As people become more aware of their energy footprint as urban dwellers, green roofs are becoming more and more common. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, green roofs are also very useful. These green, or living, roofs are those that are partially or totally covered with vegetation installed on an impermeable membrane.

1. Energy efficiency of a green roof

While the basic costs of installing a green roof may seem daunting at first, the benefits will become apparent over time. Depending on the season, a green roof can be extremely durable. Green roofs protect the building during the summer months from direct solar heat, while a green roof can help minimize heat loss during the colder months. This is due to the additional insulation that the plants provide.

This addition translates into savings on your home’s energy bill, created by the vegetation serving as a cover for the roof’s waterproofing membrane. This means that the membrane is protected from UV rays and temperature fluctuations. As a result, the life of the membrane is at least double that of a conventional roof with an exposed waterproof membrane.

Installing a green roof can significantly reduce energy costs and should be attractive to environmentally conscious homeowners. In addition, by opening up your roof to the potential of growing a garden containing fruits, vegetables and edible plants, you and your family can save on grocery costs. This is especially true for those who live in urban areas with a limited amount of green space.

2. Environmental effects of a green roof

Nowadays, urban heat islands are observed in many metropolises. Indeed, urban areas tend to be much warmer than the surrounding areas. This effect is mainly attributed to land development, which means that more solar radiation is absorbed by buildings. However, green roofs offer an important way to curb the urban heat island effect, as they reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than traditional materials.

Many plants help remove pollutants from the air, filtering out harmful particles created by car exhausts, furnaces and other machinery that add carbon dioxide to the air. Therefore, a green roof can have a significant impact on the cleanliness of the surrounding air. In fact, a green roof with the right diversity of plants can act as a carbon sink (a natural environment with the ability to absorb carbon dioxide). In addition, if installed on a large enough building, green roofs can significantly reduce surrounding ambient temperatures in the summer.

3. Nature in the urban environment

A unique benefit of a green roof is that it can serve as a natural habitat to encourage biodiversity. This means that the roof can provide a favorable environment where certain plants and animal species will thrive. Green roofs can have a very positive effect on birds whose habitat has been affected by constant urban development, especially those struggling to survive at ground level. This is especially true because of global warming and our changing environmental landscape. The more diverse the ecosystem, the greater the chance of survival for plants, animals and natural life.

4. Reduce stormwater runoff

A green roof is a great option if you live in an excessively wet climate, as it can help retain and reduce rainwater runoff. Stormwater runoff is bad for the foundation of homes, as the water can seep into the soil and cause erosion. Not only that, but too much runoff can kill the surrounding vegetation. Since green roofs are covered with plants, the actual leaves, roots, and soil allow the water to return to the atmosphere as it evaporates rather than falling onto the ground around your home.

5. Durability

Due to the nature of the construction techniques of a green roof and the waterproofing methods involved in this type of project, they have increased durability that normal roofs do not. This means that your roof will not need to be replaced as often, which can help you save money in the long run. Not only that, but by avoiding replacing roofing materials, you will create less waste, which is another way to be environmentally friendly.

Overall, green roofs can add many interesting facets to your home, being both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly. While the cost may seem daunting at first, the list of benefits over time tends to outweigh the expense upfront.

Whether you’re looking for a fully transformed intensive roof or an extensive maintenance-free roof, both options are great solutions for reducing your and your home’s carbon footprint. It’s important to note that each green roof installation is structurally specific, so technical performance will depend on a range of factors, including the climate of the region and the type of design you choose.

Looking for help?

Are you in Mississauga? Are you looking for professional roofers? Then look no further than Top-Line Roofing and Sheet-Metal Inc. With over 3 decades of experience in the industry, they are the leaders in reliable flat roof services in South Ontario. They offer a wide range of services, from commercial roofing to roof maintenance, repair, and even retrofit curb installation.

They even offer 24 hours emergency services because they know that problems can happen to anyone anywhere. You can also request an estimate by visiting their website. So, what are you waiting for? Give them a call now and make all your dreams become a reality with their help.