Green roofs or eco roofs are an excellent way to reduce energy costs and reduce urban “heat island” effects that increase atmospheric temperatures. A green roof is a roof covered with grass. Green roofs are still relatively rare in the United States today, but they have appeared on homes in the past few decades. They are common in all European commercial and residential areas today, covering over 100 million square feet of roofs.
In both commercial and residential applications, green roofs offer many benefits to property owners. Green roofs reduce energy costs by adding insulation in winter and absorbing heat in summer. Estimates of energy savings range from 6-50% depending on the size of the roof. When installed in new construction, the incorporation of a green roof into the project design allows to reduce the size of the heating and cooling systems< /a> work. This adds upfront savings as smaller units can be installed with lower heating and cooling loads. In today’s housing market, energy savings are matched by property value increases. Some green roof projects are eligible for tax credits and other “green” incentives. Green roofs transform impervious surfaces such as asphalt and asphalt into usable green space that absorbs solar radiation and carbon dioxide.
Until now, green roofs in residential areas have prevailed over commercial coverage, because the business of installing a green roof can exceed the coverage for each home owner. In part this is the cost, but it is also attributed to the general ignorance about green roofs, their benefits and how to install them. As an important feature of a healthy home structure, the thought of dealing with a roof “outside the norm” can be intimidating.
The green roof market is changing to favor more residential institutions. This is done through the introduction of do-it-yourself (DIY) modular green roof systems. The cost becomes more affordable as the owners can absorb much of the installation costs by doing the work themselves.
GreenGrid Do-It-Yourself is a green roofing kit that uses 2′ x 2′ x 4″ recycle plastic modules, geotextile root and soil barrier, soil and plant drought tolerance, low maintenance and aesthetics.
While the kit is intended for installation by the home owner, there are requirements prior to installation that are best handled by a professional. The home owner advises an architect to add green elements to the roof. The GreenGrid system modules weigh up to fifteen pounds when filled. The existing roof must be in good condition prior to the installation of a green roof. If pine trees are present or if repairs are needed, these must be done before the green roof is installed. Not every roof can be green. For the GreenGrid system, the suggested slope is 5% or less. All of this can be determined through professional consultation with an engineer, inspector or contractor. It is likely that a permit will also need to be obtained as with any major home improvement project. The location of the courthouse is a good place to start inquiring about the necessary permits.
If you are up for the challenge of DIY green roof installation, the DIY kit will provide you with everything you need. But there are some important things to mention. Safety is a top priority for the organization. A work area must be carefully provided for all installers on the roof and on the ground. As a professional it is a good idea to have a working plan on paper before you start. This can create a faster, more efficient work flow and ensure that everyone has the same idea of the desired outcomes. It can also outline any roof details that should be avoided such as antennas or chimneys.
By taking precautions and creating a plan, you can determine the best method for your green roof installation. You can either assemble the modules on the ground or carry the parts separately and assemble them on the roof. It is easier to reach less in the roofs. Each method will consist of exposed modules, placing a root and soil barrier, placing growth tools or soil and all plants. The modules are set from one line outside the line, keeping the modules in straight lines and tangent angles.
Initially, the green roof needs to be watered regularly until the plants are established; low maintenance and very drought tolerant. The installation of green roofs on any surface has huge benefits that will soon become apparent. Increased energy costs will be the most obvious, but a green roof installation will also help absorb solar radiation, absorb carbon dioxide and help reduce storm water runoff. Now with DIY systems, green roof technology is affordable for home owners to participate in the practice of sustainable building.
