subject: Green Roof: An Overview [print this page] Green Roof: An Overview Green Roof: An Overview
Does your roof covered in black stains, algae, moss or lichen? Usually, these parasites are damaging your roof shingles that will eventually lead to leaks and thousands of dollars will be drained within minutes. Some people choose to get power washing in order to get a clean roof. But, in most cases, power washing damages roof shingles and may not successfully kill the parasites allowing them to grow back in a few weeks.
From the Ground Up does not use power washing! Instead we use a powerful, safe and effective cleaning agent that kills the parasites instantly. We will gently spray your roof, removing years of parasitic growth, making your roof look like new.
A significant environmental improvement to roofing applications has been the "invention" or "adoption" of green roof practices.
Green roofs are installed over a modified version of more conventional flat roofs, and are normally comprised of a "system" that is sold by several green roof manufacturers.
These roofs have been used widely in Europe for many years
Two main types:
intensive (thicker growth medium required for larger plants)
extensive (thinner, lighter growth medium required for smaller plants) - this one is more popular
Benefits of Having Green Roofs:
Planting reduces urban heat island effects
planting can be used to absorb rain water and decrease water that must be processed by the urban storm sewer system
visually pleasing
additional insulation
Drawbacks of Green Roofs:
Why not do a green roof?
Additional first expense
additional structure required to support roof
plants must be hardy and not need watering (over the long term)
watering essential during the first 2 or so years until roots become established
Why do we need to be concerned about roofs?
Roof and membrane failures are the most often litigated parts of a building
good detailing is paramount
never use materials or systems that have not been "approved" or tested by a reputable agency
