How to install a green roof
Until relatively recently, green roofs were rare. It was the stuff of fairy tales and Tolkien novels.
But as concerns about climate change grow, more and more people are looking to buy a living roof insulate their homes, reduce runoff pollution, cut energy costs, and double the lifespan of their roofs are spinning.
The biggest bonus is that it provides natural protection in terms of solar heat loss and mechanically protects the roof,” says expert. Here are expert insights into living roof installations from a designer’s and homeowner’s point of view.
Whom to Hire
You should start with a structural engineer to determine if your roof can withstand the extra weight
of up to 40 pounds per square foot after it rains.
It’s also a good idea to hire a reputable general contractor to prep your roof with the waterproofing
membrane and insulation required by your municipality. You should have your contractor add
decorative edging to prevent plants from sliding off the roof.
But when it comes to actual garden installations, expert believes it can be a relatively easy DIY
project.
Range of costs
Varies greatly depending on where you live. You’re likely to spend $13 to $45 per square foot
installed.
Typical project duration
Several days up to a week, depending on size.
Best time to do this project
Planter.
Permits Required
Check with your local municipality as permit requirements may vary depending on the type of
membrane you are installing and whether you are making changes to an existing structure.
Project Considerations
In addition to structural factors, you must also determine whether the roof itself has a suitable slope
to be a living roof. If it’s flat or tilted up to 30 degrees, it’s a good candidate. You’ll also want to
think about whether you get enough sunlight to grow your low-maintenance plants.
See the benefits of a living roof https://kdroofers.com
First step
Once the contractor has installed the membrane and water tested it, the roof is ready to be planted.
There are two ways.
- Planted life uses a modular system of roof trays.
- Add soil and plant the roof as if you were planting a garden in the ground.
The advantage of modular roof trays like the one used on this barn roof is that they are pre-planted
so you don’t have to worry about whether or not to plant them. It also provides easy access to the
waterproofing underneath and enhances waterproofing.
The downside is that you don’t have much leeway in terms of creativity.
Expert chose the soil and planting method. He/she started by installing a double-layer roof
membrane that was lit instead of nailed. Then came the dimple drainage layer and industrial filter
cloth. Next was a 6-inch layer of pumice, sand and humus mixture.
Tip: Be sure to include a drainage layer above the membrane and below the topsoil, as expert did
with the gutter.
His/her rooftop garden is on the third floor. “The first was to retrieve plants from a customer’s
garden during a construction project,” he/she says. The second upper roof houses a terrace with
recycled packaging that creates a space to relax and smell coffee, and a collection of native ferns,
succulents and edible leeks in case you need a snack. And the third layer is chard and other leafy
greens with a slightly brighter side.
The humid Buffalo City climate made it easy for expert to plant as desired. “Plants like
hostas, as they are sometimes referred to here on the west coast or ‘wet coast,’ survive well on my
roof with little to no maintenance,” he/she says.
In less tolerant climates, drought-tolerant grasses, sedums, or succulents can all be good choices,
depending on climate and sun exposure.
Tip: Whether you choose modules or garden, water right after installing a living roof to allow the
soil to settle.
Maintenance: Unless there is a severe drought, the roof requires very little maintenance. Most only
need to be watered a few times a year, and some require no water at all.
“We weed once a year,” says expert. It takes about two hours for 900 square feet. I water about
twice a year. This is a small amount considering that the average drought lasts 6 weeks during the
peak season in July and August. A pumice-based medium holds water like a cactus!”
Arresting 6 green roof myths https://kdroofers.com
Nitharsana
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