In the garden: A Green Roof can increase efficiency

[Cass]

Are you thinking about putting a new roof on your home? Or perhaps you have a garage or other outbuilding that needs a new roof? You may want to consider installing a Green Living Roof.
We were intrigued by the idea and created one on our cabin.
A Green Roof provides many benefits. It can provide increased energy efficiency by adding extra insulation to buildings. By having one less dark surface absorbing the sun’s rays, and with the addition of transpiring plants, you can help reduce the “heat island effect” that causes increased temperatures in urban areas.
The growing media and plants absorb water, decreasing the amount of water runoff to storm drains.
By planting a diversity of flowering plants, your Green Roof will attract birds, butterflies and other insect pollinators, thereby creating a charming microhabitat.
Finally, your Green Roof can provide a pleasant view for those who look down upon it.
There are some important questions to consider before you decide to build a Green Roof. Most importantly.... (http://www.gateline.com/106/story/3790.html)

[Merana]

So is "green roof" actually a roof with plants on it? I did not quite understand that... What kinds of plants would one use for that?

[Cass]

Yes, Merana! And thanks for joining the Green Forum! :)

Anything other than traditional man made mediums such as metal roofs and the like and that actually provides added benefits such as reduced heat retention would be green. Asphalt and other such roofs retain a tremendous amount of heat and energy from the sun. Not to mention cause untold environmental problems to create, excess pollution, waste of resources, etc. Green Roofs actually give back to the environment as opposed to taking and contributing negative affects...

I just would not want to be the lawn mower guy on some of the roofs, ;)

[dsalatas62]

Would we get some kind of break on the price of a green roof if it is better for the environment?:D

dsalatas62

[rbinck]

Would we get some kind of break on the price of a green roof if it is better for the environment?:D

dsalatas62If taxes is your question, I don't think so, just a break on utilities and if the roof grew food, a break there.

[linaguo]

I think you can fix solar panel on your roof to make your house green
If you put a solar panel on your roof,it can help you go green in your house just like the picture below.

[jamc204]

I've seen green roofs that are flat, but are there any types that are peaked, like the ones you seen on traditional homes?

Thanks

[drewtoby]

So is "green roof" actually a roof with plants on it? I did not quite understand that... What kinds of plants would one use for that?

Very cool! You could grow all kinds of stuff up there!

[Val]

Very cool! You could grow all kinds of stuff up there!

It seems you really only post to advertize your push mowers, now called "green mowers". Actually, the best landscaping is not lawns but whatever was there before development--the natural regional plants. No watering or much cutting. I just use a weed eater run off my solar power to trim excessive tall grasses which are a fire hazard.

[SunFusion Solar]

It is interesting to note that green roofs reduce water wastage. These roofs serve as the collection point of rain water. The water is stored in the storage tanks under the ground and are mostly used for toilet flushing purposes.