Green Roofs

Modern green roofs are a relatively new trend dating back to parts of Europe in the sixties, but the principles have been around for centuries.  New roofing technologies have given way to better waterproofing materials, which have allowed for more options when considering green roofs for all types of buildings.

Types of Green Roofing

There are two vital types of green roofs that require different techniques when implementing their design. The two are either intensive or extensive.  Intensive green roofs are currently seeing the most significant growth in the commercial roofing field. This roof design offers a suitable place, but requires more maintenance, whereas an extensive green roof has been the most commonly seen type of roof in Europe for centuries, and requires nearly no maintenance. Intensive green roofs typically have deeper planting beds and require bonus irrigation, but can be used to grow gardens of vegetables or trees.  These green roofs can turn an otherwise unused rooftop into a place that can be leased out or used as a simple rooftop park.

Intensive Green Roofing

Intensive green roofs typically have deeper planting beds and require bonus irrigation, but can be used to grow gardens of vegetables or trees.  These green roofs can turn an otherwise unused rooftop into a place that can be leased out or used as a simple rooftop park.

Extensive Green Roofing

An extensive green roof only needs to be monitored and might need someone to fertilize and weed it once a year. These green roofs are best used on buildings that do not have a simple accessibility to the roof, or on roofs with a pitch like the typical home.

Utility Savings

In today’s push to be more environmentally friendly, more people in Texas and the Houston and Austin  areas are retrofitting their buildings to incorporate green roofs, as well as water collection systems. There is no point in wasting money on utility expenses when even the most straightforward green roof can help to cut the rising cost of energy and water in the area.

If the thought of saving money on utilities is not enough, there are also some fantastic tax credits being offered as an incentive to going green.