If you are considering a green roof for your home, then you'll need to research how much a green roof costs before you commit.
Green roofs, also known as living or sedum roofs, can help boost your home's eco credentials and provide a habitat for local wildlife. But it's important to carefully consider whether you should build a green roof before you part with your cash. After all, their installation can cost more than a traditional style roof, so you'll need to weigh up the costs so you can budget effectively.
To help you determine what you can expect to pay for a green roof, I've spoken to green roof experts for their professional insight.
How much does a green roof cost?
‘To get a green roof professionally installed, it all depends on the company and what type of green roof you want when it comes to the cost. It also depends on how much roof you have that you want covered, as you'll usually pay in terms of square metres. You're probably looking at anywhere from £50 to £200 per square metre, although the average cost is probably between £75 and £150 per square metre,’ says Steve Chiltern, gardening expert and director of LeisureBench.
Petar Ivanov, gardening and plant expert at Fantastic Gardeners, adds: ‘The cost can be a lot lower if you decide to do it yourself with simpler materials, such as around £7 to £12 per square metre depending on how large you want yours to be.’
Are green roofs more expensive than standard roofs?
Green roofs are more expensive than traditional roofs, but they offer a unique range of benefits that can make the additional cost worth it.
Charles Rothnie, Chartered Engineer at Perega explains: 'They're also pricier due to materials and the specialised expertise needed. While extensive green roofs (lighter, shallower, and require less maintenance) are often suitable for homes, it's vital to balance the benefits with these practical considerations. Always consult with a structural engineer and architect early in the process to ensure a safe, efficient, and cost-effective design.'
What can impact the cost of your green roof?
There are a few different factors that can affect the cost of your green roof, and if you're savvy, they could provide a way for you to keep costs under control.
- Size of the roof. It may seem obvious, but the larger the area you want to cover with vegetation, the more it will cost. However, you don't have to cover the whole roof if your budget won't stretch that far.
- Where you choose to install your green roof. If you are on a really tight budget, you could skip installing the green roof on your property altogether and opt for an outbuilding, like your shed, a child's playhouse or even a bird box instead.
- Whether structural reinforcement is needed. Green roofs can be heavy, so you'll need to make sure the room(s) below can withstand the weight. If not, some structural reinforcement might be required which can add to the cost.
- Your installation route. If you choose to install your own green roof, then you could save some money on installation costs. But you'll need to be sure you can do it properly and safely, otherwise you could make costly mistakes.
- The complexity of the installation. If building a green roof is more complex, for example, if the design involves multiple levels steep angles or obstacles like roof windows or solar panels, you may need to employ a professional to do it for you. And the additional time it takes could add to the cost.
- The materials and plants you choose. Premium materials and plants will come with a premium price tag, so make sure you shop around to make sure you don't end up paying more than you need to. However, it's crucial you don't scrimp on quality to keep costs low, as this could be a false economy.
- Whether you keep up with maintenance. Even if you choose a low maintenance green roof system and low maintenance plants, it's vital that you complete regular checks to ensure everything is in working order. Skip this step, and your roof could fail before the end of it's lifespan, leading to serious damage which costs serious money to rectify.
FAQs
Is the cost of a green roof worth it?
Whether a green roof is worth the price will depend on how you determine value. If you are looking to make your money back in terms of cost savings elsewhere, it's not going to be a quick turnaround. However, with the longer term benefits, it may be a different story.
“In purely monetary terms, green roofs may not provide an instant return on investment, ' says Phil Spencer, property expert and founder of the property advice website Move iQ. 'Over time, the superior insulation they provide should save you money on your heating bills and reduce your carbon footprint, as you’ll need to use less energy to keep your home warm in winter.
'Green roofs may last longer than a conventional roof too, with some estimates suggesting that they can double or even triple the lifespan of the roof membrane that keeps water out and your home dry.'
Will a green roof add value to your home?
Done well, a green roof could add value to your home. While it may not add a specific percentage in the same way a kitchen extension would, the benefits of a green roof could make your home more desirable to potential buyers, especially those who value it's eco friendly qualities.
Phil adds: 'When in bloom they can be truly beautiful, and this, plus their rarity, can be a big selling point for your property.' By making your home more desirable, you increase your chances of commanding a higher purchase price.
However, if your green roof is incorrectly installed or poorly maintained, you could end up putting off potential buyers. Plus it's worth remembering that a green roof isn't for everyone, as Phil concludes: 'Don’t assume that every potential buyer will be willing to pay a premium for a green roof - some people might be put off by the extra maintenance involved.'
Boost your home's eco credentials even more by creating a wildlife garden to complement your green roof plans.
