When it comes to your home’s landscaping, green is good – from the grass on the ground to the leaves in the trees.

What you might not know is you can (and should!) have green on your roof, too – and not just for the beauty of it! Discover how a green roof can serve you aesthetically, financially and environmentally.

The benefits

A green roof is the coolest little home trend you’ve probably never heard of. There are countless benefits of adding one to your home, including:

• Reduced water and air pollution
• Increased energy efficiency and temperature regulation – both indoors and out
• Stabilized groundwater during rain, which is gentler on sewage systems
• Fire-resistance
• Extended roof lifespan
• Aesthetically pleasing and unique

What is a green roof, anyway?

With no prior knowledge, you might assume a “green roof” is one that is environmentally conscious, such as one with solar panels, for example.

However, a green roof is much more literal than that – it’s actually green! Your green roof is built from your existing roof. According to Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC), this “extension” is comprised of:

• High-quality waterproofing
• A root repellant system
• A drainage system
• A Filter cloth
• A lightweight growing medium
• Plants (mosses, succulents and other fire-resistant species)

Why you need one

Green roofs don’t just add something unique to your home. (Although, that’s certainly a perk!) They’ll also save you money and help save the planet. Here are some great reasons to give a green roof a try.

• Green roofs become waterproof in that they absorb up to 80 percent of rainwater. This greatly reduces the chance of flooding and provides sustainable drainage.
• The greenery absorbs sunlight, which regulates your temperature inside, reduces energy consumption and lowers your utility bill. (Evaluate your HVAC unit to save money, too!)
• As more homes are built, more greenery is removed from the planet. Adding green to your roof improves air quality by replacing the work of trees and other plants removed in development.
• Green roofs extend the life of your existing roof by reducing “thermal stress” induced by the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Who says beautiful landscaping is limited to your lawn? Consider these benefits and add some green up above.

At Neighborly, we’re committed to helping you create a home you love. Explore our family of experts that can help with your green roof or other home maintenance improvement needs.

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