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Green Roofs

Are you looking for a way to make your roof look different, while being ecologically sound?  Then consider a green roof for something unique yet extremely beneficial.  Read on to find out more.

What is a Green Roof?

A green roof is simply where the roof of a building is wholly or partially covered by vegetation and soil that is laid over a waterproofing membrane.  Additional systems may be added such as root barriers, drainage, and irrigation systems.  A green roof may be extensive or intensive.  An extensive green roof has thinner and fewer layers, so they are lighter, cheaper, and very low maintenance.  These green roofs are mainly built when a person wants an ecological roof cover but does not require access to the roof.  Plants that are suitable for these types of roofs include grasses, mosses, sedums, succulents, and flowering herbs.  Extensive roofs are not maintenance free, however, as they still need to be checked semi-annually.

Intensive green roofs are roofs that look like the traditional roof gardens as a much wider variety of plants can be grown, since the depth of the growing media or soil are greater.  In intensive green roofs, it is possible to add features such as waterfalls, ponds, gazebos, and so on.  These roofs can be used an entertainment spaces.  However, an intensive green roof differs from a roof garden in that roof gardens usually utilise pots of varying sizes, where the whole roof is used.

Benefits of Green Roofs

There are several benefits that come from having a green roof.

• protection of the roof membrane, therefore, the green roof may last twice as long as a conventional roof
  
• savings on heating and cooling costs due to the roof’s insulating properties
  
• sound insulation due to the layer of soil, plants, and trapped air
  
• reduces storm water run off
  
• filters pollutants from the air
  
• provides a habitat for both plants and animals
  
• looks great
  
• is environmentally friendly
  
• increases the property’s value

Who Can Build a Green Roof?

Landscape architects or garden designers can design a green roof and install all of the living components for you.  However, you will need the services of a roofing contractor that is experienced with installing green roofs.  You may also need a plumber for the irrigation and drainage systems.

How Much Do Green Roofs Cost?

The cost of a green roof varies according to a number of factors.  Such factors include the depth of the growing medium or soil, the plants used, how large the green roof is to be, what irrigation system is used, and if they intensive or extensive.  Intensive green roofs cost more but you get the benefits of being able to use them.  Green roofs do cost more than a standard roof initially but they extend the life of the roof membrane and reduce the heating and cooling costs of your building, so you will recoup the costs in time.

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