Pitched Green Roof

A pitched green roof is a sloped roof covered with vegetation (like sedums, grasses) planted over a waterproof membrane and growing medium, designed to manage stormwater, insulate buildings, improve air quality, and create habitat, using special layers like root barriers, drainage, and shear protection to keep soil and plants secure on the incline, often as low-maintenance extensive systems. 

Key Characteristics:
  • Vegetated Layers: Includes a waterproof membrane, root barrier, drainage layer, filter fabric, lightweight growing medium, and plants.
  • Pitched Design: Slopes downwards, requiring specific anti-slip/shear protection systems (like nets or reinforced mats) to prevent soil erosion and plant movement.
  • Extensive Type: Most pitched green roofs are "extensive," using shallow soil (under 6 inches) for low-growing plants like sedums, requiring minimal maintenance.
  • Benefits: Reduces stormwater runoff, lowers cooling/heating costs (insulation), extends roof membrane life, improves air quality, and supports biodiversity.
  • Applications: Ideal for new builds and retrofits on existing structures, offering a sustainable, aesthetically pleasing "fifth facade".