Known by various terms including a green, sedum or eco roof, living roofs are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, creating a thriving ecosystem atop your home that isn’t only spectacular to look at, but can even save you money on your energy bills.
But, is this type of roof a feasible solution all year round? In this blog we’ll discuss just that, exploring how well green roofs manage different seasons and the maintenance they may require throughout the year.
What is a Green Roof System?
A green roof is one that has been either fully or partially covered with vegetation, commonly consisting of plants of the sedum genus.
This is created in layers, with a drainage membrane on top of the roof as a base, alongside root barriers and waterproofing products, before the vegetation layer is placed on top. This combination of layers helps plants to thrive whilst protecting the property’s structure from otherwise potential damage.
The purpose of these roofs is to create an environmentally friendly solution to tackling climate effects, especially in urban areas where there is limited vegetation. In utilising an area that is otherwise unused, green roofs effectively absorb carbon dioxide emissions from the air (which are prime in built-up areas), thus improving the surrounding air quality.
They also create a healthy habitat for wildlife, attracting birds and other wildlife that ultimately promotes biodiversity and creates a thriving ecosystem.
On top of the environmental benefits they offer, these roofs are also effective in boosting the thermal performance of your property, reducing the temperature of your roof in the summer whilst aiding thermal efficiency in the winter by offering additional insulation.
How Does a Living Roof Fair Throughout the Year?
Sure, the benefits all sound great so far, but you may be wondering how well a living roof thrives throughout the year. They may look great in the spring and summer, but do they hold up in the harsh conditions of winter?
The answer is yes. As we’ve already mentioned, green roofs typically consist of sedum plants, which not only look great all year round, but are extremely hardy and able to thrive even in harsh winter weather. Just as they are tolerant of the cold, they are also heat and drought tolerant, making summers just as manageable for them.
Green Roof Maintenance
Green roofs are relatively low maintenance, although this is of course dependent on a few various factors. At the very least, a treatment needs to be applied once a year, however depending on where you live, the weather conditions and the type of vegetation on your green roof, some watering and pruning may be required.
Your local green roof contractors will be able to advise you about the maintenance your roof will require.
Eco Roof Installations in Oxfords
If you live in Oxfordshire and are looking to reap the benefits that a green roof has to offer, then we’ve got you covered here at James Dunn Roofing.
Get in touch with us today to discuss the solutions we can offer you.