Why You Should Consider Having a Green Roof

Bring in a green roof, an ecologically and economically efficient option for upgrading a conventional rooftop

Shristi Nangalia 28 February 2018

Houzz India Contributor, Architect, Architectural Writer and Content Writer. Painting, craft work, pets and good food are my getaways. Cultures and colours always inspire me. Email: shristi012@gmail.com, Business profile: @decoretteindia.

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A green roof or a living roof refers to a roof surface that is partially or fully covered with vegetation. A green roof is also known as an ‘eco-roof’ as it offers a number of sustainable advantages including heat moderation, reducing surface runoff, providing insulation and more.

Rapid urbanisation in India has resulted in increased densities of buildings in our cities and towns. This, in turn, had led to a decrease in open spaces, forest lands and recreational spaces. Also, in a situation of increasing global warming, why shouldn’t we do our bit in ‘greening’ the urban landscape by topping our homes with green roofs? But are you wondering, What’s in it for me? If constructed properly by certified and skilled workers, a green roof will not only beautify your home in a unique way but it will also bring you one step closer to responsible living.

Read on to know a little more about green roofs, the many benefits they can offer and why you should be considering one right away.

Green roofs can be installed on both existing and new constructions, on various roof types: from flat roofs to sloped or pitched roofs to vaults. The installation of a typical green roof involves covering the roof surface with an insulation layer, a waterproofing layer and a barrier against root infiltration. A drainage system is then spread over it to make way for excess water off the roof. Finally, a growing medium or soil substrate is added for vegetation to be planted and grown. A filter layer is often inducted in between the drainage and substrate to avoid clogging of drain water channels. One should, of course, check the structural strength of the roof to ensure it is capable of bearing the load.

Broadly, green roof vegetation is divided into two types – extensive and intensive. Extensive vegetation refers to the growth of low-height herbs, smaller plants and shrubs, while intensive vegetation involves cultivation of heavier shrubs and small trees on the roof substrate. The thicknesses of the constituting layers vary in both the cases.

A certified professional must be hired, always, to carry out the installation and maintenance procedures. The type of green roof and plants can be selected as per your dedication. A low-care system (with low-maintenance plants) can let you enjoy a green roof without having to worry about it often.

If you are still not convinced, here are five solid benefits that will surely inspire you to bring a green roof home.

Natural Balance Home Builders

1. It is aesthetically pleasing
Green roofs visually soften hard concrete borders, and add to the curb appeal and property value of the home. Beautiful organic colours can create soothing views of areas (intermediate terraces and rooftops), which usually go unused. For homeowners with little or non-existent garden area, green roofs provide an extended green space to fulfil gardening and outdoor living desires. Additionally, living among plants can boost the positive spirits and well-being of the dwellers, making for happier and more relaxed homes.

Tip: Always choose native plants of a controllable growth pattern.

Feldman Architecture, Inc.

2. It manages surface runoff
Unlike impermeable, hard roofs, the soil or substrate of green roofs absorbs the falling rain water and lowers the rate of runoff, saving a considerable amount of water that is otherwise left to drain into the sewers. The green roof can be integrated with a rainwater harvesting system to let the storm water nourish the plants before entering the storage. This directly cuts down issues relating to water pooling on roofs and lawns.

It is interesting to know that the many layers of the green roof act as a natural purifier for the rain water. The filter blocks bigger particles, while the plant medium tends to absorb many harmful toxins.

Noland Landscape Design

3. It acts as insulation
The roof is one of the most significant mediums for heat gain and loss in any home. A living roof strengthens the thermal mass of the surface, which insulates the home from heat gain during summer and heat loss during winter. Not only this, the uneven surface of the foliage and soil reflects and deflects outside sounds, considerably reducing the amount of noise getting into the interiors from the roof.

RAAarchitects (formerly Rudolfsson Alliker)

4. It reduces energy costs
A green roof’s insulating properties can boost your home’s energy efficiency by a significant percentage. With reduced cooling and heating loads, the cost involved in operating and maintaining mechanical appliances is directly reduced.

Code Green Pty Ltd

5. It improves air quality
Plants are natural air purifiers. They consume carbon dioxide from the air and replenish it with oxygen. Some species can effectively deaden pollutants like dust and soot, and greenhouse gases like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, CFCs, methane, ozone and so on. Cleaner air, then, contributes to healthier living.

Thinking about it on a community level, green roofs, by mitigating the Urban Heat Island (it refers to an area of urban land that is warmer than its surrounding rural or open areas) effect, bring a soothing impact on the temperature and air purity of the nearby surroundings, too.

Read more:
A Riverfront Home in the Ghats is Camouflaged With a Green Roof
8 Smart and Eco-Friendly Options for Roofs

Tell us:
So, are you up for bringing in this multi-faceted element to crown your home? Share your views in Comments below.