What does Urban Lifetile do?
We offer a range of lightweight green roof systems, which we either fully install or you can instal yourself. Our range of green systems include precultivated or component sedum, and precultivated grass, wildflower or mixed plants.
Can I pick and mix the content of my green roof?
We supply the largest range of green roof systems in the UK - from sedums, through grasses and wildflowers, to special mixes. You can also add plug plants to your roof as required. We can advise on all these variations.
Will my green roof need irrigation?
That depends upon the system you use. All our sedum green roof systems are drought resistant, and do not require an irrigation system, - in fact, they do not need any watering other than the very first time the roof is laid. Our other green roof systems are all designed to be drought tolerant, so in some circumstances an irrigation system (or just the ocassional watering) may be needed. We will be able to advise on this.
What about weeds and self-seeded trees?
Our green roof systems are designed to adapt to the local ecosystem. So all systems are pre-populated with a variety (usually 8 to 10) of species or sub-species, which will self-select to provide the best coverage for your particular environment. Some weeds will grow, but most won't be able to compete with our virgorous growing species. Trees may self-seed, but since the soil substrate is shallow, and the roots cannot penetrate the EPDM membrane, they will never grow to anything large.
Do I have to mow my green roof?
No! Not unless you have our grass or wildflower systems. And even then, all that is required is a once-annual trim (generally done in late autumn after the seeds have self-sown). If you don't want to do this, our sedum system never grows beyond a few centimetres in height. Or will we carry out the maintenance for you.
What happens if I want you to install the green roof?
After we collect all the relevant information from you using our simple online questionnaire, we'll normally be able to send you an estimate the same day. If you decide to proceed, we may send a surveyor to examine your existing roof, although sometimes we can do this from photographs and plans you send us. We will then arrange for a quotation to be sent to you which would include, if required, any waterproofing system (we normally use a recycled EPDM single layer membrane). We require 50% payment online to cover the cost of the materials. Our project manager will then co-ordinate the laying of both the black (the waterproofing) and the green (the sedum or other green covering) roofs. Upon completion, you pay the balance online and we will furnish you with the relevant warranties.
What happens if I want to instal the green roof myself?
After we collect the relevant information from you using our online questionnaire, we will send you a quotation, including delivery and VAT, usually the same day. You pay online, and we arrange delivery! Full instructions are included in all self-instal "Greenroof in a box" systems, and we're always available on the phone if you need extra help or advice. We recommend that you tackle DIY green roofs only for shed and garage roofs, and certainly only one storey in height.
Will you also construct and waterproof the roof?
We only supply (and fit,if required) the green roof system, and we rely on others to provide the waterproofing. However, we've made this as simple as possible for you by partnering with Europe's leading manufacturer of recycled single-layer EPDM waterproofing membranes, and we will arrange for the membrane to be laid (including any upstands, flashings and other details) with one of their approved contractors. The system, once laid and quality-checked by the manufacturer, comes with a 20 year manufacturer's warranty.
What if my roof is already waterproof?
We would always recommend that you renew the waterproof layer before installing a green roof to avoid problems in later years. Combining our partner's EPDM system with our green roof system extends the life of the roof to an incredible 50 years or more! But if you have just renewed your roof, if may be possible to lay our green roof system over it - we can advise you.
Is my roof strong enough to support a green roof?
Don't believe the cowboys who say "you could park a mini on this roof"! All roofs should be checked to ensure that they will carry the weight of a green roof system. Our system is the lightest on the market (at 55kg per square metre compared to the lightest competitor's 75kg and even more!) and has especially been designed for fitting onto existing roofs since most roofs are designed to carry loads of only 75kg/m2 (including people carrying out maintenance). We can help advise as how to have your roof checked (but it is your responsibility to ensure that you are satisified).
Do I need planning permission for a green roof?
Generally not, although in conservation areas and on buildings which are listed you probably will need to seek approval. Planning officers look at each case individually and in particular how your roof relates to the street and neighbours. Many authorities are now encouraging green roofs, but some remain stubbornly resistant. Our architects can advise on these matters, and have an enviable record of success when securing approvals!
