Choices in Green Roofing
When you think of having a "green" roof, there are a number of concepts and materials to consider. First you need to ask yourself about what you are hoping to accomplish. Are you looking for energy savings? Do you want to cut down on your carbon footprint? How far do you want to go and what level of
Posted — UpdatedWhen you think of having a "green" roof, there are a number of concepts and materials to consider. First you need to ask yourself about what you are hoping to accomplish. Are you looking for energy savings? Do you want to cut down on your carbon footprint? How far do you want to go and what level of expense do you want to employ? If you are either building or remodeling, here are a few ideas to consider if you would like to have a green roof.
Another benefit to having a granite coated steel roof is energy savings as the materials "alleviate the heat from the wood in your attic," said Harris. The roofing materials keep heat out and reflect heat, which is a type of roof know as a "cool roof." Lynch said that steel roofs are actually lighter than asphalt and can be placed over up to two layers of traditional asphalt roofing. "That also saves on more asphalt ending up in a landfill," said Lynch. In addition, besides never having to replace your roof again, there is no maintenance required according to Harris. "It's totally maintenance-free forever," he said.
If you live in an area where it snows, the standing seam construction of a steel roof helps prevent heavier snow loads and less snow-related hazards Harris added.
Clay roofing tiles are a green material that is best used in regions that are predominantly hot more of the year. Harris said that clay roofing materials can be durable and are recyclable, but are not meant for regions where there are extremes in heat and cold. "They just won't hold up (in that kind of environment)," he said.
Horticultural green roofs are an idea dating back thousands of years. In general, you have to have a solid base of well-sealed roofing material before soil mixtures and plants can be added. Horticultural green roofs are easiest to create on flat roofs, and require a good deal of upkeep, often professional. Horticultural green roofs can be done on slanted roofs and might be a consideration for a portion of a homeowner's roof.
Soil is layered anywhere from three inches to over two feet depending on what types of plants you would want to grow. Mosses, sedums, and grasses for the lesser amounts of soil and shrubs, hedges, and trees for the larger amounts. Root barriers, and depending on the location, an irrigation system would also need to be installed.