Traditional Green Roof System
The Traditional Green Roof System uses full-depth substrate (100–150 mm) for stronger root development, greater biodiversity potential and longer drought tolerance. It's the classic European green roof build-up - heavier than a lightweight system but more resilient, more biodiverse and able to support wildflower as well as sedum vegetation.
Classic deep-build extensive green roof with full substrate depth and mature sedum or wildflower vegetation. Long-lived, vigorous coverage. UK supply.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Traditional and Lightweight sedum systems?
Traditional uses 100–150 mm of substrate versus 60–80 mm in the Lightweight system. The extra depth gives stronger plants, more biodiversity and better drought tolerance, but adds roughly 70–100 kg/m² to the saturated weight.
Can the Traditional system grow wildflowers as well as sedum?
Yes. The deeper substrate easily supports a mixed sedum-wildflower planting or a pure UK native wildflower mix. Wildflower establishment from seed takes one growing season; plug planting gives faster coverage.
Will my existing roof take a Traditional green roof?
Most existing flat roofs need a structural check before adding 150–200 kg/m². Send us drawings or photos and we'll advise - if the deck can't take the load, our Lightweight Sedum System is a great alternative.
About The Green Roofer
The Green Roofer designs, supplies and installs green roofs for homes, developers and commercial buildings across the UK, with strong coverage in Essex, Southend-on-Sea, Chelmsford and London. We work on everything from a single garden shed or extension to large commercial flat roofs. See our residential green roof services or our commercial roofing services.
Our systems include sedum roofs, biodiverse and wildflower roofs, intensive roof gardens, blue roofs for stormwater attenuation and bio-solar roofs that combine planting with solar panels. Smaller projects are welcome too, including a green roof for your shed. We also supply green roof materials UK-wide for trade customers and DIY projects: complete systems such as the certified sedum green roof system, traditional green roof system, biodiverse green roof system and lightweight biodiverse system, plus individual components including sedum mats, wildflower mats, green roof substrate, drainage board, filter fleece, protection fleece and decorative cobbles.
Every project starts with a free site survey and a clear, no-obligation quote. We check roof structure, load capacity, waterproofing and drainage before recommending a system, and we offer ongoing green roof maintenance so the planting stays healthy year after year. Green roofs help manage rainwater, improve insulation, extend the life of the waterproofing beneath them and support biodiversity, including Biodiversity Net Gain requirements on new developments.
Planning a project? Read our guide to green roof planning permission. For commercial buildings we also supply and fit rainwater hoppers and roof flashings and trims.
Call 01702 964002 or email hello@thegreenroofer.co.uk for a free, no-obligation quote.