The Benefits of a Green Roof

The next time you replace your roof, you may want to consider installing a green roof instead. A "green roof" refers not to the color of the shingles or roof coating, but to the sustainable plants that are planted on it. A green roof is good for the environment and, potentially, good for your home. The benefits below outline some of the ways that a green roof can turn your home into an Eco-friendly environment.

Cool in the Summer, Warm in the Winter

A green roof has the benefit of being able to regulate temperature to some degree. It provides natural insulation which decreases the amount of artificial home insulation needed. It also helps retain heat in the winter and provides cooling in the summer. Although the change will not be drastic enough to eliminate the need for heaters or air conditioners, it will be significant enough to make a dent in utility bills.

Instant Garden

There are quite a few different things that can be planted on rooftops when designing a green roof. If you are an avid chef or lover of salads, a green roof can provide an instant garden. Lettuces, as well as, other types of vegetables and herbs, can be safely grown on and harvested from green roofs. Some resorts also cultivate their own green roofs to save on food costs. Although your savings may not be as significant as a large resort's, you will be helping your wallet and the environment by eating food locally grown. Raised beds are used when constructing green roofs, so there is no need to worry about the roots of the vegetables working their way into the roof coating on your home.

Sound Insulation

If you live in an urban area, a green roof can give you more than just a fresh garden. It can provide a natural sound barrier that will help eliminate the sounds of the city around you. Between the roof barrier itself and the combination of plants and soil, the noise from outside can be reduced by up to and over 40 decibels. This is a significant drop in the amount of noise pollution that infiltrates the home which makes a green roof an ideal choice for noisy urban neighborhoods.

Cleaner Air

It may sound cliche to say that a green roof will result in cleaner air, but it is fact. Not only do the plants on the roof produce more oxygen and filter out more carbon dioxide naturally, they have also been shown to reduce the reduction of air pollution in air that moves across the roof's surface. In a 16-foot square green roof space, enough oxygen can be produced from uncut grass to fulfill the needs of one person for an entire year. Cleaner air, lower electric bills and a garden at your disposal all make green roofs a great choice. If you are worried about the impact of additional weight on your roof's surface, talk with a certified roofing contractor who specializes in green roofs. He will be able to tell you what you need to ensure that your roof drains properly and is strong enough to withstand the weight of soil and plants.