Roof terraces differ from green roofs in that they act as an outdoor room and often include furniture, umbrellas and lighting. Taller plants are used in planters, filled with special soil that is less heavy and stays moist longer.
When constructing roof terraces, the maximum allowable weight of the roof is taken into account. The weight of roof terraces can be reduced by using lighter materials for hard surfaces, furniture and planters.
To reduce the impact of wind on plants and make roof terraces more comfortable, windbreaks are used. This also provides additional shade and privacy. Structures on roof terraces should be well anchored.
Plants that can withstand heat, drought and wind well and are less likely to fall over are chosen, e.g. multi-stemmed or weeping trees, shrubs with small leaves and grasses. Installing automatic drip irrigation is recommended. This prevents plants from drying out due to extreme weather conditions.
