When you are thinking of adding a green roof to your home there are a number of things to consider. Intensive and extensive are the two main types of green roof.
An intensive green roof can hold a rooftop garden, trees, bushes, benches and paths by adding additional support to your roof. You will need to consult a roof contractor or engineer to determine if your home will need additional structural changes to support the extra weight on your roof.
An extensive green roof requires less support and usually only has indigenous ground cover. If you can ensure your roof is able to hold 27 pounds per square foot, you may be able to add this type of roof yourself. If in doubt, check with a professional and always follow your local building codes.
Decide What You Want to Grow
Both types of green roof involve placing a waterproof barrier between the roof decking and soil to prevent water from damaging your roof. It may also include a root barrier and drainage or irrigation system. Next is a growing medium and then the plants.
Both roof systems last longer than conventional roofs. They provide additional insulation and help reduce your energy costs by keeping the temperature of your rooftop cooler in the summer months. The greenery also improves air quality by removing pollution and producing oxygen. Green roofs also absorb storm water keeping it from overburdening city sewer systems. They also create a habitat for wildlife.
