How to make an eco-friendly and aesthetic green roof with your own hands. Grassy earthen roofs Construction of green roofs

The roof of a building can be done in different ways. A long time ago, our ancestors had a rather dark and unkempt dugout as their home, which had an earthen rampart instead of a roof. The history of human development has made its own adjustments to house building. The roof of leaves and branches has been transformed into red tiles and gray slates. But many homeowners miss the pleasant, eye-pleasing grass-green cover overhead.

Modern engineering solutions and technologies make it possible to make green roofs for residential and administrative buildings not only in villages, but also in cities. Such an organic solution is timely and very pleasing to the eye. Almost any type of roof will be suitable for the façade of a house. Decoration Materials natural origin: stone, brick, wood or ceramic tiles or sandwich panels imitating them.

Traditional green turf roof installation

Not every resident large city There is an opportunity to relax in the forest or breathe fresh air in the mountain meadows. Most often, there is simply not enough time to go out into nature. Multi-meter buildings, stuffy streets and scorching asphalt underfoot are depressing every day. Therefore, many happy owners of private houses strive to realize their desire to communicate with nature by building housing from natural, environmentally friendly materials.

Many technical solutions For installation, insulation, decoration and reconstruction of houses, Russian specialists adopted from the experience of Scandinavian countries. Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish engineers have long been using a number of technologies in construction that are only now becoming popular in our country.

Among them is the same “turf roof” that is actively being built on residential buildings not only in Scandinavian countries, but also in some European countries.

The general principle of constructing a green roof in the old Norwegian version was as follows: a clay bedding was laid under the turf layer. Its thickness was about 10 cm. The clay simultaneously served as thermal and waterproofing. For such a system it was necessary to create very durable bearing structures. Not only did the soil pie weigh a lot, but in winter a lot of snow was added to this load. If the load-bearing supports were not heavy enough, residents risked waking up one morning with a pile of earth and snow on their heads. Perhaps in the summer the building looked very picturesque, but the installation of such a roof could not be called cheap. For some time they stopped making turf roofs altogether.

Green roof

Possibly interesting constructive solution it would have remained a relic of the past if new manufacturers had not remembered the well-forgotten old Scandinavian customs.

Modern installation of green roofs

The task of modern specialists has become to reduce total weight roofing structure. With such technology it was necessary to preserve it decorative look. The main problem was creating a durable waterproofing layer. It had to be dense enough to prevent moisture and plant roots from passing through, and lightweight so as not to put a serious load on the roof structure.

The first layer is to lay the load-bearing flooring. Material in in this case not important. These can be boards or sheets of pressed shavings. The lining will also do, but then the cost building materials increases slightly.

The next layer is insulation. This part of the roof structure should protect the roof spaces from the penetration of rain and melt water. In addition, it is he who prevents the germination of plant roots. IN construction stores there are many offered roll waterproofing on a rubber or bitumen basis. The choice is large, there is room to expand.

"Roofing pie" for a green roof:

The simplest and in a safe way It is logical to complete the installation of a green roof - use it as a finishing layer rolled lawn. If the slopes are normal, grass can be planted directly on the soil layer. Before sowing, the soil is compacted manual tamper and loosen.

If the slopes are too steep, spring snowmelt or heavy rainfall can cause a landslide. As a rule, if the roof slope exceeds 10 °, a layer of soil should be laid between special barriers that prevent the soil from “sliding” down the roof.

Norwegians and Finns usually do not bother much with the choice of herbal crops, so everything that has sprouted on its own grows on the roofs. Such a spectacle, of course, looks colorful, but somewhat untidy. Therefore, Russian homeowners prefer to plant special plants on their roofs. ornamental grass, which covers the house with an even green carpet.

Let's take a closer look at one of the most important layers when constructing grass roof- drainage layer.

Drainage systems for green roofs. Drainage options

Since the water's path into the house is blocked, it means it must find a way out in another place. For this purpose, roof drainage is provided. Without this layer, water will accumulate on the surface of the waterproofing and cause acidification of the soil. This, in turn, will cause the roots and stems of the green roof to rot, ruining the whole idea of ​​creating a green roof. Can be used as drainage thin layer sand or crushed stone. If possible, you can buy lighter coverings such as geotextiles.

Ready-made solutions are often used as drainage systems for green roofs.

