Roofing

ABG specialise in the design, supply and installation of a wide range of blue, green and biodiverse roof systems.  This typically includes everything above the waterproofing system; storage systems, void formers, drainage & reservoir layers (Roofdrain), growing media, vegetation layers such as sedum and wildflower, paving and insulation.

In the case of Green Roofs, virtually any type of roof structure can accommodate such systems.  These include domestic and commercial, both new-build and retro-fit, flat and pitched. The significant benefits of a Green Roof are wide ranging, such as helping to mitigate the effects of climate change, whole-life cost benefits, providing amenity areas, to maximising BREEAM credits or by simply adding a natural aesthetic to an urban environment.

As much as 95% of rainfall on undeveloped land is naturally absorbed into the vegetated surface whilst the remainder runs off. Urbanisation and development of land creates hard impervious surfaces, which absorb only 5% of the rainfall leaving the remaining rainfall to run-off into both natural and man-made water systems which struggle to cope with the volumes. This has been highlighted in recent flooding events occurring all over the country.

Green roofs can play an important role in mitigating these events especially when designed as an integral element of a sustainable urban drainage system, also known as SuDS.   SuDS design demands that water falling across a development site is not simply channelled into storm water drains and discharged into the local river. Instead the drainage is designed to mimic that found in nature where water is attenuated, treated and infiltrated through natural processes.

Blue roofs also contribute significantly to a good SuDS design, either with or without a Green Roof finish.  They work by providing temporary storage of storm water and controlled discharge in line with site planning conditions. 

Suitable for implementation on both new-build and retro-fit developments, flat roofs or podium decks with either a warm or inverted roof build up.  

Extensive Green Roofs

Extensive Green Roofs, often referred to as living roofs, sedum roofs or wildflower roofs, are the most common type and are relatively self-sufficient; they are not designed or constructed with the intention of being trafficked by pedestrians. Whilst not providing an amenity area they do contribute to improving air quality, reducing the visual impact of the roof and assist in controlling rain water run-off/ harvesting as well as contributing to the acoustic and thermal properties of the roof.

Biodiverse Roofs

Biodiverse Roofs, sometimes referred to as ‘Brown’ roofs, have always been the least common of the green roof family. However in recent years this is beginning to change. Increased development in urban areas, such as London, has seen a substantial increase in their implementation. The purpose of a biodiverse roof is to replace and often enhance the habitat that would otherwise be lost to the new development. Designed to be relatively self-sufficient; they are not designed or constructed with the intention of being trafficked by pedestrians, but instead to create a natural habitat to support a variety of plants, birds, animals and invertebrates. Whilst not providing any kind of amenity area they do contribute to achieving additional BREEAM points, improving air quality, reducing the visual impact of the roof and assist in controlling rain water run-off/ harvesting as well as contributing to the acoustic and thermal properties of the roof.