Roof Gardens Lees Summit MO

Source: CUSTOM HOME Magazine
Publication date: January 1, 2007

By Stephani L. Miller

Commercial projects in the U.S. increasingly incorporate green roofs, and now interest from home builders and owners is growing as well. High-end homeowners who are environmentally committed are especially aware of green roofs, according to Melissa Muroff, COO of Roofscapes Inc.

Between 2004 and 2005, total green roof square footage grew 80 percent in the U.S., according to Green Roofs for Healthy Cities' recent Green Roof Industry Survey. The reasons are simple and varied. In commercial and residential applications, green roofs control storm water, replace green spaces, improve air quality, extend the life of roof surfaces, and greatly reduce solar heat gain, which reduces cooling costs.

Most green roofs are multi-layered, built-in-place systems for flat roofs that are several thousand square feet in size. These systems are rarely used on homes because they are extremely expensive, heavy, and hinder roof repair.

But some green roofs are designed for simpler installation. These modular systems come in several formats and sizes and utilize a portable framework of woven or molded plastic or metal containers for the growth media and plants. The modules are easier and faster to install than commercial systems and most come pre-planted. Stabilizing components make them usable on steep-slope roofs, and the modules can be easily removed for roof repair, says Sandra McCullough.

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