Green roof systems help to heal the breach between urban environments and the wildlife they’ve displaced, and offer many other environmental benefits as well.
Let’s play a quick game of “Would You Rather.”
Would you rather: Living or dead? Barren or green and lush? Environmentally destructive or ecologically beneficial?
Cleveland Cavaliers or LA Lakers?
Wait, that doesn’t matter. LeBron already made his decision.
Point being, we’re pretty sure that given the choice, you would choose urban spaces that buzz with pollinators, wave prettily in the breeze and surround you with a feeling of green serenity.
That environment is totally possible on rooftops, from the tallest building to the humblest residential roof or deck. All it takes is a thorough understanding of green roof systems.
What Are Green Roof Systems?
In a nutshell, green roof systems are combinations of modular parts that combine to form a living whole dedicated to stormwater management, wildlife habitats, environmental benefits and human serenity.
More specifically, “A green roof is a roof of a building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane,” says the Constructor, adding that green roofs may include additional layers.
Most green roof systems include:
- Waterproofing membranes
- Drainage mats
- Irrigation systems
- Soil mixes
- Growing media
- Plants such as grasses, sedums, clover and wildflowers
- Specialized green roof products
… and other parts, depending on the form and function of your particular green roof system.
Intensive Vs. Extensive Green Roofs, and Why They Matter
There exist two main types of green roofs: intensive and extensive.
Extensive roofs typically don’t require a lot of maintenance. They utilize shallow growing media and low-growing plants that don’t develop deep root systems. Such green roofs are adept at absorbing rainfall and holding onto it, reducing the impact of stormwater on our cities.
Intensive roofs, on the other hand, employ deeper soils and growing media. This allows them to provide habitat to a greater array of plants, though it also requires larger weight requirements, more water and more fertilization.
Some roofs meet somewhere in the middle. These are known as semi-intensive. Your individual space will dictate what works best for you.
All types of green roofs help reduce the urban heat island effect, provide habitat for pollinators and other displaced wildlife, reduce the climate control energy use in top floors of buildings and more.
Find Out More About Green Roof Systems Today
Want to learn more about green roof systems and what they can do for you and your city?
You're in luck: we can help.
Give us a shout here at Ecogardens. With 30 years of experience here in the Midwest, Ecogardens has the inside track into the best green roofing technologies and approaches for your urban or semi-urban environment.
If you’re ready to help the environment, don’t wait. We’re here.
