Have you ever seen a rooftop garden and wondered if it was right for your home or business? As a local roofing business, we’ve seen a thing or two when it comes to roofs but there’s nothing quite like a good rooftop garden. Vegetation takes in carbon dioxide and gives off oxygen which is wonderful for the atmosphere and since your roof is a large unused space, why not make the best of it with some rooftop plants. So, is having a rooftop garden right you or your business? Here are some tips on turning your roof into a garden. By the end of this blog, we hope you have a clear understanding of roof gardens.
Prepare your roof
Having a rooftop garden requires making sure your roof is prepared to properly sustain the vegetation you want to plant while not damaging your roof. It would be good to contact your local roofing company before you begin a project like this for a general consultation. As a local roofing company ourselves, our Ann Arbor roofers would be able to identify problem areas and help you avoid potential damage or danger. According to the International Green Roof Association there are several steps you need to take in preparing your roof for vegetation. First you will need a root barrier to protect your home from damage caused by the roots of vegetation and then add a protection layer which further shields your roof and also holds water and nutrients for the plants. Next is the drainage layer which allows excess water to drain off your roof and the filter layer which is there to make sure the drainage layer doesn’t get clogged. Finally, it is time to lay the growing medium and plant the vegetation. If you aren’t sure what type of plants to use, ask your local roofer for options and advice.
Pick the plants
Not all plants are meant to live on your roof. You want to make sure you pick the correct plants as conditions on a roof can be harsher than on the ground since it is closer to the sun and can also be windier. The National Park Service recommends going with robust plants that don’t require a lot of maintenance and can essentially survive on rainwater since you are unlikely to go up on the roof to take care of them as often as a garden on the ground. You also need to consider the expected size and height of the plants and go with plants that stay low to the ground over plants that grow tall. Some ideal types of plants according to Growing Green Guideare succulents, herbaceous perennials, turf and shrubs.
Maintain your garden
The International Green Roof Association says that growing plants on your roof does require some maintenance such as watering during dry seasons and replanting if some of the vegetation dies. You will also need to weed just as you would with a regular garden and keep an eye on your plants to make sure they are thriving so be prepared to be doing some work while on your roof. If you’re uneasy with heights or do not have steady balance, we do not recommend installing a rooftop garden.
As a local roofing company in Ann Arbor, we care about our community. Roof Advance has been family owned and operated for over 20 years. During that time, we’ve worked hard to make sure each and every roofing job is done with accuracy and quality. We believe in offering dependable services to our community and strive to offer the best roofing work possible. Schedule your free estimate today and get your home ready for summer fun!
For more tips and community updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
