Discover how green roofs improve urban planning and why professional waterproofing is the key to success.
Today’s urban planning is replacing concrete with nature. Green roofs are now an essential solution for designing more resilient, efficient, and healthy cities.
However, behind every hanging garden there is one vital element: reliable roof waterproofing. This system must protect the structure from moisture, standing water, and root damage.
Why choose green roofs?
Green roofs provide multiple benefits to both the building and the urban environment:
- Thermal regulation and energy savings – Green roofs act as a natural insulator. In summer, they reduce the interior temperature of the building by providing shade and absorbing solar radiation, while in winter they help retain heat, optimising air conditioning and heating consumption.
- Reduction of the “heat island” effect – In cities, asphalt and concrete drastically raise the ambient temperature. Vegetation on roofs helps to cool the surrounding air, creating microclimates that make urban life much more pleasant.
- Promotion of urban biodiversity – These roofs become refuges for local species, pollinating insects and birds, restoring to the city some of the biodiversity that traditional urban development has displaced.
- Efficient rainwater management – Plant systems absorb much of the rainwater, reducing the load on sewerage systems and minimising the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall.
- Improved well-being and health – It has been proven that visual contact with green environments reduces stress and improves the mental wellbeing of citizens, providing spaces for relaxation in densely populated areas.
- Pollutant filtration – Plants act as natural filters, trapping dust particles and absorbing harmful gases such as carbon monoxide or dioxide (CO and CO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO2), tropospheric ozone (O3 ) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), among others. The result: much cleaner air for everyone.
- Property revaluation – A building with a green roof is not only more efficient, but also more visually and functionally attractive, which increases its value on the property market.
- Installation of bio-solar roofs – Green roofs also allow for the installation of photovoltaic panels, thereby increasing the energy efficiency of buildings.
For a green roof to be truly durable, it must be based on a flawless technical system. Waterproofing is the critical layer that protects the building from leaks caused by permanent moisture, roots, or structural movements.
Advanced hot solutions
At Krypton Chemical, we develop high-tech systems. One example is our Rayston Proof PU S Green Roof system.
This system uses the Impermax 2K membrane. It is a sustainable, bio-based polyurethane resin formulated with plant-based raw materials. It contains no solvents and offers:
- Root barrier certificate (ETE 10/2026) with a service life of 25 years.
- High elasticity and seamless application.
- Total resistance to standing water.
Access the IMPERMAX 2K technical data sheet
Cold application options
If you are looking for a cold-applied product, we offer Impermax 2K M resin. It is a two-component aromatic polyurethane membrane, also plant-based and solvent-free.
The Rayston Proof PU 2K M GREEN ROOF system is the ideal choice for green roofs that require excellent mechanical properties and low environmental impact.
Access the IMPERMAX 2K M technical data sheet
Conclusion: Circular and sustainable construction
The most environmentally friendly solution integrates vegetation onto a high-performance membrane. The combination of green roofs with bio-based systems allows for the creation of urban spaces in line with sustainable construction.
