If you’ve been keeping up to date with the latest developments in the world of sustainable house design, you would probably have heard about green roofs. Green roofs offer homeowners a great way to create a mostly self-sustaining ecosystem on the roofs of their homes and contribute to a greener environment and more sustainable living habits. In this post, we examine what exactly green roofs are, their benefits, as well as how you might be able to incorporate one into your home if it is something that interests you.
What is a Green Roof?
Generally speaking, green roofs can refer to any structure on the roof of a home or building that provides the necessary space and materials for vegetation to grow. Most green roofs are comprised of several similar layers, which typically include the vegetation itself, some form of a growing medium such as soil, a drainage system, a waterproof membrane to prevent water leakage as well as a layer of insulation. While these components form the basic structure of a green roof, more advanced structures can contain additional elements such as solar panels and sprinklers.
Benefits of a Green Roof
There are many benefits to having a green roof in your home or building, including:
Environmental Benefits
A green roof can help to reduce the urban heat that is experienced in the building as the plants on the roof help to absorb heat. This can be especially beneficial during summer months, helping to reduce your home or building’s reliance on air conditioning and cooling systems. Additionally, the plants on a green roof can also help to filter out carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the surrounding air, contributing to improved air quality in the nearby vicinity.
Aesthetic and Social Benefits
Apart from being a practical addition to any home or building, green roofs also provide additional aesthetic and social benefits. Their unique look can improve the overall visual appeal of a building, especially if they are well-designed and integrated with the natural surroundings. If your rooftop is large enough, you might also have the space to create a recreational space alongside the green roof and this space can be used for social gatherings or even workouts.
How to Incorporate a Green Roof into Your Home
If you’ve decided to incorporate a green roof into your home, you will need to start by consulting with an architect or structural engineer to evaluate the suitability of your rooftop. This is because the additional weight contributed by the green roof may affect the load-bearing capabilities of your home’s structural elements. In addition, there are also many design considerations that you will need to then take into account, such as the types of plants and your aesthetic goals.
Here at Australian Heritage Homes, our custom builders are experts at sustainable house design and have decades of experience helping our clients incorporate green roofs into their homes. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation!