Garden "Green" Roofing Solutions

Add Some Life (Literally!) to Your Building with a Green Roof

Garden or "Green Roofing Systems" for commercial structures combine the power of nature and technology to perform all the necessary functions of a roof — protecting your building from the elements, managing water and drainage, and improving energy efficiency — while also enhancing the aesthetics of the building and benefiting the environment.

A Green Roof is constructed of several layers. The top layer consists of vegetation planted in soil or a synthetic growth medium, and can include grass, blossoming plants, ground cover, or even trees and shrubs. It can also include a variety of other decorative or functional landscaping elements, such as stone, pavers, gravel, or water features.

Beneath the landscaped layer is a drainage layer and a barrier to prevent plant roots from penetrating or damaging the underlying building structure. At the bottom is a layer of waterproof material to seal the building from moisture. 

Benefits of a Green Roofing system include:

• Energy efficiency – a Green Roof can reduce energy costs, because the structural and landscaping layers have good insulation properties.
• Aesthetic appeal – the landscaping features of a Green Roof can beautify the view of your building, from below as well as above.
• Occupant morale – if you make your facility’s roof accessible to employees, tenants, or visitors, a Green Roof can create an attractive outdoor space for breaks, lunches, and relaxation.
• Environmental benefit – the vegetation on a Green Roof contributes to increasing oxygen levels and reducing carbon dioxide in the surrounding area. A Green Roof can reduce the heat-island effect of a building and may also contribute positively to the environment by providing a habitat for insects and birds.
• LEED Certification – as part of a comprehensive environmental strategy for your facility, a Green Roof can help you qualify for the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification program of the U.S. Green Building Council. This can enhance your reputation in the community and help you qualify for tax or financial incentives from government authorities or utility companies that encourage Green Construction.

Heidler Roofing is authorized to install Green Roofs on new construction, using applications from several manufacturers, including Tremco, GAF, Firestone, and Carlisle.