Green Roof Simple Cost Guide
A green roof not only looks good, but it can significantly reduce your energy costs. But what will such a big change cost you? We will cover different types of green roofs and their costs below, as well as the price of hiring professionals.
We'll cover the following topics in this pricing guide:
- Average Cost of a Green Roof in the UK
- Hiring Professional Green Roof Installers
- Different Green Roof Designs & Costs
- Cost-Saving Tips for Green Roof Installation
- Find a Nearby Green Roof Company on MyBuilder
- FAQs Common Questions
Average Cost of a Green Roof in the UK
What is a green roof? Green roofs, also known as living roofs, are roofs with a layer of living plants over them.
Green roofs reduce urban heat, improve energy efficiency, and manage stormwater. They insulate buildings, lowering cooling needs, and protect roofing materials, extending their lifespan and cutting maintenance costs. They also support sustainability while adding calm green spaces in cities.
Green roofs in the UK typically cost between £50 and £200 per m², depending on the type of green roof system you choose.
Here is a quick breakdown of the costs of getting a green roof:
| Element | Cost |
|---|---|
| Waterproofing membrane | £20 – £40/m² |
| Root barrier layer | £5 – £10/m² |
| Drainage & filter layers | £10 – £20/m² |
| Substrate (growing medium) | £10 – £25/m² |
| Sedum mats/vegetation blankets | £20 – £35/m² |
The type of vegetation and the complexity of the roof design can significantly impact the overall cost. To get a more detailed idea of your personal green roof costs, you can talk to a professional on MyBuilder from your local area.
Hiring Professional Green Roof Installers
From choosing the right plants and materials to laying vital layers such as drainage and waterproofing, every stage of green roof installation must be carefully managed.
In the UK, professional installation typically costs between £25 and £60 per square metre. Prices vary depending on the type of green roof system you choose, the size and the complexity of the project.
Look at this table for the average green roofing professional costs:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Green roof installation | £25 - £60/m² |
| Structural assessments | £300 - £800 |
| Crane hire (if required) | £400 - £1,000/day |
Before you get started with your project, you should talk to a few different roofers about what the installation costs could be. This will not only help you know what to expect, but will allow you to get the best value for your money. Find verified local roofers and post your job on MyBuilder today to connect with the right tradesperson for your needs.
Different Green Roof Designs & Costs
Whether it's for a home or a green space roof conservatory, choosing the right type of green roof for you will impact the final cost. We have broken down the different options below to help you make your decision.
Extensive green roofs:
Extensive green roofs are known for their lightweight structure and low-maintenance requirements, typically featuring drought-resistant plants like sedum. These systems are cost-efficient, with prices generally ranging between £50 and £100 per square metre.
Intensive green roofs:
Intensive green roofs offer the potential of creating a fully landscaped environment with diverse plant life, including trees and bushes. This setup transforms rooftops into vibrant green spaces but comes with higher costs due to the need for deeper soil and increased structural support. Expenses for intensive green roofs typically start at £100 per square metre, escalating beyond £200 per square metre as the projects become more complex.
Modular Green Roof Systems:
Modular green roof systems come in pre-grown, easy-to-install plant modules, offering quicker installation with minimal disruption. Despite being convenient, costs for these systems typically fall between £80 and £140 per square metre, with a higher cost due to the speedy installation.
If you want to explore even more options for your roof, and are undecided on what you want, here is also a price guide on fibreglass roof installation cost and EPDM rubber roof cost.
Cost-Saving Tips for Green Roof Installation
You can keep green roof installation costs down with a bit of careful planning and practical decision-making. Choosing the type of green roof that best suits your property and budget, while also being smart about materials and installation methods, can make a big difference to the overall price.
Here are some cost-saving tips for green roof installation:
- Plan during the design phase: Integrate the green roof into the building design from the start to avoid additional costs later.
- Choose extensive systems for simplicity: Extensive green roofs are generally less costly and demand less maintenance, making them a budget-friendly option.
- Opt for local materials: Reducing transport costs by sourcing local materials helps save money.
- DIY aspects: Handle smaller tasks like planting with your family, which can lower labour costs.
- Consider modular systems: These can be quick to install, saving on labour expenses.
