Everything You Need To Know About Blue Roofs

Daniel Bracewell • 15 September 2021

You may be aware of green roofs, and how adding a layer of vegetation can impact a building’s energy efficiency and the urban environment, but have you heard of blue roofs?

PCB Today reports that a new ebook has been published by Premier Guarantee, the warranty service for buildings, that has updated guidance for blue roofs, so we have a look at what they are.

What is a blue roof?

A blue roof is a flat roof that features a number of detention ponds that collect rainwater, temporarily string it before releasing it slowly once the rain has stopped.

The water collection can be accomplished through everything from building risers that cause water to dam up in designated areas to installing custom-designed trays for collecting and releasing water.

What are the benefits?

In many urban areas with a combined sewerage system, rain can quickly overwhelm the system, leading to sewage leaking into rivers, lakes, and streams. Blue roofs help to mitigate this risk.

A blue roof can also utilise the stored water in landscaping or in areas where there is a green roof being used.

There are a few things to consider before installing a blue roof on your building:

Cost - blue roofs are generally cheaper than green roofs.

Load capacity - pooling water can add a significant load to a roof, so your roofing contractors must verify that your building and roof can support the weight of the water being stored.

Your warranty - some warranties will stipulate that any roof alterations will void the warranty. Be sure to check your warranty before installing a blue rod, or any other roofing project.

If you’re looking for flat roof specialists in Manchester, talk to us today.

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Can You Install Solar Panels On A Flat Roof?

by Daniel Bracewell • 10 December 2025

If you’re exploring how to lower your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint, you may be looking at the likes of solar panels for your home. But what if your property has a flat roof rather than a pitched roof? Can you still install solar panels on a flat roof? The short answer is yes, you can! In fact, it is often easier to install solar panels on a flat roof than it is to fit them to a sloped roof, which might make this an even more appealing avenue to explore when you’re looking at flat roof ideas . In many cases, you also don’t need planning permission to install solar panels on your flat roof. Of course, there are exceptions if you have a listed building or live in a conservation area, but if you own your house (different rules apply for flats too), you should be free to add solar panels to your home as you choose. There are different kinds of mounting systems for flat roof solar panels and which is most appropriate for your home will depend on the direction it faces. It is worth noting that the cost of installing solar panels is often higher on flat roofs because of the mounting system, but some of this can be offset by the lower labour costs because the installation process is usually more straightforward. One of the main reasons homeowners install solar panels is to reduce their energy bills. Many report savings of hundreds of pounds each year, which means these panels often pay for themselves relatively quickly. What’s more, under the Smart Export Guarantee , you can sell any energy you don’t use back to the National Grid, which can increase the rate at which your investment in solar panels pays for itself. So, if you are exploring ways to make the most of your flat roof, consider solar panels as an option to reduce your energy bills and do good for the environment.