Businesses and property owners in Yorkshire and the Humber have been asked to assess the risk of living walls.

November 14, 2024 1:00 a.m.

work

Insurance experts are calling on architects, property owners, hotels and leisure facilities in Yorkshire and the Humber to assess the risks associated with living walls, which may not be fully covered by standard insurance policies. There is.

Harry Appleton-Metcalfe of specialist insurance broker Lycets has issued a warning as demand for sustainable 'vertical gardens' increases.

“With the increasing integration of green roofs and living walls in modern architectural designs, there is an urgent need to address the fire hazards associated with the materials used in these trending systems,” Appleton Metcalfe he said.

“We wholeheartedly support the move towards sustainable buildings that contribute to net zero targets, but it is important that safety is not compromised in the process.”

He highlighted the potential dangers, saying that all cladding systems have a back wall with insulation and that even when cavity barriers are installed correctly, some components are still flammable. It was pointed out that there was a risk of the fire spreading.

“To mitigate this, it is essential that support structures, including back walls, insulation, potting plants, irrigation and drainage systems, are constructed of non-combustible materials wherever possible,” he said.

“If living walls are not carefully designed, installed and maintained, the effects of severe weather events and potential water leaks can have a significant impact on the safety and insurance of not only the building but also adjacent structures. There is a sex.”

Appleton-Metcalfe also pointed to the unique challenges posed by green rooftops.

“Unlike traditional roofs, green roofs are considerably heavier due to the increased weight of the supporting structure, the required irrigation system, and the plants themselves,” he explained. “Additionally, extra water holding capacity during heavy rain events must also be factored into architectural considerations.”

To ensure the longevity and safety of these sustainable features, Appleton-Metcalfe recommends that installers perform extreme water quality tests immediately after installation to check for leaks and consider installing electronic leak detectors. We recommend that you do so. Annual inspections are also recommended to remove problem plants or those with strong, deep roots to reduce the risk of damage from leaks.

Additionally, architects and property owners are encouraged to engage a qualified structural engineer during the design stage to assess load-bearing capacity and ensure that the building is suitable to support these installations. I'm doing it. Fall protection and access for ongoing maintenance should also be planned into the design to ensure safe maintenance.

“Living walls and green roofs offer many environmental, aesthetic and health benefits, but ongoing maintenance and repairs can be a difficult and expensive process,” Appleton-Metcalf said. added.

“If you are involved in a new sustainability project or renovation that incorporates a living wall, consult your insurance company during the planning stages to reduce risk and ensure you are creating a building that is not only beautiful and sustainable, but also safe. I recommend that.