If you are considering building in the near future, it’s the perfect time to opt for a green roof if the idea has ever crossed your mind.
Many homeowners don’t even consider a green roof because of the additional installation costs. It’s true that a green roof is more expensive. But why? Because our houses weren’t designed to support a roof covered with dirt and vegetation. Installing a green roof on an existing house requires major renovations.
Owners who want to build avoid the problem because they can choose a structure for their future home that allows for a green roof. Of course it’s more expensive than a traditional shingle or aluminum roof, but you can save a considerable amount over the years.
You don’t have to cover the entire roof in vegetation. You can install a green corner or set up a small garden without greening the entire roof.
The green roof offers many advantages. The temperature of a traditional shingle roof varies between 65 and 80 degrees Celsius in the middle of a nice summer day. The temperature on a green roof varies between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. That’s a big difference.
According to Environment Canada, a one degree reduction reduces air conditioning costs by 5%. And a house with a green roof loses less heat in winter.
Each year, a green roof eats up around 2.5 kilos of dust, dirt and other pollutants. This results in fewer allergies. Given that the number of allergies is constantly rising, a green roof is a great way to fight back.
Vegetation extends the life expectancy of a roof by at least 20 years. A green roof also absorbs up to 50% of the water that falls on roofs each year.
Last, but not least: vegetation on the roof increases the value of a property.
The green roof also has its disadvantages. You need a safe access and the roof requires considerable maintenance.
If you’re interested, companies sell prefabricated green roofs in Quebec. Even though green roofs are rare, the expertise is now available.
Something tells us that green roofs are about to experience a growth spurt.
