Expert Green Roofs in Lostwithiel, Cornwall

Living in Cornwall, we're no strangers to a fair bit of rain. A standard flat roof often struggles with the sheer volume of water we get during a South West storm. This is where 'attenuation' comes in—a fancy word for a very simple benefit. Your green roof acts like a giant sponge, soaking up rainfall and releasing it slowly, which takes the pressure off your gutters and prevents local flooding. Beyond the rain, the layers of substrate and plants provide incredible natural insulation. We've had customers tell us their upstairs rooms feel noticeably cooler in the summer and much snugger when the winter frost hits, helping to take the sting out of rising heating costs.

Not all living roofs are built the same, and what works for a small garden shed might not be right for a large commercial build. We generally categorise them into two types. First, there's the 'Extensive Green Roof'. This is our most popular choice in Lostwithiel—it's lightweight, low-maintenance, and uses a shallow layer of substrate. We typically plant these with Sedum, a hardy little plant that can survive the salt-heavy coastal winds and dry spells without needing a haircut. If you're looking for something more ambitious, like a rooftop garden with shrubs or even small trees, we can install an 'Intensive' system. These require a bit more structural support, but they effectively give you a brand-new garden in the sky.

One of the first things people ask us is, 'Won't the roots grow into my house?' It's a fair question. Without the right protection, they could. That's why we don't just throw some soil on your roof. We install a high-performance root barrier and a specialist waterproof membrane first. This creates an impenetrable shield that keeps your home bone-dry. Interestingly, a green roof actually makes your roof last longer. By shielding the underlying materials from harsh UV rays and the constant expansion and contraction caused by Cornish weather, a living roof can easily double the lifespan of your flat roofing system. It's an investment that pays for itself in avoided repairs down the line.

Imagine looking out of your window and seeing bees, butterflies, and birds visiting a roof that used to be nothing but grey felt. By choosing a biodiverse or 'brown' roof, we can even tailor the planting to mimic the natural habitats found around the River Fowey. We use local seeds and materials to encourage specific insects and birds to move in. It's a small but powerful way to do your bit for the planet while adding a unique, 'wow-factor' feature to your property that'll certainly be a talking point with the neighbours.