Expert Green Roofs in Totnes, Devon

Most of the folk we talk to in Totnes are looking for ways to make their homes more sustainable. One of the best-kept secrets of a green roof is its incredible thermal performance. Think of the substrate and plants as a thick, natural duvet for your house. In the winter, it traps heat inside, and during those surprisingly hot South West summers, it keeps your rooms beautifully cool. You’ll likely notice the difference in your energy bills pretty quickly. It’s a practical, long-term solution that protects your pocket while you're doing your bit for the planet.

Not all living roofs are built the same, and what works for a shed might not be right for a main house extension. We generally categorise them into two types. Extensive green roofs are the most popular choice for Devon homes; they use hardy, low-maintenance plants like sedum that can handle our coastal winds and heavy rainfall without needing much attention. If you're looking for something more ambitious, an intensive green roof acts more like a rooftop garden with deeper soil for shrubs or even small trees. Don't worry about the technicalities—we’ll assess your roof's structure to ensure it can handle the weight before we ever lay a single plant.

We all know how much rain we get here in the South West. A major benefit of our installations is attenuation—which is just a fancy way of saying the roof soaks up rainwater like a sponge. This prevents your gutters from being overwhelmed during a typical Devon downpour and helps stop local flash flooding. We use high-quality root barriers and specialised drainage layers to ensure the water goes where it should, and the roots stay where they belong. We don't just 'plant and go'; we build a multi-layered system designed to protect your underlying roof membrane from UV damage, often doubling its lifespan.

Imagine looking out of your window and seeing bees and butterflies enjoying a wildflower meadow on top of your garage. By installing a biodiverse or brown roof, you’re creating a vital 'stepping stone' for local wildlife. In areas like Totnes, where we value our natural surroundings, these roofs provide essential pollen and habitat for insects that are losing ground elsewhere. We use bespoke substrate mixes specifically designed to help native Devon flora thrive, turning your roof into a contributing part of the local ecosystem rather than just a waterproof lid.