Expert Green Roofs in Chagford, Devon

If you’ve spent any time in the South West, you’ll know our weather can be a bit of a mixed bag. We get plenty of rain, but our summers can still be surprisingly harsh on building materials. That’s where sedum comes in. It’s a hardy, low-maintenance succulent that’s the star of most 'extensive' green roofs. It loves the damp but doesn't mind a dry spell, making it the ideal choice for our local climate. Unlike a garden lawn, you won't need to be up there with a mower every Sunday. Once established, these plants take care of themselves, providing a year-round splash of colour that changes with the seasons while supporting local bees and butterflies.

Most of the folk we chat to in Chagford are looking for ways to make their homes more efficient. Did you know a living roof can actually help lower your heating bills? The layers of substrate and vegetation act as a natural thermal barrier. In the winter, they keep the heat in, and during those rare hot Devon summer days, they provide 'urban cooling' to keep your rooms comfortable. Beyond the temperature, a green roof actually protects your underlying roof membrane from UV rays and temperature swings. This can often double the lifespan of your roof compared to a standard flat roof, saving you a lot of money and hassle in the long run.

We all know how quickly the weather can turn on the moor. Intense downpours can put a lot of pressure on local drainage systems. One of the biggest technical perks of our green roofs is 'attenuation'. This is just a fancy way of saying the roof soaks up the rainwater and releases it slowly, rather than letting it all gush into your gutters at once. By installing a living roof, you're doing your bit to prevent local flooding while protecting your own property's foundations from excessive runoff. It’s a practical, eco-friendly solution that works perfectly for properties in hilly areas like Chagford.

Not all green roofs are the same, and we’ll help you figure out what’s best for your structure. Most domestic projects go for an 'extensive' system—these are lightweight, use a shallow substrate (engineered growing medium), and are designed mainly for their environmental and aesthetic perks. However, if you've got a sturdy commercial building or a very strong extension, you might consider an 'intensive' green roof. Think of these as actual roof gardens with deeper soil that can support shrubs, grasses, or even small trees. Whatever you choose, we handle everything from the initial structural assessment to the final planting, ensuring your root barrier is perfectly sealed and your roof is built to last.