Green roofs are known for contributing to energy saving, such that they act as a natural insulator for your home. They offer a two-pronged approach in this manner: winter insulation and summer heat reduction.
Winter Insulation under green roofs residential
The soil layer and vegetation retain heat inside your home, acting as an insulator. Due to heat being retained under your roof, you need to use comparatively less power to maintain warm temperatures within closed doors. But you must understand that the amount of heat retained inside will depend on the climate and the moisture content. Therefore, you must ensure that you have designed a green roof properly to provide a noticeable improvement for efficient winter insulation.
Extreme heat reduction under green roofs residential
The opposite of insulation happens during the summer season, wherein a green roof acts as a shade due to its soil layer. The heat barrier produced also results from resulting water vapor due to plants perspiring. This further acts as a way to cool the surroundings which can lower temperatures by 30-40°F. When compared to conventional roofing, the green roof provides significant relief during the summertime, giving way to less reliance on air conditioning and saving on power bills.
The Two Main Types of Green Roofs Residential
There are mainly two types of green roofs and the type you select will depend on the structure of your roof and your requirements.
Type 1: Extensive Green Roof: 3 to 6 inches in depth
Extensive green roofs are lightweight systems that portray a shallow profile. They are not designed to cover too much depth which is why they are grown only 3 to 6 inches in depth. Most households prefer them due to their minimal weight and low maintenance requirements.
To ensure that the extensive green roof does not grow beyond a certain depth, low-growing, drought-tolerant sedum mosses, and other succulents are chosen for this system. They do not require much watering or fertilization. They also offer remarkable ecological benefits as they act as a habitat for birds and pollinators.
Type 2: Intensive Green Roof: Several feet deep
Those who love plants and want to spend more time tending to them can go for an intensive green roof. However, you must make sure that the structure of your roof can accommodate this typical type of vegetation. Intensive green roofs are complex systems and are heavier. They can be grown several feet deep to support a wide range of plants like small trees, shrubs, and grasses.
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You must have a strong and big roof structure to help complement the weight of the green roof. It must also have a proper drainage system as this type of roof demands higher maintenance schedules like watering, weeding, and fertilizing.
Intensive green roofs offer a higher aesthetic value compared to extensive green roofs residential. They offer a roof space that is usable and functional like a rooftop garden. You may connect with a green roofs residential professional to assess and install a green roof for your rooftop.
