Plus sides of green roofing!

An aerial view of most urban areas shows a gray and monotone picture of rooftops covered with asphalt or black tar. Conventional roofing materials absorb and emit heat which is far from being eco-friendly. However, there is a way to break up the monotony of traditional roofs and bring some new color to the city: green roofing. Green roofs have already won Europeans, and they promote green movement and energy efficiency. They use vegetation instead of conventional infrastructure- you use a maximum of space on your property and help the environment.  We asked roofer Lawrenceville, to explain how green roofing works and why is it so beneficial.

HOW GREEN ROOF WORKS?

What makes green roofs so useful and functional is the particular structure.  Unlike other roofing options, green roof works on layers. Layers are interconnected and create a perfect mechanical system that allows normal water channeling and offers excellent protection. The base layer is a waterproof membrane that prevents leaks from appearing because it isn’t biodegradable.  A waterproof membrane is „coated“ with a special type of fabric that protects the drainage system from physical damage. The drainage system is a crucial part of this roof: it leads the water away from your roof, but it keeps just the right amount of moisture to feed the engineered soil for vegetation. The drainage system is protected by another fabric because otherwise engineered soil might clog it. Soil keeps the top layer healthy and vital. Plants on top of your roof add value to your property and contribute to the overall look of your community. There are countless benefits that we are going to discuss later.

TYPES

Green roofs are split into two categories: intensive and extensive roofs. They differ from each other in weight and elevation.  Intensive green roofs are elevated park filled with trees, walkways, benches and other additions. The surface is supported by irrigation, drainage system, protection layers that are intertwined. Two types of green roof exist: intensive and extensive. Intensive green roofs are substantially elevated parks. They can sustain shrubs, trees, walkways and benches with their complex structural support, irrigation, drainage and root protection layers.  This type of green roof demands around 80 to 150 pounds of growing plants and vegetation. On the other hand, extensive green roofs are opposite. They are way lighter ( start at 10 and end around 55 pounds per square foot) and require less maintenance. The main difference between these types of green roofs is that extensive roofs often are not accessible and serve just for the environmental purposes.

HOW YOU CAN BENEFIT

Benefits of green roofing are countless. They apply to both business owners and homeowners.  Nature enthusiasts emphasize the eco-friendly influence of green roofing.  This roofing option doesn’t waste any water. Instead, it channels it to the right places and provides soil and vegetation on the roof with minerals. Vegetation on the green roof can have a significant impact on the quality of air. It can clean out some harmful components and produce oxygen.  Therefore, the green roof helps lower the influence of urban heat island effect and reduce the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Your household can benefit in many ways as well. More and more homeowners are turning to sustainable building and implement green roofing to save money. Green roofs act as isolators which means they don’t absorb the heat. Your roof keeps you cooler, so you don’t have to air condition as much as you usually would. It requires low maintenance; it is durable and long lasting which means fewer repairs and problems.  The most significant benefit installing green roof is that you motivate other to join the green movement. Homeowner by homeowner and you might finally live in a green and eco-friendly community.