Green roofs are more than just an aesthetically pleasing addition to commercial buildings — they’re a valuable investment in sustainability, energy efficiency, and urban environmental health. However, like any other building feature, green roofs require regular maintenance to ensure they perform at their best. Proper care helps protect your investment, extend the lifespan of your roof, and maintain the ecological benefits it offers.
What is a Green Roof?
A green roof or ‘living roof’ is a roofing structure that has been partially or entirely covered by vegetation. Constructed by green roofing professionals, the vegetation system is laid over a waterproof membrane and other necessary structural layers that provide the proper drainage, root barrier, aeration, insulation, and support for the plants and building.
Green Roof Types
There are three standard green roofing options for commercial buildings:
- Extensive: As the lightest weight roof type with the lowest maintenance, extensive roofs are typically covered with hardy plants, such as moss, sedum, and wildflowers.
- Semi-intensive: These roofs require moderate maintenance and are ideal for supporting the weight of small shrubs, grasses, and perennials.
- Intensive: As the highest maintenance roof, intensive roofs (or “roof gardens”) hold heavier plants requiring significant irrigation, like trees, shrubs, tall grasses, and perennials. These roofs are often open to public foot traffic.
Why Choose a Green Roof for Your Commercial Building?
Green roofs are a sustainable, visibly appealing choice with a host of benefits including:
- Water conservation: Vegetative roofs with rainwater harvesting can help absorb rainfall, reduce runoff, and provide an eco-friendly way to conserve water.
- Environmental benefits: The plants help improve air quality as well as the urban heat island effect.
- Energy savings: They provide some of the thickest insulation, helping regulate indoor temperatures and delivering cost savings.
- Increased roof longevity: According to the EPA, green roofs often have a longer life span than conventional roofs, lasting up to twice as long. Over its lifetime, a green roof can offer substantial benefits while remaining relatively easy to maintain.
- Incentives: These roofs can help businesses meet environmental regulations, earn LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifications, and qualify for tax credits, grants, or subsidies in many cities.
Green Roof Maintenance – What is Required?
When structured properly, green roofs are mostly self-regulating. However, green roof maintenance is required now and then to ensure the longevity and performance of a commercial roof.
- Fertilization: A regular fertilization schedule must be followed throughout each season, depending on plant types.
- Weed removal: The roof should be visually inspected, and any weeds carried in by the wind should be removed. Too many weeds can cause an imbalance in your roof’s well-planned ecosystem.
- Pruning and trimming: Seasonally prune and trim plants to ensure they don’t overgrow. Opt for replacing plants if they die.
- Debris removal: It’s inevitable – unwanted debris can find its way onto your rooftop. Clear it as often as possible to prevent drainage system clogs and eco-system disruptions.
- Watering: Water needs will vary by which green roofing type you have. It can help to put a pre-planned watering schedule in place when you install your new green roof.
- Soil testing: Occasional soil testing is an essential part of maintenance. It will ensure your roof has the right balance of chemical properties for plant growth.
- Plant encroachment checking: Every few months, check for plants growing in unwanted spaces, such as drains, gutters, and chimneys.
- Membrane upkeep: Schedule regular check-ups for your green roof membrane. A specialist should look for punctures and damage, ensuring drainage systems are working properly.
Prioritizing green roof maintenance not only enhances its longevity but also preserves its aesthetic charm. Visit our inspiration gallery to view the green roof that GSM Roofing installed at our office in Ephrata, PA. Ready to take the next step? Schedule a green roof consultation by contacting GSM Roofing.
Green Roof Maintenance FAQ
How Long does a Green Roof Last?
With proper care, a green roof can last 30 to 50 years or longer, often outlasting conventional roofing systems.
What Happens if There’s a Leak?
Modern green roofs are designed with waterproof membranes and drainage systems to minimize the risk of leaks. Any damage should be repaired promptly to maintain the roof’s integrity.
What should I do if Water Pooling or Drainage Problems Occur?
Address the issue immediately by inspecting drains and the roof’s slope. This is essential to avoid potential damage to the roof structure, vegetation, and waterproofing layers. Consult a professional if necessary.
What is the Recommended Maintenance Schedule for a Green Roof?
They typically require quarterly inspections and maintenance, with additional checks after severe weather events.
How do I Handle Plant Replacement if Some Die Off?
Dead plants should be replaced with similar species to maintain balance. A professional service can assist with sourcing and installing replacements.
How should I Prepare my Green Roof for Winter?
- Inspect the roof for damage
- Remove debris
- Check drainage systems
- Prepare irrigation systems for freezing conditions
- Cut back overgrown plants
- Ensure that the roof can handle snow loads