Insulating, pollution-deterring, and most of all, aesthetically pleasing, green roofs are the natural, organic thing of the future. Capping your roof with plants, however, takes more than just planting. Here are some tips we think you might need when you want to install a green roof at home.

Things To Do Before Installing A Green Roof

Haven't you ever wanted to have a living garden as a roof? Not until recently, green roofs have been quite rare, found normally only in fantasy books and in movies. Now however, people have taken to planting their gardens not just on their backyards but on their roofs as well. Green roofing installation however requires more than just planting. It needs a framework, a plan. It needs certain things considered. As such, we compiled here all of the things we thought you might need when you're planning to set up your own green roof.

1. Consider the Cost

Consider the Cost | Things To Do Before Installing A Green Roof — Image via Jerry Siding

Green roofs aren't exactly cheap, but they don't also have to be expensive. Each square meter, depending on the materials, can hover around from $10 to as much as $40. Prices normally vary by your location, but you're likely to spend around that margin.

2. Consider the Time

Consider the Time | Things To Do Before Installing A Green Roof — Image via Waplag

Green roofing installation takes time as well. Depending on the size of your roof and your arrangements, the roofing installation proper can take days to probably a little over a week. Nevertheless, you should always keep in mind the season you plan to start your roofing installation. Start on planting season to see faster results.

3. Consider the Location

Consider the location | Things To Do Before Installing A Green Roof — Image via Off The Grid News

Some roofs are more difficult to turn into green roofs than others. Consider the slope of the roof. Flat roofs and roofs that bend by lower degrees will be better as green roofs than roofs that are completely slanted. Also, will your plants get enough sun on your roof? Keep in mind as well that some locations will require you to get a permit before you can start installing things atop your roof. It would be best to check for that before you start anything on your roof.

4. Consider the Maintenance

Consider the Maintenance | Things To Do Before Installing A Green Roof — Image via AVSO

Low-maintenance plants and dwarf shrubs are the best plants to plant atop your green roof. Plants such as wooly thymes or dwarf spruces are excellent choices when it comes to green roof planting. Having these plants for your roof will ensure your plants will continue to thrive, even without your everyday attention.

5. Consider the Installation Process

Installation | Things To Do Before Installing A Green Roof — Image via Garden Design Magazine

Do not forget to install a draining layer. Drainage is extremely important as you do not want to retain too much water. Mind the weight you are putting on your roof. Hire a structural engineer if need be and discuss with him the types of soil and other means of design you wish to put atop your roof.

Check out this video from Sterling Home Inspections on installing a green roof