Urban population growth and the increased number of commercial buildings has had a huge impact on the environment and human health.
As more people become aware of the impacts that their commercial endeavors have on the environment, they are looking for ways to improve urban life and to be more eco-friendly. One way this is being achieved is by adding green roofing to buildings.
Read on to find out how this step may be beneficial to your business and what key factors go into implementing green roofs on commercial buildings in Youngstown OH.
What Exactly Is Green Roofing?
The concept of having a green roof isn’t new. In fact, it’s something that humans have been doing for thousands of years. It’s the act of using vegetation on the top of a building to protect the people and belongings inside.
There are two types of green roofs that can be used on a commercial building: an extensive green roof or an intensive green roof.
Extensive Green Roof
An extensive green roof is a lightweight, low-maintenance roof that doesn’t require a lot of water. The plants included in this green roof option include moss, herbs, low-growing succulents or sedum.
When it comes to green commercial building roofs, this one comes with a lower cost because it doesn’t require a lot of soil and only a few varieties of plants are used.
Intensive Green Roofs
Intensive green roofs add a lot more soil and plants (which can add heavy amounts of weight to the top of a building), however, you have a wide range of plant options when it comes to this green roof. That means that you can add grasses, shrubs and perennials to your rooftop.
Benefits of Adding Green Roofing in Ohio
Adding vegetation to the top of your commercial building comes with numerous benefits, and many of them can save you money in addition to being kind to the planet.
Below are some of the benefits you get from adding a green roof in areas throughout Ohio (like Youngstown, Warren, Akron and beyond).
You’ll Spend Less on Water Infrastructure Costs
When adding a regular commercial roof to your building, you have to make sure it has the right drainage system to remove water from the top. If it doesn’t, you risk water getting into the building and causing a lot of damage.
Not only can water cause structural damage (which could lead to roof collapse), but it could also short-circuit the electrical system, which could lead to a fire.
If you add a green roof to your commercial building, you won’t have to worry as much about drainage systems, because the vegetation you add to your roof will naturally absorb the water and reduce/slow any water runoff.
This can save you a lot when it comes to having drains installed, inspected and maintained on a regular basis. It will also help to keep your building and everyone and everything inside safe from water hazards.
Pollution Reduction
Plants are natural filters when it comes to removing harmful particles from the air. When you add them to your commercial roof, they can greatly reduce the number of pollutants in the area.
Not only do plants get rid of harmful chemicals in the air, but they also convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, which can help you and others in the city breathe much easier.
Reduce Heat Caused by Urban Heat Islands
Adding a green roof to your commercial building can make the surface 90 degrees cooler than a conventional roof. Often, when many buildings are confined to one area and are reflecting heat back into the environment, this creates a heat island that can have an impact on health.
In addition, urban heat islands cause an increase in electrical usage from the constant need to cool commercial buildings in order to keep the occupants comfortable. This leads to increased energy costs and further impacts the environment.
Adding a green roof to the top of your building can naturally reduce the amount of heat that is released and ultimately lower your energy bills.
Creates New Habitats
Depending on the type of vegetation you add to your roof, you can attract butterflies, bees and other pollinating insects and birds. Your green roof can give them a safe haven to survive and thrive, and this can benefit the planet (and these particular species) in a variety of different ways.
What Matters in Green Commercial Building Roofs
While there are many benefits to adding a green roof to your commercial building, there are some things you’ll need to consider in order to get the most out of your green roof:
Types of Plants for Green Roofs
The roof of your commercial building faces a lot of weather extremes. So, you have to have plants that can withstand high heat and low amounts of moisture. Plants will also be exposed to wind and air pollutants. To ensure you’re getting the most out of your green commercial roof, having the right plants is imperative.
Some of the best plants to consider putting on a roof in and around the Youngstown, OH area include stonecrop, dianthus, catmint and tickseed.
Having a Roof that Can Handle Going Green
In addition to getting the right plants for your commercial green roof, you also need to make sure that your roof is able to handle the extra weight and has the right slope.
Some of the other things that will need to be considered include whether or not there are electrical systems on the roof, the environmental conditions (including how much sun and wind the roof is exposed to), and if the area can be accessed for maintenance.
Talking to a professional is your best option when it comes to deciding if your commercial building can handle a green roof.
Get Started Today
If you’re in need of roofing suggestions and options for your commercial building, contact TEMA Roofing today. We’ll let you know what you’re up against, and give you direction on which roofing systems may work best for your location.
