Extensive Green Roof Benefits

Reduced heating and cooling costs.

Extensive green roof benefits.

The benefits of green roofs improve the drainage system. Heat islands are created by buildings and pavement that absorb sunlight during the day and release the energy as heat in the evening. Unlike traditional black tar roofs green roofs reduce energy costs by absorbing heat instead of attracting it and providing natural insulation for buildings. Green roofs are part of climate proof construction.

A 2006 study by the university of michigan comparing costs of conventional and green roofs showed that on average installing a green roof costs about 22 00 sq. Green roofs are covered with plants and vegetation bringing a number of excellent benefits to every building. 8 to 20 per square foot. To start with take a look at the most simple family of green roofs.

Green roofs last longer green roofs cover the waterproofing membrane protecting it from uv rays and extreme daily temperature fluctuations. A green roof acts as a superinsulator enabling the home to hold in more heat during the winter and keep out the heat during the summer. An installed extensive green roof with root repellent waterproof membranes may be installed for 10 24 usd per square foot. According to a study conducted by the national research council of canada even a six inch extensive green roof can reduce summer energy demands by more than 75 percent.

15 to 50 per square foot. From a distance an extensive sedum roof can be mistaken for a grass field. A green roof provides a rainwater buffer purifies the air reduces the ambient temperature regulates the indoor temperature saves energy and encourages biodiversity in the city. This protection extends the lifespan of the waterproofing twice as long as conventional roofing meaning that membranes under green roofs last twice as long as those on traditional roofs.

As with anything though there are a few negatives and this post will aim to highlight both the advantages and drawbacks of implementing a green roof. These are covered with low growing plants such as evergreen sedums. Extensive green roofs traditionally support 50 120 kg m 2 10 25 pounds per square foot of vegetation while intensive roofs support 390 730 kg m 2 80 150 pounds per square foot of vegetation. Green roofs provide a host of health and economic benefits for the homeowner the community and the environment.

While green roofs typically require a greater initial investment it is important to keep in mind that they can extend the life of the roof membrane and reduce the heating and cooling costs of your building. Besides the visual impact of an extensive green roof they also provide a natural habitat for birds and insects.