FAQ

Although a weed control fabric helps to limit weed growth from the subsoil, wind-blown weed seed spread by nature cannot be completely avoided. Even with a root barrier fabric, seed that floats through the air will find its way to the layer above the fabric.

When installing ECCOsedum green roofs, two risks are decisive: the leaching or sliding of the substrate, and the sliding of the entire system down the roof slope. The slope determines which precautionary measures are required.

Up to 15° (27%) ECCOsedum can be installed without additional measures. The specific build-up of the system provides sufficient erosion protection on these slopes.

Between 15° and 20° (27–36%) a batten system above the roof waterproofing is required. Timber battens are sufficient here: the wood decays over time, but the rooting of the substrate provides sufficient anchorage. Advantages of a system above the roof waterproofing: the waterproofing layer is not affected and no water stagnation occurs.

From 20° (36%) heavier measures are required. There are two options:

1. Step system: segments the roof build-up into levels to reduce the effective slope, similar to a terraced build-up.

2. Batten system — divides the substrate layer into compartments. The distance between the battens is determined by the degree of slope. Two versions:

• Below the roof waterproofing: timber battens, with a long service life. Battens without rounded edges require a protective layer to avoid damage to the waterproofing layer. Note: water retention behind the battens can negatively affect the sliding of the substrate.
• Above the roof waterproofing: battens typically in plastic. The roof waterproofing is not affected and no water stagnation occurs.

Succulents, including many sedum species, can generally tolerate both sun and shade, but they usually prefer sunlight. They are accustomed to dry, sunny conditions and are well adapted to storing water in their leaves. This makes them exceptionally suitable for green roofs and gardens with limited water availability.

In shady conditions, succulents can also grow, but they will often perform less well than in full sun. They may grow more slowly, flower less, and become less dense.

An ECCOsedum green roof consists of 3 layers:

1. Drainage layer: The tiles have a structure designed in such a way that rainwater that is not absorbed by the green roof system can drain away smoothly and without obstruction to the drainage points. The bottom drainage holes are located 1 cm from the underside so that non-capillary water can also be stored to a limited extent.
2. Substrate layer – water buffering layer: The trays are filled to their full height (8 cm) with substrate. In some places (at the level of the emergency overflows) the thickness of the substrate is 3.5 cm. The minimum thickness of the substrate is therefore 3.5 cm – the average thickness is 6 cm. The substrate layer has several functions. It provides nutrients and water for the vegetation and ensures oxygen and anchoring of the roots. The trays are filled with a roof garden substrate, composed of lava, pumice and green compost.
   Water buffering volume per tray: 32.5 litres/m²
   Grain size: 0-12 mm
   Bulk density of substrate after compaction in dry condition: 0.78 g/cm³
   Bulk density of substrate after compaction at maximum water capacity: 1.27 g/cm³
3. Vegetation layer: The pre-grown extensive green roof system is supplied with at least 7 types of sedum plants. The modules are delivered with at least 80% cover.

Yes, the ECCOProtect400 root barrier fabric provides an additional buffer volume of 4 l/m².

Yes, due to the ECCOProtect400 root barrier fabric, there is an additional buffer volume of 4 l/m².

• Our sedum trays are pre-grown up to 80–85%. This means you get instant results and we refer to a ready-to-install system. With a traditional build-up, substrate layers and sedum cuttings/sedum mats are used, which always need a certain period to root and grow in densely. This gives weeds every chance to establish themselves in the green roof.
• The sedum cassettes are very easy to install and can be done by 1 person, which ensures a very fast and efficient installation. With a traditional build-up, blower trucks or big bags are used.
• Since small trays are used, they can be very easily removed for any roof works after installation. With the traditional system, the entire substrate layer has to be removed and then everything has to be installed again.
• The cassettes ensure a constant substrate thickness. With traditional systems, the thickness of the substrate can vary between 1 and 8 cm, which also encourages weed growth.
• On roofs with a slope, the substrate stays in the tray. With the traditional system, there is a risk of slippage and of weed growth at the lowest point of the slope, since the moisture sinks to the lowest level and therefore promotes weed growth.

When selecting the plant species, the following parameters were taken into account:

• Aesthetic value (e.g. flowering): a wide sedum variation of at least 7 species.
• Drought resistance in relation to substrate thickness, substrate composition and water buffer. Since each sedum species thrives optimally under slightly different climatic conditions, a large variation of sedum species provides greater certainty.
• Rate of propagation, to prevent one particular species from becoming dominant
• Regenerative capacity after extreme drought.
• Different flowering periods: when pre-growing ECCOsedum green roofs, cutting material is used; these are runners from mother plants that are cut off. To know the correct dosage of cutting material for each sedum species, it is important to know how quickly they multiply after planting (to avoid monoculture). By using production fields (mother plants), each with a single sedum species, the correct mix of the cutting material can always be guaranteed, which is important for a varied roof vegetation.

ECCOsedum green roofs contain a minimum of 7 sedum species:

• Sedum Immergrunchen
• Sedum Album
• Sedum Reflexum
• Sedum Sexangulare
• Sedum Acre
• Sedum Spurium
• Sedum Lydium

The choice of the mix of cutting material and the dosage of each type was carefully studied with green-roof specialists. The ECCOsedum green roof system was also subjected to long-term tests on roofs and simulated extreme weather conditions. After several tests, the final plant mix proved to be extremely efficient.

Regularly remove dirt, leaves and moss from the surface. The surface can be cleaned with a pressure washer (maximum 100 bar) at a minimum distance of 30 cm. Wait at least 7 days after grouting before cleaning the surface with a pressure washer.

Remove dirt, leaves and moss regularly. Clean the entire surface annually with a pressure washer (max. 80 bar) from a distance of at least 40 cm.

Protect the newly jointed surface from continuous or heavy rain for 12 to 24 hours. Use, for example, builder’s plastic sheeting or a tarpaulin. Make sure the sheeting is not lying directly on the surface, so that there is sufficient air circulation and the jointing compound can cure properly.

Install on a firm, water-permeable base with a slope of at least 2%

Use A-Joint® powered by ECCO only in well-ventilated outdoor areas. Wear suitable protective workwear. Ensure work shoes and tools are clean before use and clean them with water during and after application.

With bevelled-edge clinkers, the rounded edge must remain visible. If it doesn’t, the joint will be less strong. Therefore, remove about 1 mm of the jointing product so the joint retains sufficient strength.

The sub-base should have a slope of at least 2% so that water drains away easily and doesn’t collect between tiles, pavers and joints. That way, you prevent moisture from seeping into the construction, which can lead to subsidence, frost damage or loose tiles.