If you are looking to install a green roof on your building, you should first consult with your building’s residents and/or your family. They may be able to offer some assistance during the installation. Ask for help with tools, physical labor, and future maintenance. Then talk to your green roof service provider about pricing and options. Here are some common green roof questions:
Cost Of Green Roof Services
The cost of green roof services varies depending on the size and type of green roof. The first thing to consider is whether your green roof will allow rainwater to runoff. Many green roofs can support heavy rainfall and will require a wooden lath grid or other retention system to hold the substrate in place. Green roofs are not recommended in low-flow watersheds or areas with groundwater recharge. Once installed, green roofs need annual maintenance. The initial establishment phase of a green roof will require irrigation, and you will need to add more to ensure plant coverage. However, drought-resistant vegetation rarely requires irrigation for two years or more.
Another factor that affects the price of green roof services is the amount of labor that’s required. While some green roof services offer free consultations, others require you to pay for a flat fee or make an upfront payment. Green roof services cost about $30 per square foot. A green roof with more than 10,000 square feet will likely have lower labor costs. If you’re putting in a green roof yourself, you can save as much as 50 percent on the soil layer.
Types Of Green Roofs
Depending on the size of your project, green roof services can include installing an extensive or intensive green roof. These green roofs are typically lower-profile with fewer layers than intensive systems and require very little maintenance. The extensive variety includes plants that require little care. The roof requires periodic watering, but this is not as difficult as installing a more intensive green roof. The underlying trays can be removed to check the roofing membrane for damage.
Green roofs are constructed by establishing a series of layers on the top of a building. These layers are divided into four to eight distinct parts. A proper water supply should be selected based on the size of the planting area and the load capacity of the building’s roof. In addition to irrigation, green roofs need to be equipped with drainage paths to allow excess water to reach rainwater drainage devices. Once the layers are in place, the irrigation system needs to be properly sized to keep the plants healthy.
Maintenance Of A Green Roof
One of the most important aspects of maintaining a green roof is proper maintenance. A good maintenance specification will specify what is acceptable plant mortality and diversity levels. In addition to monitoring plant growth, maintenance tasks should also include replacing dead or dying plants and removing debris. In addition to regular maintenance, it’s vital to observe for signs of leaks or damage. Failure to observe these signs may result in the replacement of your entire green roof.
Moss is an easy option for a green roof, but it’s not as hardy as sedum. Moss also improves the biodiversity of your green roof by serving as a habitat for insects. The moss also reduces the amount of water that drains off the roof. However, the most important part of a green roof is the membrane. This membrane allows water to safely drain away while protecting the roots of the living plants.
Design-Build Method
If you’re interested in implementing a green roof for your home, consider using the Design-build method. A contractor will create and install modular containers for the green roof on your home. A structural engineer will also evaluate the strength of your roof and recommend additions to stabilize the roof. A properly installed green roof will protect the structure of your home and your family. The contractor will also provide maintenance and repair services for the green roof.
Plants for green roofs are relatively low-maintenance, making them particularly suitable for difficult or expensive roofs. However, some plants require some maintenance in order to keep their appearance. For instance, some grasses need annual trimming to prevent fire. During the design process, a horticultural consultant should check the roof site to determine shaded areas, windy areas, and access points. Maintenance demands for green roofs are usually greatest during the initial stages of plant establishment. In addition, frequent inspections are required to check for weeds.
Environmental Benefits Of A Green Roof
Besides improving air quality, a green roof can help you save money on energy bills. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release it in the air. These roofs also purify the air, making it healthier for you and your family. They also reduce noise levels, a benefit of having green roofs on your building. The roofs are more effective at reducing noise than traditional roofs, and this is especially noticeable in highly populated areas.
A green roof helps prevent runoff of pollutants and prevents stormwater from entering waterways. In one study, the amount of runoff was cut by more than 75 percent during a rainstorm. This is because water from the rooftop substrate is absorbed by the plants and returned to the air via evaporation and transpiration. In addition to reducing runoff, green roofs also reduce the risk of flooding and erosion.