A green roof is always the best way to create an attractive look of your roof that also gives the biggest transformation in your home. Apart from the look, it provides major benefits.
Green roof expands the life and performance of the roof. Additionally, they also give an eco-friendly environment in your home that also impacts the entrance of insects and pests. Further it works on improving the air quality.
In this article, we will discuss what a roof garden is, how to make it and its potential benefits. So, let’s learn!
About Roof Garden
Roof garden is also known as green roof, veggie roofs, and rooftop gardens. In traditional times, it was an effective way to keep the roof warm in winters and cooler in summers. Sod roofs have been popular since traditional times, especially in places like Iceland and Scandinavia.
In modern times, the trend of roof gardens has been reversed and people are finding it as the best solution to enjoy quality air. Further it has become the best solution to reduce the urban heat over the roof. Basically the roof gardens are of two types such as: Intensive green roofs and extensive roof tops.
- In intensive roof tops shrubs, herbaceous trees and green plants are grown. These incorporate courtyards, paths, and seating areas.
- In the extensive roof tops the shallow soil media are usually filled with herbaceous plants. These are incorporated in dog houses, bird houses etc.
How to make a roof garden?
If you have decided to create a roof garden then first you have to inspect the roof whether it is suitable for gardening or not. You can call the expert who can guide you in brief. Also, you should cross-check the permits of your building from your city or town.
Basically, green roofs can be created on flat roofs or a sloped roof. However, again we recommend you consult the expert before starting the project.
everything is cleared and you are ready to go, here is the guide you will need to follow.
- For starting a roof garden, you can order the garden kit online which generally involves the system of planting trays, tools, and more
- You can create your own planting box by adding 2*6s and 2*4s frames.
- Approximately, you would invest $15-50 per square foot. It might seem expensive now, but within the change in time and growth you will know its worth.
- Take the accurate measurements in the first step and start creating an extensive roof accordingly. The measurements will help you know how much pond liner, draining soil, draining media, weed barrier, quality of soil, etc. you will need.
- Next you will have to know about green roof layers: the first layer consists of pond liner and rubber roofing. The next layer is the drainage layer. Then a weed barrier or layer is placed over the gravel layer. Lastly, a layer of wood chips is added over the soil. This last layer should be soft and suggested to keep the overall weight down.
P.S: In the extensive roofs, the plant needs to have shallow roots and tolerate times of drought and high perception. The good plants for extensive roofs are like grasses, herbs, mosses, epiphytes, and succulents.
The key benefits of using roof garden
Here we have shared the best benefits of choosing the roof garden as the superior choice for having a cool vibes on the top floor as well as in house. So, have a look at the benefits.
- It enhances the value of the property
- It will keep your home modest and eco-friendly
- The roof garden can increase the life-expectancy of roof
- This will keep your home cool and fresh
- The roof garden can retain and manages the storm water
- This helps in providing social benefits as in feeling relaxation and enjoyment
- This will improve the air quality and give you awesome atmosphere
So, you can see roof gardens come with both eco and social advantages. If you would like to make your roof top fresh, cool, and healthy for air then start the process today.
