Green Roof Questions
Green Roofs: How your house can save the environment
Growing concern for environmental sustainability has created innovative ways to decrease human impact in today’s architecture. An easy way to reduce your carbon footprint is through more sustainable homes.Installing a green roof is one way your home can help save the environment. This article will answer all the questions and doubts you may have towards getting a green roof.
What is a green roof?
A green roof is when a garden is built above your house and acts as the roof of the house. Green roofs don’t necessarily have to be flat and act even better on a slight slope. The larger the slope of the roof, the more difficult it is to incorporate a green roof but NOT impossible.
What are the benefits of a green roof?
Energy efficient– insulation from the soil help to reduce the needs for heating and cooling
Reduce noise pollution– plants and soil assist in absorbing outside and inside noise
Store and filter rainwater– reduce the amount of rainfall runoff which can have harmful impacts on aquatic habitats
Reduce surrounding temperature – the plants are able to absorb heat and reduce sunlight reflection
Promote native vegetation– create a healthier habitat using native vegetation in the garden
Improve roof lifespan– the roof isn’t being directly exposed to sun and weather and therefore increasing lifespan
How does the green roof save the environment?
Rainfall: The increased concrete surfaces across a city decrease the amount of water that is able to be absorbed by the ground. Therefore, more water runs off into the rivers, wetlands, etc. which has a harmful impact on the environment. Green roofs help reduce the amount of runoff because the soil for the plants acts as a storage unit for the water.
Sunlight: Cities are known as ‘heat islands’ due to the concrete surfaces reflecting sunlight and increasing the surrounding temperature. This increase of temperature is kept mainly within the city creating an area of hotter temperature. A green roof would be able to absorb the sunlight, similar to rainfall, thus helping decrease the temperature around the house.
These are two major concerns for the future and having a green roof is your own way of helping save the environment.
Can I install a green roof on my current house?
Yes, you are able to install a green roof onto your current house AFTER proper inspection. Two important factors need to be considered when deciding if you’re able to install a green roof, structure and material. First, the current structure needs to be able to withstand the added weight to the house from the soil and plants. Second, the material of the roof also needs to be examined for suitability of the roots and water.
It is easier to incorporate a green roof into a new house rather than a previous built home. iBuild homes are capable of designing a green roof for your new home, talk to an iBuild representative today if you are interested!
Written by Cody Narlock who is undertaking his Master of Environmental Engineering study at the University of Melbourne.
Last updated: 5 September 2018