Green Roofs On Buildings
More and more cities decide to use green roofs on buildings. Green roofing has been popular in Europe since the 60’s whereas in the United States this trend has just recently begun. In certain cities in Europe creating a green roof on the buildings is compulsory.
Green roofing has many benefits such as environmental protection and cost-savings. The plants you should use for the construction of the green roof compatible with the location from an ecological point of view, and they should be resistant to insects, weather and disease. Delosperma, Jovibarba and Sedum are preferable as groundcovers because they are non-invasive, fire resistant, and hardy.
The reasons for the commercial buildings to use green roofs are variable. Most of them opt for this kind of roof because it is a necessary element for receiving the LEED certificate. When used on regular homes or buildings, the reasons are varied as well. Some opt for these roofs because they desire to protect the environment and help it as much as possible whereas others are driven by a financial reason. As I said, the green roofing are economical beneficial because with the green roofing your house will consume less energy.
Whatever the reasons, the install process of the green roofs follows the same pattern with minor modifications. First you deck, then you waterproof, then assure the proper insulation, the proper drainage, and the filter cloth. The plants are the last element and they can vary. This choice should be based on the purpose that you wish to use the green roof for and on your finances. Certain plants require extra maintenance which means extra money. Even if the install of the roofs might be expensive you should remember that the money will be recovered in time because, as I said, the amount of energy used for the house maintenance will be reduced.
Another benefit of the green roof is the fact that it can serve as a recreational area and they can improve the climate of the urban territories. The heating effect which affects most of the buildings in the urban area will be reduced substantially thus improving the life of the inhabitants of such buildings. Besides absorbing the heat, the green roofs are also great at absorbing the sound, which can be a big problem in the crowded cities. Dust and carbon dioxide will be absorbed as well, making the life of the population much healthier that in normal circumstances.
A new trend appeared, and that is to grow vegetables such as peas, broccoli, okra, peppers, tomatoes, and so on, on the green roof, which you could later use. As you can see, green roofs on buildings are essential when it comes to protecting the environment.
Written by thevividedge, date Mar 31, 2010 in buildings
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Michel said on 04/15/2011:
All those buildings covered with metal or rock, absorb heat like a sponge and deflect precipitation. But, many times they have roofs that are flat and serve no other purpose than absorbing heat and deflecting rain. They are not so much bad as a fact of modern life, but in my point of view a green roof makes that home more comfortable, it's a warm and positive place, the energy is saved and moreover, we will probably be healthier.