What Are The Benefits Of A Green Roof?

Daniel Bracewell • 8 September 2022

Green roofs are becoming increasingly popular, as more people want to do their bit to slow down climate change. Here we look at the many benefits of growing grass and plants on the top of your flat roof.

Good for nature
One of the biggest advantages of a green roof is that it provides a place for nature in growing urban jungles. This is good for plants, flowers, insects, and birds, which would otherwise struggle with their decreasing habitats.

Ideal Home recognises “green roofs have been crucial in supporting the conservation of Black Redstarts (an endangered species)” in London, while green bus stops in Holland have boosted bee populations.

Reduces flooding
In addition to this, the soil stores rainwater, which means big downpours do not have to end in flash flooding. By retaining water in the compost and plants, the amount of water falling to the ground is reduced, and the chances of erosion and flooding are lowered.

Health benefits
As having a green roof allows those living in the city to get back to nature, this could have a positive impact on physical and mental health, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. It stated they have been shown to “reduce blood pressure and hospital stays”.

Better insulation
Homeowners will also be pleased to hear green roofs provide better insulation, meaning they do not have to rely on their heating as much. The soil and grass acts as insulation, while they also decrease the amount of heat entering the building, which is good for hotter months.

Contact flat roof specialists today for more information.

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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.