FAQ

There are two general types of vegetation used by NEDLAW Living Roofs. Succulents, such as sedum or stone crop, are a common type of plant used on living roofs in North America and Europe. Sedum is a ground cover commonly found in alpine regions characterized by harsh climates, which makes these plants suitable for rooftop growth. Our pre-grown sedum include eight to ten species that are decorated with both bright and earth-tone colors. The second type of vegetation used is native meadow and prairie species. This mat consists of twenty different species of prairie grasses and wild flowers that are indigenous to Southern Ontario. These plants flower throughout the summer and provide a mixture of bright colors. Like sedum, this native vegetation is found growing naturally in tougher conditions where soil and moisture are both limited, which makes it ideal for rooftop conditions.

NEDLAW Living Roofs typically use a layered living roof system as it provides greater flexibility in design and application compared to a modular system. However, we can produce and install modular systems if requested.

No matter the type of roof that you start with, there are seven general layers that typically compose a living roof: the structural support, roofing membrane, a root barrier, drainage, a filter, growing medium, and vegetation.

No, the growing medium is a specially formulated lightweight mix designed for high water-retention capacity and a low density. Once in contact with moisture, the growing medium’s binding agents are activated to prevent soil loss due to wind and water erosion.

No. In fact, a properly constructed living roof will extend the lifespan of your roof membrane, often by 30 to 50 years.

It’s very important to verify the integrity of the membrane before installing a living roof. If the membrane is still in good condition and is at less than half its expected lifespan, the membrane will not need to be replaced. However, if the membrane is in poor condition or over half its expected lifespan, the membrane should be replaced.

NEDLAW Living Roofs systems have been built on steel, concrete and wooden roof decks.

The R value of our Living Roofs range from twenty to fifty, depending on the depth of growing medium.

The NEDLAW Living Roofs standard warranty guarantees: the workmanship of the installation for the life of the membrane, that all components of the landscaping system will perform as per spec for the life of the membrane, as will all vegetation from the date the installation is completed.

NEDLAW requires that all maintenance be conducted as per specification and that it be carried out by NEDLAW Living Roofs or a NEDLAW Living Roofs-certified installer. Any removal and replacement of the living roof, due to other work required, must also be completed by a certified installer.

The cost of a NEDLAW Living Roofs system varies depending on materials required and the detail of the work. Please request a quote.

It’s a misconception that living roofs require no maintenance. All NEDLAW Living Roofs systems come with a full two-year maintenance package. See Service for more details.

By the end of 2022, we will have installed over 200,000 sq. ft. of Living Roofs.

Yes, the installation of a NEDLAW Living Roofs system can be applied towards LEED designation.