You want your roof to look good.... but you also want it to work well. While green roofing systems are becoming an increasingly popular choice for commercial buildings, an improper design can make your green roof less effective and more expensive. Is going green something you have been thinking about? Do you want to take your commercial roof to a whole new level of design aesthetic? Then avoid making costly blunders. Don't know where to start? Keep reading. These are some of most common mistakes.
Perhaps the biggest green roof blunder is rushing the job. You probably have a lot on your plate. That means you don't necessarily want to spend a ton of time designing the perfect green roofing system. That can cause you to skip over important elements. Like, the type of plant life or vegetation that will look best on your rooftop. Or the most effective ways for you to reduce urban heating levels. A sloppy or rushed project can lead to poor results. Just like any other type of construction, there is an awful lot of planning involved before any physical work is done. This is true regardless of whether you will handle the project logistics yourself or will be using a team of professional roofing contractors. So, don't rush. Take your time and get the planning done right.
Another potentially costly mistake is not considering the structure of your roof. Is it strong enough to withstand the extra weight? Will the plant life affect the building in any way? A successful green roof installation means understanding the design of your existing roof. Before you can start installing drainage systems and thinking about soil depth, you need to take a critical look at your roof. Not all commercial buildings have a compatible rooftop. Some simply cannot handle the extra weight - or it may be too costly to make the necessary changes. It isn't just the weight of the actual soil, plants, and drainage systems that need to be taken into account. Think about the people that will walk on the rooftop to enjoy the views - as well as the people who will maintain it. Certain adjustments may need to be made to your roofing system or the design of your green roof prior to construction.
The last blunder to avoid has to do with the appearance of your green roof. Some plants may look perfect right now.... but think about how they will look five or ten years in the future. Will they grow too large? How will it affect the aesthetic of your roofing system? You want a green roof that adds beauty to the building for years to come. This is not a short-term roof! With proper maintenance, it can last for decades. So, put thought into the look you hope to achieve as well as the sustainability of that look. Something else to keep in mind? Choose durable plant containers, flashing, watering systems, and other roofing materials. Those higher quality items can prevent repair calls.
You deserve a roof that looks great. A green roofing system lets you achieve just that. With lush plant life and the perfect retreat from the bustling city, you can benefit the environment while adding to the artistic design of your commercial building. Think it over!
Joe Davis understands how to avoid green roof blunders. He has experience bringing both residential and commercial roofing products to customers all over the country. In the last few years, he has been working successfully with IKO Roofing Shingles.
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