Green roofing is becoming an increasingly popular choice for many homeowners because of the environmental benefits involved. Often, homeowners who have a flat rooftop are able to cover a section of their roof with an expanse of small plants growing in a few inches of specialized soil. The benefits of doing this include reducing heating and cooling costs, extending the life of the roof, filtering storm water, helping to clean city air and helping to prevent flooding. Before taking any steps toward creating a green roof, it is a good idea for homeowners to contact a Charleston roofing professional for help determining whether it is a good fit.
While the question that many homeowners face is whether a green roof is right for them, the first step to making that decision is to fully understand what a green roof is. Green roofs are much more than simply a patch of growing plants. Although a green roof typically consists of 2 to 6 inches of growing media and small plants, there is a lot going on underneath. Directly on top of the roof is a special membrane that covers the roof’s surface. This is designed to block moisture and prevent roots from damaging the roof.