How To Get an Organic Roof

One of the main pleasures of self-building or project managing the development of a home is autonomy; not least, autonomy over the ethical and aesthetic direction of the whole.

More easily put, if you want to boost the ethical and environmental credentials of a home you are building, one of the key considerations you might want to make is the inclusion of a so-called Organic Roof. Not only does the inclusion of grass or flowers on the roof of a property make up for lack of garden space and go some way to offset the carbon footprint, but it is also not to be underestimated in terms of contemporary appeal and wow factor. Added benefits include excellent levels of natural insulation and sound proofing.

Organic roofs are typically grass or meadow like in structure, and not surprisingly, with the ever increase in environmental awareness and lack of affordable garden space in big cities, are an increasingly attractive prospect for home builders and home-improvers alike. 'Green roofing' is an interesting phenomena, and although still relatively unknown, is undoubtedly gaining credence in the architectural and property development spheres. Far more than just a flash in the pan, high spun idea, organic or green roofs are very much a thing of the present, and surprisingly easily to implement.

If you are seriously interested in trying this out, a little research into the different options is of course required. For a basic self-build, involving a simple sedum grass outlay, this channel 4 guide to grass roofing gives you the insight you need to get started.

For a more ambitious, tailored organic roof, consider employing the expertise of a specialist company such as organicroofs.co.uk. They will provide you with a quote and take you through all the planting options, allowing you to budget and plan, in sympathy with the rest of your project. If you are unsure what you want, take a look at their case studies for inspiration, and don't forget to surf the net to see what else is out there.

To maximize the ecological benefits of an organic roof, opt for seasonal wildflower, utilizing local species of flora.