Why install a standard roof on your company building, when you can go green?
A green or living roof is an alternative to traditional roofing options, where the roof area is totally or partially covered in vegetation. It generally consists of a waterproof membrane to aid drainage, an irrigation system and a protective root barrier.
This innovative roof style was first pioneered in the 1960s, where German engineers and architects were attempting to solve the problem of excessive runoff from impermeable roof designs.
Today, green roofs are becoming more popular, where they are no longer a rarity to be enjoyed by the elite. They are now a standard option for any new build or roof refurbishment, where you can easily add a little bit of zest to your urban area, whilst saving on your energy costs and improving local air quality.
The benefits for your business and the environment are widespread, plus installation is becoming easier and more affordable as green roof technologies develop.
If you’re intrigued by this highly sustainable prospect, then peruse this comprehensive guide to green roofs, where you can find out all the benefits, as well as what green roof services are on offer from B&D Roofing.
Types Of Green Roof
Green roof installation is not a one-size-fits-all business, where every roof and commercial building has different roofing requirements. Green roof technology has adapted to these differences, presenting you with three distinct roofing options:
Extensive - these utilise low maintenance sedum planting, which is rolled out on a blanket that is comparable to turf lawn installation, a technique which is guaranteed to deliver instant results
Intensive - these roofs involve more thorough planting, and are likened to a rooftop garden as they feature a range of different grasses and plant species - this means they are well suited to spaces with public access or seating options
Semi-intensive - this roof type makes a compromise between intensive and extensive, providing you with a purpose build green roof option
Biodiverse - these green roofs are designed with nature in mind, where wild low maintenance planting attracts a range of species to the area, including birds, insects, and vital pollinators
Is Your Roof Space Suitable?
If you like the sound of a green roof for your commercial business, then your next step will be to ensure your space is suitable. Green roofs are very versatile and can adapt to most spaces, but there are a few requirements that must be met to ensure your new roof will thrive:
● Load bearing capacity of your roof - this will dictate how heavy or intensive your new installation can be, where some roofs are better suited to lighter planting options
● Sun exposure - green roofs thrive in most climates but do need sunlight to flourish, where your roof cannot be completing overshadowed or shady all day
● Incline of your roof - green roofs can be fitted to various inclines, where the steepest of roofs will need to utilise the kind of installation technology used for green walls
Key Benefits of Installing A Green Roof
If you’re still on the fence about choosing a green roof for your business, then read on for a list of the top benefits this eco-friendly installation can provide:
Improves air quality - a thriving green roof will absorb carbon emissions through photosynthesis, improving air quality and helping to limit air pollution levels in your area
Reinvigorates urban areas - green spaces boost public wellbeing and create areas of unexpected natural beauty in developed urban areas
Boosts biodiversity - a green roof will attract pollinators and other insects to the area, which helps your roof to thrive and boosts the health of surrounding green spaces
Further Commercial Benefits
Added to the environmental benefits of a green roof are the key money saving and commercial advantages that it could bring to your business. These include:
Regulated indoor temperatures - green roofs provide an insulating layer to your roof and ensure your indoor heating levels stay level, saving you money on your energy bills
Increased property value - green roofs are the next big thing in sustainability, and so this feature guarantees your property will receive a valuation boost
Boosted sustainability profile - an aesthetically pleasing green roof makes your business stand out as an eco-friendly destination, attracting new customers
Reduced rainfall damage - green roofs utilise rainfall to thrive meaning it won’t be damaged by bad weather, saving you money on repair costs
Potential grants - some local councils are providing monetary incentives and assistance to businesses who wish to install an eco-friendly roof, making it increasingly financially viable for you to invest
Famous Commercial Green Roofs
Well-known green roofs around the world are installed on a range of buildings, including museums, community centres, and science labs. Many demonstrate exceptional architectural innovation and a keen interest in protecting areas of natural beauty.
These intriguing examples illustrate the further environmental and commercial benefits of choosing to install a green roof on your property:
Biesbosch Museum (Netherlands) - this wildlife and boating museum near Dordrecht utilises its green roof to help it blend into the surrounding national park
Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Centre (Chicago USA) - this research centre involves the roof in its scientific work, as it investigates which plant species work best on rooftop environments
Chongqing Taoyuanju Community Center (Chongqing China) - the green roof connects the various branches of the community centre with the surrounding landscape of the Taoyuan Park mountains
Moesgaard Museum (Højbjerg Denmark) - this archaeology and ethnography museum attracts visitors with its green roof that doubles as a seating and picnic area
Marchesi Antinori Chianti Classico Cellar (Bargino Italy) - this is the company headquarters for Marchesi Antinori wines, which is covered in grape vines to blend in with the surrounding landscape
LOTT Clean Water Alliance Regional Centre (Washington USA) - this building houses a water treatment agency, where its green roofs are irrigated with reclaimed water supplies
Even on a small or localised scale, the principles utilised by these green roofs can be applied to your business. You too can utilise your roof to blend in with natural surroundings, complement your commercial endeavours or attract customers.
Maintaining Your Green Roof
Green roofs are generally a low-maintenance roof option, especially if you’ve chosen the biodiverse wild variety. But there are several ways you can ensure your roof continues to thrive, including:
● Monitor for plant encroachment - ensure plants do not spread into gutters, pipes and chimneys, as this could cause structural damage
● Install an irrigation system - an adequate watering routine will ensure your roof continues to thrive throughout the summer months
● Remove weeds - tree seedlings, moss and unwanted grasses may find their way onto your roof, which should be removed to maintain your desired roof look
● Maintain your membrane - the roof membrane allows your green roof to drain correctly, so watch out for tears or decay that could result in leaks
● Prevent root invasions - if your plants break through the membrane their roots could damage your property, which can be avoided with professional installation and maintenance
B&D Roofing and Building Ltd: Your Local Green Roof Provider
At B&D Roofing, we provide a range of expert green roofing services, where we can offer advice and pricing guidance on a wide variety of eco-roofing options. Our work is widely recognised in our local area of Gorebridge, Scotland. We also install more widely across Scotland, including throughout the Central Belt.
In addition to green roof installation, we also offer a range of traditional roofing services to meet your repair and renovation needs. Our specialists can work with a range of materials, including slating, tiling and lead work. We can provide you with state of the art commercial and industrial roofing repair and chimney maintenance.
Additionally we offer a variety of bespoke building services, where our highly skilled team can deliver exceptional stone masonry work, lime repointing and rough casting. These can be utilised for both industrial and commercial projects.
We deal with projects of all sizes and complexities, where excellent customer service is a key priority. Our goal is to work alongside your architectural needs to allow for the best results. Contact us today for more information about how we can help, or to ask for an obligation-free quote.
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