How to make a do-it-yourself green roof

Green roofs have many advantages. From the absorption of water to the reduction of the risk of flooding, up to the aesthetic impact and improvement of air quality. Do you want to learn how to build one yourself? Here's how to do it in six steps

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I green roofs have many advantages. From the absorption of water to the reduction of the risk of flooding, up to the aesthetic impact and improvement of air quality. Do you want to learn how to build one yourself? Here's how to do it in 6 steps.

Before starting the construction of our green roof, there are a few things to know. First of all, it is necessary to calculate, perhaps asking for help from an engineer friend, if the structure is able to support the weight. Simple green roofs can weigh between 60-150 kg per square meter, depending on how they are built. When calculating the weight of the green roof the possible additional load of rain and snow must also be considered.

It is also not recommended to build a green roof on a slope above 10 ° without the help of an expert. What if the roof can't hold the weight? Just reinforce it with wooden supports. Let's start.

Index

Evaluate the layers to be created

Better to start with a simpler version of only 3 layers, i.e. placing the waterproof membrane, the soil substrate and finally the vegetation from the bottom up.

How to make a do-it-yourself green roof

Waterproof membrane

Most roofs generally have a waterproof membrane but green roofs require an additional layer, capable of resisting even plant roots. Ideally it should be a single one - millimeter thick sheet covering the entire surface. Where to find it? In a garden shop. Important: create the holes for the drainage of water before placing the subsequent layers of green roof.


The discharge

Excess water must be free to run off the roof, avoiding overloading it. Drains for drainage are therefore very important. To create 'passages' for the water favoring the slope of some areas of the green roof, just use layers of pebbles up to the gutters. Stones can also be used in green roof edges to prevent excessive vegetation propagation.


How to make a do-it-yourself green roof

Create the substrate

Green roofs have an average depth of 7-20 centimeters. The substrate must be light and low in nutrients. For this reason, it is best to avoid the use of common garden soil, which is very heavy when wet. Furthermore, it has too high an organic matter content, which also favors unwanted vegetation. Better to use 70-80% volcanic rock and 20-30% organic material such as compost.

Plant

The most exciting part is certainly that of sowing. It is possible to design the green roof to attract certain types of plant and animal species or based on local biodiversity. Many suppliers offer gardening and seed mixes specially formulated for green roofs to withstand the weather. There are various ways: the classic sowing, but also the 'transfer' of small plants.

Machine maintenance

The maintenance required for a home green roof usually is minima. In the drier season, it is good to make sure that the plants have enough water, especially in the first year, so that they can grow properly. Make sure the drains are free of debris or plants.


Advice. It is necessary to build a square of material along the perimeter of the green roof, this will allow the vegetation to remain confined. It is also necessary to check that the frame does not block the drainage of the roof.


Good job!

Francesca Mancuso

READ also:

- How to build a DIY green roof on your dog's bed

Green roofs around the world: 10 extraordinary examples of green roofs

The 10 most bizarre green roofs

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