Going Green on the Roof

“Green Roof” is pretty much a catchall phrase, being that any roof with vegetation growing is a “Green Roof”. It is also called an “Eco-roof”, a trend that started during the 70s in Germany but has slowly spread around the world in other countries too.

The purpose of the “green roof” movement was for advocates to find more green space in urban areas that are barren. They found that with more green roofs, their energy and environmental benefits increased too. The movement to the US was slow, but now it is common to find green roofs in cities like Chicago, Illinois and Asheville, North Carolina on larger civic buildings. They are even incorporated into new residences architect designs.

For existing homes, owners are hesitant to build a green roof due to weight concerns, but the fact is that green roofs can be made lightweight and not but as much pressure on the roof as you may think. Existing roofs that have up to 30 degree pitch are perfect for a green roof. The effect that taking a plain, dead looking roof and going green is amazing and can be an enjoyment for the homeowner and the occupants as well as neighboring houses that have upstairs view.