How Green Roofing Helps Our Planet

If you took a plane ride over most cities, you'd be greeted by black tar, asphalt, and gravel roofs on top of most buildings. These roofs, while effective at covering a home, are impermeable, allowing rainwater to flow right off of them. Additionally, their dark surfaces absorb heat. A typical roof is not energy efficient and won't cut down on the amount of heating and cooling used to keep the home at a comfortable temperature.

There is, however, an ecologically friendly solution called green roofing. This is a covering that has soil, compost, and vegetation such as plants, shrubs, flowers, and sometimes trees that are grown on top of the existing roof of a building. There is a root-safe, waterproof membrane to protect the building beneath from the downward growth of the root structures. A drainage system is also built in which allows for rainwater to nourish the plants living on the green roof rather than merely running off as drain water.

One type of such a roof is intensive. These roofs require a lot of labor to install and maintain. They need deep soil and regular irrigation. They are similar to a park setting and may have trees and sitting areas.

Another type of green room is called extensive. The soil does not need to be as deep and they require minimal maintenance. Instead they utilize plant material that is hardy but without having an extensive root system. They are not made to be used in a park like manner and look more like a field.

Green roofs have a much longer lifespan than traditional roofs. They reduce the energy costs of the building they give cover for by providing natural insulation. Intensive green roofing can serve as a park like setting, attracting not only people but wildlife as well. The vegetation serves to absorb and filter rainwater.

The green alternative roof can be used to grow fruits, vegetables, and flowers, which can improve air quality by giving off additional oxygen. It may also help to reduce noise pollution in the building structure underneath. There are few to no disadvantages to a green roof other than some buildings are not structurally sound enough to support the weight. Depending on the type of roof involved, there are maintenance costs involved but these are usually minimal.

As green roofs become increasingly popular, more and more companies are making it their business to get involved in helping the planet. Reputable roofing contractors are committed to giving back to the environment by making it affordable for more folks to enjoy a high quality environmentally friendly roof. Installing a green roof is a cost-effective way to do your part to help the environment. Not only that but you will also get a proven return on your investment.
Nick Messe is president of The Lead Frog LLC. Northern Virginia Roofing has been doing McLean VA replacement windows along with residential and commercial roofing projects in the DC metro area for more than 40 years - http://www.nvroofs.com