A green roof, sometimes referred to as a ‘living roof’, describes a type of roofing that is completely covered in vegetation and provides a number of benefits to any commercial or domestic property. This type of roof system consists of waterproof and root repellent protection as well as a drainage layer and filter membrane. This highly unique type of roofing provides a wide range of benefits to property owners and wildlife, and offers a range of environmental, economic and health benefits. Each installation is unique, so technical performance does tend to vary depending on environment and region but that isn’t to say they aren’t plenty of perks to be had by installing a green roof.
Help to increase the lifespan of the roof
Your roof can take a real battering over time as it is continually exposed to the elements and has to sufficiently deal with wind and rain. Installing green roofing provides the opportunity to double the life expectancy of your roof, this is due to the barrier of vegetation which covers the waterproof membrane underneath. This will help increase the longevity of your roof for decades. Roof repair can be expensive and time-consuming, moreover, reducing the frequency that maintenance work required is greatly beneficial for you.
Cost effective – reduces energy bills
Many older buildings have poor insulation. This is a common process that can happen over time, and can frequently lead to a property overheating in the summer, increasing the need for air conditioning or artificial cooling, as well as increased need for central heating in the winter months. In the summer, green roofing protects the building from direct solar heat, and in the winter, green roofing minimizes heat loss through added roof insulation. Adding a green roof to an older building will allow you to decrease the use of central heating and air conditioning, making the building more energy efficient – not only benefiting the environment but also reducing costs. Recent studies have proved that in winter heating bills can be reduced by over 10%.
Beneficial to the environment
Without a doubt, the greatest benefit of green roofing is its advantageous impact on the environment. One of the key contributing factors to global warming is the emissions produced by carbon dioxide. The UK government has been imposed with meeting stringent EU goals by 2020 – another reason why green roofs are an ideal measure for the environment. Green roofing provides much-needed greenery within the rapidly growing urban environments many of us live in, permitting a much-needed provision of greenery and, in the case of much larger commercial buildings, the potential for amenity space.
Supporting wildlife
Green roofs are highly beneficial in that they create a healthy habitat for nature to thrive in. They don’t necessarily replace ground environments, but they’re a perfect territory for attracting birds and wildlife and promote a healthy ecosystem. A survey conducted in Switzerland found that in an investigation on eleven green roof properties, a remarkable 172 separate species were discovered.
With over 35 years experience in the roofing industry, James Dunn Roofing Ltd realises the effect that materials have on the environment. This is why we offer green roofing as an option for your home or commercial property. Based in Oxford we offer a range of services throughout Oxfordshire to cater to your design and building needs. Get in touch today for further information or a free estimate.