Everything You Need To Know About Green Roofs
There are hundreds of benefits to having a green roof, but the installation process is very involved, even with a professional contractor.
28/05/2019
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A green roof is a system that is installed on an existing roof top covered by plants and other vegetation. Think of it as having a garden on your roof, what better fun! Green roofs are becoming more and more popular and we love the idea. There are hundreds of benefits to having a green roof, but the installation process is very involved, even with a professional contractor.
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Whether the roof is installed in a residential settlement or on a skyscraper in town, there are a few vital features to consider:
- Waterproofing layer:
Of course this is the most important process. You need an additional waterproof and root-resistant layer installed to keep the roof structure undamaged and safe. A green roofing system that ends up leaking can be detrimental to the building structure and a major safety hazard for the occupants inside.
- Drainage & Filter layer:
The excess water on the roof needs to escape somehow as standing water can cause a problem in the long term. Be sure that the roof outlets are always clear of dirt and debris. A lovely feature to add is pebbles at the entrance of the outlets to ensure no plant vegetation makes its way into the drainage system.
- Soil Profile Layer:
The perfect substrate for a green roof consists of low, lightweight nutrients. It should have a ratio of 30 percentage organic material and 70 percentage inorganic material. Soil that is too heavy will contribute to the weight load on the roof which you want to avoid as much as possible.
- Vegetation Layer:
Finally! the fun part. The type of plant you choose is dependent on whether you installed an extensive or intensive green roof. An extensive green roof (grasses, herbs, sedums) needs little to no maintenance with no irrigation system. An intensive green roof (small trees and other deep rooting plant species) needs professional maintenance and an irrigation system. Intensive green roofing systems are commonly found on commercial buildings. You can tailor your choice to attract certain species of bird, insect and other wildlife.
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A green roof naturally acts as an acoustic insulation, thermal insulation and fire retardation. Since the sun’s UV rays never get to reach your roof surface, the electricity used in your home to heat up or cool down is decreased, saving you money. Not to mention it is lovely to look at.
We give the green roofing system two thumbs up! They have such great benefits but if not installed correctly, this can be a very costly repair so be sure to get advice from a professional.