A Modular System Can Give You a Green Roof for Less Money
Green roofs can dissipate heat that would otherwise be absorbed by your roof during warmer months and act as an additional layer of insulation when it’s cold outside. For this reason, and because a living roof can provide habitat for bees and other pollinators, it is often considered one of the most sustainable roofing styles, so green roofs can also be a charming addition to your home simply because of their appearance. However, installing a traditional green roof can cost nearly twice as much as a standard roof. Instead, consider modular green roof options that make upgrading more affordable and convenient for DIY enthusiasts.
What is a green roof?
A green or living roof is a roof whose surface is covered with soil and plants rather than tiles or tiles. Green roof installation systems vary, but typically involve creating a moisture barrier to prevent water from getting inside, as well as some sort of barrier to prevent plants from growing through the roof and into your home. Soil, drainage material and plants can then be added in layers or as modular units, such as for a green roof. The entire system must be compatible with the load-bearing capacity of your roof, so you should always consult a roofing contractor or structural engineer before trying a green roof.
Cost of a modular green roof compared to other roofing options
A modular green roof system costs between $10 and $30 per square foot compared to an integrated green roof, which averages between $20 and $35 per square foot. (The average cost to install a traditional roof ranges from $4.35 to $11 per square foot.) While modular systems can still be twice as expensive as a conventional roof, they provide significant savings over built-in alternatives.
Benefits of a green roof
A green roof can save up to 25% on cooling costs in the warmer months, and in the winter can reduce energy costs on the top floor of your home by up to 12%. Green roofs also reduce roof runoff by about 65%, which can improve moisture conditions around your home and help prevent water from pooling near your foundation. Green roofs planted with regionally appropriate plant varieties can also help improve biodiversity and attract pollinators.
Why modular green roofs are easier to install and maintain
Because modular green roofs are made up of smaller sections that fit together to form a grid on the roof, the system is easier to install than built-in systems, which require a lot of on-site assembly. Easier installation helps reduce the cost of a modular green roof, as does the presence of some DIY elements. Although you will need the help of a professional to prepare your roof for modular tray installation, installing the trays and part of the installation can be a DIY project.
A modular green roof also has the benefit of easier maintenance, as most modular green roof systems allow sections to be removed and lowered to the ground for maintenance or replanting, rather than requiring plants to be planted on the roof. If you’re an ambitious DIYer and feel capable of getting modules to and from your roof, you can perform this type of maintenance yourself, but in general it’s recommended to hire a professional to perform maintenance, including weeding, about once a year. .
Why Hire a Professional to Install a Green Roof
Since green roofs add weight to your home, you need to ensure that the green roof can be supported by the structure of your home. Engineering aside, keeping your green roof in place for a long time means it needs to be properly attached, whether modular or built-in. Preparing for the installation to ensure proper drainage, proper weight distribution and irrigation if necessary are all considerations that make this job best left to professionals unless you are highly skilled and familiar with engineering plans as well as permitting requirements.
Disadvantages of a modular green roof
Modular green roofing systems generally do not work on roofs with a slope greater than 20 or 30%, so they are not suitable for many gabled roofs. Not only do modular roofing systems require a gradually sloped or flat roof, but they also won’t last as long as their built-in counterparts. While an integrated green roof can last as long as the building it is attached to, a modular green roof will likely only last about 30 years. While installing a modular green roof can provide significant long-term savings through durability, reduced maintenance costs, and energy savings, the initial cost can be double that of a conventional tile roof.