Green roof designs may reduce replacement roofing material costs as the growing plants protect the roof from harmful sun rays.
Flowers growing on roofs of houses on state parks.
Soil and pots are heavy to begin with and will get heavier as the plants grow.
Climate clearly plays a major role in choosing the best plants for a green roof.
They also retain much of the water.
With vegetation and full saturation expect the roof to weigh another 20 pounds per square foot of additional weight.
The plants chosen must be appropriate for the roof type extensive intensive or semi intensive.
As green roof plants mature and root systems grow storm water retention may increase.
Plants for green roofs.
Mops will grow up to 1m in height when planted in a large container of soil based compost.
Data collected from a study by researchers at the pennsylvania state university center for green roof research show that green roofs captured up to 80 of rainfall during rainstorms compared to 24 typical for standard roofs.
You must determine from the outset whether the added weight of the plants will be something the roof can withstand.
I liked the idea of having a bit more greenery in the property we live.
You should also find out whether there are any council or municipal vegetative roof restrictions.
The plants on living roofs help slow water runoff and act as a filter reducing the amount of pollutants that reach storm drains.
Questions about accessibility building height restrictions and fire regulations can prohibit any type of roof use.
Along with the makeup and depth of the growing medium selecting the right plants is crucial to the success of a green roof.
In summer the plants on a green roof can retain 70 90 of the water that falls on them and between 25 40 in winter depending on the plants and depth of the growing medium.
Build a living roof green roof.
The annuals provide a continuous display of flowers throughout the season while each perennial is meant to be enjoyed year after year as they grow.
Get a licensed pro to do this.
While redeveloping our house we decided to install a living roof on our kitchen roof why you ask.
Make a normal flat or sloped roof into a beautiful living garden.
They re vulnerable to intense heat cold wind and drought plus they can t support a lot of weight so the plants need to grow in just a few inches of.
Green rooftop gardens help control water runoff and clean up the water that does fall to the ground.
Rooftops are tough place for plants.
Make sure the roof can hold the load.