Benefits of green roofs

In addition to the obvious advantages (decoration, environmental friendliness and fire safety), a green roof has one more advantage. The roofing pie is considered heavy enough to ensure high-quality and uniform shrinkage of the house frame. In summer, the eco-roof protects the building from sun rays inside the attic and creates a comfortable cool temperature in the room.

IN winter period The grass structure significantly reduces heat loss.

Repairing such a roof will not require many years, and over the years, the appearance of the structure will not cease to please the eye with its elegance and neatness.

The primary task of the roof structure is protection from cold air, snow, rain or other atmospheric phenomena. However, lack of space for development, poor ecology in cities, low quality crop products are forcing additional functions to be assigned to the roof, introducing innovative architectural solutions. One of the most current trends in ecological housing construction is considered to be a plant roof, on which you can create not only a lawn, but also a real vegetable garden where you can grow healthy and safe fruits or vegetables. In this article we will discuss whether a green roof can be installed with your own hands.

Roofs on which grass or other plants grow are not a new invention. Although even more ancient examples of this architectural tradition are known, the most illustrative example The use of vegetable roofs are the turf dwellings of the Icelanders, which date back to the 18th century. Moss-covered houses characteristic peoples living in the territory of modern Norway, Canada, Great Britain, Switzerland.

Residents of the country, which is characterized by a harsh, cold, windy climate, immediately noticed that a roof covered with vegetation better protects against low temperatures, retains heat inside the house, creating a pleasant microclimate for living inside the home. IN modern conditions eco-roofs used for planting a lawn or setting up a mini-garden - more likely fashion trend, which allows you to take care of nature, your own health and rationally organize your living space.

It is interesting that in modern megacities, where the level of air pollution and stress exceeds all reasonable limits, it is necessary to organize green recreational areas for people. Even in the projects of Soviet modernist architects, eco-roofs appeared, designed for walking, relaxing, or placing greenhouses that could provide residents with fresh greenery all year round.

Advantages

Pervasive landscaping – necessary condition comfortable life in modern cities built of glass and concrete. However, often in cities covered with asphalt there is simply not enough space to accommodate green areas. The way out of this situation is a green roof, which allows not only to use living space more efficiently, but also to significantly improve the environmental situation. The advantages of this technology include:

1. Durability. A plant layer that tightly covers the roof surface protects roofing material from mechanical damage, temperature changes, moisture, so it will last more than 20 years.
2. Rationalization of the use of rainwater. Green spaces located on the roof slopes retain more than 25% of precipitation, preventing spontaneous water runoff and flooding. Instead of aimlessly merging into storm sewer, the water is used for irrigation and feeds the crops.
3. High insulating properties. The layer of soil and turf on an eco-roof serves as an excellent insulating material, which helps maintain a comfortable temperature inside the home and protects from external noise.
4. Organization of additional living space. A green roof can become a place for relaxation, sports, fresh air, placement of swimming pools and even cafes.

But the most important thing is that the technology of arranging eco-roofs makes it possible to improve the environmental situation in completely polluted megacities, preserve and increase the health of modern people.

Flaws

Despite the obvious advantages, the technology for installing green eco-roofs has not yet become widespread. This is primarily due to the high complexity of installation and big amount costs of installation and maintenance of the structure. The disadvantages of plant roofs are considered to be:

• Heavy weight. A layer of drainage, soil and plants is added up to 50 kg/m2 of area, so green design significantly increases the load on the floors and foundation of the structure.
• High price. To install an eco-roof, you must use only environmentally friendly clean materials, so its installation is much more expensive than a conventional pitched or flat roof.
• Difficult to install. Due to the heavy load on the foundation and floors, installation of a plant roof requires a project based on accurate calculations. Therefore, it is quite difficult to do this work with your own hands; most often you have to resort to the services of contractors.

Note! Most experienced roofers and architects believe that it is dangerous to retrofit old roof into vegetation, since the floors and foundation may simply not withstand the additional load and cause irreversible deformation.

Kinds

Depending on the height and purpose of the building, the types of plants used and the landscaping goals pursued, an eco-roof can change its appearance. It can be successfully installed both on slopes and on flat roofs ny designs. Depending on the nature of use, the following types of vegetable roofs are distinguished:

Important! To green roof pleased with its aesthetic appearance for a long time, it is necessary to carefully select plants that tolerate well climatic conditions in the region where construction is taking place, they do not require maintenance. In addition, it is worth considering that the thickness of the soil layer is limited, so you should choose plants whose roots are located not vertically, but horizontally.

