How To Do A Living Roof

What Grass Roof Systems Are Available

There are three basic types of green roof: intensive , extensive and semi-extensive .

Intensive systems consist of a thick layer of soil in which a variety of grasses, herbs, flowers and shrubs can grow. These need to be accessible gardens and can even be used as a recreation space. They provide a valuable habitat for wildlife but place significant weight on the building and need substantial roof support. They offer good insulation and better water absorption than the thin types, but need a lot of care.

Extensive green roofs are generally made up of a shallow layer of substrate planted with low-growing, stress-tolerant grasses, mosses and sedum. These lightweight systems require little maintenance. The insulation quality is relatively low and extensive systems always incorporate conventional insulation.

Semi-extensive systems have slightly greater depth than extensive systems but constructed on the same principles to allow for a greater diversity of plants. It is also relatively low-maintenance.

A meadow roof brings this single storey extension from to life, while also improving the space’s insulation.

Intensive systems and meadow roofs need to be designed in, as they are heavy and the supporting structure needs to be designed to carry the weight. Extensive and semi-extensive roofs are less of a problem. They offer less water retention and insulation, but are easier to install and maintain.

How Much Maintenance Does A Green Roof Require

At the minimum, an extensive 4-inch green roof system planted with mixed sedums in its first year requires watering and weeding every few months. In the second year, it only will need to be weeded three or four times and after that, just once a year. You will need to fertilize once a year.

At the other end of the spectrum, depending on what you plant, maintenance requirements can increase to the point where you might want to consider an irrigation system. See Hardscaping 101: Drip Irrigation for details.

Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The reduction in cooling loads also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel combustion associated with the use of HVAC equipment. Adding plants and trees to the urban landscape in turn increases photosynthesis, reducing carbon dioxide levels produced by vehicles, industrial facilities, and mechanical systems. It also increases oxygen production.

Don’t Miss: Mobile Home Ceiling Panels Sagging

Building The Living Roof

Since I already wrote about cutting sod for my roof, I will describe how the sod was loaded. Once the perimeter of the roof was covered with sod, we covered the rest of the roof. Doing the edge was the trickiest part, since I had the fold the EPDM underneath itself and leave a little bit exposed to protect the edge logs.

Once that was done, it was only a matter of lifting the material onto the roof. People worked at ground level to pass the turf up to folks on scaffolding and ladders, who then passed the material to others on the roof. The turf squares were packed closely together so that there were no gaps. If any awkward gaps could not be filled with sod squares, loose soil was loaded into cracks.

It was all fairly simple. Heavy heavy, but simple. I still have to load some sod up at the very top of the roof to completely cover the tractor tire skylight frame, but the roof is effectively done.

Moderation Of Urban Heat Island Effect

• Through the daily dew and evaporation cycle, plants on vertical and horizontal surfaces are able to cool cities during hot summer months and reduce the Urban Heat Island effect. The light absorbed by vegetation would otherwise be converted into heat energy.

• UHI is also mitigated by the covering some of the hottest surfaces in the urban environment – black rooftops.

• Green roofs can also help reduce the distribution of dust and particulate matter throughout the city, as well as the production of smog. This can play a role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting urban areas to a future climate with warmer summers.

Don’t Miss: How To Extend A Metal Roof Overhang

When Is It Dripping

The first question to ask yourself is not where the dripping is, but when. If the dripping is happening when itâs raining, but seems to stop during sunny or dry spells â then itâs likely the problem is somewhere on your roof.

However, if the dripping is persistent regardless of weather, then it is most likely an issue with your plumbing.

This will affect the kind of tradesperson you need to call in order to remedy the situation.

A regular dripping regardless of the weather is most likely a plumbing issue

But there are still other steps you can take in order to work out exactly where the water is coming from.

How To Apply Coating To Rv Roofs

-Pour RV roof coating into a paint tray. Dip your roller or brush in the RV roof coating and then roll it onto the RV roof.

-Use an extension handle if needed to reach higher areas of your RVs roof, but be sure not to damage any vents or other equipment on your RVs roof.

-Use a paintbrush to spread RV roof coating along RV seams and other areas where water might enter the RV. Be sure not to spill any RV Roof Coating over vents or equipment on your RVs roof, as this can cause damage to these parts.

-Pour RV roof coating into a paint tray and then dip in your roller or brush. Apply RV roof coating to RV seams and other areas where water might enter the RV, but be sure not to spill any RV Roof Coating over equipment on your RVs roof -Use an extension handle if needed to reach higher areas of your RVs roof, but be sure not to damage any vents or other equipment on your RVs roof.

-You may need two coats to properly coat your roof.

Read Also: How Much Weight Can An Old Mobile Home Roof Hold

The Benefits Of A Green Roof

Aside from looking lovely, a living roof has plenty of benefits that you can reap. These include the following:

Longevity: Having plants growing on your roof can help your roof stay in great shape for a longer period of time. It extends the life and performance of your roof.

Reduced Energy Usage: The green layer on the roof reduces the amount of energy you need to spend in order to maintain the indoor temperature. The plants create a sort of natural insulation that keeps the heat from reaching the interior and prevents the escape of heat, as well.

