Roof

Add-On Number 2: Green Roof Pros: Adding insulation, cooling your home, cleaning the air and reducing the amount of storm-water runoff are just a few of the benefits of adding a green roof to your home. Planting green roofs in urban areas can also help mitigate the heat-island effect and add natural beauty to what is usually a neglected space. Cons: Aside from the initial installation (which can be pricey depending on the size of your roof and the type of garden), a green roof may also require some structural reinforcement to support the weight of the plants and soil. Upkeep also can be an issue — even automatic irrigation systems and native plant gardens need maintenance from time to time, and other roof repairs can be more difficult when workers need to access areas beneath the green layers.

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