Structure

Eco-roofs, just like conventional roofs, resemble in their structure layered cake, however, their components are slightly different due to their usage. They must ensure structural reliability in the following areas: foundation strength, protection against water penetration, and prevention of heat loss. The roofing pie of vegetable roofs has the following structure:

• Base. The base of the roof can be wood or concrete, the main thing is that it has a sufficient margin of strength to withstand the weight of the soil and plants.
• Waterproofing. To protect against moisture penetration, waterproofing material is laid on the base in several overlapping layers. Moreover, it must have increased strength.
• Barrier. A root barrier is placed on top of the waterproofing, which should prevent plants from growing below this level. Without this layer, roots will grow into the waterproofing material, damaging it.
• Drainage. A drainage layer is necessary to rationally distribute moisture entering the soil. It retains some of the water, preventing plants from drying out during dry periods, and directs the excess into the drain.
• Filter. A filtration layer or geotextile is spread over the drainage to limit the penetration of small particles that can clog it.
• Geogrid. The geogrid prevents the soil from sliding down and scattering when exposed to wind. It is most often used if the slope is more than 25 degrees.
• Substrate. The fertile substrate is poured in a uniform layer 5-20 cm thick onto the geogrid. To grow a lawn, a soil layer of 5 cm is enough, but to grow fresh cucumbers on the roof you will need a depth of 20-25 cm.

Please note that the soil for an eco-roof should be quite light, but retain moisture well. Landscape designers recommended to use for relief fine expanded clay, peat and sand. In addition, it is worth taking care of soil fertility by adding organic and mineral fertilizers.

Selection of plants

So that the plant roof does not wither in the first dry summer or freeze cold winter, it is necessary to select unpretentious and winter-hardy plants, which can exist well in a closed ecosystem. Landscape designers and plant growers recommend adhering to the following rules when selecting flora:

1. Small and horizontally located root system. Mosses and grasses best meet this criterion.
2. Frost resistance. Plants must be able to withstand freezing temperatures typical of winter.
3. Drought resistance. It is necessary to choose plants so that they only need natural watering during rain.

remember, that exotic plants, not typical for our climate zone requires more careful care, so you can plant them only if you are ready for high costs time and finances to provide them with appropriate living conditions.

Video instruction

Surely at least once, you have heard about this miracle of Scandinavian gardeners - the “green” roof. It covers many of the homes of our northern neighbors. Beauty: instead of tiles or slate, there is a real carpet of flowers and herbs... But Scandinavia, with its cool summers and warm winters, is one thing, and Russia is quite another. Here you’ll be gaping for a week, and goodbye-farewell, beloved vegetable garden! Will “green” roofing survive in domestic conditions? Is it possible alternative solutions? Let's try to figure it out in our article.

Why is this necessary? Or why not

A “green” roof has several obvious advantages: they are beautiful, practical and perfectly enrich the air with oxygen. Such roofs absorb rainwater well. A layer of soil up to 10 cm thick absorbs three-quarters of rainfall. This reduces the load on drainage system and storm drainage.

Scandinavian roofing is an excellent sound insulator. Neither the sound of rain nor the tramp of birds, which tire you in houses with metal tiles, will disturb you. Another advantage is passive energy saving. Green spaces prevent the roof from heating up in the summer and retain heat in the winter. Accordingly, the rooms themselves will have a more balanced climate all year round.

Oddly enough, Scandinavian roofs also have financial benefits. Greenery protects roof covering from ultraviolet radiation, bad weather and mechanical damage (for example, as a result of hail), and therefore the roof will last much longer. If you want to sell a “green” house, then its price will probably be higher than the cost of a conventional building.
Now - about the shortcomings.

The most important one, of course, is related to money. Installing a Scandinavian roof will require serious investment. Especially if we're talking about about intensive landscaping. In addition, not all roofs can be made “green” (unless they are painted! :)). Some of the already built houses may not be able to withstand the additional load.