Wildlife: A green roof is the perfect way to attract more birds and insects to your area, which is particularly important in more urban spaces.

Air Quality: The extra greenery can help improve air quality and produce more oxygen. Again, this is especially important in urban areas.

Depending on the type of plants, you may reap other benefits, as well, such as fruit and berries, which can grow well on intensive green roofs. These give you many more options, so you can try out some different types of plants.

Build A Living Roof / Green Roof

Make a normal flat or sloped roof into a beautiful living garden.While redeveloping our house we decided to install a living roof on our kitchen roof, why you ask.. well..:1. I liked the idea of having a bit more greenery in the property 2. We wanted somewhere for some wildlife to have 3. Insulation – green roofs are brilliant at insulating, both keeping heat in and cold outRead on for how we did this* As usual and mentioned millions of times on here – I take no responsibility for anyone following this and any maiming, death or damage which follows nor world war or anything else 🙂

You May Like: Briarwood Pro Shingles

What Can I Plant On A Green Roof

The best green roofs in the long term tend to be ones that a re planted and seeded. This approach allows the roof to develop and adapt to the particular circumstances on any given green roof.

There are now UK nurseries and seed companies that can supply plants for green roofs. Small plants should be used with plug balls of around 55mm. These small plugs have plants with a small leaf area, meaning theyre less susceptible to water stress and can respond better to the conditions on a green roof. Pre-grown solutions are another approach, whether sedum or wildflower blankets. For sedum blankets we would recommend at least 80mm substrate, and for wildflowers at least 150mm.

If you are going to plant a green roof, choose a wide selection of wildflowers and sedums:

• Non-native alpines and bulbs such as crocus and dwarf iris can be planted too.
• Many bulbous plants are adapted to suffer extreme cold and extreme heat.
• Muscari is a classic plant of the Turkish mountains theyre covered in snow throughout the winter and experience the Anatolian summers and as such, is a great option for green roofs.
• Another bulbous plant that is a must is chives, which are hardy and will stay in flower even in droughts.
• Autumn bulbs like cyclamen and Colchicum autumnal bring colour later in the year.
• Choose native wildflowers that benefit wildlife too, such as Vipers bugloss and birds foot trefoil.

Best Rv Roof Sealants

Here are our top picks for RV Roof Sealants:

GeoCell Proflex:

• A rubber sealant that is both flexible and waterproof. It is made from a rubber-based material, and it provides UV protection.

• Excellent Adhesion To Many Surfaces, Even When Damp
• Resealable May Be Applied Over Itself
• Paintable And Resists Dirt Pick-Up
• Cured Sealant Is Mildew Resistant

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Also Check: How Many Screws Per Sheet Of Metal Roofing

How To Build A Roof: A Step

ByLindsey Davis, Sarah Handleypublished 8 September 20

This step-by-step guide shows how to build a roof including installing underlay and battens and finishing the roof with tiles, verge units and ridge system

Want to learn how to build a roof in order to keep costs under control on your self build project? While it’s not a job for a DIY novice, it could be done by a more seasoned DIYer.

This step-by-step guide demonstrates how to build a gable to gable metric roofing system. Either read the steps below or watch the how-to video featuring Mat Woodyatt, Training Manager at Redland Roofing.

Where Can You Grow A Green Roof

For most DIYers, a flat roof is the easiest option for a green living roof. Anything up to a 10° is considered a flat roof. This means that shed green roofs are a very popular choice along with log cabin and garage green roofs. Having said that, any outbuilding or garden building with a flat roof is a suitable route such as bike storage units.

Flat roofs are an easier option from a green roof construction point of view, but living roofs are able to grow on pitched roofs too. This means you can consider a house green roof or growing a green roof on an extension or conservatory.

With intensive green roofs, you can consider any size or type of building as long as it can cope with the structural loading and irrigation requirements.

Read Also: How Far Apart Should Screws Be On Metal Roof

The Benefits Of Green Roofs

Improve the drainage system

Sustainable drainage is an important component of any building, as a way to counter flooding in the event of excess rainfall. Traditionally, a network of pipes connected to the sewage system has helped control water. However, as a result of increasing urban development, as much as 75% of water is running off into urban areas.

Global warming isnt helping the cause either and the risk of flooding is heightened throughout the UK. To counter this threat, green roofs are a terrific option. Water is stored in plants and substrate, before being released back into the environment naturally.

Increase the lifespan of the roof

A rooftop is continually under attack from the elements and has plenty to cope with throughout the year. Not only will a roof need to sufficiently deal with wind and rain, but ultraviolet light and fluctuating temperatures too. As such, its common for both homeowners and businesses to consider an alternative option for the roof.

Green roofs offer this opportunity and have proved to double or even triple the life expectancy of your rooftop. The barrier of greenery helps protect the waterproof membrane underneath and ensure your rooftops life expectancy lasts well for decades.

Boosting thermal performance

Helping out the environment

In a similar vein to the point above, green roofs reduce the need for air conditioning, whilst also ensuring less heat is required for the winter. Both air con and the generation of heat create CO2.

