How long does a green roof last?

A green roof can last anywhere from 30 to 50 years when properly maintained.

How thick is a green roof?

A thickness of a green roof typically ranges from 1 to 24 inches.

What are the benefits of having a green roof?

Green roofs serve many functions, including food production. They make a building more efficient by providing insulation, absorbing heat, and lowering energy costs by reducing the need for air conditioning and heating. They absorb air particulates, produce oxygen, provide shade, and protect a rooftop and extend its longevity. They also retain and filter precipitation and reduce water runoff in urban environments that would otherwise need processing.

They are no more susceptible to leaks than a traditional roof. If structured correctly, much of the water is absorbed in the upper layers or runs off after it penetrates to the drainage layer. The waterproof membrane acts as a final barrier against leaks.

What is the difference between intensive and extensive green roofs?

Intensive green roofs are characterized by deeper soil layers, support a wider variety of plants, are heavier, and require more maintenance. In comparison, extensive green roofs have thinner soil depth, fewer layers, fewer plant species, require less maintenance, and cost less to install.

Can you walk on a green roof?

Yes, if it's been properly constructed to support its weight. Consult a structural engineer before installing one. Be careful not to step on sensitive vegetation, or you could damage your plants.

What are the layers of a green roof?

A green roof typically consists of a vegetation layer, growing medium, filter fleece/root repellent, a drainage layer, an insulation layer, a waterproof membrane, and lastly, the roof support.

How are green roofs constructed?

A structural engineer may be required to ensure the building can support the weight of the green roof you desire. After this, the layers are then installed as followed: the water membrane, insulation layer, drainage layer, filter fleece/root repellent, growing medium, and the vegetation layer.

Learn about Green Roof - Intensive

Also known as living roofs, green roofs are a continuous layer of vegetation that is installed on a flat or slightly sloped roof surface. They are made up of a layer of soil and plants laid over a drainage layer, waterproofing membrane and insulation.

Intensive green roofs are usually 6-24 inches in depth and support the growth of larger plants, shrubs and even trees. The rooftop is also an ideal location for vegetable and herb gardens which may be less exposed to weeds and pests than at ground level. While intensive green roofs are more common on larger commercial buildings, don't let that stop you from going full bloom on your own home!

Intensive green roofs can consist of over 24 inches of wet soil, adding significant weight to a structure. Such a roof will likely require additional structural support and so it is advisable to conduct a structural assessment before installation.

Intensive green roofs are similar to traditional gardens and can require consistent irrigation, care and maintenance.

Through the evaporation cycle, green roofs can help cool a city during hot summer months, reducing the heat island effect. As well, they add insulation value to a rooftop and decrease the exposure of waterproofing membranes to the atmosphere, reducing wear from temperature fluctuations and ultra-violet radiation and adding years to the life of a roof.

Pathways, benches and tables throughout a rooftop garden can also provide a beautiful space for people to relax and interact with nature.

Green roofs have been used for thousands of years, both for insulation and water proofing and to create beautiful spaces such as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon!