A green roof (sometimes called a living roof) is a rooftop that’s completely covered with vegetation, soil, and additional layers designed to support plant life. Unlike a conventional roof that’s usually bare and absorbs heat, green roof systems have a growing medium, drainage layer, root barrier, and waterproof membrane to help plants thrive. Green roofs offer many benefits, like better thermal performance, reduced energy use, and improved air quality. They can also support wildlife such as birds and insects, and they help rooftops blend buildings into urban areas more naturally.

Most flat roofs and many sloped rooftops can support a green roof project, but it depends on the roof structure and how much weight load it can handle. A structural engineer will check if your building can support the additional layers, soil, plants, and water weight. For intensive roofs or a roof garden with small trees or shrubs, more structural support is needed. In older buildings or projects with limited load capacity, a lightweight extensive system with a sedum blanket might be the best choice. Always make sure the roof is properly waterproofed and includes a root barrier and drainage layer before installation.

Green roofs offer a wide range of benefits that go beyond just looking good. They help reduce energy costs by keeping buildings cooler during the summer months and warmer in the winter, which can also lower air conditioning use. They improve air quality by filtering pollutants and producing oxygen. They also support wildlife, providing habitats for birds, insects, and other species in big cities. Green roofs significantly reduce rainwater runoff, which helps manage stormwater. Plus, they extend the life expectancy of your roof by protecting it from heat, UV rays, and the elements.

Green roofs are designed to work year round. In summer, they help keep your building cool and reduce the need for air conditioning. In winter, they act as natural insulation, improving thermal performance and reducing heat loss. The vegetation layer also protects the roof from extreme temperatures and elements like heavy rain, snow, and UV rays. Over time, this helps extend the roof’s life expectancy. With proper planning and maintenance, a green roof will thrive through all seasons — keeping your building greener, cooler, and more efficient no matter the weather.