Do green roofs need to have a stone border?

Do green roofs need to have a stone border?

If you are thinking of installing a green roof, you might have noticed that they often incorporate a stone or gravel border. You might well wonder why this is, or whether it is essential to a green roof build up.

There are a number of benefits to consider including:

• Stops the roots trying to get under the waterproof membrane at the edges.
• Access – Plants and Sedums aren't intended to have foot traffic.
• Aesthetic’s – Some people find a border neater at the edges of a green roof.
• Wind Resistance – the border can be heavier and helps with the roof edge in windy locations.
• Fire Brake – FLL guidelines and GRO (Green Roof Code) include requirements for fire breaks within the design of the green roof.
• Prevents debris from reaching gutters and can stop wind blown seeds from taking root.
• Some councils require it so its always best to check with your local council and/or planning board to see what you need and what you are allowed.

If you are looking to include a stone border in your green roof we have some quality Scottish pebbles for this purpose, and for roofs needing a stone border where there is no parapet or upstand, you might consider using our aluminium green roofing trims.

Green roof with a stone border

Green roof without a stone border