Roof Garden Waterproofing
a Waterproofed Roof Garden gives peace of mind!
Roof gardens – the way of the future!
The idea of building a roof garden may seem beyond your reach and an expensive exercise, but besides the aesthetic appeal it is a great way to liven up a space, particularly in the City and increase the value of a property. Not only is it a perfect place to watch the sunset or grow your own vegetables – it’s also good for the environment! Roof gardens have become a socially conscious trend for many South Africans in the private and corporate sector, and Government authorities along with eco-friendly organisations support the fact that this the future of roofs in our country, and the world.
You don’t require any special horticultural knowledge to start a roof garden – all it takes is enthusiasm for green living and the willingness to get your hands dirty. But before you get planting and dusting off your deck chairs, it is important to design and plan your roof garden carefully. Once the structural ability to support the weight of the soil, water and vegetation has been established, you will want to establish the watertight integrity of the structure to make sure your roof garden is completely waterproof. By factoring in a specialised waterproofing system which is a major component in the construction of a roof garden, will ensure that no leaks occur that could potentially cause damage to underlying rooms or the building structure itself.
Our Green Roof Garden Waterproofing Seal System uses Firestone RubberGard® EPDM which is the ideal membrane for green roof systems, used in combination with lightweight and low maintenance vegetation. The large, seamless (up to 930 m²), lightweight and flexible EPDM membrane has successfully passed the FLL test for root penetration and can therefore provide dependable performance in a demanding rooftop environment.
Roof Garden Waterproofing Benefits
Additional benefits of the using Firestone RubberGard® EPDM waterproof membranes for your roof garden are:
- Increased life expectancy of the roof
- Added value and aesthetics
- Lower energy costs
- Easy installation and maintenance
- Improved air quality
- Reduction of the urban heat-island effect
- Storm water management
- Extra soundproofing and insulation
- A natural habitat for plants and birds
Our eco-friendly, re-cyclable Firestone RubberGard® EPDM single-ply roof waterproofing systems are designed for the flat roofs of commercial and industrial buildings, including domestic, large residential developments, hospitals, schools and office buildings.
You might also be interested in Flat Roof Waterproofing
Frequently Asked Questions
Answer: Most certainly. However, one requires certain safeguards before planting can begin, such as:
- Firstly, one should ensure that your roof is sufficiently strong to support the weight of a roof garden, depending on the make-up of the substrate – metal, wooden, or concrete. This would normally require expert advice from an Engineer or Roofing Contractor;
- Once the structural ability to support the weight of the soil, water & growth has been established, one would then need to establish the watertight integrity of the structure – to make sure that the roof is watertight, it would be ideal to retain the services of a reliable & experienced waterproofer, such as Waterproof Lab, who have undertaken this type of installation on many roofs on existing buildings, using the failsafe EPDM RubbberGard waterproof membrane used by Waterproof Lab, specifically produced for this purpose, as well as many other specialized requirements;
Answer: Yes, you can grow anything from flowers to drought tolerant herbs, such as Rosemary, Thyme & Chives on a green roof, most successfully;
Answer: It is recommended that, during the first year, you water your roof fairly regularly, in order to aid establishment. However, generally speaking, in order to retain the “green” roof, in terms of being ecologically friendly, it shouldn’t require watering after the first year;
Answer: Plants with fibrous roots should not cause any harm to the roof, but avoid planting those with tap roots;
Answer: You don’t require any special horticultural knowledge to start a roof garden. All it takes is enthusiasm for green living & the willingness to get your hands dirty.
- Answer: There are a number of benefits which can accrue from a terrace garden, ie: 1) Reduce indoor temperature by 6-8 degrees, thus saving in air conditioning costs;
- Reduce overall heat absorption by of the building & insulate against heat & cold;
- Convenience & saving with safe, pesticide free fresh & healthy seasonal vegetables.
Testimonials
Testimonial:
Here is my experience with your wonderful company:
For years I’ve struggled with a leaking Eco pool. It’s been especially troubling with South Africa’s water shortage. I was sold a so called high end epoxy coating, which cracked, and I spent countless hours trying to fix cracks with various products. Nothing worked for a very long time. I wasted a lot of money. A number of people recommended Waterprooflab in Cape Town.
