Wondering if having a living roof will be a good idea or not? Read on as we give you the advantages and disadvantages of having living roofs so that you can make an informed decision.
Green roofs as a trend nowadays have intrigued many homeowners and commercial property owners across the country. Living roofs are considered a sustainable option that is good for the environment and is considered incredibly beneficial to homeowners for various reasons.
So what is a Living Roof?
A living roof or a green roof is nothing but a roof where there is a plantation or a roof, where a garden has been grown. A living roof can have various types of plants, and for that, the setup and the situations of the house will also vary.
Green roofs are basically of two types-intensive and extensive which are differentiated by the amount of flora utilized. Intensive roofs require a lot more work to manage as it involves various types of plants, whereas extensive roofs are left to grow naturally and require only yearly weeding and fertilization.
Pros of having a Living roof
- A living roof helps keep the environment fresher, with the help of lots of greens. Not only that, but absorb lots of air pollution, and spread fresh air.
- Green roofs reduce the amount of energy that your home needs for heating, as a result you save on your energy costs.
- The fire retardation provided by living roofs will help in keeping your home safe.
- Such roofs act as a natural barrier and help in reducing the noise levels in your house.
- Lastly, by adding a green roof to your home, you will enhance your property value due to the improved efficiency of your appliances and by making your home aesthetically pleasing.
Besides having personal benefits to homeowners, green roofs also offer community benefits like it reduces the overall heat conducted by the buildings. The plants on the roof prevent the distribution of dust and smog while also catching many pollutants in the environment. Furthermore, green roofs can act as a recreational space to be enjoyed by the community.
Cons of having of Living Roof
- Installing a green roof is more expensive than installing a traditional roof since there is a need to strengthen the underlying structure to bear the extra weight of plants.
- Insurance for living roofs is typically costly.
- The weight of the plants over time can cause pressure on the roof and can sometimes lead to sagging.
- Plants might cause some damage to the roof such as roots growing into roof shingles and that requires regular maintenance.
Conclusion
Hope you have gathered a good idea about the advantages and disadvantages of a living roof. As you can see the benefits of having a living roof outweigh the disadvantages. So whether you go for an extensive, semi-intensive or intensive green roof, you are bound to reap its several advantages.
If you want to know more about environment-friendly roofing options contact our team today!