Why to Choose Green Roof
There are many options when it comes to roofing systems, materials and technology and for that reason many people face a great challenge when deciding which one to choose. Cost-efficiency is of course one of the most important factors in the selection of roofing system but increased popularity of energy efficient buildings that help reduce the costs for both heating and cooling as well as reduce the negative impact on the environment resulted in increased interest in green roofs worldwide. Green roof is a roofing system that uses plants for roof covering rather than conventional waterproof materials. But what makes green roof systems a better choice than the traditional materials?
The main advantage of green roofs are undoubtedly its environmental benefits. After all, what is good for the environment is good for humans as well. The roofs that are covered with vegetation rather that waterproof materials absorb as much as three quarters of rainwater, depending on the type of green roof system and type of plants which significantly reduces the amount of rainwater running into sewage systems. The plants on the roof absorb the rainwater and release it back into the air via condensation. In addition, the plants filter the pollutants such as heavy metals in rainwater. But insulation is perhaps a greater advantage of green roof systems over the traditional roofing methods. The plants on the roof tend to absorb the heat from the air and keep the building warmer during cold winter time, while the growing medium blocks the heat during hot summer months which in turn significantly reduces the building owner’s costs for heating and cooling.
Purification of the air is another major advantage of green roofs over the conventional roof coverings. The plants filter the air pollutants including carbon dioxide and release oxygen which is why green roofs are particularly helpful in urban areas that lack green spaces. Larger buildings can easily accommodate intensive green roofs that include full lawns, larger plants and even trees often mimicking parks. Such green roof systems bring more nature to the urban areas by creating additional green spaces and attracting wildlife including insects and birds that are otherwise rarely seen in metropolitan centers. In addition, green roof enable the city dwellers to grow their own fruits, vegetables and flowers and create a true garden on the rooftop. Exceptional sound insulation is another factor that makes green roofs ideal for urban areas because the growing medium for the plants reduces lower sound frequencies, while the plants provide an excellent blockade for higher frequencies.
Although the plants on the rooftop absorb as much as 75% of rainwater, the owners of the buildings with green roofs do not have to worry about any leaking. All green roofs are constructed in layers which besides the plants and soil or other growing medium also include a waterproof membrane. And green roofs do not have to be heavy unless you want to plant trees on the top of the building. There are three main types of green roofing known as intensive, semi-intensive and extensive. The intensive green roofs are the ones that include a deep layer of soil in order to accommodate larger plants, while the extensive green roofs include a thin layer of soil only which does not add any significant weight to the building structure. Extensive green roof systems also require virtually no maintenance because they foresee covering of the roof with hardy, self-sustainable plants that require minimal care. Plant covering is appropriate for both flat and slopped roofs.
One of the main advantages of green roofs for building owners are most certainly financial benefits. It may be true that green roofs require a larger investment in the beginning but in long term, green roofs are more cost-efficient than most other roofing systems. Firstly, they have an exceptionally long life span – up to 50 years and secondly, they provide significant savings on heating and cooling of the building. According to some estimations, building owners with green roofs can save over 50% for heating and cooling which means that the initial investment pays off in a relatively short period of time. If combined with solar panels, green roofs can help the building owner further reduce the costs for energy. And the third advantage of green roofs over traditional roofing systems is the fact they increase the value of the real estate.
As you see, green roofs offer a large number of both environmental and financial advantages over other roofing systems.