Do I need building regulation apporval?
If you are replacing an existing roof with a green system, you will generally not need building regulation approval. If it is a new roof you are constructing, you will need approval, and our architects can help you with this. Bear in mind, though, that if you do replace an existing roof, you are expected (although enforcement is another issue!) to comply with current building regulations, and this will include ensuring adequate levels of insulation.
What about additional roof insulation?
Green roofs provide substantial insulation in the winter (and cool the roof surface in summer). But since they are still relatively new to the market in the UK, they are generally not taken into consideration when calculating energy efficiency and insulation requirements by the building inspectors. Another example of how we lag in the UK! So if you are building a new roof, you will need to ensure that other forms of insulation are also in place. If you are retrofitting onto an existing roof, it is also possible for the roofing contractor to provide additional insulation under the green roof system. In any event, your green roof system will substantially add to the energy efficiency of your home, whether recognised by the suits or not!
What if my roof isn't flat or I have a mansard?
Your roof doesn’t need to be flat to take a green roof. In fact, our systems can be laid to a maximum pitch of 45 degrees. This is achieved with the help of retention bars, which will prevent it from slipping while allowing excess water to drain through.
How much will it cost?
The costs are dependant upon the sytem you choose, and the size, location and edging details of your roof. We will detail everything you need in our estimate. And rest assured, whilst we will not sacrifice quality to be the cheapest on the market (unlike some of our less reputable bargain-basement competitors!), we believe we have the best value-for-money systems on the market! And here's the best of all - in terms of total cost of ownership (that is, over a period of, say, 50 years), green roofs are actually the cheapest form of roofing system available, including just putting down a simple black roof!
Are their grants available?
The UK has not yet woken up to the fact that green roofs should be encouraged in the same way as home insulation is afforded grants. We hope one day there will be grants relating to the environmental benefits green roofs bring.
Does a green roof add value to my property?
At the very least, the fact that the next purchaser does not have to worry about replacing the roof covering for as much as 50 years will be a bonus, as well as not having to do expensive three-yearly maintenance. But we also believe there will be a growing band of people placing a premium on environmentally friendly and energy-saving solutions such as green roofs, and this will undoubtedly add to your property's value.
How often will my green roof need maintaining?
A green roof will need maintaining twice a year in the first year and once a year thereafter. And maintenance is simply a matter of pulling out any self-sown trees and replanting bare patches. If you have a grass or wildflower system, you also have to run a strimmer over the roof once a year. But no more three-yearly expensive recoating of silver reflective paint! And we can arrange the maintenance to be done on your behalf.
What warranties do I get?
If you have installed a black roof using our partner's EPDM membrane and laid by one of their approved installers, then you will get a 20 year warranty directly from the manufacturer. And if one of our green roof systems has been laid by us on this black roof, we will warrant the green components for 20 years as well, provided we've done the annual maintenance and you've not done anything to damage to the covering.
What environmental benefits does a green roof have?
It will help conserve energy, assist the environment and be a pleasure to look at. Have a look at the Benefits section on this website for further details.
What is the difference between a green roof and a roof garden?
A roof garden is a space for you, your family and your friends to use and enjoy. It usually consists of bespoke seating areas, planting in containers and lights to extend its use into evenings. A green roof consists of low-level planting, usually sedum, low maintenance turf or wildflower over a roof area which is not used by people. A green roof system is installed directly onto a waterproofed roof without using containers. But it is entirely possible to combine some terrace areas within a green roof - just ask us for some ideas!
How do I start the process?
Once you contact us, we will send you an online questionnaire to gather information and we'll usually send you an estimate the same day.
How long will it take?
From the first contact with us, your project will take at least four weeks to completion. This period allows time for the following key actions:
• Consideration of structural requirements
• Obtaining quotations and appointment of a roofing contractor
• Ordering of materials
• Construction of your green roof.
As always in life, good things take a while!