Environmentally Friendly Green Roof Solutions

Green roofing refers to a construction system whereby living plant material is used to cover the rooftop either partially or completely. It is a seemingly ancient type of roofing but has gained much popularity in recent times due to its environmental benefits coupled with an efficient heating and cooling system.

The plants which are used as roofing material provide an efficient insulation system hence they significantly reduce the energy consumption in homes that practice green roofing. Similarly the plants act as filters to rainwater. They absorb approximately half of all the rainwater that could otherwise end up in the sewage system.

The popularity of green roofs is slowly extending to urban areas in an effort to introduce a green feeling in an environment which has been considered a concrete jungle. The aesthetic role played by green roofs can not be assumed. Visually, the system is appealing, which is a complete contrast from the steel and concrete appearance.

To reap most benefits out of green roofing, some people opt to plant vegetables and fruits or some installation of garden furniture to get the best of sunshine. The advantages of green roofing become evident in hot summer, when conventional roofs have very high temperatures. Green roofs in such a season may have a temperature that is cooler than that of the air.

Most of the vegetation that is used in green roofing is often resistant to the elements of weather, and it requires minimal or no irrigation at all. They are mainly native and hardy plants which are resistant to pests and diseases and they grow within a very short time.

Green roofs are made of layers, which include a medium that supports plant life, a drainage layer, insulation layer and a waterproof membrane. Construction of such a roof is dependent upon factors like the type of roof and size of the building. Slopped and flat roofs are all ideal for green roofing but when a park-like appearance is needed, then green roofing is limited to large buildings that can support heavy plants.

There are three types of green roofs grouped according to plant selection. Intensive green roofing refers to a roof that is capable of harboring large plant life such as full lawns and trees. It needs enough soil and intensive maintenance, just as someone would maintain a garden.

There is also semi-intensive green roofing whereby the rooftops are covered with plants of moderate sizes and normally require minimal maintenance. Extensive green roofing is the other type and which is the most common because it needs thin layers of a supporting medium plus very little care.

Of all the roofing types, green roofing is the most friendly to the environment. With the multiple benefits, only one pitfall has been identified, which is the initial cost of installation. Construction works in green roofing are expensive, hence the final cost of roofing is higher when compared to traditional roofing. Despite this, however, it also saves a lot in terms of heating and cooling because of its insulation properties.