Turf Roof 101: A Beginner's Guide to Green Roofs

Turf roofs are a type of green roof that uses artificial turf instead of plants. This is a great option for those who want the benefits of a green roof without the maintenance.

Turf roofs can be installed on top of most buildings, including homes and offices. They're especially suitable for areas with poor soil quality or limited sunlight.

One of the main benefits of turf roofs is that they're extremely durable and can last for decades with minimal maintenance. They can withstand heavy foot traffic and harsh weather conditions.

Turf roofs can also help to reduce stormwater runoff and improve air quality.

There are three main types of green roofs to consider. In the UK, you've got Lightweight Sedum Roofs, which are popular for their ease of installation and lower weight.

A Lightweight Sedum Roof is suitable for most flat and shallow pitched roofs. This type of roof is ideal for buildings that can't carry a lot of weight.

Extensive green roofs are the thinnest and lightest of the three options. They require only 5-15 cm (2-6in) of growing medium.

You can grow sedum, sempervivum, moss, rock aster, and ferns on an extensive roof. These plants are low-maintenance and drought-resistant.

Semi-extensive green roofs have a greater depth, needing around 10-20 cm (4-8 in) of growing medium. This type of roof is suitable for perennials, but not shrubs and trees.

Ornamental grasses, bulbs from the allium family, and dry habitat perennials work well on a semi-extensive roof.

The costs of a turf roof can be a bit steep, with prices ranging from $25 to $30 per square foot, including design, materials, labor, and installation.

This estimate doesn't include the cost of replacing or repairing the underlying roof, which can add up to $35 per square foot or more.

However, the long-term benefits of a turf roof can make up for the higher upfront costs, including decreased energy and equipment costs, lower maintenance, and increased longevity of the roofing membranes.

Turf roofs can also provide natural insulation, keeping a house cooler in summer and warmer in winter, especially in extreme climates, by using 5 to 6 inches of earth or 14 inches of decomposing straw on the roof.

This can lead to a more comfortable living space and reduced energy bills over time.

Green roofs can be a significant investment, with costs ranging from $25 to $30 per square foot. This estimate includes design, materials, labor, and installation.

The higher upfront costs of a green roof should be weighed against long-term savings on energy and equipment costs. Decreased maintenance and increased longevity of roofing membranes are also benefits to consider.

Installing a green roof over an existing roof is possible, but the underlying roof structure and membranes must be in sound condition. This means the costs per square foot apply only to the area covered by the green roof.

Properly installed green roofs can come with No Dollar Limit warranties. This added peace of mind can be a valuable benefit for building owners.

A living roof can help keep your house cooler in summer and warmer in winter, especially in extreme climates, by having 5 to 6 inches of earth on the roof.

The wind and noise protection qualities of a living roof are also worth considering, especially in areas with dense traffic, where a city house built with bales and covered with an organic roof can become a peaceful retreat at any time of day.

A lightweight Sedum roof is suitable for most flat and shallow pitched roofs and easy to install, making it a great option for many buildings.

Using a much lighter growing medium than soil, such as composted straw, can significantly reduce the weight of a living roof, with moist composted straw weighing approximately 30 pounds per cubic foot.

A 4-inch-thick layer of straw flakes can add as little as 10 pounds per square foot to the structure, while still providing natural protection and a look to the roof.

Durable roofing membranes like EPDM and PVC can have their life expectancy increased by a protective coat of organic matter, such as in a living roof system.