Landscapers have finally done it. They have headed to the roof tops to show off their latest creation — the green roof. What is a green roof exactly? Well, it’s not your typical asphalt roof that is standard for most flat roofed buildings. It is a lush carpet of vegetation specifically designed to enhance the beauty of the building, save energy, and increase the longevity of the roof.
You may not have known this, but the green roof phenomenon has been around for quite a few years and has grown to the point where now it is a viable alternative to traditional roofing materials. Companies like LiveRoof Brands, one of the industry’s largest installers, have created a system that is so efficient at protecting the roof from the elements that they offer a 20 year guarantee. That is almost double the average life of a traditional tar and chip roof.
What is a live roof comprised of? When live roofs first came into the market, they had to be built on the roof from scratch. First, a waterproof layer was laid, followed by layers of different materials, which allowed excess water to drain properly while allowing plant life to flourish. It was a rather time-consuming and expensive feature that lacked the benefits of a LiveRoof system.
A LiveRoof system is a series of interlocking modules, each complete and self-sustaining. The modules are comprised of pre-grown plants, chosen for your particular environment and are specific for roof-top environments. Each module is a self-contained garden which needs only watering once installed. There is a weed barrier, drainage, soil, and plants, so all the installer has to do is move the modules to the roof and install them over a pre-installed, waterproof membrane. Once installed, there is very little upkeep other than watering and cleaning off any garbage or debris from trees. The modules have excellent weed resistance compared to other green roof systems.
The benefits of a LiveRoof system far outweigh the initial cost of installation. A LiveRoof system can last upwards of 20 – 40 years. When you compare that to a traditional system that has an average life-span of 10-15 years, the savings you find in roof replacement alone is worth the price of the roof.
Longevity is not the only benefit from these green roofs; energy costs are greatly reduced. These savings are most noticeable in the summer months when the sun heats the roof and causes the temperature in the interior of the building to rise. A green roof resists heat and ultraviolet rays, thus, cooling costs are reduced. The plants take the moisture from the soil and the heat from the sun and create a natural, cooling evaporation effect. Most single story buildings utilizing this kind of roof notice an average of 25% reduction in cooling costs over the course of the season.
In the winter, the same plants have a different effect on the roof. Heat from inside the building rises and wants to escape through the roof. Having a green roof means you have a thick layer of insulation that keeps the warm air in the building longer. This means you will save on heating costs, and since the weather is cooler, you no longer need to water your garden roof.
Some people think that having a green roof means you are constantly watering like you would with your home garden. That is not entirely correct. The green roof does require irrigation, but, in most climates, regular rainfall is sufficient to keep the roof thriving. The soil used to grow the plants, and the plants themselves, are all designed to need the least amount of water. The only time supplemental irrigation is required is during long, dry spells in the summer. Even then, the amount of water required is minimal so your costs stay low.
Just think of the savings you could realize with a system like this. Low cost for installation, saves on energy costs, and lasts 100% – 200% longer than a traditional roof. Let’s not forget about creating a pleasant looking roof. Some building owners who have installed these types of roofs have created a garden getaway on their roof for employees and customers to enjoy. Put a couple patio chairs and some tables on your roof and you have a great spot to get away from the hectic work life for a while.
What is so special about the LiveRoof System compared to other forms of green roofs? There are other options available for green roofs, but they entail much more work installing and maintaining them. The LiveRoof system has been designed by a team of horticulturists, roofing specialists, and traffic specialists, and has been designed specifically for rooftop installations. The entire system is comprised of patented materials that reduce the amount of water needed, increase the performance of the plants, and ease the amount of time required for installation.
Installers of this system are trained specifically on installing this product, and the plants come pre-grown. Other systems incorporate the building up of layers of material or have to be planted on site, which means the plants can take up to three years to fully mature. Having a green roof that is not mature means that you are not realizing the full benefits of a lush, healthy green roof.
When it comes time to replace your existing roof, or install a roof on a new building, look at all the options available; not just the traditional ones. There are many options in today’s market for alternative roofs, and the right alternative for your particular needs could be a LiveRoof system. It has many more benefits than a traditional roof which will not only save you money; it will bring many benefits to the environment.
Don’t just look at the cost savings involved when picking out a roof. Think of it as an investment in the future of the planet’s health; one green roof may not make much difference to the environment but by installing it on your building may just start a trend in your industrial park or city – think of the environmental benefits if everyone in your area installed a green roof.