At the Heart of Roofing
National Federation Roofing Contractors

The National Federation of Roofing Contractors Limited

NFRC  / Using a Member  / For green roof installations

For green roof installations



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Green roofs perform a vital role in helping cities adapt to the effects of climate change by reducing the need for artificial cooling in hot weather and retaining rainwater runoff, as well as providing a range of habitats for wildlife.

However, green roofs can only provide these environmental benefits if they are properly designed and installed. NFRC have a growing number of trained green roof installers and manufacturers.

NFRC provides the secretariat for The Green Roof Organisation (GRO) which is the independent UK body representing the industry trade associations, manufacturers and key players within the green roofing sector. GRO sets out to promote the green roof concept provide suitable guidelines to both manufacturers and installers and to recognise and promote correctly trained green roofing companies. 

In February 2011 GRO produced the Green Roof Code for the UK. The code, which was the result of technical cooperation across the UK green roof industry, is intended to be recognised as a code of best practice and guide behaviour relating to green roof design, specification, installation and maintenance.

Simply click on the image below to download a free copy.

Green Roofing Types

There are four main types of green roofs and they are:

  • Extensive Green Roof

Serve as an ecological covering that provides society with environmental benefits and the building owner with life cycle cost benefits. A lightweight, low-maintenance roof system, typically with succulents or other hardy plant species planted into a shallow substrate that is low in nutrients. Irrigation is not normally required.

  • Biodiverse Roof

Is similar in composition to an extensive roof, but is designed specifically to create a habitat that will attract a particular plant and animal by replicating the original footprint of the building or enhancing the previous habitat. This type includes a brown roof, which is a non-vegetated version. The growing medium is purposely-selected to allow native plant species to inhabit the roof over time.

  • Semi-intensive Green Roof

Can include characteristics of both Extensive and Biodiverse roofs. Typically requiring a deeper level of substrate, a wider range of plants can be included such as shrubs and woody plants. Irrigation and maintenance requirements are dependent on the plants chosen.

  • Intensive Green Roof

Often referred to as a roof garden that provides similar benefits to a small park or domestic garden. Designed predominately for recreational use, intensive roofs often require regular maintenance and irrigation.

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