Intensive Green Roof Systems
Intensive green roof systems are designed to accommodate deeper substrate layers, enabling the support of vegetation such as turf, shrubs, and—where structurally appropriate—small trees. These systems are typically specified for projects requiring accessible roof spaces that incorporate both hard and soft landscaping elements. Where ecological enhancement is a project objective, certain roof systems may be designed to support biodiversity by incorporating features that encourage habitat creation. These systems should be selected based on ecological assessments or biodiversity action plans relevant to the site.
System Features and Considerations
- May support a wider range of vegetation types, subject to substrate depth and structural capacity.
- Can incorporate both hard and soft landscaping elements, such as lawns, pathways, and planted areas.
- Typically requires regular maintenance and irrigation, depending on plant selection and exposure.
- May be suitable for accessible roof spaces intended for recreational use, subject to structural and safety assessments.
- System weight and depth requirements generally necessitate installation over concrete roof decks or podium structures.
- Rainwater retention performance should be quantified and supported by validated test data.
Image: Sika intensive green roof build up
SikaRoof® Intensive Green Roof System
The SikaRoof® Intensive Green Roof System includes:
- A protection fleece layer designed to safeguard the underlying Sika waterproofing membrane.
- A 40mm drainage board with integrated filter fleece, intended to retain water and assist in managing rainfall.
- SikaRoof® Intensive Substrate, formulated to support deeper-rooting vegetation and retain moisture.
- The system is suitable for projects requiring a mix of hard and soft landscaping, where a functional and accessible roof space is part of the design intent.
