Managing fire risks with living walls: Insurer’s advice for safe construction
Iain Hoey
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Demand for sustainable vertical gardens raises fire safety concerns
An insurance expert has urged construction companies to assess the risks associated with living walls as their popularity in sustainable architecture increases.
Lee Musgrove, from insurance broker Lycetts, highlighted the potential fire risks linked to materials used in these systems.
Musgrove stated: “With the increasing integration of green roofs and living walls in modern architectural designs, there is a pressing need to address the fire risks linked to the materials used in these on-trend systems.”
He pointed out that even with proper installation of cavity barriers, some components might still be combustible, posing risks of fire spread.
Non-combustible materials essential for mitigating fire risks
To enhance safety, Musgrove recommended the use of non-combustible materials for backing walls, insulation, and support structures.
He emphasised that careful consideration must be given to elements such as potting, irrigation, and drainage systems.
“The impact of severe weather events and potential water leaks can significantly affect the safety and insurability of the building,” he explained.
This could also endanger adjacent structures if the design and maintenance of the living wall are inadequate.
He also advised structural engineers to assess load-bearing capacities during the design phase to ensure that the building can support these installations.
Unique challenges posed by green roofs
Musgrove outlined specific risks related to green roofs, which differ from conventional roofs due to their added weight and water retention capacity.
“Green roofs are considerably heavier due to the additional weight of the support structure, the requisite irrigation systems as well as the plants themselves,” Musgrove said.
Heavy rainfall further increases water retention, creating structural challenges.
To address these risks, he suggested conducting water tests after installation to detect leaks and installing electronic leak detectors for ongoing monitoring.
Consultation with insurers recommended for construction projects
Musgrove recommended early consultation with insurers to mitigate risks.
He stressed the importance of maintaining living walls through annual inspections to remove problematic plants and ensure safety.
“Living walls and green roofs offer numerous environmental, aesthetic, and health benefits but the ongoing maintenance and repair can be a challenging and costly process,” Musgrove said.
He urged companies to prioritise safety alongside sustainability goals.
Managing fire risks with living walls: Summary
An insurance expert has called for construction firms to evaluate the risks posed by living walls and green roofs, focusing on fire safety and structural challenges.
Recommendations include using non-combustible materials, conducting rigorous testing, and consulting insurers early in the design process.
Living walls require regular maintenance to ensure safety and insurability, particularly given their dependency on irrigation systems and potential for weather-related impacts.
The advice underscores the balance between achieving sustainability and maintaining building safety.