Another important question- protection of the roof from leakage. Even if you lay down a waterproof membrane, the roots of plants (especially trees and shrubs) can tear it. If you did something wrong during installation, leaks will begin. And repairs will be expensive and difficult. The entire roofing “pie” will have to be dismantled. Finally, such roofs are extremely difficult to assemble. You will probably spend a lot of time finding or growing the most resilient plants.

Which is more profitable?

A typical Scandinavian roof has slopes and a layer of soil of about 20 cm. This is enough to grow not only grass, but even trees and shrubs. This type of landscaping is called intensive.

A rooftop garden is a spectacular but also expensive option. But turf roofs with extensive landscaping require almost no maintenance. Short unpretentious plants planted on a thin layer of soil or compost. 5-7 cm is enough.

“Green” roofs are made not only flat, but also sloping. Pitched design has advantages over flat. For example, thanks to it, excess moisture flows down itself. Therefore, sometimes waterproofing and drainage systems, which a flat roof with vegetation cannot do without, are not installed on slopes at all.

What to plant?

The most inexpensive landscaping option suitable for the Russian climate is steppe grasses: dandelion, plantain, knotweed, wormwood, mantle. They can be allowed to grow without mowing. This will add a special “Russian” charm to the roof. You can also try bentgrass. This grass does not need to be mowed, but it does not like to dry out.

A more “cultured” option is sedum, young, sedum. They are quite decorative: there are many types with different shades, from yellow and green to reddish. These plants practically do not need watering; rain is enough for them. They also do not require fertilizers. The disadvantage is that these herbs take a long time to grow.

In the nursery, one such plant costs 25-40 rubles. To save money, many gardeners grow them below and then transplant them to the roof. Flower growers note that it is better to grow sedums not from seeds, but from cuttings: cut off the branches and immediately plant them in the ground.

An even simpler option is moss. It is known that it can even grow on rocks. This is a resilient plant, perhaps the most suitable option for those regions where winter lasts nine months.

Installation cost

Price per square meter The design of a Norwegian roof depends on many factors, including the type of roof landscaping. Protection (hydro-, steam-, thermal insulation), drainage and filter layer will cost approximately 10 euros per sq.m. The substrate costs about 11 euros, plants – 10 EUR. On average, extensive landscaping per 1 sq. m will cost from 30 European “money”, for intensive landscaping you will pay from 50 euros per sq.m.

Domestic experience

Not only summer residents have been interested in installing Scandinavian roofs in Russia for decades. Back in 2000, they were developed standard solutions on landscaping flat roofs. Moskomarkhitektura, with the support of the Moscow Government, even issued recommendations for the design and improvement of such coatings for residential and public buildings. But it was already stipulated there that roof gardens can be installed only on a limited number of objects. That is, in other words, this pleasure is not for mere mortals.

And yet many summer residents dared to implement bold idea. Others, after a grueling struggle for the life (and happiness!) of plants, gave up. But someone did very well...

Thus, one summer resident near Moscow built a real “Hobbit house” on his property. When calculating loads I studied different variants frame structure. I was guided in my choice by two criteria: low cost and ease of installation. As a result, the owner settled on a round metal frame covered with waterproof plywood.

Not bad, right?

The story of a resident of St. Petersburg is known (as is known, this city differs from Moscow in an even harsher climate). Once upon a time, Alla Sokol became interested in the overseas project “Feed Yourself”: she watched a program where they talked about growing on the roof ornamental plants and vegetables. Back in the 1990s, she, a pioneer of urban gardening, began to plant landscaping with the help of volunteers. apartment buildings. I started, as usual, from my own roof. I just sowed greens. And then... For long years I haven’t tried anything in landscaping. Well, except that I didn’t grow potatoes!

In 2002, the hobby had already grown into whole project“Urban mini-farm”, which was financed by the charitable “Gagarin Fund”. Gardeners themselves prepared biosoil from peat and made vermicompost. They proved that it is possible to grow vegetables, seedlings for sale, and flower seedlings on the roof...

In the process of their work, Alla Sokol’s associates made another important discovery. The areas of the roof that were under the “green” cover were preserved better than those that were “bare.” There were no cracks on them: the film on which the lawn was located protected the roof from drying out...

By the way, you can read more about Alla Sokol and her experiments.

We still haven't convinced you that a green roof is worth your attention? Then - another example. Very original house built for himself by Russian architect Igor Firsov. The building is located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, 140 km from St. Petersburg.

