Roof gardening is an activity that has been practiced predominantly for millenniums. If anything, the prehistoric hanging gardens of Babylon and sod roofs of Europe are evidence of this. Nowadays, living roofs are quite popular in urban dwellings, most likely due to the many benefits they come with. Read on to learn more about the practice of sustainable green roofing.
Green roofs are categorized in two main classes. They are extensive and intensive roofs. In the intensive type, plant heights fall between 1 and 15 feet. The types of plants predominant in this category are shrubs and trees.
Intensive plants usually require deep soil levels that can support their weight and their roofing purposes. They also require a great deal of maintenance and irrigation owing to the diverse types of plants in the category. These plants are only suitable for commercial buildings and not domestic abodes.
An extensive roof comes with easier maintenance because its plants are short, ranging from 2 to six inches in height. There is no need for long soil depths. This roofing option is recommended for houses, extensions, garages, sheds and balconies. It is less costly to construct as compared to the other type as well.
Constructing a green roof is not rocket science. The basic components usually used include soil substrate, plants, a root repellent membrane, waterproof layer, filter cloth and a drainage system. The soil, which is the main growing medium, should be the type that is lightweight and free draining. It should also have the ability to retain enough moisture for the proper growth of plants.
In terms of elevation, your roof can either be pitched or flat. The latter is the most popular option owing to its ease of maintenance. Pitched roofs are usually elevated to a maximum angle of 45 degrees. However, they are pretty difficult to maintain due to complex drainage issues and gradual soil loss due to the precarious angles involved.
The most favored plants for use in living roofs are the types that are short, spread rapidly, are drought resistant and contain fibrous roots. Succulents such as stonecrop and short perennials predominantly exhibit these qualities. These days, it is possible to get wildflower mats and impregnated sedum in most gardening stores, with their key advantage being the fact that they grow fast. Once you roll them on the soil, their roots take hold in a matter of days.
Living roofs are popular owing to their numerous benefits. They perform excellently in storm water management, are aesthetically pleasing, durable and contribute to energy savings. Buildings that feature them are largely considered energy efficient as the living gardens are known to regulate the flow of heat out of and into buildings. As such, homeowners need not purchase energy sapping house heating appliances.
The initial cost of constructing a living roof may seem expensive. However, the long term benefits you will gain far outweigh the costs. Some cities, New York being an example, have tax relief programs for building owners who install these roofs.
Green roofs are categorized in two main classes. They are extensive and intensive roofs. In the intensive type, plant heights fall between 1 and 15 feet. The types of plants predominant in this category are shrubs and trees.
Intensive plants usually require deep soil levels that can support their weight and their roofing purposes. They also require a great deal of maintenance and irrigation owing to the diverse types of plants in the category. These plants are only suitable for commercial buildings and not domestic abodes.
An extensive roof comes with easier maintenance because its plants are short, ranging from 2 to six inches in height. There is no need for long soil depths. This roofing option is recommended for houses, extensions, garages, sheds and balconies. It is less costly to construct as compared to the other type as well.
Constructing a green roof is not rocket science. The basic components usually used include soil substrate, plants, a root repellent membrane, waterproof layer, filter cloth and a drainage system. The soil, which is the main growing medium, should be the type that is lightweight and free draining. It should also have the ability to retain enough moisture for the proper growth of plants.
In terms of elevation, your roof can either be pitched or flat. The latter is the most popular option owing to its ease of maintenance. Pitched roofs are usually elevated to a maximum angle of 45 degrees. However, they are pretty difficult to maintain due to complex drainage issues and gradual soil loss due to the precarious angles involved.
The most favored plants for use in living roofs are the types that are short, spread rapidly, are drought resistant and contain fibrous roots. Succulents such as stonecrop and short perennials predominantly exhibit these qualities. These days, it is possible to get wildflower mats and impregnated sedum in most gardening stores, with their key advantage being the fact that they grow fast. Once you roll them on the soil, their roots take hold in a matter of days.
Living roofs are popular owing to their numerous benefits. They perform excellently in storm water management, are aesthetically pleasing, durable and contribute to energy savings. Buildings that feature them are largely considered energy efficient as the living gardens are known to regulate the flow of heat out of and into buildings. As such, homeowners need not purchase energy sapping house heating appliances.
The initial cost of constructing a living roof may seem expensive. However, the long term benefits you will gain far outweigh the costs. Some cities, New York being an example, have tax relief programs for building owners who install these roofs.
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You can find a summary of the advantages you get when you use sustainable green roofing products at http://www.lynchroofingcorp.com right now.
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