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+44 (0)1268 777871As rainfall intensifies and planning demands grow, today’s buildings need smarter, compliant solutions. Proteus Attenu8® is a fully integrated attenuated blue roof waterproofing system that meets the toughest regulatory, thermal and SuDS requirements – all in one coordinated package.
As rainfall intensifies and planning demands grow, today’s buildings need smarter, compliant solutions. Proteus Attenu8® is a fully integrated attenuated blue roof waterproofing system that meets the toughest regulatory, thermal and SuDS requirements – all in one coordinated package.
Why Choose Proteus for Blue Roofs?
A one-stop shop for blue roof design and delivery
Specify Attenu8® and you benefit from a complete solution - from first enquiry to final installation. It includes:
• Total system design, bespoke to each project-specific requirement.
• Dedicated technical support from our in-house specialist team.
• Installation exclusively via approved contractors.
• End-to-end service from early-stage planning to final commissioning and beyond.
• A single point of specification and insured design responsibility.
• Comprehensive insurance-backed guarantees covering every system component.
What makes Attenu8® different?
At the heart of the Attenu8® system lies the ACO Technologies patented drainage and overflow layer that separates water attenuation from the underlying roof drainage. This unique structure allows the drainage system to be independently engineered in line with BS EN12056:3 2000, unlike many competitor systems that obscure or override essential hydraulic principles.
This matters. Precise compliance with BS EN12056:3 enables engineers to accurately calculate flow rates under worst-case rainfall events, protecting clients from design errors, contractual disputes and regulatory non-compliance.
Technical advantages at a glance
• Fully compliant with BS EN12056:3 and BS6229:2018.
• Eliminates negative thermal performance in inverted roof designs.
• Reduces required inverted insulation thickness, saving build height and cost.
• Mitigates flotation risk without extra ballast, supporting lighter structural designs.
• Compatible with substrates laid to falls (meeting NHBC and LABC preferences).
• Ideal for new builds and refurbishments on existing falls-based structures.
• Provides secondary waterproofing membrane for high-risk buildings.
• Integrated overflow mechanism to meet 100-year rainfall events.
• Full support for green roofs and bio-solar integration.
• Re-usable, in line with circular economy principles in the London Plan.
• Effective silt and debris management.
• Easy to inspect and maintain in accordance with GRO and CIRIA C817.
• Contributes to BREEAM when used with rainwater harvesting.
• Reduces or eliminates need for below-ground attenuation tanks
The Attenu8® system is not just designed for compliance - it’s built for resilience. Its hybrid approach ensures thermal and hydraulic calculations are aligned, allowing for reduced design depths without compromising performance. It is also ideally suited to circular building practices, offering:
• Reduced drain-down times that match hydraulic calculations.
• All-year-round installation capability.
• Full reusability and compatibility with circular building goals.
• BBA certified to last for the life of the building on which it is installed.
The total integrated specification
The Attenu8® solution is more than just a blue roof - it's a fully integrated system covering:
• Waterproofing
• Thermal insulation
• Water attenuation
• Drainage
• Green or solar roof compatibility
• Compliance with planning, SuDS, and fire regulations
This joined-up approach reduces design risk, ensures consistent performance and removes the duplication and rework that often results from multi-supplier installations. By choosing Attenu8®, architects and specifiers gain certainty in performance and delivery, reducing pressure on the design team and supporting a "right first time" approach.
Guaranteed peace of mind
All Attenu8® systems are:
• Installed only by approved Proteus contractors.
• Covered by a single, insurance-backed warranty.
• Backed by the combined expertise of Proteus Waterproofing and ACO Technologies.
• Supported by full technical documentation and installation guidance.
Applications across all sectors
Attenu8® is ideal for a wide range of different application including:
• Commercial buildings
• Residential and mixed-use schemes
• Data centres and critical infrastructure
• Education facilities
• Healthcare environments
• Ministry of Defence and government buildings
• Retrofit projects requiring SuDS compliance
Wherever water needs to be controlled, Attenu8® delivers precision, reliability, and compliance.
Start Your Project with Confidence
Whether you are in the early planning stages or developing detailed specifications, our team is here to help. We work with architects, specifiers and contractors to simplify the process - from technical advice and system design through to installation and post-completion support. To discuss your project or request a technical consultation, contact our expert team or download our Attenu8® specification guide.
View our Attenu8® products
Cold Melt®
Cold Melt® incorporates recycled rubber crumb and other organically grown products to create an elastomeric, seamless, cold applied membrane that can be applied to a wide range of substrates including concrete, asphalt and timber.
Pro-Living®
Proteus Waterproofing offers a range of green, brown and blue roofs. Pro-Living® roofs can provide ecological benefits, offering an effective and practical use of space.
Proteus Hot Melt®
Proteus Hot Melt® is a hot-applied modified bitumen, reinforced with reinforced with Proteus Hot Melt Fleece, used in conjunction with a bitumen roofing.
FAQs
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What is a blue roof?
A blue roof is a type of flat roof specifically designed to store and slowly release rainwater. Unlike traditional drainage systems that quickly channel water away, blue roofs temporarily retain water and control its release to help manage stormwater runoff, reduce the risk of flooding, and support sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS). Blue roofs can be installed on new or existing buildings and often work alongside green roofs or other eco-friendly infrastructure to boost environmental performance.
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How does a blue roof work?
When it rains, the blue roof controls rainfall by storing it temporarily within the drainage system/layer. The water storage solution is then gradually released at a controlled rate, helping to manage urban stormwater and prevent flooding.
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What are the benefits of having a blue roof?
The benefits to a Blue Roof include:
- Blue roofs assist in rainwater storage, contributing to decreased stormwater runoff and potential flood mitigation to protect property and infrastructure from damage
- Provides an ideal solution for sustainable urban drainage.
- Enhances building insulation, reducing the need for heating and cooling.
- Blue roofs help to protect roofs from the elements
- Blue roofs can provide habitat for birds, insects, and other wildlife
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Can a blue roof be installed on my existing building?
Yes, a Blue Roof can be installed on existing buildings. However, an installation should not be attempted until your rooftop has been inspected by a qualified expert to ensure it can support the load of the blue roof construction.
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How much maintenance does a blue roof require?
Blue roofs generally require low maintenance, typically only needing to be inspected once or twice a year. Any growing medium may need to be watered and fertilised periodically, but this will vary depending on the type of vegetation planted.
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Are blue roofs good for the environment?
Yes, blue roofs contribute positively to the environment. They help to reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality and reduce energy consumption. Blue roofs can also provide habitat for wildlife and increase biodiversity.
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What is the difference between a blue roof and a green roof?
A blue roof is designed to store and slowly release rainwater, while a green roof is designed to support plant growth. Blue roofs can be planted with vegetation, but this is not a necessary requirement. Green roofs, on the other hand, must be planted with vegetation.
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What are the different types of blue roof systems?
There are two main types of blue roof systems: retentive and detention.
• Retentive blue roof systems store rainwater in a growing medium
• Detention blue roof systems store rainwater in a reservoir
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What is a blue-green roof?
A Blue-Green Roof combines the benefits of both blue and green roofing systems. It temporarily stores rainwater (like a blue roof) to manage stormwater runoff, while also supporting vegetation (like a green roof) for environmental and aesthetic benefits.
This dual-function system helps reduce flooding, improve insulation, enhance biodiversity, and support sustainable urban drainage strategies (SuDS), making it ideal for eco-conscious building projects.
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What plants are suitable for a blue roof?
Drought-tolerant plants that can survive in a shallow layer of growing medium. Options include sedums, succulents and grasses.
