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When you're planning a green roof for your home or commercial property, based on your budget and needs, there are a couple of factors to consider before you begin your project. 

The Environmental benefits provide a solution to many common urban environmental problems including:

storm-water management, reduction of air pollution, improved air quality, reduction of the envelope of hot air that hovers over cities due to heat reflective material and lack of vegetation (Urban Heat Island Effect), decreased noise pollution, and when enough buildings with green roofs are close enough, the respiring plants can even create a microclimate that can cool a city.

Green roofs consist of: an insulation layer, a waterproof membrane to protect the building from leaks, a root barrier to prevent roots from penetrating the waterproof membrane, a drainage layer made from lightweight gravel, clay, or plastic, a geotextile or filter mat that allows water to soak through but prevents erosion of fine soil particles, a growing medium, plants, and sometimes a wind blanket.

Industrial companies or other businesses build green roofs to reduce costs on energy and roof upkeep.  Green roofs insulate and protect buildings from harsh weather conditions and the ultra violet radiation and will also reduce energy consumption and increase the durability of the roof.

Another benefit to installing a green roof is the therapeutic value to hospitals and health facilities.  These facilities sometimes use gardening as a tool to enhance the healling process for patients by offering fresh air, comfort, and a beautiful landscape to enjoy while restoring their health.

There are two basic types of green roofs:

Intensive: A heavier option, closely mimics a lush natural garden

• Soil Depth: 6 to 24 inches or more
• Weight Load: 80 to 150 pounds per sqft
• Costs: $15 to $25 per sqft
• Allows for a greater variety of plants, shrubs, and even trees
• Requires regular maintenance

Extensive: A lighter option, requires less maintaince and can tolerate harsh weather conditions

• Soil Depth: 1 to 6 inches
• Weight Load: 15 to 50 pounds per sqft
• Costs: $8 to $20 per sqft
• Limited variety of plant options
• Requires less maintenance

Green Roof Building Costs:

Although the initial costs of installing a green roof are greater than a conventional roof system, the long-term benefits and the energy savings outweigh the initial investment.  The costs of your green roof will also depend upon the type of roof installed, climate, and the selection of plants.

Some factors to consider with the initial cost of installing a green roof:

• Permits: Zoning and building codes vary for every city
• Consultant Fees: Contractor, Designer, Landscaper, and Structural Analysis fees
• Garden Materials: Growing mediums, plants, fertilizers, substrate containers, and pavers
• Plants: Cultivating costs are high because green roof technology is fairly new
• Irrigation System: Drip, Sprinkler, and Drainage Systems
• Maintenance: Weeding and watering extensive roofs, long-term intensive roofs

Green Roof Irrigation and Drainage:

The City of Chicago encourages landscaping with native plants as an environmentally-beneficial garden design.  Still, you should plan for the need to supplement rarinfall with irrigation.  A key environmental benefit of rooftop gardens is that they absorb rainwater and reduce runoff to sewer systems.  Any excess water not absorbed within the garden must be effectively drained from the rooftop.  Most gardens should be able to use the existing rooftop drainage system with only minor modifications.

Green Roof Installation Process:

Generally green roofs are designed for flat and/or slightly sloping roofs, although systems are being introduced that can be installed on a roof with a 6:12 pitch.

For more information on sustainable solutions to new construction and remodeling projects, please view earthgroup.com. Earthgroup is the new construction and green building division of 123 Remodeling.