Clever Shield Roof Drain Green Roof Drainage/ Water Retention Layer (46m2)

Clever Shield Roof Drain Green Roof Drainage Layer (HDPE Geotextile)

The CleverDrain Green Roof Drainage Layer is a high-performance HDPE geotextile drainage board designed for efficient water management, water attenuation, and long-term roof protection in modern green roof systems.

Engineered specifically for extensive green roofs, this advanced drainage layer delivers the perfect balance of water retention and rapid drainage, helping vegetation thrive while preventing waterlogging, root damage, and structural stress.

Ideal for commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects, CleverDrain provides a lightweight, cost-effective alternative to traditional drainage systems, reducing installation time while improving overall roof performance.

Why Choose CleverDrain?

CleverDrain is designed to optimise green roof drainage performance, water storage, and sustainability:

• Maintains consistent moisture levels to support healthy plant growth
• Prevents waterlogging during periods of heavy rainfall
• Enhances drainage efficiency in green roof systems
• Supports Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) compliance
• Reduces pressure on waterproofing membranes
• Lightweight design for faster, easier installation
• Durable HDPE core for long-term reliability

How It Works

CleverDrain combines drainage and water attenuation in a single integrated system:

• Stores water within structured core nodes for plant uptake
• Allows excess water to drain freely during peak rainfall
• Prevents both drought stress and oversaturation
• Protects waterproofing layers from hydrostatic pressure build-up

This makes it ideal for sedum roofs, biodiverse roofs, and eco-roof systems.

Applications

• Extensive green roof systems
• Brown roofs and biodiverse roofing
• Green bridges and tunnels
• Podium decks and landscaped roof areas
• SuDS and stormwater attenuation systems

Product Options

Select the correct drainage capacity for your project:

• 20mm Drainage Layer – Suitable for shallow systems (up to 75mm substrate)
• 25mm Drainage Layer (Special Order – Call to Order)
  Standard option for most green roofs (up to 150mm substrate)
• 40mm Drainage Layer (Special Order – Call to Order)
  Increased water storage to support enhanced plant diversity
• 60mm Drainage Layer (Special Order – Call to Order)
  High-capacity drainage and water attenuation (can be gravel-filled)

Technical Benefits

• High-performance water attenuation drainage board
• Optimised green roof water management system
• Improves roof lifespan and thermal performance
• Reduces surface water runoff
• Supports sustainable construction and SuDS compliance
• Compatible with geotextile membranes and filtration layers

Ideal For

• Roofing contractors
• Landscape architects
• Green roof installers
• Developers and construction professionals
• Local authority and SuDS projects

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a green roof drainage layer?
A green roof drainage layer is a geocomposite drainage system installed beneath the growing medium to control water flow. It allows excess water to drain while retaining sufficient moisture for plant growth.

How does CleverDrain work?
CleverDrain uses a structured HDPE core to store water within its nodes while allowing excess water to drain efficiently, preventing both waterlogging and drought stress.

Is a drainage layer necessary for a green roof?
Yes, a drainage layer is essential to ensure proper water management, plant health, and protection of the waterproofing membrane.

What thickness should I choose?

• 20mm – Shallow systems (up to 75mm substrate)
• 25mm – Standard systems (up to 150mm substrate)
• 40mm – Increased water storage and plant diversity
• 60mm – High-capacity attenuation

The correct option depends on roof design, loading, and planting requirements.

Is CleverDrain suitable for SuDS?
Yes, CleverDrain supports Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) by reducing runoff, storing water, and managing stormwater effectively.

Can it be used on flat roofs?
Yes, CleverDrain is suitable for flat and low-pitched roofs, including green roofs and podium decks.

Is it lightweight?
Yes, the HDPE geocomposite construction makes it significantly lighter and easier to install than traditional aggregate systems.

Does it improve plant growth?
Yes, CleverDrain maintains balanced moisture levels, preventing drying out and waterlogging, which supports healthier vegetation.

Can the 60mm system be filled with gravel?
Yes, the 60mm drainage layer can be infilled with gravel to increase water attenuation and structural performance.

Do I need a filter membrane?
Yes, a geotextile filter layer is recommended to prevent clogging and ensure long-term drainage performance.