The Aesthetic Beauty and Ecological Benefits of Constructing a Green Roof
The roof of the house is made strong and sturdy but due to rapid urbanization human beings are getting comfortable homes but plant cover is decreasing, and the homes of birds and animals are also getting destroyed. The lack of greenery not only disrupts the aesthetic view of a place but also has a severe ecological impact that harms the environment. As responsible human beings, a small bit can be done by opting for a green roof instead of a regular roof.
The classification of green roofs
The green roof is classified into two different forms. Both roof types include the vegetation but the weight, soil depth and kind of vegetation vary. A brief delineation is given about each type of green roof.
The intensive green roof:
If a person wants to plant plants and trees that have long roots, then an intensive form of green roofing is required. The cost of constructing an intensive green roof is quite high because the roof has to be balanced for bearing the weight of an intensive green over the roof. The soil depth needed for such roofs is around 6 inches or more. The weight per square feet can exceed 150 pounds. Hence the pressure of the roof is quite high which is why additional structures are made for bearing the load of the roof. The plants which are usually grown on an intensive green roof require a lot of care. Proper irrigation and plant care techniques are employed for maintaining the health of the plants on the green roof. This roof can look extremely creative and definitely provide a habitat for birds and insects. Maintenance cost of such roof might be a bit high, but the aesthetic and ecological significance is definitely invaluable.
The extensive green roof:
If constructing roof with high soil depth is not possible then one can select the extensive format of green roofing that will allow the homeowner to have a green roof with a soil depth of around 3 inches. However, the plants that can be grown on such roofs are quite limited because the soil depth is not suitable for plants with deeper roots. Herbs and bushy shrubs will grow well on such roofs. There is enough space to get creative in this type of roof too. The plant selection can be made by choosing species that require less root space and less additional care. Once the plants are planted, then the green cover of the roof can be left to grow naturally. Hence obsessing about watering and plant care is not required. These roofs are comparatively less costly, and the entire structure is also less weighty. Hence people who want to have green roofs but do not want to engage in extensive maintenance and plant care can choose this type of green roof that will provide the environment with the requisite verdant touch without requiring huge expenditure. More information in this regard can be gained by visiting https://www.prcroofingpro.com.
The benefits of constructing a green roof
Apart from the positive environmental impact of a green roof there are many benefits for individual homeowners which can be gained by making a green roof. These advantages are discussed below:
The absorption of heat:
The homes are cooled by electrical systems so that the residents can live comfortably. The HVAC system is often used for controlling the temperature in the house. The cooling mechanism won’t be used excessively if the house gets a natural cooling system. With the presence of a green roof, the excess heat that comes down will be absorbed by the vegetation that is present on the roof. Plants need heat and light for growth and therefore the heat will get effectively absorbed by the plants and won’t make the interior of the house hot. The layering of soil also insulates the house from excessive heat and also cold. Therefore instead of spending money on electricity bills for cooling or heating the house, a person can invest in a green roof for acquiring natural insulation.
Prevention of flash floods:
Flooding is caused when the water that comes down as precipitation is not drained properly. Heavy snowfall can also cause floods. However, the flash floods and water accumulation on the roof can be prevented successfully if there is a green cover. The soil and plants present on the roof absorb a lot of water and also reduces the speed of the flow of water thereby preventing floods. Leaks on the roof that happens when water directly hits the roof surface are also minimized because the rainfall hits the soil layer on the roof. The waterproof layer under the soil layer is also not damaged easily because the soil absorbs a lot of water and also helps in slowing down the flow of water into the drainage pipes. Water pressure is normal during the rainy season but having a green roof will prevent the creation of pressure on the pipes as water will get absorbed by the vegetation. Hence the green roof won’t get damaged easily and also prevent the bursting of pipes due to excessive water pressure.
Longer life expectancy:
Roofs that are made with a green cover stay strong for many years. Weathering is a natural process which prevents the soil encrusted roof from the damaging effects of the weather and other factors for a longer duration. There is no doubt about the fact that constructing a green roof will require a higher sum, but in this case, the repairs needed for ordinary roofs on an almost routine basis have to be factored in. The cost of a new roof after the old roof is damaged quite substantial, but the construction of a green roof can keep the homeowner assured that a new roof wouldn’t be required for a very long time.
Hence, investing a definite sum of money for constructing a green roof is actually a sensible idea because it will prevent inadvertent damages and will have a longer life than ordinary roofs.