The hand-built log house was made from rounded logs. The architect laid out the rafter system like a fan. The result was unusual design, which the author calls the “canonical hyperboloid”. small house for 60 sq. m harmoniously fit into the landscape, which is called “northern”: with ship pines, gray boulders and crystal clean air. The cottage seemed to have grown up in the midst of this wild splendor...

The “green” roof only enhances the impression. For its construction, the architect used a special flooring made of logs. He was laid on top of a wooden rafter system. Then came this “pie”: three-layer waterproofing, 10 cm thick insulation, expanded clay, geotextile material, soil and grass. To prevent the soil from sliding down, stones were laid along the perimeter of the roof. The edges of the grass roof are lowered - this allows excess moisture to drain.

By the way, to collect rainwater, Igor Firsov came up with an equally beautiful structure - he walled it up plastic barrel with a tap in the stones. The sloping roof also makes it easy to climb onto it if the need arises. And to make this easier, on one side of the house there is another clever design in the form of a stone staircase. And how beautifully it must flow down rainwater from the roof along this cascade!

Alternative solutions

What about those who do not want to tinker with a complex structure, but still want to make their roof “green”? There are several simpler solutions.

• The easiest thing is to place plants in pots with soil substrate on a flat roof. In the summer you can enjoy the mini-garden, but in the winter it is removed indoors.
• Grass can be grown on the roof in temporary trays. In November you put the tapes away and put them out again in the spring...
• Greenhouses can be installed on a flat roof. They will become peculiar winter gardens. By the way, according to research, roofs with greenhouses protect the house well from overheating - they take away excess heat.

Finally one more interesting option, which has already been partially mentioned, is moss. Surely, many summer residents have noticed how this velvety plant eventually settles on tiled roofs. And I’ve already tried more than one various ways fight against the green scourge. But why not look at the problem differently?..

Agree - moss on the roof makes the house more romantic and colorful. But how to grow moss if you don’t wait for nature to take its course? There are many ways. We will tell you about the most unusual thing - painting with moss.

For three handfuls of moss you will need 2 tsp. hydrogel (sold in flower shops, it absorbs well, but also releases water), water, kefir. Mix all ingredients in a blender and pour into a bucket. Then apply to the surface (roofs, walls, fences, etc.) using a brush or spray bottle. All! All you have to do is water once a week.

Summer residents note that moss grows especially well with north side Houses. It’s not for nothing that in childhood we were taught to look for the north in the forest along the side of the trees overgrown with moss! To prevent this plant from drying out in the summer, it is better to plant it on the south side of buildings. tall trees. Keep in mind: as moss grows, it regularly blocks gutters. This can be avoided by using wider drains (up to 125 mm).

The hassle of installing turf roofs still scares you? Then in the next issue we will tell you about technologies for installing a “green” roof, how to calculate roof loads, and much more...

Under the term " green roof"It is customary to understand the roof of a building or structure on which specially planted vegetation is located.

Advantages of a green roof:

• Protects buildings from overheating
• Reduces air temperature in cities in the summer (on average, up to 1 0 C);
• Provides oxygen supply;
• Reduces overall background noise from 2 to 10 dB;
• Eliminates the rapid spread of fire along the roof surface during fires;
• Allows rational use of available space;
• Additional layers reliably protect waterproofing from accidental mechanical damage;
• Reduces air pollution.

• The downside is the increased cost.

Green roofs are a type of roof that is in use.

By exploitation it is meant that the roof, in addition to its main construction functions, is also used for some useful purposes for humans. For example, it is a resting place with installed benches, flower beds, barbecue facilities, a swimming pool, and a fountain. Or it serves as an observation deck, parking for cars or even for a helicopter.

Structurally, green roofing is usually performed on an ordinary, flat roof. In some cases, it is possible to install a “green” signal on pitched roofs, but with an inclination angle of no more than 35 degrees. When installing a “green” roof, Special attention You need to pay attention to the exceptional reliability of the material used for waterproofing. His incorrect choice or failure to comply with the technology can become a fatal mistake, which will entail significant financial costs for repairs.

An enlarged green roof can be imagined as consisting of two components: parts:

• flat roof - let's call it the base for the green part;
• the actual “green” part.

Options for the first part (flat roof) are described in detail in our article.

There are several options for the second, green part.

