How to Install Green Roofing

Green roofing, or a roof covered with vegetation and soil, is an environmentally friendly way of insulating a structure from the cold and heat. It also creates wildlife habitats, lowers air temperatures and provides a nice green garden space for everyone to enjoy. Green roof gardens can be installed on both homes and urban buildings. Installing a green roof is an investment that over time will save you money through energy conservation. With a little patience and the right tools, installing green roofing is not difficult to do.

Things You'll Need

• Broom
• Waterproof membrane
• Thin set
• Concrete mix
• Gravel or Pumice
• Filter fabric
• Peat, sand or clay
• Topsoil
• Grasses and plants
• Jute mesh liner

Instructions

1. Clean all debris from your roof with a heavy-duty brush or broom. Get in between any cracks in the surface, and repair any large cracks.

2. Install a waterproof membrane to protect your roof from water damage. This can be applied in the form of sheet membranes and thin set, and is applied directly on the roofing deck.

3. Add a root barrier by pouring a thin layer of concrete. This will help to prevent the roots of the plants from penetrating through the waterproof membrane.

4. Add a drainage layer to redirect excess water into the gutters. Materials for building this layer can include gravel, pumice or lava stones.

5. Add filter fabric to stabilize and prevent erosion of your soil. Geotextile filter fabrics made of polypropylene, polyester, and polyethylene will help increase soil stability.

6. Add peat, sand, lava or clay to the topsoil for good moisture and erosion control. Spread a layer of soil at least 3 inches deep.

7. Add your grasses and plants. Include a variety of native plants, ornamental grasses and low-growing shrubs. Use plants that are both heat and drought tolerant.

8. Water your green roof to set the soil and plants in place. Cover with a jute mesh fabric to help protect new plantings from damaging weather.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Hardiness Zone Map to make sure your plants and grasses are compatible for your weather conditions.

• Check your local zoning laws and have a structural engineer examine your roof to make sure it is structurally sound and can handle additional weight.

References

• greenroofs.com
• Carlton College

Resources

• American Society of Landscape Architects