Installing a Green Roof: Toward a Climate-Friendly Roof

- 30/10/2025 -

Green roofs are becoming increasingly important in towns and cities. They absorb rainwater, improve insulation, and bring nature closer to people. More and more developers, architects, and contractors are therefore opting for a professional green roof system — such as a well-designed sedum roof with a correct layer build-up.

Why choose a green roof?

A properly installed green roof offers proven benefits:

  • Water management: green roofs retain a large part of the rainwater and release it gradually, reducing the load on drainage systems and helping prevent flooding.

  • Roof protection: the vegetation layer shields the roof membrane from UV radiation and temperature fluctuations, extending its lifespan.

  • Thermal and acoustic insulation: a green roof acts as an extra layer of insulation and reduces noise from rain or traffic.

  • Biodiversity: sedum and herbs attract bees and insects, creating valuable green habitats in urban areas.

  • Visual appeal: green roofs add calm and natural beauty to any building — from commercial sites to private homes.

Structure of a Durable Green Roof

A technically correct green roof consists of several layers that work together to provide drainage, protection, and healthy plant growth.
Below is the recommended structure for a sedum roof system.

  1. Roof covering & load-bearing capacity
    Check the roof surface (bitumen, EPDM, or PVC) and ensure the structure can support the additional weight.
    A sedum tile roof typically weighs 35–55 kg/m², depending on the system.

  2. Root-resistant membrane
    Install a root barrier membrane to prevent sedum or plant roots from damaging the waterproofing layer.

  3. Optional synthetic fleece
    A synthetic fleece can provide extra protection and additional water buffering.

  4. Sedum tiles (vegetation layer)
    Lay sedum tiles or click-on cassettes on the prepared surface.
    Leave a vegetation-free zone of about 30 cm along the roof edge, which can be filled with roof gravel.

Sedumtegels of groendaktegels gestapeld op een groendak

Step-by-Step Installation of the ECCOsedum Green Roof

  1. Check load capacity: confirm that the roof is suitable for an extensive green roof (weight, slope <10–15°, sunlight).

  2. Repair or secure the waterproofing and install the root barrier layer.

  3. Optionally apply the synthetic fleece across the entire roof area.

  4. Install the sedum tiles carefully: click them together, align the seams, and ensure a level surface.

  5. Keep a vegetation-free border of about 30 cm for drainage and maintenance.

  6. Water thoroughly after installation to encourage root establishment.

Maintenance & Lifespan

A well-constructed green roof requires little maintenance, though not entirely maintenance-free:

  • Remove weeds and tree seedlings twice a year.

  • Fertilize once a year — ideally in spring — with a light sedum fertilizer for healthy plant growth.

  • Check gravel edges and drains; remove leaves and debris.

  • Water during long dry periods if necessary.

Thanks to its durable structure and high-quality materials, a green roof can last for decades while maintaining its ecological benefits.

The Strength of ECCOsedum

The lightweight, modular ECCOsedum system is built from multiple layers that ensure drainage, water buffering, and healthy vegetation.
It can be installed without additional measures on roofs with slopes up to 15°.

Each tray consists of three functional layers:

  1. Drainage layer – ensures controlled discharge of excess rainwater.

  2. Substrate layer – provides nutrients and water retention for the plants.

  3. Vegetation layer – a pre-grown mat with several sedum species, supplied with at least 80% coverage.

blank

The trays offer a minimum water retention capacity of 35 liters per m², contributing actively to sustainable water management.

With ECCOsedum, you benefit from:

  • A professional, instantly green finish

  • Optimal water retention and drainage

  • Low maintenance and long lifespan

  • Durable materials with a low environmental footprint

  • Fast installation thanks to a lightweight design

Conclusion

A green roof is more than a trend — it’s a tangible contribution to climate adaptation, water management, and urban liveability.
With ECCOsedum by ECCO Products, you help build sustainable roofs that make a difference — today and tomorrow.

Green roofs for a sustainable city