The green movement spawned a new kind of roofing system that combines soil, plants, and other natural elements to form a rooftop ecosystem. Popular in many areas, green commercial roofing systems (a.k.a. natural systems) are quickly becoming the preferred alternative to conventional systems that do not weather well, and saddle building owners with high roofing repair bills. If you intend to implement a green roof, below are seven reasons to move forward with your plans:
Improved Storm Water Management
Green systems improve storm water management by storing water in the substrate, where it is absorbed by plants, and then returned to the atmosphere by transpiration and evaporation. By retaining storm water, a natural roof can help extend the lifespan of drainage systems by reducing the volume of water they receive. Research shows that a natural system can retain up to ninety percent of the rain that falls on them.
Reduced Ambient Heat
In the summer, a roof can be a major source of unwanted heat; as it absorbs sunlight, it produces heat energy that is transferred to the interior of the building. Natural systems prevent this from happening by absorbing sunlight without transferring it to the interior. Research shows that a natural roof can reduce the demand for air conditioning by up to seventy-five percent.
Improved Energy Efficiency
The more insulation its roof contains, the less heat a building loses in the winter, and a natural roof serves as an extra layer of insulation. If your building’s annual utility bill is too high, implementing a green system can help bring it back under control.
Reduced Repairs
Because natural systems are “self-sustaining,” they typically require fewer repairs than conventional commercial roofing. If you need to save money on roofing repair, implementing a natural system can help you do it.
Improved Building Value
At a time when eco friendly buildings are preferred over buildings that use conventional technology, installing a green roof can increase the value of a building to potential buyers. A green roof can also increase the real estate value of a building by improving its energy efficiency.
Attractive to Employees
In urban environments where outdoor greenery is scarce, buildings that have a natural roof can help companies attract and retain employees. According to research, a green roof can make employees easier to recruit and reduce employee turnover. If you need to reduce the cost of recruiting or training new employees, implementing a green roof can help.
Noise Reduction
Depending on their construction, green roofs can reduce outside noise by up to 50 decibels. The interiors of urban buildings are prone to an influx of low frequency noise caused by transport systems, automobiles, and industrial work. Green systems excel at providing a barrier to this noise.
Conclusion
If you need a commercial roofing system, implementing a natural system may be the best option. In addition to improving the aesthetics of your building, a green roof can improve storm water management, reduce ambient heating, improve energy efficiency, reduce the cost of roofing repair, improve building value, attract employees, and reduce noise.