Hardscaping : Green Roofs

In our ideal world, green roofs would be ubiquitouswere thinking Scandinavia from the time of the Vikings until the late 19th century. And no, its not because we are nostalgic for a more picturesque past. Were actually looking to create a new future, one where entire town roofscapes are living and green, leaving the legacy of a healthier environment. How difficult would that be, we wanted to know? Heres what we found.

Above: A green roof tops an artists cottage, designed by Remodelista Architects & Designers Directory member Feldman Architecture. Photograph by Joe Fletcher.

Recommended Reading: Garage Roof Trusses

Creating Your Own Green Roof

Green roofs are becoming increasingly popular in urban areas to provide green space and aesthetic diversity to a built up landscape. They provide many benefits such as improving air quality, providing a fabulous habitat for wildlife, slowing water runoff and preventing gutters from overflowing.

Small projects such as garden sheds and garage roofs can be undertaken by virtually anyone. Adding a green roof area to your home or garden does not only aesthetically improve your garden, but provides a great tool for assisting in tackling the effects of climate change.

There are three types of green roofs

1. Lightweight Extensive the simplest roof type that is very low maintenance using sedum plant.

2. Extensive the one we like! Using a mixture of sedum and wild flowers. Supports more wildlife than sedum alone.

3. Semi-intensive- more like a garden than a roof top. Using a mixture of ornamental plants, herbs and small shrubs. High maintenance and requires professional help to construct.

How To Create A Living Roof

Apart from looking fantastic, a living roof has many other wonderful benefits. Theyproviding insulation, a new habitat for wildlife and help to improve air quality in the local area.

If you are wondering how to get started, here is a step by step guide on how to create your very own living roof:

Materials you will need:

• Water proof plastic/ pond liner & a protective fleece.
• Timber this is to create a raised wooden frame around the roof.
• Sedum, turf or a your wildflower of choice
• Topsoil

• Ladders

Recommended Reading: Metal Roof Skylight

Asla Award Green Roof Projects

2017 Award: Seeding Green Roofs for Greater Biodiversity and Lower Costs, Lincoln, NE, USA. Richard Sutton

2013 Award: Green Roof Innovation Testing Laboratory, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. John H. Daniels, Brooklyn Botanic Garden Visitors Center, Brooklyn. HMWhite, and NYC Parks Green Roof: A Living Laboratory for Innovative Green Roof Design, New York, NY. NYC Parks

2012 Award: Lafayette Greens: Urban Agriculture, Urban Fabric, Urban Sustainability, Detroit. Kenneth Weikal Landscape Architecture 200 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Landworks Studio, Inc.

2011 Award: Manassas Park Elementary School Landscape, Manassas Park, VA. Siteworks]

2009 Award: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA. SWA Group, Changi Airport Terminal 3 Interior Landscape, Singapore. Tierra Design Pte Ltd, Corporate Headquarters, San Francisco, CA. OLIN, Macallen Building, South Boston, MA. Landworks Studio, Inc., and Museo del Acero Horno3, Monterrey, Mexico. Surfacedesign Inc.+ Harari arquitectos

2008 Award: Gannett/USA Today Headquarters, McLean, Virginia. Michael Vergason Landscape Architects, Ltd.

2007 Award: Washington Mutual Center Roof Garden, Seattle, Washington. Phillips Farevaag Smallenberg

2002 Award: Chicago City Hall Green Roof, Chicago, Illinois. David Yocca

How To Make A Green Roof

Making a green roof is relatively simple. Its a case of building up the layers within a green roof system. There are a number of key components to green roof construction. These components are broadly similar whether its for a larger commercial intensive roof or a residential green roof.

Each element has a key role to play within the overall green roof system. We will take you through each element in turn, covering all of the green roof materials youll need to purchase.

Don’t Miss: Exposed Fastener Metal Roof Screw Pattern

How Are Green Roofs Good For The Environment

We all know the benefits that plants and vegetation provide for the environment. Green roofs in urban environments pack an extra punch because they replace greenery lost to dense neighborhood blocks of buildings.

Green roofs reduce air pollution through plant respiration while mitigating against heat gain as the plants absorb and retain the suns warmth. Traditional roofing materials, on the other hand, re-emit the suns heat and cause temperatures in cities to be higher than in surrounding rural areas.

With their ability to absorb rainwater and act as a filter, green roofs decrease surface runoff, keeping water supplies freer of pollutants while reducing the chances of flooding. Buildings with green roofs have built in thermal insulators and do not require as much power to heat and cool. And finally, green roofs create valuable habitats for wildlife, helping to preserve and promote biodiversity for the future.

Above: A detail of the drainage and gutter system for a green roof designed by Feldman Architecture. Photograph by Joe Fletcher.

The Benefits Of Using Green Roof Outfitters

Vegetated Green Roofs offer many benefits over conventional roofing. Some positively affect the pocketbook, some are good for the environment, and some affect us all on a personal level without knowing it. When you look at all of the benefits collectively, you then can see how vegetated green roofing offers more than just a cool way to cover a roof surface.

The power of natural green space on human wellbeing is powerful and often unnoticed.

Also Check: Self-supported Roof Over Mobile Home