Frequent Questions
What is a green roof?
A green roof is one that is altered to allow the growth of various kinds of plants on the roof surface. They can be installed on new or existing buildings.
Why a green roof?
People choose green roofs for a variety of important reasons. They reduce stormwater runoff; moderate building temperatures, reducing heating and cooling costs; reduce heat radiation from buildings which causes the urban heat island effect; add to a building's aesthetic value; and increase green space for human enjoyment and wildlife value. For these reasons, green roofs count toward the environmental building certification known as LEED.
Can my building support a green roof?
Only a qualified engineer can determine your building's capacity, but almost any building is suitable for a green roof of some kind with some retrofitting. Many commercial buildings are constructed in such a way that they require little or no retrofitting to accommodate an extensive (shallow media) green roof.
I'm interested in using native species on my green roof. Is this possible?
Depending on how deep a substrate your roof can accommodate, native species are more or less likely to thrive on you roof. The Eastern US is not known for its desert-adapted native plants, which is essentially what is required on an extensive green roof. A deeper media will accommodate more native species. We are currently trialling a number of desert species for their suitability on green roofs, although it will be a few years before they will be tested enough to be installed commercially. Nonetheless, there are many tried and true species that are not natives, but do provide wildlife value. A clarification of your desired outcomes will help determine which species we would recommend.
So how do I install a green roof on my building?
We strongly recommend most homeowners not try the do-it-yourself method with a green roof. The consequences of a failing roof are too great. There are many competent green roof design-build businesses that can walk you through the design and installation of a green roof, and an increasing number of builders and architects are familiar with green roofs. We are happy to help you find one, and work with your contractor or landscaper to grow the species you decide on for your green roof project. Call us or email us, and we will assist you in getting underway with the green roof that meets your needs and your budget!
