Ask Your Residential Roofer About Whether You Can Install A Green Roof

Posted on: 27 April 2022

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When you choose to install a green roof on your home, you will have plants growing on your roof. Your green roof serves as an alternative to shingles and can also provide your home with a lot of insulation. Having a green roof installed on your home is also not as difficult as you might think and you should ask a residential roofing service for help.

Roofs That Can Have a Green Roof Installed

You might think that only a flat roof can be turned into a green roof, but your roof can have a pitch and still be turned into a green roof if it is designed properly. Make sure to ask your residential roofer whether your roof is a good candidate to become a green roof.

Deep Vs. Shallow Green Roofs

You have the choice of installing a deep green roof or a shallow roof. If you are installing a green roof on a residential property, you are probably better of with a shallow green roofing system.

How to Nourish Your Roof

To install a living roof, you will not only need to provide a surface upon which plants can grow and remain stable but you will also need to make sure that you meet the needs of the plants growing on your roof so they can thrive. For example, you will need to make sure that the soil has the right composition and nutrients. You will also need to protect your roof from moisture.

How to Protect Your Home from Moisture

You might wonder how you can keep your plants watered without damaging your roof. With a living roof, the roof will need a thick plastic or rubber membrane that is waterproof. You will also need a thin layer of insulation so that your roof has the right R-value. This will help keep your home comfortable. 

Selecting the Right Plants for Your Green Roof

You will need to choose plants that will be able to thrive under the weather conditions of your roof. For example, if you expect extended periods of drought, your plants will need to be able to resist dry weather conditions. Native plants will thrive on your roof because they have already adapted to living in the same climate. For example, if your home is located in the desert, you will want to plant succulents. 

In temperate climates, your roof might become brown because the vegetation may become dormant or die off. However, your roof will green up again after it warms up. However, if you're concerned about how well the plants are doing on your roof, you should consult with green roofing specialists.