A guide to Green Roof Technology

Our planet’s surface temperature has gone up by 2.12 degrees Fahrenheit since the late 19th century. It has led to drastic changes such as ocean warming, melting of polar ice caps, and extinction of various species of flora and fauna. To prevent further damage to our planet, there is an immediate need to adopt environment-friendly technologies in our life. Green roofing technology helps cushion the effects of global warming in your home and surroundings.  

Here is everything you need to know about green roof technology.

What is green roof technology?

A green roofing system is an innovative addition to your existing roof where you can grow plants without causing damage to your roofing structure. Many people confuse green roofing with rooftop gardens. Although they share commonalities, there is a significant difference in infrastructure. Rooftop gardens are more like container gardens on your roof focused on aesthetics rather than sustainability. They also don’t have water repellent layering. 

On the other hand, Green roofing technology adds water repellent layers, drainage systems, and other sustainable features to promote air purification, noise reduction, and temperature maintenance in and around your locality. 

There are mainly two types of green roofing systems. These include:

• Intensive green roofs: Intensive green roofs are over 15 cm deep and can support up to  150 pounds of vegetation. You can grow plants with deeper roots, such as shrubs and small trees. They are, however, more complex to maintain and build. 
• Extensive green roofs: These roofs are shallower and can only take lightly rooted plants such as green moss and small herbs. They can carry about 25 pounds of weight and require minimal maintenance compared to intensive green roofs. 

What are the benefits of green roofing technology?

Green roofing technology provides various benefits to your home and the environment. The most prominent ones include:

• Temperature regulation: The added insulation on your roof from the plants helps absorb the CO2 and heat in the atmosphere to keep your home cooler during summers. The insulation also prevents the heat inside the home from escaping during colder months to maintain the room temperature. 
• Air quality: A layer of plants on top of your home can play a vital role in improving the air quality of your home and surroundings. These plants can absorb the CO2 and filter out chemicals, dust particles, and smog from the air, improving the air quality significantly. 
• Stormwater: The rainwater from storms mixed with chemicals and pollution can cause significant damage to your home. Having a green roof atop your house protects it from the damage caused by stormwater. 
• Waste diversion: Waste disposal is a severe problem in the United States. Incorporating a composting system into your green roof can help you dispose of a lot of your organic waste, saving the environment and making the soil in your green roof more fertile.
  
• Aesthetics: Green roofing technology offers several environmental benefits. However, that’s not all that there is to it. You can grow various ornamental plants and flowering vines on your green roof to make your home look beautiful year-round. Thus, adding more aesthetic value to your home. 

About Christopher Home Improvement 

If you are looking for a reputable and professional roofing contractor to install and maintain your roof, Christopher Home Improvement should be your one-stop destination. We have served the residents and businesses in Connecticut and Rhode Island for over 16 years. Call us at 860-381-9336 or fill out our contact form to get free roofing, siding, skylight repair, gutter, or window repair/installation estimate.