Green roofs can be built using a succession of planting trays or by constructing a landscaped trimmed rooftop space. The following are the processes for building a landscape area on a level surface with a protective, multi-layered waterproof barrier between the soil and the roof decking, which might be plywood.
The first step is to determine what type of roof you will be installing plants on. This decision will affect how you build the garden and what tools you need. For example, if you are going to install plastic roof panels, it is important to plan ahead. You will need to order these panels in bulk and they can cost more than metal or slate tiles. If you choose to use clay tiles, you can start laying them out as soon as you buy them because they do not require any special treatment before being laid on the roof.
Next, decide where you want your plants to grow. Consider factors such as sunlight, water, wind, and soil quality when choosing locations. It may be best to divide your project into smaller sections and plant each one as it is completed. This way you will not run out of ideas for new plants.
When you have selected an area, check whether there is anything buried in the ground you should know about before you begin construction. For example, if there is a plumbing system under the house then you will need to make sure that you don't damage it while building support structures.
A green roof is a layer of plants placed on top of a waterproofing system on a level or slightly inclined roof. Green roofs are often referred to as vegetative roofs or eco-roofs. They are classified into three types: extensive, intense, and semi-intensive. Extensive green roofs cover an entire roof. Intense green roofs use less material than extensive green roofs but can only be used in certain areas because they require more maintenance. Semi-intensive green roofs are the most common type and can be used in any location. They require the same maintenance as a traditional roof but also include using some of the waste product from the vegetation as soil for new plants.
Green roofs help reduce heat island effects by reducing local temperatures by as much as 5 degrees Fahrenheit and improving air quality by removing particulates from the atmosphere. The roofs also act as natural rain collectors, providing water for nearby plants during dry spells. Finally, green roofs produce oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They are considered sustainable building practices because they lower energy costs and reduce environmental impacts while still providing desired benefits to occupants.
The main advantage of a green roof over other roofing options is its ability to absorb rainfall and snowmelt which can be transferred back into the ground through a drainage system. This can have important implications for reducing flooding and erosion near waterways. Green roofs can also reduce cooling costs for buildings by preventing evaporation of water from the roof surface.