Frequently asked questions

Green Haven green roofs utilize specially selected sedum species and hardy perennials acclimated to the Nordic climate. They easily endure extreme temperatures down to -30 °C, heavy snow loads, and freeze-thaw cycles without root damage. Sedum turns reddish-bronze in winter as a natural defensive reflex and bounces back lush green each spring. Porous volcanic substrate and drainage channels rapidly evacuate meltwater, preventing pooling ice sheets.

Standard sedum roof installations generally range between €55 and €95 per m² depending on pitch, accessibility, and structural requirements. The investment delivers strong financial returns:

• Extended Roof Lifespan: Shields the waterproofing membrane against UV damage and weathering, delaying total refurbishment for 40-50 years.
• Energy Savings: Acts as continuous natural insulation, lowering summer cooling demand by up to 20-30%.
• Real Estate Value: Secures vital credits in BREEAM, LEED, and ESG sustainable property audits.

The Biosolar hybrid system boosts solar panel electricity output by 6% to 15% through the natural micro-evaporative cooling of the sedum plants. While dark bituminous roofs heat up to 70-80 °C in summer (dropping PV module efficiency above 25 °C), a green roof keeps ambient surface temperatures at a steady 30-35 °C. Furthermore, mounting bases are ballasted by the substrate, requiring zero roof penetrations.

Systems are engineered for both standard flat roofs (0-5°) and pitched roofs up to 45° utilizing reinforced anti-shear grids. Compatible structural substructures include reinforced concrete, timber trusses, and trapezoidal corrugated steel decks. Lightweight variants weigh as little as 45-55 kg/m² saturated with water, enabling retrofit without structural strengthening.

Extensive sedum roofs are highly self-sufficient, requiring inspection only 1-2 times annually (early spring and autumn). Maintenance involves clearing windblown tree leaves or weeds, inspecting gravel perimeter drains, and applying a slow-release organic fertilizer once per year. Sedum succulents tolerate prolonged drought and do not require permanent irrigation systems.

The multi-layer green roof serves as an impermeable barrier against ultraviolet degradation, hail, and extreme daily thermal expansion cycles (-20 °C to +80 °C). By eliminating thermal shock and micro-cracking, the underlying waterproofing membrane lasts more than 50 years.

Exterior living walls require engineered support frames rated for dead weight (approx. 40-45 kg/m² saturated) and site-specific wind loads. System requirements include dedicated water supply lines, electrical connections for automated nutrient pumps, and drainage channels. All cladding components meet European non-combustible building standards.

Maxgreenwall is a mobile plug and play living wall powered by a standard 230V socket without requiring plumbing or drainage connections. The built-in 80-120 L water tank and automated smart irrigation pump keep plants thriving for 2-4 weeks autonomously. It serves as an acoustic room divider in open-plan offices and hospitality spaces.

Living plants metabolize airborne volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and dust particles while balancing indoor relative humidity between 40% and 60%. Acoustically, the lush foliage absorbs and scatters high-frequency reverberations, reducing office echo and creating a focused workspace.

Living walls operate with precision drip lines controlled by an automated controller and liquid nutrient doser. Moisture sensors and water flow telemetry monitor irrigation cycles continuously, alerting service teams immediately of any pressure deviations.

Sedum-vegetated transit tracks capture 70-90% of track-level stormwater runoff, reduce rail noise by 3-5 dB, capture brake dust emissions, and reduce pavement heat island temperatures by up to 15 °C without requiring mowing.

Plants are rooted in secure modular panels with intertwined root-reinforcing mesh that prevents soil erosion during severe gales. Anchored to structural masonry according to Eurocode wind calculations, systems are tested to withstand storm gusts over 35 m/s.

Under Estonian building regulations and EN 13501-5, roof coverings must hold certified Broof(t1) external fire penetration rating. Interior living walls must achieve reaction to fire class A2-s2,d0, and exterior claddings must meet B-s2,d0. All our systems carry verified European test certificates.

All weights are calculated at 100% water saturation. Ultralight systems weigh 45-55 kg/m², while standard multi-layer sedum systems impose 75-95 kg/m². Prior to installation, a structural engineer calculates combined dead weight and local snow loads (120-150 kg/m² in Estonia).

Retention: Rainwater is absorbed by plants and volcanic substrate and returned to the atmosphere via natural evapotranspiration (50-70% of annual rainfall), permanently reducing municipal drainage runoff.

Detention: Rainwater is stored temporarily in cellular roof reservoirs during storm surges and released at a controlled, throttled discharge rate to prevent sewer flooding.

Green installations earn valuable points in ecological habitat enhancement, sustainable stormwater management, and heat island mitigation. Cradle to Cradle Certified materials further assist developers in satisfying strict circular economy criteria.

In new construction projects, the green roof is part of the primary building permit. For existing structures where load-bearing frames and exterior profiles remain unchanged, work is classified as building maintenance. When structural reinforcement is required, a standard municipal building notification (ehitusteatis) is filed.

All pre-grown mats carry a minimum 95% mature vegetation coverage guarantee upon installation. System hardware, root-barrier membranes, drainage layers, and automated irrigation telemetry carry comprehensive manufacturer warranties paired with professional maintenance agreements.