Going green is the trend for almost all things today from paperless offices up to roofs. Accordingly, more than 50 percent of consumers now prefer eco-friendly products, businesses are realizing the need to switch to environment-friendly products to minimize costs, and even households in to modern living are taking action to help Mother Earth by switching to green roofs. However, as green living continues to grow in popularity, misconceptions have grown with it as well. Others say that these living roofs are costly, leaky, and hard to maintain, but what does living under a green roof feel like? Are these misconceptions true, or are they merely assumptions?

The Green Life

Living a green life is not limited to planting every inch of your house with plants. The green life pertains to living and preferring an environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible lifestyle and decision. Living green usually starts at home; for one, homes are starting to go for green and vegetated roofs.

A green roof is made of a waterproofing layer, root barrier, drainage system, and plants, of course! The main purpose of having a green roof is to encourage the growth of vegetation wherever possible. Along with households, even companies are going for green roofs that are accessible for people to actually walk or stroll on.

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Green roofs may be classified as intensive or extensive. Intensive green roofs have a larger space and watering features for numerous plants. On the other hand, an extensive green roof may only cover a smaller space and limited types of plants, like grass and a few flowers. In United States alone, numerous eco-roofs can be found, such as at Ford Motor Company’s River Rouge Plant in Dearborn, Michigan, Chicago’s Millennium Park, Chicago’s City Hall, American Society of Landscape Architects in Washington, D.C., and the Ballard Library, among others.

Despite the wide acceptance of green roofs, numerous myths have popped up about green roofs:

Myth 1: Leaky and Problematic

If your green roof is leaky and structurally damaging, then the blame all falls down to the installation and design. Most households experiencing leaks may have a failed waterproofing layer and drainage system.

Myth 2: They Are Not Yet Tried and Tested

If you think green roofs are just a product of a 20th-century mind, you are wrong! Vegetated roofs have been around as early as 70 years ago, particularly in Germany. However, with the technology we have in this century, green roofs are better and lighter than they used to be.

Myth 3: Put Plants and Some Dirt on Your Roof, and Voila—Instant Green Roof!

This is definitely a no-no! Green roofs require special lightweight materials and a good type of potting soil. You may work on your own eco-roof, provided you have the right materials; if not, you may seek the help of expert builders. Building your own green roof needs proper planning to see if it can handle the weight when soaked under the rain, plant selection, waterproofing layer, and even a drainage system.

Myth 4: They are Too Expensive and Complicated!

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average cost of a green roof is $10 to $25 per square foot. This price may vary depending on other features that you want your green roof to have. If you are finding it hard to install or place your green roof, consult professionals who offer warranties for products, service contracts, and maintenance plans.

Installing Green Roofs

Installing living roofs require intensive planning. Like building your own house, it requires a strong foundation and a suitable location. The perfect location for every eco-roof should be below the highest roof that is accessible for watering purposes, among other maintenance needs. Green roofs should be about 6 inches deep and must be able to carry at least 27 pounds per foot. If you want to check the condition of your roof, try walking on it and see if you fall down or if it creaks.

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Green roofs have different layers. Here’s how you can have your own living roof in your home!

1. Place a waterproofing membrane on top of the roof; it may be rubber or plastic, depending on your choice.
2. Install a root barrier on top of the waterproofing layer.
3. Place a layer of gravel and spread it evenly across the vegetated roof.
4. To keep the moisture intact during hot days, place a moisture blanket (old towels, blankets, cloths).
5. Top the layer with pebbles and line the edges with gravel. Seal this layer with an adhesive tape.
6. Place a drainage mat on top. This keeps the soil from clogging the mat.
7. Top the mat with wood chips the compost.
8. Add soil.
9. Plant your desired flora.
10. Sprinkle water over them, wait for a few weeks and see your green roof come to life.

Living and Breathing Sustainability

If green roofs are not suited to your lifestyle or impossible with your house’s current state, there are still a number of things you can do to go green, such as increasing the number of potted plants at home. You may be an advocate of living roofs in your neighborhood. For those enjoying the vertical living, you may start with vertical gardens in your home.

Photo by Candice Eisner via Flickr

Take the concept of sustainable living in your heart and mind. Remember that humans and Mother Nature exist in a harmonious relationship. You do not have to live under a green roof to embrace green living. It’s all about the type of lifestyle and commitment to help save our planet and live sustainably. It is important to live sustainably and ensure that future generations will have a taste of the resources we currently enjoy.