1. Sedum mats
Sedum Mats - a sedum mat is a base layer of Polyester, Hessian, or porous polythene depending on the supplier, on which is laid the 2cm growing medium, on to which is sprinkled sedum cuttings. These grow into the substrate to maturity. When harvested the Sedum blanket is rolled up from the carrier upwards and delivered to site. When installed the Sedum blanket (including the 2cm of growing medium) is rolled out onto either 5 - 7cm of growing medium (standard method) or direct onto a moisture retention blanket (ultra light weight method).
Sedums are used because they are wind, frost and drought resistant not because they absorb water. Its ability to absorb water makes it drought resistant.
Sedum Mat System
2. Substrate based roof
7cm of crushed recycled brick is placed on the green roof system and plug planted with sedums or with sedum mats applied. There is a misconception that green roofs are made of turf. Although some green roofs are made of turf this is not generally the case.
Substrate based green roof
3. Green / Brown roofs for biodiversity
Similar to substrate based but can, in some cases, use recycled aggregate from site and generally left to colonise naturally or seeded with an annual wildflower mix or local seed source.