5 Benefits of a Green Roofing System

​What Is A Green Roof?

A green roof refers to a vegetative layer that’s grown on a rooftop. This roofing system is also known as a living roof or a rooftop garden.
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But why would you consider living in a property with a living roof? While most people love green roofs for their energy-efficiency, others prefer this roofing system due to its incredible allure. It ultimately depends on what you’re looking for. The following are some of the top benefits of green roofing systems.

​Five Advantages of a Green Roofing System

Energy Conservation
Energy conservation is the main reason why anyone would want to incorporate a green roof on their rooftops. Green roofs are more efficient in reducing energy costs compared to conventional roofs, since they provide an insulating layer which retains building heat in winter and keeps heat out in summer. A study conducted by the National Research Council of Canada found out that buildings with as little as 1/6 of green roofs can save homeowners more than 75% in summer energy bills.

As opposed to conventional roofs that attract heat, green roofs absorb it. You can look to them as the natural insulation system for your building. By incorporating a living roof, you won’t have to overwork the air conditioning system in your house to regulate indoor temperature and humidity. And in addition to reducing your summer air conditioning bills, a living rooftop also reduces the emission of environmentally hazardous gases, such as carbon dioxide. Therefore, by living under a green roof, you would be actively contributing towards the realization of the seventh item in the Millennium Development Goals.

Slows Storm Water Runoff
Another notable benefit of considering a rooftop garden is its ability to slow down storm-water runoff, especially in urban environments. Remember that most rooftops and pavements in towns and cities are made of hard and nonporous surfaces. Such surfaces increase the volume as well as the velocity of storm-water runoff, which causes frequent flooding. Flooding in urban centres may lead to clogged drains and sewer overflows. And if not managed you could have local flooding.

Now, the roofing material is one of the top things to consider when replacing a roof. And it’s reassuring to know that you can replace or insulate the nonporous surface of your roof with a green rooftop, to banish the concerns of storm-water runoff. Remember, living rooftops are up to 5 times more efficient in reducing storm-water runoff compared to hard roof surfaces.

Reduces Urban Heat-Island Effect
The Urban Heat-Island Effect refers to the condition where urban environments attract and absorb heat. Typically, urban centres consist of more concrete than vegetation, which makes their temperatures considerably higher than those in rural and suburban settings. The concrete rooftops in urban buildings and the paved streets absorb solar radiation before re-radiating it as heat.

For instance, in the summertime, New York City can achieve a daily temperature of 7.2ºF (4C) warmer compared to its suburban neighbourhoods. To reduce the Urban Heat-Island Effect, green roofs cover the traditional urban roofs, hence preventing re-radiation of heat. Also, a rooftop garden uses up solar radiation in evapo-transpiration (evaporating water from the rooftop vegetation while also transpiring moisture from the plants).

Great for Aesthetics
Besides the environmental and financial benefits that come with rooftop gardens, these roofs are also famous for their aesthetic appeal. Integrating a living roof into your rooftop is an excellent way to make your house stand out from other buildings constructed from conventional roofing materials. 

It can be an extension to your garden
When you have a a flat roof and you have access to the roof then you can plant it with a garden to provide additional garden space and outdoor living area. You could even grow your own vegetables and herbs. Of course if you intend to use your rooftop as an outdoor area this will have to comply with local legislation. It will require edge railings to prevent people falling off the roof.

​Your roof could be valuable real estate!

Image by cocoparisienne from Pixabay

Requirements for a green roof

Green roofs should have:

1. High-quality waterproofing
2. High-efficient drainage systems
3. A root-repellent system
4. A filter cloth
5. Be designed to support the weight of the plants, the growing medium and water retained in this medium.
6. Roofs that have to be regularly accessed for maintenance, or because you are using them as additional garden space, require proper edge protection (that complies with legislation) to prevent people from falling from the roof.

A green roof can be a valuable addition to your home

Be it a commercial or residential property, a living garden comes with an incredible sense of calm and comfort to an otherwise dull house. And if you ever need to sell the building, a green roof will surely add extra kerb appeal to the property, enabling it to fetch higher than what conventional rooftop buildings would.

More people are becoming environmentally aware and responsible. They even willing to pay more for a product, a home, that is environmentally friendly. 

Still wondering why the popularity of living roofs is on the rise? Why not be part of those already enjoying the immense ecological and economic advantages of green roofs!

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Author Bio
Grace Hawkins is a full-time content marketing specialist and a passionate writer who loves to write about creating an aesthetic and ambient living environment for everyone. He believes in a thoughtful exploration of how you shape your thoughts, experience of the world. Currently, He’s working With Best Roofing Company

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