Green roofs vary in weight, depending on the product you choose, their depth, and the material components. The important measurement is ‘wet’ weight – fully-saturated fabrics and plants. For example, saturated weight of a four-inch system per square foot, including a mature plant cover is approximately 30 pounds.

An extensive green roof system may reduce a single-story building’s cooling needs by 25 percent and prevent heat loss by 26 percent. This can be a substantial energy savings as every one degree Fahrenheit can reduce electricity use for air conditioning by eight percent. Green roofs also contribute to a building’s LEED rating, with as many as 15 credits available depending upon design and level of integration with other building systems. While green roofs are the single component of a building that improves with age, remember that maintenance is a critical part of its success.

Designing a new building to include a green roof is relatively easy. Retrofitting an existing building presents challenges. Your building’s structural load capacity must be determined by an engineer when considering a green roof for residential or commercial application. Green roofs weigh more than a standard roof. Other considerations include the age and type of waterproofing, access to irrigation, and the amount of sun and wind exposure the plants on your green roof will receive. Shallow profile green roofs can be installed using a tray system, but this may not always be the best choice. Good Earth Plant Company can access multiple options for modular trays, as well as loose laid or plant-in-place systems.… Read More

The green roof is the one building element that improves with age! Green roofs provide many benefits. A partial list includes: Controlling stormwater runoff, erosion and pollution, lessening the impact and cost of processing in sewage treatment plants and extending capacity. A green roof can hold 60 to 80 percent of a rain event. Water is released more slowly, helping to filter particulate matter out of water running onto landscapes and hardscapes. Water has more chance of running into the landscape as irrigation. Improving water quality Adds oxygen to the air Mitigates urban heat-island effects, cooling and cleaning the air Conserving energy Reducing sound reflection and transmission Reducing heating and cooling energy costs Creating wildlife habitats and biodiversity Reduces the spread of wildfires Increases the life of the roof, reducing landfill impact Can provide space for a rooftop farm Can provide habitat for pollinators When paired with solar panels, increases their overall performance by as much as 15 percent Improving the aesthetic environment in both work and home

Green roofs are also called “living roofs, “vegetated roofs,” “roof top gardens” and “eco-roofs”. Good Earth Plant Conpanty focuses on the systems that are thin layers of soil (less than six inches) supporting living plants that are installed on top of conventional roofs. Properly designed, installed and maintained, they are stable, living ecosystems replicating many of the processes found in nature.