Green roofs provide thermal insulation, which reduces energy bills and may last longer than traditional roofs. They also filter rainwater because of the soil medium, which is good for the environment.
So, how long does a green roof last? Although green roofs are low maintenance, they still need regular checks like removing weeds, adding fertilizer, or drainage inspection.
How you maintain your green roof may determine its efficacy and how long it lasts. They need regular maintenance and inspection to ensure that they are functioning properly.
As the property manager, you should consider the green roof maintenance costs in your yearly budgets. You can do the checks or hire a qualified green roof contractor for regular inspections.
So, how do you maintain your green roof? This article shares the key checks you need to do and actions to take to maintain a healthy green roof.
Why Is It Important To Maintain Your Green Roof?
A well maintained green roof can last for 40 years or more. So you need regular inspection to ensure that it is functioning well. Failure to maintain your green roof may cause the breeding of insects if water logs on the roof for too long if the drains are clogged. The green roof maintenance costs are cheaper than restoring it if left unmaintained.
It is easier to maintain a sedum roof than a green roof with vegetables and herbs. Another easy green roof to maintain is a bio-diverse roof that feeds flora and fauna. Planting succulents and wildflowers is an easier choice to maintain.
10 Ways to Maintain Your Green Roof
You need to take several actions quarterly, monthly, or yearly by yourself or with a professional contractor. Let’s look at some of them.
a) Annual green roof maintenance
To maintain your green roof, you need to do at least two inspections annually. Here are some of the checks to consider.
1. Weather damage checks
Although green roofs are sturdy and hard to destroy, detrimental weather conditions can cause damage. Do regular checks if there are heavy storms or stagnant rainwater to be aware of any damage for prompt action.
2. Plant coverage
Check the health of the plants and identify those to replace or add. You may notice some plants have turned yellow or brown instead of green, which may mean they are not getting all the necessary nutrients.
The presence of dead plants means they are not getting adequate water or sunlight. Remove the dead plants and ensure the remaining plants get enough water.
If you notice areas in the green roof with poor growth or changes in color, consider adding more fertilizer and ensure the areas get adequate water. Take week-by-week photos of the foliage so you can notice any changes and mitigate them early enough.
3. Soil
Check for any changes in the soil media, such as holes or depressions, due to wind or animal activity. Replace the soil if that is the case. Also, send soil for testing once a year to identify any nutrient gaps.
4. Roof inspection
Check whether the whole green roof system is retaining or ponding water. Remove any dead leaves on the gutters or drains that would cause a blockage. You can do the checks once a year, but preferably twice in spring and autumn. The number of checks you need to do depends on the greenery of the green roof.
b)Seasonally
5. Inspect the drainage system.
A green roof may have more debris than a traditional roof due to increased foliage. Check for any debris that may block the drainage. Clean the gutters regularly, at least twice a year in spring and autumn.
Inspect the drainage system for any blockages that would affect inlets or outlets. You can inspect once a quarter to find any issues early enough.
6. Inspect the irrigation system
The irrigation system comes in handy to automate green roof maintenance. It gives the green roof plants controlled watering for consistent growth while reducing your workload. Check if the timer is working properly and if the batteries need replacement.
7. Weeding
If you let the weeds grow freely, they will crowd the surface and restrict the growth of other plants. The amount of weeding you will do depends on the types of pants you choose for your green roof. Remove weeds regularly to prevent them from invading the green roof and restricting the growth of your plants.
Do this check twice a year once the plant coverage is established. You should do weeding monthly between April and November because of the expected high growth during these months. Luckily, weeding takes a short time, particularly if your green roof is small.
8. Check for pests and unwanted wildlife
A green roof provides a rich habitat for wildlife, but it can also attract pests that may damage the green roof, such as mice, rats, termites, and ants. Onto for these unwanted wildlife to prevent damage to the roof. Hire a professional in New York to solve the issue effectively without harming your plants or the wildlife.
c) As needed
9. Watering
Sedum roofs don’t need as much watering unless it is hot and dry. However, you still need to have a regular watering schedule in place.
You should have an irrigation system in place when it doesn’t rain. The irrigation system will lessen your work because it controls the amount of water the plants get at a time, and you can easily control and automate it. Regularly water the plants as needed, especially during summer or when it’s too hot.
10. Feeding
Adding fertilizer is a good way to keep your green roof healthy. Add fertilizer sparingly in the first months. But slow down to prevent excess nutrients from seeping into the stormwater and being released off the roof.
You can add organic fertilizer twice a year in April and September to enrich the soil for healthy plant growth. Avoid adding too much fertilizer, particularly in colder months, due to the risk of frost damage.
For optimum results, add a fertilizer rich in phosphorus, potassium, and less nitrogen with a slow-release feed to boost healthy roots and flowers.
FAQs
- How often should you service a green roof?
You need to service your green roof twice or thrice a year. You may need to do some monthly checks depending on the type of plants you choose for your green roof.
- What makes a green roof sustainable?
A green roof is sustainable because it provides insulation to the building from harsh weather, purifies the air, and tends to last longer than traditional roofs.
- Do green roofs need to be maintained?
Yes. Green roof maintenance is key in the first few years after installation to ensure proper plant coverage.
- Are green roofs waterproof?
Yes. Green roofs retain rainwater because they have soil media that absorbs water. Thus, protect the roof from damage by rainwater.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining your green roof regularly is important to correct damage in time. The green roof maintenance costs depend on the type of green roof you choose. Consider getting professional advice for comprehensive inspection and advice on how to maintain your green roof.
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