What Is a Sedum Roof?

A sedum roof is also known as a "growing roof," a "living roof" and a "green roof." The roof is generally made up of a waterproof membrane, the drainage layer, and a blanket of sedum. Sedum plants are a shallow-rooted, low-growing, perennial succulent.

Features

• Sedum's hardiness makes it the ideal option for a green roof system. Benefits of using sedum include tolerance to drought, frost, salt, heat, wind, disease, insects and sun.

Function

• Storm water runoff is reduced when a sedum roof is installed. Installing a sedum roof will also eliminate the "urban heat island" effect. The heat island effect is caused by normal roofing materials which absorb heat from the sun during the day, then radiate it back at night. This, in turn, heats up the area around the building. Plants and soil absorb less heat.

Significance

• Sedum plants are durable enough to be walked on and require minimal maintenance. Oxygen produced and the carbon removed from the atmosphere are benefits to the environment. Additionally, the sedum roof filters pollution in the air.

Considerations

• Initial cost of installing a sedum roof is costlier than a traditional roof. However, energy savings and a longer roof life amortize the additional expense, according to the Modie Park Conservancy website.