The Benefits of Green Roofing Systems

Being sustainable and environmentally responsible has never been more relevant than today. Lawmakers and environmental organizations have passed various regulations to help mitigate the effects of global warming. In addition, due to the apparent effects of climate change, many people have become more aware and responsible with their lifestyle choices.

Due to the regulations, several businesses have also found ways to integrate sustainability into their daily operations for compliance purposes. Construction firms have introduced sustainable products and adjusted to ecological methods on their building projects. One of the most efficient products that the industry has introduced is green roofing systems.

Several organizations have already incorporated sustainability in roofing systems, such as cool roof installations and energy-efficient roof hatches. Still, green roofing comes out on top for features and functionalities.

What is Green Roofing?

Also called rooftop gardens, green roofs are sustainable roofs for homes and buildings that substitute vegetation for traditional roofing tiles such as shingles and cedar shakes. It is a waterproofing system installed over flat or sloped roofs to promote insulation.

Eco roofs fall into two main categories, namely:

• Intensive Green Roofs - Intensive roofs are more complex than their extensive counterparts since they offer greater plant and vegetation diversity. The plants are planted directly into the deep soil mixture on rooftops and even irrigation systems. Intensive roofs offer superb insulation properties and are essentially more visually pleasing. However, an intensive roof requires a durable foundation due to its weight and comes at a hefty price to maintain and install.

• Extensive Green Roofs - Extensive roofing is ideal if you want to be more efficient but straightforward. It is lightweight, easy to maintain, and is suitable for large areas. It is an inexpensive option for green roofs and doesn't require an irrigation or drainage system. Since it's a lighter option, it only features a limited plant choice and is less attractive than intensive roofs.

Both roofs have essential layering components with barriers to prevent water or root damage to the structural foundation. Green roof systems primarily consist of vegetation, growing medium, filter membrane, drainage layer, waterproof/root repellant layer, roofing membrane support for plantings above, thermal insulation, vapor control layer, and structural roof support.

What are the Benefits of Green Roofs?

Green roofs offer a substantial number of benefits at economic and ecological levels. It is one of the most effective climate-proof constructions and is a great way to encourage biodiversity in the community.

• Reduced Energy Costs - Although the initial costs are high, you can never go wrong in investing in green roofs since they cannot benefit you in the long run. Eco roofing is a highly efficient insulator as it enables the building to retain more heat or disperse excess heat when needed. It helps cool down the internal temperature during summer, reducing air conditioning usage and low energy cost. 

• Beauty and Biodiversity - A healthy and thriving biodiversity is mesmerizing and breathtaking. Intensive green roofing is an ideal choice for homeowners who wish to extend their garden on the roof. It offers a haven for birds and insects, vital in urban areas.

• Stormwater Management - The plants, roots, and soil mixture in green roofs can absorb around 40% of rainwater and act as a filter to remove any air pollutants from the water. Since green roofs absorb rainwater, they help reduce the amount of water that flows to the ecosystem, which leads to minor flooding and erosion.

• Roof Life Extension - The healthy ecosystem in your roof is sustainable and helps in prolonging the lifespan of your roofing materials. The soil and the plants act as a barrier that protects your roof from direct radiation and extreme temperature. As a result, your roof would require less maintenance and save you money for replacement costs. 

• Reduced Greenhouse Emissions - Planting trees and vegetation in urban landscapes can effectively help reduce carbon dioxide produced from factories, vehicles, and other industrial facilities. By retaining and dispelling excess heat, homeowners and businesses will reduce their usage of air conditioning units, resulting in fewer greenhouse emissions.

• Urban Heat Reduction and Improved Air Quality - City climate is often higher than in rural areas, known as the urban heat island effect. Developed areas usually remove existing flora to make way for concrete establishments which elevate the area temperature. The increased temperature raises smog levels which can be a health detriment. Green roofs help mitigate this problem by improving air quality and absorbing excess heat.

There are no comprehensive national regulations for green roofs; however, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has implemented a guideline for green roofing systems. The policy aims to ensure the effectiveness of green roofs, as the pre-existing faults in your HVAC system can outweigh the energy efficiency of eco rooftops. Find an expert auditor to evaluate your home or building's thermal performance and make recommendations for areas of improvement.

It is crucial to ensure your roof's stability with regular inspections. Provide convenient access to your roofs by purchasing high-quality roof hatches from Best Roof Hatches. Visit our website at https://bestroofhatches.com/ or give us a call at (800) 431-8651 right away.