These days “green” means more than just a color, and it has taken on a whole different perspective with the environmental movement and sustainable living in general. The popularity of green roofs has gained attention around the world and many businesses and homeowners have gotten into the idea of utilizing green roofs not only from a beauty and environmental standpoint but because of the benefits.
A green roof is likely a feature that some homeowners and soon-to-be homeowners think about and take into consideration when it comes to a more sustainable lifestyle with their home and surroundings, as a green roof fits in with protecting the environment and curtailing energy use in a home. Actually, people are becoming more aware of what a green roof is along with its benefits.
Green Roof Clarification
There are always concessions to make when it comes to going green in any capacity, and a green or “living roof” is no exception. Green in the sense of its environmental designation has to do with the layering of plant material on a roof’s structural surface. The layers provide waterproofing in a layering format that allows for drainage to sustain the plantings or vegetation on the top layer. The layers themselves absorb heat rather than attracting it and provide for insulation of homes and buildings, which lowers energy consumption.
Green Roof Benefits
In addition to energy savings, there are other benefits to a green roof that include:
- A drop in energy demands, which, in turn, curtails the output of air pollution and other emissions.
- A reduction of the buildup of heat in urban areas where green roofing is utilized
- A reduction of particulates in the air as well as an increase in oxygen production and the addition of shade to an area
- A green roof’s protective nature and its plants and other vegetation combat heat and enables a green roof to last considerably longer than a regular rooftop
- A green roof can increase property value
- A green roof can be used as a garden for harvesting smaller vegetables and herbals as well as flowers
In addition, green roofs are beneficial when it comes to runoff from storms in city environments where concrete walkways and asphalt street surfaces severely limit runoff from storms. Flooding and pollution buildup are curtailed with a green roof as it will absorb and filter any runoff from sudden flood waters and sewer spillover.
Water Damage Fears and Expense
With all the benefits of green roofing, there are questions as to why it is not used more consistently. One reason is the fear of water damage to a home, but that occurrence is unlikely with a water resistant layer on the roof that inhibits any kind of leakage, plus any runoff is absorbed and naturally eliminated. Even with an upsurge of interest in green roofing, the initial financial investment, setup, maintenance and ongoing expenses can make the process a lot more costly than a traditional roof; however, there are green-roofing programs in various states that offer tax incentives, so it is well worth looking into the possibilities.
Whether you are seriously thinking about a green roofing project or you just want to know more about green roofing in general, complete the online contact form and a green roofing expert will get back to you with the information you need. Who knows, you just may be the first person in your area with a green roof and a green thumb.
