Irrigation and maintenance
Establishment Watering
Establishment watering is particularly important during the first 6-12 weeks following installation. Differing system finishes will require different watering practices. It is important to make provision for establishment watering even if the installation takes place in the spring or autumn.
For extensive and biodiverse roofs, the ongoing watering needs are dictated by the type of vegetation, roof slope and exposure of your roof. Substrate based roofs with sedum plants may not require watering, whereas wildflower vegetation will need watering during prolonged dry spells. Expectations regarding appearance is also an important factor, as some clients wish to maintain or enhance the visual appearance, whereas others may prefer to leave it to nature.
Every roof is different and levels of irrigation depend on the water demands of the vegetation, the levels of water storage on the roof and local micro climate.
Irrigation
The more intensive a roof finish, the more likely irrigation will be required. The plants must have sufficient levels of water to ensure they remain healthy during prolonged dry periods. An automated system is generally the best option to ensure the long term health of expensive planting stock. Specimen tree and shrubs will require a comprehensive irrigation and maintenance regime to insure they establish fully and do not suffer die back.
General Maintenance
All roofs require a minimum of two inspections a year to ensure that the outlets etc are maintained, regardless of the type of roof. An intensive green roof will require the regular maintenance associated with the planting scheme and landscape design, whereas an extensive green roof will need only minimal maintenance (maybe one or two visits a year) to ensure that any unwanted species do not become established.
We strongly advise the inclusion of the cost for an initial post-installation maintenance program within the tender documents for a period to be agreed with the client’s representative. This ensures that the green roof is handed over in a healthy condition.
Bauder Maintenance Service
Bauder’s experienced team provide a tailor-made maintenance programme which is normally carried out in spring and autumn. This work is undertaken by our experienced engineers who will carry out the necessary risk assessments and comply with all current health and safety legislation throughout the duration of the work.
A full inspection and evaluation is carried out and a bespoke report provided with photographic verification outlining the condition of the planting and any areas requiring on going treatment.
Common items for inclusion in the service are:
- Fertilising – application of a granular, organic slowrelease fertiliser is essential to provide the plants with nutrients enabling them to become hardy enough to resist extreme cold, heat and drought.
- Debris – removal of all debris and leaves from the roof surface, rainwater outlets, chutes and gutters.
- Plant encroachment – removing excess vegetation that is encroaching into areas surrounding rainwater outlets, walkways, pebble barriers, gutters etc.
- Weeding – removal of unwanted vegetation, especially saplings etc either by hand or using a ‘weed wipe’.
- Repairing bare patches – once weeding has occurred, bare patches can remain which are covered using remaining sedum vegetation from cuttings.
- Monitoring colour and growth – the vegetation will naturally change colour depending upon the time of year and prevailing weather conditions. Monitoring growth vigour and colour will identify how healthy the vegetation is or if it is in need of additional support.
- Vegetation barrier – Clear the pebble margin of leafs and organic matter, remove unwanted vegetation.
- Promenade tiles or paving slabs – ensuring they are in good condition and secure in their original position.
- Rainwater pipes – free from blockages to enable water to flow freely through them.