What is a Green Roof

The most common use of the term, GREEN ROOF, refer to the roof that is planted with vegetation. Hence, it is also known as vegetated roof or living roof. Others consider any roof which is durable and without toxic material as green. This post will discuss about the former type of eco-roof --- green with chlorophyll-laiden, life-endowed covering materials. Let's begin with an illustration that would likely be familiar to many --- the Sky Garden at the SM North, Quezon City --- so we'll have a picture in our heads of what we mean. 

 

Did you like what you see? Did the pictures make you want to have your own green roof? 

I, for one, want one for my house, that's why I researched on it. There are several things one must consider. These are the questions you should ask and the answer to them.

A. What's so good about the GREEN ROOF anyway? 

A1. It looks good --- a crowning glory. One may design it as any greenscaping work --- vary the plants, include hardscapes, add a water feature, etc.

A2. It cleans the air. It absorbs pollution and gives out fresh oxygen.

A3. It insulates. It pads against extreme temperatures. It, thus, helps cut on either cooling or heating energy costs. It also helps lower the so-called "heat island effect" so common in urban areas.

A4. Everheard of biophilia? It is good for our well-being. Can I add? It can also provide habitat for some organisms like birds, butterflies, bees -- think "my sponsored

 ECOSYSTEM."

A5. Overall, it helps raise value of your property.

B. What should concern me about green roofs, if ever? Can I have them given what I have?

B1. Cost. Green roofs will easily be more expensive. How come? Consider the additional costs for: 

a. Stronger supports. More reinforcements or bigger sized posts, beams, and slabs.

b. Waterproofing. There are many types of waterproofing (membrane, asphalt, etc.) you can choose from to fit your budget and your needs, but still, it's additional cost.

c. Extra plumbing. Piping for proper draining of excess water and piping for watering of plants need to be installed. 

d. Incremental power. If you need to pump up water, this wil have to be considered in the additional monthly budget. 

e. Additional layer materials. We need 2 to 6 inches of soil, depending on the plant varieties you intend to grow. Auxiliary materials to keep everything tightly in place and functioning well, we also need filter and drainage retention fabric (like burlap) and a wind erosion blanket.

B2. There should be some difficulty in conducting repairs, if the need arises.

B3. Leaks. This shouldn't be a concern, if the construction was well done and materials used are within standards.

B4. Existing and prevalent natural conditions in your place. Green roofs are easier to keep where the sun appears long enough to support green life, and where the winds are not too harsh all the time.

B5. Choice of plants. Choose native, non-invasive, and drought-tolerant plant varieties. This will make tending of your garden more delightful than burdensome.

B6. Roof inclination or slope. The roof should be slightly sloped for proper draining. There are vertical gardens or wall gardens, but if they're not what you have in mind, the roof should be relatively flat.

If you are yet to have you're house constructed and are still in the planning stage, you have all the flexibility you need. The real challenge comes for existing roofs. Reinforcing, adding the piping and layers of materials could be daunting and costly tasks.

If you live in an area scarce with greens, in a cruel concrete jungle, the benefits should outweigh the costs; however, if you live in an area with enough open land space, you're better off tending a ground-level garden.

Where else can you find green roofs here in the Philippines?

Some of what I've read about are in the following: 

SM North  

UP Campus house

MarketMarket, Taguig

Greenbelt 5, Makati

Senta in Legaspi Village

Living a green life in a green home should be more than a "dream" these days. Climate change and its ills, and the many sorts of diseases coming out, should drive everyone to go for a healthier, earth-friendlier, and more sustainable way of living.

______________________

WORD FROM THE SPONSOR

1 Timothy 6:17-19

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Comments

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[Dennis Morada]

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[Green Roofing]

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