Add Carlisle roofing products directly to your specification or order a sample below.

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Urban Green Roof
Green Roof Systems

CARLISLE® Green Roof Systems

Choosing the waterproofing for a green roof system means weighing up durability, ease of installation, foot traffic, drainage compatibility and the type of vegetation being planted.

The membrane must be compatible with the rest of the build-up and installed by qualified professionals. Read more by clicking the products below, or order a sample here.

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RESITRIX® SK W Full Bond

RESITRIX SK W Full Bond is a highly flexible EPDM waterproofing membrane with a polymer-modified bitumen backing. It is fully self-adhesive, hot-air weldable and root-resistant, making it suitable for a wide range of waterproofing applications, including green roofs. It is FLL test certified and complies with DIN EN 13948.

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HERTALAN® EASY COVER

HERTALAN EASY COVER is made to measure EPDM membranes. These membranes are vulcanized for permanent seams. These membranes are root-resistant and FLL-tested.

Sure Weld TPO/FPO

SURE WELD® TPO

SURE-WELD TPO is a high-quality, single-layer waterproofing membrane. It is made of thermoplastic flexible polyolefins. It has internal polyester fabric reinforcement. Root-resistant - tested according to DIN EN 13948:2007 (FLL under test) and therefore also suitable for all types of green roofs.

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ARBOFLEX®PU

ARBOFLEX PU is a cold applied liquid waterproofing with a seamless finish, and green roof compatibility. This system is fast and easy to install.

Benefits of Green Roof System

From improving energy efficiency to supporting biodiversity, green roofs offer measurable performance benefits.


Benefits for the Building Owner

  • Longer Roof Life: Vegetation shields the waterproofing membrane from UV exposure, temperature swings and mechanical stress. That protection extends the life of the roof and cuts repair costs.

  • Improved Energy Efficiency: The natural insulation in a green roof system reduces winter heat loss and limits summer solar gain, lowering energy consumption and supporting compliance with environmental regulations.

  • Better Indoor Comfort: Vegetation and growing media absorb sound and regulate humidity, creating a more stable and comfortable environment inside the building.

  • Increased Property Value: Living rooftops improve both kerb appeal and sustainability credentials. Biodiverse and sedum installations are particularly attractive in urban developments chasing strong ESG performance.

  • Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Performance: A green roof reduces the carbon footprint of a building, improves air quality and contributes to sustainable urban living.


Environmental Benefits

  • Biodiversity and Habitat Creation: Planted rooftops create new habitats for birds, pollinators and insects. Biodiverse designs use varied planting schemes and native species to maximise ecological value.

  • Mitigation of Urban Heat Island Effect: Evapotranspiration lowers surface temperatures, helping to combat urban heat build-up and improve the surrounding microclimate.

  • Rainwater Management: Green roof systems slow the flow of rainwater into the drainage network. In some developments they are combined with blue roofing, where extra retention layers hold stormwater temporarily and release it under control.

  • Improved Air Quality: Vegetation filters dust and pollutants from the air, contributing to a cleaner urban environment.

Types of Green Roof Systems

Each green roof type is designed according to structural load capacity, intended use, and maintenance expectations. Understanding the types of green roofs ensures the correct green roof solution is selected for the project.

Different design approaches allow solutions to be tailored to structural load capacity, access requirements, and planting goals.

Typischer Dachaufbau Extensive Begrünung
Typischer Dachaufbau Intensive Begrünung
Modular green roof

Why Modern Buildings Need Green Roof Systems

With increasing urbanisation, vegetated rooftops are becoming an essential component of sustainable development and modern green roofing.

Urban Heat Reduction

Absorb solar radiation and release moisture into the atmosphere, cooling surrounding areas.

Stormwater Retention

Retention layers temporarily store heavy rainfall, reducing strain on drainage infrastructure.

Energy Efficiency

The additional insulation provided by a green flat roof system improves thermal performance and contributes to building energy compliance standards.

Sustainable Architecture

Creating a green roof supports environmentally friendly construction practices and aligns with sustainable urban planning objectives.

Root-Resistant Waterproofing for Green Roof Systems

A successful green roof system starts with a professionally installed, root-resistant waterproofing layer. This prevents root penetration and ensures long-term structural protection.

A typical green flat roof system build-up includes:

  • Structural deck

  • Root-resistant waterproofing membrane

  • Protection layer

  • Drainage layer

  • Filter fleece

  • Growing medium

  • Vegetation layer (sedum roof, biodiverse planting, or landscaping)


Selecting certified membranes ensures green roof systems perform reliably for decades.

Modern Living Space With Rainwater Management

Due to growing environmental awareness, more and more flat roofs are being laid out as green roofs. The newly created green areas offer a welcome habitat for birds, insects and other microorganisms. They improve the local microclimate and help our cities heat up less in summer.

Green roofs also play an important role in managing water flow. Rainwater that falls on it is not drained off immediately by the green roof construction but is released slowly and in turn, helps the sewage system from overloading or flooding. Modern retention systems reinforce this effect by temporarily storing large amounts of rainwater during heavy rain, thereby reducing drainage.

https://a.storyblok.com/f/164928/1128x682/429ade6989/greenroof-hero.jpg

Root resistant waterproofing layer

To transform a flat roof into a green roof, it's crucial to have meticulous design and professional roofing installation. The selection of waterproofing membranes is of utmost significance and should be root-resistant to prevent any leakage due to root growth. Subsequently, a filter fleece and a unique layer for vegetation support are added over the waterproofing before planting can commence.

Need technical advice?
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CARLISLE® Construction Materials Ltd.

Unit 1, Park Lane Business Park, Park Lane, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottingham NG17 9GU
T +44 1623 627 285
E info.uk@ccm-europe.com

ARBO® Customer Service:

T +44 1773 826 661

E CustomerService.Arbo@ccm-europe.com

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Extensive

Extensive green roof systems are lightweight and need minimal maintenance, which makes them well suited to both residential and commercial projects.

Typically, an extensive green flat roof system includes:

  • Drainage layer

  • Filter fleece

  • Lightweight growing medium

  • Sedum roof or wildflower mat

A sedum roof is one of the most common types of green roofs. It uses hardy sedum species that are drought-resistant and require little irrigation.

Key Benefits:

  • Shallow build-up depth

  • Low maintenance requirement

  • No regular irrigation

  • Suitable for slopes up to 30°

  • Cost-effective green roof system

Intensive

Designed as accessible rooftop gardens with deeper substrates capable of supporting shrubs, lawns, trees, and even food production.

Features of Intensive Roofs:

  • Deep growing medium

  • Higher organic content

  • Irrigation systems required

  • Designed for public access

  • Greater biodiversity potential

They need more maintenance than other green roof systems, and irrigation is required, but they deliver far more aesthetic and recreational value.

Biodiverse Green Roofs
Specifically created to replicate natural habitats. These incorporate varied substrate depths, logs, stones, and native planting to support wildlife and meet ecological planning requirements.

Modular

Pre-planted trays enable faster and more efficient installation.

Advantages

  • Quick installation

  • Clickable modules

  • Recyclable trays

  • Integrated drainage

  • Suitable for retrofit projects

Modular systems simplify installation while maintaining full performance benefits.