Replacing your home's roof is a significant financial undertaking, so you need to be sure that you give it the consideration it deserves before you get started. If you're thinking about a living roof, it's important to understand the differences between those roofing structures and a traditional asphalt shingle or metal roof. There are a lot of important factors to discuss with your roofing contractor before you actually make the choice.

How Is Your Roofing Structure?

One of the first things you need to know before installing a living roof is what kind of support your roof has. Remember that a living roof comes with a lot of extra weight compared to other roofing systems. For that reason, you need to be sure that your roofing structure can support that weight. You'll have to factor in the added weight of the planting bed frames, the soil you choose, and the plants. Not only that, but you'll also have added weight when you water the soil, so consider that as well.

Can You Reinforce Walkways?

Depending on what you're planning to grow, you might need to have access to walk between or around the planting beds once your roof is done. Your roofing contractor can help you explore the solutions available to reinforce walkways in those areas if necessary. This is particularly true if you're concerned about needing to weed and otherwise maintain the beds during the active growing seasons.

Should You Add Barriers?

If you install a living roof, your roofing contractor should talk with you about both waterproofing barriers as well as weed barrier products. These will protect the underlayment of your roof from root penetration as well as water damage. Not only that, but you should give those barriers the best chance of success by using a lightweight growing medium that drains well and grow shallow-rooting plants so that you don't have to worry about aggressive root systems.

Do You Have Watering Access?

When you don't have an easy way to water a living roof, you'll need to think about planting succulents instead. However, you can often incorporate a wand watering system that drains directly into your gutter system. Your roofing contractor can help you ensure proper drainage for your watering needs.

Talk with a roofing service in your area such as Iman Roofing  about these and any other important considerations for your new roof. The better prepared you are, the easier the transition will be.

Share