Zurich insurers declare green roofs a fire risk

Insurance company Zurich, are warning that green roofs pose a fire risk - as the roofs could dry out and become flammable. Stuart Blackie, risk management consultant at Zurich, said he was concerned the roofs “would become a hazard in a period of drought, particularly on school buildings”.

In a statement, Zurich said it would not refuse to insure buildings with green roofs as long as “appropriate guidelines have been followed”. These include a continuing maintenance regime and risk assessment.

Dusty Gedge, co-founder of LivingRoofs.org suggested Zurich's new policy might be a knee-jerk reaction to the rising popularity of green roofs in the UK. He revealed that information available from countries with a more mature green roof market is being overlooked:

"In Germany, where there are 35 million m2 of green roofs, you get a reduction on fire insurance if you’ve got one.”

Interestingly Zurich could not provide any examples of fires breaking out on green roofs...

GREEN ROOFS - THE BASICS...

Thinking about creating a green roof but don't know where to start?

The Green Roof Pocket Guide from Sheffield University is the perfect introduction. Published by The Green Roof Centre this is a handy guide to the basics of green roofs. The Guide covers many of the common issues, from a fundamental description of different types of green roof to component makeup and planting options.

Read more about Green Roofs at The Jolly Green Gardener

HOW YOUR GARDEN CAN HELP YOU CUT DOWN ON HEATING BILLS!

Plants can play a useful insulating effect - conserving heat in the winter. Not only will you save money on your heatings bills but you will also be able to sleep more soundly, safe in the knowledge that you are doing your bit for the environment!

Climbing plants can act as an extra layer of insulation to a building as they trap a thin film of air between the plant and the house.

An even better solution is the implementation of a Living Wall. These are held away from a building by a support system of wires. Not only does this increase the pocket of air (and hence the insulating effect) but it also prevents potential damage to the fabric of the building that can be caused by some clinging plants such as Ivy

Close to the base of the house, Foundation Planting traps warm pockets of dead air between the house and the planting. Where the shrubs are mature, there should ideally be a 30cm gap between the plants and the building.

Green Roofs also play a useful role in the insulating a building. We all know that you can loose up to 75% of your body heat through your head but have you ever thought how much heat is lost through the roof? Although it is now common practice to insulate the loft few people think about the insulating benefits of a Green Roof.

Shelter Belts are another key insulating tool. In small gardens you may have to make do with large shrubs and small trees but where more space is available you can really go to town.