Green roofing is a wonderful way to immerse your home in the beauty of nature. For some homes situated in the countryside, it’s a great way to blend into an already beautiful natural environment. They’re also great for introducing some nature and greenery for homes located deep in the urban jungle.
Many believe that the green roofing system is a modern roofing trend that’s simply riding the eco-movement wave. However, green roofing has been around for centuries, and it’s only now that it’s infiltrated the mainstream. If you’re considering installing a green roof or want to know what the hype is all about, continue reading as we break down the green roofing phenomenon.
What Is A Green Roof?
A green roofing system consists of varying plants and vegetation. Commonly referred to as a ‘living roof,’ the plants and vegetation are installed on top of a waterproof roofing membrane to prevent any water or foliage from entering your home. Fitted with an irrigation and drainage system, the green roofing system is excellent at draining any excess water while keeping your greenery alive and flourishing.
You get two types of green roof systems, intensive and extensive. The intensive roof consists of thick grass, shrubbery, and plant life. They can be pretty high maintenance depending on the number of plants you have growing and the type of plants. The extensive roof is sparse with greenery and is the low-maintenance option of the two.
You’ll find that many homeowners opt for a green roofing system for many reasons. Some love the natural element they add to their homes, whereas others would like to make their homes a little more eco-friendly. While green roofing is a fantastic roofing option, there are several factors that you need to take into consideration before you begin the installation.
Green Roofs And Your Budget
If you’re looking to save a few dollars and not splurge on a new roof installation, green roofing may not be the one for you.
According to the Sustainability Office of NC State University, green roofs are often two to three times more expensive than non-green roofing options.
However, while the initial installation costs can be pretty significant, you may end up saving quite a bit in the long term. The roofs are highly energy-efficient, and therefore you’ll end up saving on your energy bills. With a proper maintenance plan, your green roof will also last significantly longer than an ordinary roof, thus saving you money on a roof installation.
In cities like New York and Portland, local governments offer residents with green roofs tax discounts and incentives. Other American cities and states could follow suit, encouraging more residents to invest in sustainable practices that help the environment while providing healthier living spaces for future generations.
The Advantages of Green Roofing
Green roofs are a fantastic way to make your home and community a little more environmentally friendly. As we all know, plants turn harmful CO2 into oxygen. Thus, your green roof will filter all the soot and smoke generated by cars, fireplaces, and the like, thus cleaning the air around you.
Many roofing systems are made up of things like asphalt and bitumen; these heat-attracting materials can create an Urban Heat Island Effect. The Urban Heat Island Effect is a process where these materials absorb and trap the sun’s warmth, thus creating urban areas that have higher temperatures than surrounding rural communities due to this trapping effect. Green roofs reduce this problem by their ability to reflect sunlight away from buildings in addition to cooling air through evaporation.
By installing a green roof, you’ll help to extend the lifespan of your roofing system. Plants and vegetation act as a natural barrier, protecting your home from harmful weather conditions. Plants absorb intense ultraviolet light as well as excess water. Green roofs are fitted with drainage systems to transport excess water away from your home effectively. These roofing systems reduce stormwater runoff by 50%.
A green natural roof does not only prevent your home’s temperature from skyrocketing but also helps reduce energy costs for all homeowners living near it.
Other benefits of green roofing systems include improved home and building aesthetics, increased home value, wildlife protection, and support, and so much more.
Many people fear that green roofing may increase the water on your roof, leading to structural damage. However, your home should be fitted with a waterproof layer before installing a green roof. As long as your waterproof membrane is regularly maintained, you should not experience any significant issues.
For more information on green roofing systems or roofing in general, don’t hesitate to call the trusted roofers at Industrial Roofing Contractors.