Find a Nearby Green Roof Company on MyBuilder
Discover how a green roof can not only beautify your space but also reduce energy costs. By clicking here, you can find local tradespeople who are ready to take on your green-fingered project and share their knowledge with you.
Find a nearby green roof company
FAQs Common Questions About Green Roof Installation Costs
What factors influence the overall cost of installing a green roof?
The overall cost of installing a green roof is influenced by various factors including the type of green roof (extensive or intensive), the size of the roof area, the choice of plant species, the need for structural reinforcements, and additional features such as irrigation systems and drainage layers. Labour costs and your location in the UK also play significant roles in determining the total cost.
What are the long-term financial benefits of investing in a green roof compared to traditional roofing?
Investing in a green roof offers several long-term financial benefits, including energy savings due to improved insulation, which reduces heating and cooling costs. Green roofs can also increase the lifespan of roofing membranes by protecting them from UV exposure and temperature fluctuations.
What types of materials are typically used in green roofs, and how do they affect installation cost?
Common materials used in green roofs include waterproof membranes, drainage layers, filter fabrics, growing mediums, and plants. The cost is influenced by the choice of materials; for example, lightweight growing mediums and specialized waterproofing systems may increase initial costs but provide better long-term performance.
How does the size and design of a green space roof conservatory impact its total cost?
Larger roofs require more materials and potentially more labour, driving up costs. Complex designs that incorporate unique shapes, multi-level planting areas, or additional features like terraces and integrated solar systems also increase both design and construction expenses.
What are the environmental benefits that might justify the cost of a green roof?
Environmental benefits of a green roof include improved urban air quality through the absorption of pollutants, reduced urban heat island effect, biodiversity enhancement by providing habitats for wildlife, and stormwater management by reducing runoff.
(https://www.mybuilder.com/) connect you with verified local specialists capable of delivering tailored, high-quality results.
Related questions on Ask a tradesperson
See what others are asking our expert tradespeople. Browse all questions
Roofing
Unsure on which contractor to choose
Anonymous user 11/06/2026 - 11.59 AM
Hi everyone and thank you for reading this. I have a terraced Victorian house which needs a roof replacement. Company A: - inspected roof and loft space, sent me videos to comment; noticed water ingress in the loft - offered to keep existing tiles to keep price down - new membranes, battens, eaves support trays, repair of current chimney lead work, dry ridge, bonding gutters -25years guarantee -25% deposit, rest when works are complete Company B: - much quicker visit, did not go up the loft but went all the way up to the chimney via outside, took photos for own reference - offered new tiles and all of the above plus uPVC soffit and fascia, new lead flashing around the chimney and new concrete ridge tiles, new cement flaunching to the chimney and repoint - 20 years guarantee - 25% deposit, 25% half way through, rest when works are finished They both quoted the same price and both companies have glowing reviews. Which one would I be better off using? Or none of the two sounds ok to you? Thank you so much. South East.
1 answer
Roofing
Fix Flat Roof Ponding Issue
Anonymous user 11/06/2026 - 8.01 AM
I have a felt flat roof (5.5x3m) that ponds at the center of roof everytime after raining. How much will it cost to fix it without replacing the entire roof?
3 answers
Roofing
Warm Flat Roof Retrofit
SB 08/06/2026 - 8.02 AM
Good Afternoon All, I am completing a section drawing for the retrofit of a warm flat roof on my extension (currently poorly insulated cold roof with ventilation issues so felt/board is all coming off either way). I am also extending the roof overhang (which is tiny) to accommodate external wall insulation in the future. Its solid wall construction - internally insulating would make the extension effectively a wide hallway and llike a cold roof increases condensation risk so not an option. The main warm roof detail is clear, as is fitting noggins/insulation into the joist pockets/above wall plates. However I am struggling to find anything that helps with perimeter detailing to reduce condensation risk at the joist pockets I.e. is the VCL turned down the perimeter and into the joist pocket and how? Isn't this complicated and bound to fail? Do I need to leave an air-gap at joist ends before fascias if possible? Etc I cant find any diagrams/detailing online and none of the suppliers I have contacted can help. Please can anyone advise? Thank you.
2 answers
Need expert advice?
Ask a question