Rooftop Garden on Flat Roof

February 21, 2019

Rooftop Garden on Flat Roof

Sustainability is indeed a hot topic in the world at the moment. Especially after the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, the business community is focusing on making the environment cleaner and easy to breathe. There has been a lot of eco-friendly building designs in the past decade.
However, one of the most attractive and popular designs is the rooftop garden. This has been a center of attraction for many eco-friendly buildings, and businesses are adopting it quickly. These rooftop gardens are only possible on the flat roof designs because they provide adequate space to set up the proper green facility.
Nevertheless, many people are confused regarding the benefits and maintenance of rooftop gardens. I have jotted down a few points to help you understand it.

Benefits of Rooftop Garden on a Flat Roof

1. Reduces the Energy Consumption of Building

This is probably the biggest catch of the rooftop garden. Buildings having a green roof can reduce the energy consumption of the building. It keeps the temperature of the building lows up to certain degrees. It means that you do not have to pay extra for the maintenance of the rooftop garden as it recovers the cost directly from the low energy consumption.

2. Absorbs Rain Water

Rooftop gardens are directly exposed to the atmosphere, meaning rainwater first falls on them before any other part of the building. The soil on the roof surface can absorb the rainwater and discharge the additional water through the drainage channel. This soil acts as a protective layer on the flat roof, not allowing the water to pass through it. Therefore, the chances of roof leakages become extremely low.

3. Eye-Catching Design

Green roofing is a very attractive design. It provides a unique look to the building and increases its overall aesthetic. This is one of the most affordable and impressive ways to make your building beautiful. There are diverse designs available in this category that you can adapt according to your budget and taste.

4. Produces Oxygen

Once you have installed a green roof in your building, you will feel that your facility has started breathing. The sole reason is the production of oxygen from the rooftop garden in the middle of the city. This makes the environment more soothing and calm. The air becomes fresh in the buildings in which green roof is installed

5. Can be Used as Relaxing Area

Most of the companies that install green roofs allow their employees to relax during break time. This enables the workers to get out of the busy routine and boost their mood. The rooftop can be used for occasions like parties and other gatherings.
The environment of the workplace becomes more friendly with the roof garden. The green scenery has a positive impact on the mood of the employees, and they become more productive.

Maintenance of Rooftop Garden

1. Pick Manageable Plants

While designing your green roof, it is crucial to pick only those plants which are manageable. You cannot seed big trees on the rooftop because their roots can damage the roof surface. Weight is a critical factor while picking plants. It is highly recommended to pick lightweight plants like flowers and vegetables for the green roof. This way, there will be a minimum strain on the structure.

2. Provide Adequate Water

The green roof is exposed to direct sunlight most of the day. Therefore, the moisture inside the plants gets evaporated, and they can become dead. So, adequate water supply is essential to keep the green roof alive and functional.
However, it does not mean that you should provide excess water. It can also damage the flat roof structure. A balanced amount of water is required to keep up the good health of the roof.

3. Continuous Inspection of Roof Health

There can be many complications in the rooftop garden, and it can lead to leakages in the roof surface. Therefore, a proper and regular inspection is required to keep everything functioning. Flat roof inspection once every two months is recommended to avoid the cracks and weakening of the roof.

4.Proper Drainage Channel

The most critical element of the green roof is the cleaning of the drainage channel. It allows the additional water to discharge timely. If there are some blockages in the drainage channel, there can be water ponding on the roof’s surface, leading to cracks. Thereby, it is critical to keep an eye on the drainage system of the roof.

Final Thoughts

Flat roofing is a practical design, especially for green buildings. You can set up a rooftop garden on the building, which provides a mesmerizing view and fresh air. I have tried to jot down some of the most important benefits of green roofs and preventive measures.
Rooftop garden saves energy costs by keeping the building protected from direct sunlight and rainwater. However, you need to keep an eye on the water drainage system and ensure no blockage on the way.