Basildon at a glance
- Postcode districts
- SS13, SS14, SS15, SS16
- Population
- about 144,859 (GeoNames)
- Council area
- Basildon Council
- Building approval
- Basildon Council building control, or a registered building control approver
- Nearest main town
- Southend-on-Sea, about 11 miles
- Guide price region
- East of England (+5% on West Midlands rates)
Why choose a green roof in Basildon?
Rainwater from flat roofs in Basildon 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.
Basildon's flat roofs are mostly on 1930s semis with flat-roofed garages and kitchen extensions, with plenty on shops with flat-roofed rear stores below flats too. The East of England is the driest part of Britain, with parts of the Anglian region around 630 mm a year, so summer heat and UV, not rainfall, do most of the ageing on a felt roof.
How much does a green roof cost in Basildon?
For Basildon we use East of England rates: £4,650–£8,500 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 | £4,650–£8,500 |
| Extension (20 m²), EPDM, new deck + insulation | £2,950–£5,150 |
Can my flat roof take the weight of a green roof?
Not every roof can, which is why we check the structure before quoting. A sedum roof is light compared with an intensive garden, but its growing medium holds water, and a saturated build-up adds significant weight to the roof.
We look at the joist sizes, spans and spacing, the condition of the deck and what the roof sits on. On a recently built extension with generously sized joists, an extensive green roof may be straightforward. On an older garage or a roof with undersized or rotten timbers, the structure may need strengthening, or a structural engineer's calculation may be needed before we can go ahead.
In England, a new roof covering that adds 15% or more to the weight of the roof triggers building control approval, and a green roof will often fall into that category. We handle building control where it is needed. The building regulations page covers the approval routes in each nation.
What's included?
- Root-resistant membrane or separate root barrier
- Warm or inverted build-up to suit the roof
- Structural check of joists, deck and supports
- Drainage layer, filter and lightweight growing medium
Building regulations in England
Replacing more than half of a flat roof over a heated room usually counts as renovating a thermal element, so the roof is insulated to around 0.16 W/m²K where that's technically and economically feasible, and the work is notified to building control: the council or a registered building control approver, unless a registered competent person self-certifies it. A roof on a new extension is built to 0.15 W/m²K. Patch repairs, and most unheated detached garages, don't trigger the upgrade. Structural changes, or a new covering that adds 15% or more to the roof's weight, also need approval. More on the rules.
Which nearby areas do we also cover?
- Pitsea · 2 mi
- Stanford-le-Hope · 3 mi
- Wickford · 4 mi
- Billericay · 4 mi
- South Benfleet · 5 mi
- Canvey Island · 6 mi
Green and sedum roofs in Basildon: questions
Do you cover Basildon?
Yes. Basildon is part of our Essex coverage, including postcode districts SS13, SS14, SS15, SS16. 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 Basildon?
Where the work needs approval it goes to Basildon Council building control, or a registered building control approver. 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 Basildon?
£4,650–£8,500 for a 20 m² insulated extension roof finished as a sedum green roof, at East of England guide rates including VAT. The fixed price comes after a free survey for new and replacement roofs.
Does a green roof leak more than a normal flat roof?
No, as long as it is built correctly. The waterproofing beneath is what keeps water out, and the green layers protect it from sun and weather. The main risk is building it on a weak or ageing membrane.
Can a green roof have a rooflight in it?
Yes. The rooflight sits on a raised upstand with a gravel strip around it, so the planting stays clear of the glazing and the upstand stays visible and dry.