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6 Green-Roof Myths - Busted
Green roofs, living roofs, vegetated roofs, ecoroofs — whatever you want to call them, they are sprouting up everywhere lately, including atop residential homes. And with that increase in popularity comes general assumptions and misconceptions. For example, that green roofs are only for ecobuffs, they're high maintenance and they're experimental and risky. All untrue.
Let's take a look at some common green-roof myths and see if they, er, hold any water.
The Basics
A green roof is simply one that fosters the growth of vegetation. It is made of a waterproofing layer, a root barrier, a drainage system and growing medium for the plants. "Intensive" green roofs, or roof gardens, can be accessible and can include much larger plants and even water features.
An “extensive” green roof, on the other hand, is a thinner, lighter, version that looks more similar to a standard roof. It can be sloped or flat. Often it will be planted with sedum(stonecrop). Many "semi-intensive" green roofs are home to an array of plant species, including native grasses and flowers.
Let's take a look at some common green-roof myths and see if they, er, hold any water.
The Basics
A green roof is simply one that fosters the growth of vegetation. It is made of a waterproofing layer, a root barrier, a drainage system and growing medium for the plants. "Intensive" green roofs, or roof gardens, can be accessible and can include much larger plants and even water features.
An “extensive” green roof, on the other hand, is a thinner, lighter, version that looks more similar to a standard roof. It can be sloped or flat. Often it will be planted with sedum(stonecrop). Many "semi-intensive" green roofs are home to an array of plant species, including native grasses and flowers.
6 Green-Roof Myths, Busted
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Whether granite countertops, a custom kitchen island, or built-in wine holders are new kitchen musts, discover thousands of kitchen designs to help make your dream come true.
With the help of a bath designer, revamp your bland bathroom with a walk-in shower, bath sink and a new sink console.
Living Roofs Crown Green Design
Living roofs save energy, improve air, water, curb appeal — and the view from above doesn't hurt either.
Been wanting to lighten your footprint, or do you live in an urban setting and yearn for a little piece of nature? Got a nasty view of a bare roof out your window? A green roof — one covered with living plants — might be just what you've been looking for.
Whether your next project is a whole-house remodel or a chicken coop, consider covering it with a living green roof instead of the familiar dead, impermeable, heat-absorbing, fast-shedding, usually not so pretty roof we're all familiar with. It's well worth a little added construction time and expense to reap the following benefits:
Building a green roof. Do not just huck a bunch of soil and plants on top of the roof you have. A green roof is an integrated system comprised of layers of subroof, waterproofing, soil, irrigation components, plants, etc. It is much heavier than a typical roof system, and the building upon which it sits must be engineered to carry the weight calculated for the roof you intend to build (intensive vs. extensive, full watering system vs. none, etc.).
Start small if you're doing it yourself. My first green roof was on a doghouse. It wasn't until I'd done a lot of research, worked alongside experienced green roofers, received a lot of help from others and graduated from the doghouse to a shed, then to a garage, before I felt ready to tackle a whole house green roof.
Even if you just have a little shed in the back and want to give it a colorful hairdo, it's worth giving green roofs a go.
Been wanting to lighten your footprint, or do you live in an urban setting and yearn for a little piece of nature? Got a nasty view of a bare roof out your window? A green roof — one covered with living plants — might be just what you've been looking for.
Whether your next project is a whole-house remodel or a chicken coop, consider covering it with a living green roof instead of the familiar dead, impermeable, heat-absorbing, fast-shedding, usually not so pretty roof we're all familiar with. It's well worth a little added construction time and expense to reap the following benefits:
- Reduced energy needs. A living roof acts as an insulator, reducing the energy needed to heat and cool your home or building.
- Reduced greenhouse gases. Living green plants convert carbon dioxide to sugars, producing oxygen as a byproduct.
- Reduced urban heat island effect. The cooling effect of evapotranspiration and the lower Solar Reflective Index* of a living roof result in lower overall heat given off by the roof surface. (*SRI: a measure of the energy a material absorbs, then releases as heat.)
- Enhanced stormwater management. Slick, impermeable roofs shed water quickly and efficiently, contributing to both higher and faster peak runoff and flooding in densely developed areas. A green roof's plants and soil slow both the rate and the energy of runoff.
- Enhanced water quality. Plants and soil in a green roof absorb and break down pollutants in rainwater. The slower flow rate of stormwater equals less erosion and subsequent sedimentation downstream.
- Added habitat. A living roof provides shelter and food for local birds, bees, butterflies and other fauna.
- Improved value and curb appeal. This is a no-brainer — just look at the pictures!
- Improved quality of life. Admit it: You're happier when you're surrounded by beauty ... and I'd argue that most ordinary roofs fall in the category of blight rather than grandeur.
Building a green roof. Do not just huck a bunch of soil and plants on top of the roof you have. A green roof is an integrated system comprised of layers of subroof, waterproofing, soil, irrigation components, plants, etc. It is much heavier than a typical roof system, and the building upon which it sits must be engineered to carry the weight calculated for the roof you intend to build (intensive vs. extensive, full watering system vs. none, etc.).
Start small if you're doing it yourself. My first green roof was on a doghouse. It wasn't until I'd done a lot of research, worked alongside experienced green roofers, received a lot of help from others and graduated from the doghouse to a shed, then to a garage, before I felt ready to tackle a whole house green roof.
Even if you just have a little shed in the back and want to give it a colorful hairdo, it's worth giving green roofs a go.