There are two types of green roofs: extensive and intensive. This division is made on the basis of the thickness of the substrate and the way the roof is used. Intensive roofs are, in fact, substitutes for real gardens; in such assumptions, the substrate layer is even half a meter.The maintenance of such gardens is expensive and requires the adaptation of the roof of the building to high loads.
Extensive roofs are easier to build and maintain. These are green surfaces on the ground layer of the thickness of from 3 to 8 cm.Species from difficult habitats are suitable for planting such roofs. These plants should be resistant to strong sunlight, strong wind, frost and a small amount of rainfall.
Low-growing, fast-growing and creeping perennials are the most suitable. Swarms, sedum and thyme will be ideal.Most perennials of this type can withstand long periods without water.Let us mention here the white sedum, rock sedum, floral sedum, hybrid, prickly and Caucasian sedum as well as kartuzka carnation, Doerfler thyme, sand thyme, keratinis, staphylococcus.
Extensive assumptions are not troublesome, because they require only occasional care.The basic activity is cutting faded flowers and, if there is prolonged drought, watering, especially the newly established roof.
Establishing a flower meadow on the roof
1. We put the anti-root foil.For better hydrological isolation, you can additionally place a separating mat underneath it.
2. Cut holes to drain the water to the gutters in the corner / corners of the foil.
3. We put a protective mat. Thanks to it, we will minimize the risk of damaging the root barrier during works related to the roofing.
4. Place the drainage mat.
5. Then we unfold the filter mat.As the name suggests, it is supposed to prevent particles of the substrate from entering the drainage layer and clogging its channels.
6. Spread gravel around the opening that drains water into the gutters and at the edges of the roof. No plants will grow here.
7. We pile up the substrate. For this purpose, we use a special extensive substrate for green roofs. It is light and permeable.
8. We sow the seeds.The substrate is carefully raided.
9. Keep the substrate at constant humidity until the plants emerge and take root solidly.