From the first call to final delivery this company has been incredible. They have an extraordinary product called Epdm. I’ve not had the slightest leaking since. It was a great pleasure working with the team who are passionate and hard working. I initially wanted to install the Epdm myself but after seeing what the team did I’m very glad I never attempted this, it requires great skill and care. The product and the intense labour required is not a cheap quick fix, it’s a reliable long term solution.
If I’d started with Waterprooflab I would have saved myself an enormous amount of trouble and money. The company has an excellent follow up policy and immediately attended to questions I had after the job was completed. This is a great company, world class service, product and expertise.
Testimonial:
I have used Waterproof Lab on two occasions recently and have been very impressed with their service and expertise on both occasions.
In August, 2018, Waterproof Lab repaired a flat roof over a stoep, and lined a water feature at my house, that were both leaking. The flat roof was originally waterproofed with ‘Torch-on’ some 20 years ago and has leaked numerous places over the years.
Each time, the same product was used to repair the waterproofing, without permanent success.
It seems to be an inferior product, which is difficult or impossible to install on any flat roof that is slightly difficult, despite my using the most highly recommended installers (5 different firms over the years!).
I finally decided to try the EPDM product, based on published reviews and chose Waterproof Lab as the installer.
They impressed me at being extremely efficient at installing the product – and I am renowned for being difficult to please! I have had no Problems since then.
At the same time, they lined a water feature that was leaking – the builder had waterproofed it with a liquid product, that did not live up to to it’s s upposed claims. Again, the EPDM has shown no signs of leaking since it was installed.
Based on my satisfaction with their work at my house, In October, 2018, I asked Waterproof Lab to provide me with expert opinion on major Water leaks that have been occurring at a new block of apartments, Hugon Place in Claremont, of which I am a Trustee. They pointed out numerous problems that the builder/developer & well-known waterproofing company had failed to identify to us, or address properly, and the latter are currently attempting to fix these problems – which they have not managed to solve during the previous two years. Again ‘Torch-On’ had been used at this site; if it leaks again, I will be recommending to the other Trustees, that we appoint Waterproof Lab to install EPDM.
I would highly recommend Waterproof Lab for their expertise – from their expert advice, I would doubt that there is anyone in South Africa more knowledgeable than them – excellent service and what appears to be a much superior and more reliable product.’
Testimonial:
Bruce & I would like to highly recommend your Company for its standard of workmanship & attention to detail, from the time we contacted you for assistance, to the time you handed us a not inconsiderable bill for work well & successfully completed.
As you know, we had endless trouble in trying to find a solution to the problem of stopping our continuously leaking low pitch flat roof, to no avail. Since 2000 we have been trying everything to alleviate our distress during rainy weather & it was only after contacting Waterproof Lab, that you managed to solve our problem for us.
The EPDM membrane which you guys applied in February, 2019, is the only solution that has finally worked! It’s such a weird feeling now when it rains, I don’t have to rush around putting drip catchers all over the house. It’s not cheap, but it does work….
And you’re also all such nice guys!
We’ve had ZERO issues with the section you did last year. Bruce recently completed the Polycrete on the remaining corrugated sections, but is not yet convinced that we need the membrane – time will tell, we may need you to come & quote after winter!
Thanks once again for helping us to overcome our nemesis.
We’ll recommend you to all our friends & acquaintances.
Testimonial:
Water started seeping into our spare room after a crack formed in our wall following road construction.
We faced a potentially extremely costly and disruptive repair, but Waterproof lab were recommended to us through our plumber and we asked them to consult on the best solution.
The team were incredibly generous with their time, doing a few site inspections before coming up with a proposed repair plan. It was not an easy repair as required working with a number of contractors over a short period of time.
The team were always professional and on time, got the job done efficiently and with really good, quality results. We have had no issues following the use of the RubberGuard membrane, even during the most torrential rain. Thank you Waterproof lab for your excellent service, we would definitely use you again for any waterproofing needs!