Are you planning to install a green roof system this year? It might be a wise decision since our country has limited natural resources and land. Green roof maintenance is a relatively emerging technology that is grabbing the attention of many Singaporeans these days. It might look like your regular rooftop garden but more complex.
So what is this buzz all about? Read further to find out!
What is a Green Roof?
Green roofs are vegetation layers installed on top of a structure, mainly buildings. They can be installed to help manage stormwater on flat or sloping roofs. Layers of soil, a waterproof membrane, and drainage or water storage systems all come together as a smart gardening technique.
There are two types of green roofs: extensive and intensive systems. Extensive systems are appropriate for short plants with shallow root systems. They are easy to maintain with approximately 50–100 mm of soil. On the contrary, intensive systems resemble ground-level gardens where 80–150 mm of soil will support deeper-rooted plants like trees and bushes. This system is more labour-intensive and requires much more rigid green roof maintenance but, eventually, offers superior stormwater management.
Benefits of green roof systems
• Reduces Stormwater: It lessens the strain placed on neighbourhood sewer systems and the requirement to manage accumulated stormwater.
• Creates an Aesthetic Look: It gives urban neighbourhoods a beautiful appearance. Urban greening encourages an efficient and simple technique for improving the aesthetics of the freshly constructed environment and expands investment prospects.
• Reduces effects of Pollution: The roof’s plants also trap air pollutants and stop the spread of smog and dust.
• Acts as roof protection: Plants cover the roof, limiting the chance of exposure to various factors. This allows the roof construction to last longer than unprotected roofing.
• Noise Barrier: Green roofs act as acoustic barriers to reduce the amount of outside noise that enters a building.
• Increases Property Value: It can increase a home’s value by making some appliances or household items more efficient. The excellent insulation it creates increases the life of other household items like HVAC systems and adds to the aesthetic value.
Green roof maintenance advice
An extensive green roof requires little to no maintenance. However, some upkeep will always be needed, such as grass maintenance, pulling weeds carried by the wind and deploying fertiliser routinely. In addition, a green roof with strong roots may not need additional water. Watering the green roof is only necessary for extremely dry situations. However, an effective irrigation system is advised depending on the climate zone where your green roof is situated.
Conclusion
Overall, a green roof system emerges as a smart way to incorporate greenery and its numerous benefits. It offers both community and personal benefits, making it worth every penny. Hence, if your business or housing society has decided to install one, talk to the experts at Prince’s Landscape. They are Singapore’s most trusted landscaping company offering a plethora of services for residential and commercial establishments. From installing a green roof to grass maintenance, you can trust them any day!