What Are Green Roofs? The Environmentally Friendly Roof Option Explained

Green roofing is an environmentally friendly roofing system that involves growing vegetation on rooftops. It is becoming more popular in cities and suburban areas due to its many benefits, including improved air quality, reduction of the urban heat island effect, and the creation of natural habitats for wildlife. In this article, we are going to discuss the types and benefits of green roofing.

Types of Green Roofing

There are two types of green roofing: intensive and extensive. Intensive green roofs have thicker soil layers that support larger plants and require more maintenance, which can be costly to install. These roofs can be used for recreational purposes, such as gardens, parks, and outdoor living spaces, but they are not recommended for all roofs due to their weighty nature.

Extensive green roofs have a thinner soil layer and support smaller, hardy plants. These roofs are low maintenance and can be installed on nearly any type of building roof. Extensive green roofs also reduce the amount of stormwater runoff and have been used in some cities to help mitigate urban flooding.

Benefits of Green Roofing

There are numerous benefits of green roofing systems, including the following:

• Improved Energy Efficiency: Green roofing can help lower energy bills, especially in the summer, thanks to the plant and soil layers. The plant and soil layers act as insulators and reduce the amount of heat that penetrates a building, lowering those pesky energy bills.
• Improved Air Quality: Plants on green roofs take in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, filtering pollutants such as smog and particulate matter from the air and thus improving air quality in urban areas.
• Reduction of Urban Heat Island Effect: The temperature in urban areas can be as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the surrounding rural areas, thanks to the heat trapped by paved surfaces and concrete. The vegetation on green roofs absorbs heat and radiates it back out into the atmosphere, reducing the heat island effect.
• Reduced Stormwater Runoff: Green roofs absorb rainwater and help slow down the amount of stormwater runoff. This can help lessen the amount of pollution that is carried into the local waterways while also reducing peak streamflow.
• Creation of Natural Habitats: Green roofs provide habitats for bees, birds, and other wildlife, many of which have lost their habitat due to urbanization. Green roofs can help improve biodiversity and support threatened species.

Conclusion

In conclusion, green roofing is a sustainable roofing system that can provide many benefits to homeowners, businesses, and urban environments. With its ability to improve energy efficiency, air quality, reduce the urban heat island effect, reduce stormwater runoff, and provide a habitat for wildlife, it’s no surprise that more people are opting for green roofs. With two types, choosing between an intensive or extensive roof depends on your goals, expected benefits, and cost considerations.