What is a green roof? “Green” is a term that is often used to describe an object or process that is beneficial to the natural environment of a space, or at least less detrimental than other run-of-the-mill items. A hybrid car versus an SUV, for example. But what of construction, and roofing in particular? What things can homeowners, business owners and builders do to make their roofing more “green?” It’s less complicated than you might think. No matter how small your budget, there are simple and productive ways to turn your regular flat roof into a green haven. Try out some of these ideas:
Potted Garden
Turning your flat or slightly-sloped roof space into a potted garden is the simplest way to contribute to mother nature. All you need for this project are plenty of plant pots or containers full of soil, plus seeds or existing plants. Design the roof space your own way, and place your vegetables, herbs, flowers, bushes or all varieties of plant life wherever you wish! With this method, there is no need to modify your roof, so long as it is well-built and durable. Of course, the health of your potted garden depends on your personal maintenance, so don’t forget to water it while enjoying the space.
Sod Insulation
Sod-topped roofs are a throw-back to the traditional construction methods of our pioneering great-grandparents across Canada and the United States. Some communities still use sod on their roofs, and with a little effort, you can too. Sod, if you are unfamiliar with the term, is a complete layer of living grass with just enough soil to cover the roots. It’s a great insulator as well as a good option for dealing with excess water on a flat roof. If you want a roof that is green in both the literal and the metaphorical sense, sod is a good way to go.
Soil-Based Garden
Although this is similar in type to the sod-layered roof, it is a little more complicated to install. First, you need to double-check your roof’s waterproofing. Next, frames must be built upon the roof to contain the soil substrate; without frames, your dirt will simply blow away in the wind or wash away in the rail. Once these are installed, the soil can be laid and seeds or plants brought in. Keep in mind that only plants with shallow root systems are ideal for a rooftop garden. Otherwise, you would need higher frames and several feet of substrate.
Sedum Spurium
Sedum Spurium is a colourful, easy-to-grow plant variety that is very popular on urban and rural rooftops. It is grown in shallow plastic trays that are affixed to the roof. These trays are filled with a non-soil substrate and installed with adult sedum spurium, which are resistant to both drought and flood conditions. This is a great choice for your green roof if you don’t want to cover the entire space with soil or worry about framing.
Solar Panels
If plant life isn’t your style, consider installing a few solar panels on your rooftop instead. These can offset your power bill or even completely negate the need for a power contract. You’ll save money while supporting non-polluting electricity – which is the basic essence of the “green roof” movement, after all.
There are many ways to go about turning your flat or sloped roof into a green haven, either with plant life or environmentally-friendly construction options. Most are totally affordable, so why not give it a try?
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia.