Larne at a glance
- Postcode districts
- BT40
- Population
- about 18,421 (GeoNames)
- Council area
- Mid and East Antrim Borough Council
- Building approval
- Mid and East Antrim Borough Council building control
- Nearest main town
- Belfast, about 18 miles
- Guide price region
- Northern Ireland (−12% on West Midlands rates)
Why choose a green roof in Larne?
Rainwater from flat roofs in Larne runs off quickly in heavy showers. A green roof holds some of that water back and releases it more slowly, which is one reason some owners and developers choose one. The flowering sedum also draws in bees and other insects.
In a town like Larne, flat roofs are commonly found on 1960s and 1970s link-detached houses with flat-roofed garages and porches or shops with flat-roofed rear stores below flats. Northern Ireland averages roughly 1,150 mm of rain a year, spread over many wet days, so a roof that sheds water quickly to clear outlets lasts far longer than one that holds puddles.
How much does a green roof cost in Larne?
For Larne we use Northern Ireland rates: £3,900–£7,100 is the guide for a 20 m² insulated extension roof finished as a sedum green roof, VAT included. The fixed price comes after a free survey for new and replacement roofs.
| Job | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Extension (20 m²), EPDM with sedum green roof | £3,900–£7,100 |
| Extension (20 m²), EPDM, new deck + insulation | £2,450–£4,300 |
Can a green roof go on my existing flat roof?
Only if the existing waterproofing is sound, root-resistant or protected by a root barrier, and has plenty of life left. In most cases it makes more sense to lay a green roof as part of a replacement.
Once the sedum, substrate and drainage layers are down, the membrane underneath is hard to inspect and expensive to repair, because the green layers have to be lifted to get to it. Putting a green roof on an ageing covering risks paying for the greenery twice. Our repair or replace guide helps you judge whether your current roof is a sensible base.
As for planning, re-covering a house roof normally needs no application if its appearance doesn't change materially. Because a green roof does change how a roof looks, check with your council, especially for listed buildings, conservation areas and roofs that are easily seen. The planning guide has more.
What's included?
- Structural check of joists, deck and supports
- Warm or inverted build-up to suit the roof
- Gravel strips kept clear around edges and outlets
- Drainage layer, filter and lightweight growing medium
Building control in Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, Technical Booklet F1 sets roof insulation at 0.18 W/m²K when a roof over a heated room is renovated or newly built, where that's feasible. The district council's building control should be contacted before work starts, and we prepare the details it asks for. More on the rules.
Which nearby areas do we also cover?
- Carrickfergus · 9 mi
- Ballyclare · 10 mi
- Newtownabbey · 14 mi
- Dundonald · 18 mi
- Belfast · 18 mi
- Antrim · 18 mi
Green and sedum roofs in Larne: questions
Do you cover Larne?
Yes. Larne is part of our County Antrim coverage, including postcode districts BT40. Surveys and roofs are carried out by vetted roofing teams working under S&K Property Investments and Improvement Ltd.
Who checks building regulations for a flat roof in Larne?
Where the work needs approval it goes to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council building control. We tell you at the survey whether your job needs it and deal with the paperwork as part of the quote.
How much does a green roof cost in Larne?
£3,900–£7,100 for a 20 m² insulated extension roof finished as a sedum green roof, at Northern Ireland guide rates including VAT. The fixed price comes after a free survey for new and replacement roofs.
Do I need to water a sedum roof?
Usually only in the first season, during long dry spells, while the blankets establish. After that, sedum copes with dry weather well.
Can you put a sedum roof on a garage?
Often, yes, if the structure is strong enough. Many older garage roofs have light timbers, so a structural check comes first and strengthening may be needed.