Blue roofs are innovative roofing systems designed to temporarily store and control rainwater on flat or low-slope roofs before releasing it slowly into drainage systems. Unlike traditional roofs that drain water immediately, blue roof systems help reduce stormwater runoff, alleviate pressure on urban drainage infrastructure and support sustainable building design. Suitable for commercial, residential and urban developments, blue roofs can also be combined with green roofs to create green-blue roof systems that deliver additional environmental benefits such as improved biodiversity, urban cooling and enhanced rooftop amenity spaces.
Benefits of Blue Roofs
- Helps manage stormwater runoff by storing and slowly releasing rainwater
- Reduces pressure on drainage systems and supports sustainable urban drainage strategies
- Can reduce or remove the need for additional ground-level attenuation storage
- Supports flood risk reduction during periods of heavy rainfall
- Helps improve building sustainability and environmental performance
- Green-blue roof systems can improve biodiversity and create habitats for wildlife
- Vegetation can help absorb pollutants and improve air quality
- Contributes to urban cooling and helps reduce the urban heat island effect
- Can improve rooftop amenity space in commercial and residential developments
- Suitable for flat and low-slope roof applications
Sika Blue Roof System
The Sika Blue Roof System is designed to manage rainwater at roof level by temporarily storing and controlling the release of stormwater. By attenuating rainfall within the roof build-up, the system helps meet Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) requirements, reducing peak water discharge and supporting compliance with planning and drainage regulations.
Suitable for new build developments, the system can be installed as a standalone blue roof or integrated with Sika green roof systems and Sika solar roof systems. Each roof is individually designed to suit the project's drainage strategy and discharge requirements.
Suitable for new build developments, the system can be installed as a standalone blue roof or integrated with Sika green roof systems and Sika solar roof systems. Each roof is individually designed to suit the project's drainage strategy and discharge requirements.
Key benefits:
- Supports Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) strategies
- Attenuates rainfall and controls stormwater discharge
- Helps meet planning and restricted discharge requirements
- Can be combined with green roofs, solar roofs and permeable paved roof areas
- Individually designed to meet project-specific performance requirements
- Controlled release of stored rainwater following storm events
Key Design Considerations for Blue Roofs
Blue roofs should be considered early in the project design stage to ensure integration with the overall building and drainage strategy. Important considerations include structural loading requirements, rainwater storage capacity, overflow management during extreme weather events, maintenance access and integration with rooftop equipment. Early planning also helps maximise opportunities for biodiversity, sustainability and rooftop amenity use.
Sika’s technical experts can provide support throughout the design and specification process to help create long-lasting blue roof systems. Use the form below to get in touch with one of our experts.
