DIY Green Roof and Wall Installation Guide

Urban farming concept showing sustainable agriculture on rooftop gardens in a city environment

• Preparation

  Initial steps and considerations before starting the installation.

  • Assess the structure

    Evaluate your building's structural integrity to support green installations.

  • Measure the area

    Determine the dimensions of the roof and wall to estimate materials needed.

  • Choose suitable plants

    Select plants based on climate, roof exposure, and maintenance requirements.

  • Plan access for maintenance

    Ensure easy access for regular maintenance and plant care.

• Materials Needed

  All the materials required for setting up a green roof and wall.

  • Waterproof membrane

    Protects the building from water damage.

  • Root barrier

    Prevents roots from damaging the roof or wall structure.

  • Drainage layer

    Facilitates water flow away from the building to prevent waterlogging.

  • Growing medium

    Soil or substrate suitable for plant growth on roofs and walls.

  • Sedum tiles or pre-cultivated plant mats

    Quick options for green roof installation with minimal effort.

  • Geotextile fabric

    Separates the drainage layer from the growing medium.

  • Edging and containment

    Prevents the spread and loss of growing medium.

  • Irrigation system

    Optional, for automatic watering of plants.

• Tools Required

  Essential tools for installing a green roof or wall.

  • Utility knife

    For cutting the waterproof membrane and root barrier.

  • Trowel

    For spreading and leveling growing medium.

  • Wheelbarrow

    For transporting materials like soil and drainage aggregates.

    

  • Measuring tape

    For precise measurements of materials and area.

  • Drill

    For installing containment systems and other fixtures.

• Installation Steps

  Step-by-step procedure to install the green roof and wall.

  • Install the waterproof membrane

    First layer on the clean roof surface to prevent water damage.

  • Lay the root barrier

    Goes over the membrane to protect it from root penetration.

  • Set up the drainage layer

    Ensures that excess water drains off and doesn’t accumulate.

  • Apply the geotextile fabric

    Separates moisture and soil, preventing clogging of the drainage layer.

  • Add growing medium

    Spread evenly over the geotextile fabric.

  • Plant or place sedum tiles

    Install chosen greenery, ensuring proper spacing and arrangement.

  • Install containment and edging

    To keep the system within its designated boundaries.

  • Set up irrigation system

    If chosen, install and test the irrigation setup.