Turf Roofs

Turf roofs have been used in Scandinavia since the Vikings. They offer very good thermal insulation, they are easy to maintain, and they are strikingly beautiful. All our cabins can support turf roofs up to 130 kg/m2 without additional reinforcement.

They don't even have to be grassed - these wild flowers make a refreshing change for example.

Constructing a turf roof is not just a matter of ordering some turf from your local garden centre. It is essential to waterproof the roof to prevent ingress of damp, and to encourage water retention around the roots so the turf does not die in the summer months.

A waterproof membrane prevents water penetrating the cabin, while a platten mat allows water to circulate underneath the turves. The turves are in netting sacks to prevent erosion by rain

Turves are laid on a special platten mat on top of the original roofing felt.

Turves are unloaded and stacked on the roof as required. Turfs are supplied in netting bags impregnated with seeds ready to be laid on the roof.

Starting at the lowest part of the roof the turves are carefully stacked to meet those on the ridge.

Any remaining turves are broken up and raked over the surface of the roof together with any seeds. The roof should be watered thoroughly afterwards and kept moist throughout the summer months.