If you own a property and wish to improve its ecological function as well as beautify its exterior, green roofs provide an innovative solution to this problem. City and urban environments are so often crowded and contained, with air pollution, manmade materials and a lack of nature causing them to feel detached and claustrophobic, but they don’t need to be this way.
At Walls of Plants, we believe that architecture is evolving for the better, and green roofs are just one of the ways that you can make your commercial or domestic property embrace the ideals of sustainable living, so we’ve taken a deep dive into what they are, and how they can benefit your life and your home.
What is a green roof?
A green roof is a living structure that is built onto the top of flat or gently sloped roofs, replacing the typical slate and concrete materials. They are completely covered in plants.
These are planted on a soft surface of draining substrate as well as other protective layers like root barriers and a waterproof substrate to prevent damage to your building and keep them self-sustaining.
Types of green roof
There are three types of green roof that suit different environments and properties: extensive, intensive and semi-intensive.
Extensive green roofs:
Extensive green roofs are the most common because they are more suited to smaller surfaces like houses and sheds, and require very little maintenance. They are lightweight and have a layer of vegetation that remains low naturally like moss, flowers and grasses.
Intensive green roofs:
Intensive green roofs are more suited to those who are comfortable performing regular plant maintenance or have the funds to hire a gardener to maintain the plants. These roofs are designed to hold large plants like small trees and bushes.
Whilst they can be architecturally pleasing, they require a much deeper layer of drainage membrane and regular attention to keep them looking pretty.
Semi-intensive green roofs:
These are somewhere between the two, and are able to support shrubbery whilst not needing as much structural support as an intensive green roof.
The benefits of green roofs
Purifies the air
Many are growing more concerned with the impact air pollution has on our health, which is why a large number of councils are opting to reintroduce trees and strips of wildflowers in areas like dual carriageways, pavements and small city parks.
Having a green roof installed can contribute to this effort, and you don’t need to worry about lacking garden space, or not owning the land around your home or office building.
Green roofs absorb carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen which improves air quality, particularly in built up environments like cities where there is little natural greenery. The vegetation on green roofs also traps dust, pollutants, and airborne toxins which creates a healthier environment all round.
Provides natural drainage
The layers of soil, plants and drainage materials on green roofs provide a sustainable way for excess water to be used that doesn’t result in it flowing into our sewer systems with the rest of our waste.
This not only alleviates pressure on city drainage systems but also helps reduce water pollution by using it in a more ethical way.
In some instances, installing green roofs across cities can help temper the impact of flooding by preventing so much of the water from running off roof surfaces onto the concrete.
Helps build an ecosystem for pollinators
Large cities are often not the most welcoming homes for pollinators or wildlife that lived there prior to human habitation. Repopulating areas that have been paved over can provide a much needed habitat for birds, bees, butterflies and other insects that are essential to our ecosystem.
Whilst green roofs will never replicate the original environment, they can go a long way towards providing more space for wildlife to rest, breed and find food.
This is particularly important for pollinators, who are also essential for keeping agriculture alive and thriving.
Reduces the ambient temperature of buildings
Cities are significantly warmer than towns, villages and the countryside for a number of reasons. These include the dense infrastructure, high concentration of people and a lack of greenery that would typically absorb the heat in more natural environments.
Manmade materials like concrete and tarmac reemit the heat into the atmosphere, causing a phenomenon where the ambient temperature of the air and buildings is higher than it would be elsewhere.
Introducing a touch of nature to your roof can make the heat a little bit less intense, and prevent the traditional roof from trapping this heat inside your property.
In offices, this can likewise help you save money on air conditioning bills.
Adds value to your property
Green roofs can add value to your property. Because it adds an aesthetic appeal and makes your property more sustainable, having a green roof installed will make your house or office building more attractive to buyers.
Protects from erosion
Green roofs provide a protective layer that prevents erosion from destroying roof surfaces. This can be more cost effective as you won’t need to worry about expensive repairs to your roof or the interior of your home if you experience leaks.
Creates a vibrant appearance
Whether you are considering selling your property in the future or just want to add an extra layer of interest to its exterior, green roofs along with green walls, will add vibrancy to your home.
Unlike traditional roofs, which can be dull and uninspiring, green roofs are vibrant and unique. Whilst they won’t give the cottagey feel that some wall plants can turn a city building into something far more exciting than corporate skyscrapers. They can be designed with a variety of plants, flowers, and even small trees, creating a living landscape that changes with the seasons.
Where can you have a green roof?
Almost any flat surface is suitable for a green roof, but you will need to make sure that it is in good condition before the structure is installed.
Green roofs can be installed on:
- Homes
- Office buildings
- Sheds
- Garages
- Bike stores
- Bus shelters
- Extensions
- Repurposed shipping containers
If you’re considering brightening up the exterior of your building with a practical yet stunning plant display, Walls of Plants can turn your vision into a reality through the installation of exceptional Green Roofs that stand the test of time. Our lightweight green roof structures consist of an attractive sedum blanket that is suitable for commercial and domestic buildings, with high water absorption properties that protect the structure of your building whilst contributing to the sustainability and function of the property.