Which one should be preferred depends on the climate, as this affects the amount and frequency of precipitation, and on the type of vegetation, since different plants require different amounts of moisture and also have various sizes root systems.

The green part options differ from each other in the following parameters:

1. the presence of certain technological layers in its composition;
2. order of layers;
3. layer capacity (ability to hold different amounts of moisture);
4. "brand" of materials used for these layers.

For example, let’s consider the simplest version of the “pie” of all two parts of the “green roof”.

Type roofing - classic, insulated, soft.

The roof is in use, i.e. There is supposed to be a lawn on it for seeding with grass.

Explanations for non-specialists:

The following sequence (from bottom to top) is usually called a classic pie:

1. Roof base.
2. Vapor barrier layer.
3. Insulation layer.
4. Slope-forming layer
5. Waterproofing layer.

Not classic pie- This inversion. It differs from the one described above in the location of the insulation relative to the waterproofing. Details about inversion cake can be read in our article.

Therefore, in all our interpretations of exploited roofs, this pie same for all options further finishing coating, including “green”. We make deviations only at the request of the customer.

Typical layers of the “green” part of a roof with landscaping are (from bottom to top):

• Root protective film
• Drainage membrane.
• Separating layer made of nonwoven fabric- layer of geotextile.
• Soil layer for green spaces(prepared)
• Lawn, meadow grass, bushes, trees

Let's take a closer look at their functions.

Soil layer- nutrient medium for plants. For different plants different.

A separating layer of geotextile prevents soil from penetrating into the lower layers and being washed out over time. The material is synthetic and does not rot.

Drainage membrane- creates a gap between the soil layer and the waterproofing layer, thereby providing conditions for the free flow of water to the elements of the drainage system (funnels, scuppers). The design of the membrane allows some of the water to be retained and nourish the plants. Membranes differ from each other in this parameter. For different types plants need membranes with different “capacities”.

Root protective film- does not allow plant roots to destroy the waterproofing over time. There are waterproofing membranes that are not afraid of roots. But it won’t be superfluous to put the film on.

Examples of green roofs

Since any roof in use has, as a rule, several more layers of waterproofing on top additional layers, then if problems with leaks arise, repairing such a roof turns into a rather troublesome and costly matter. Therefore, for roofs in use it is very important to use reliable and high-quality waterproofing materials. The most reliable material today is Resitrix (Resitrix, Germany). To be convinced of this, it is enough to hold a piece of it in your hands. None of the materials existing on the roofing market has such a thickness of 3.1 mm!

Roofing of any type and purpose completed by Resitrix is ​​a task solved once and for a lifetime.

Today there is alternative system exploited (green) roofs. This is the so-called “false floor” system. Its essence is that the system is entirely mounted on adjustable supports.

The advantages of this system are as follows:

• Lightweight design for extensive landscaping. Light weight per base
• Modularity and readiness of units and solutions. Combination of different types of coatings
• High speed of work
• Possibility of laying communications. Water, electricity, etc.
• Possibility to swap different coatings. Quick disassembly if necessary
• Absolutely quick drying of surfaces after rain

Our company installs flat roofs of any purpose and type.

• Operated roofs
• Flat roofs
• Green roofs
• Ballast roofs
• Inversion roofs
• Waterproofing terraces
• Waterproofing balconies

Today, the installation of green roofs in Europe is modern direction in urban construction. This is even encouraged by the authorities.

In Russia, this invention of mankind appeared quite recently.

Such turf roofs are especially relevant in huge cities, where it is almost impossible to create a garden in the middle of the city, and the land there is “golden”.

Advantages

Green roofs not only delight the eyes of metropolitan residents, but also significantly cleanse the air of gases and impurities. Residents upper floors, will also experience all the delights of such a wonder. After all, in summer the turf layer will not allow the roof to heat up, and in winter it will not allow it to freeze.

In the summer, in the sun, the roofs of skyscrapers simply melt, not only heating the air even more, but also evaporating harmful substances from their surface.

Such a roof will protect both the roof and the residents from this. And plants will enrich the air with oxygen, taking away carbon dioxide.

A green roof can regulate the flow of rain. It takes on all the water, restraining the flow rate. Passing through yourself storm water, cleanses them. Which improves the environmental situation. Having such a covering on the roof of their house, many residents can plant vegetable gardens there, thereby keeping themselves busy with useful work and providing their family with vegetables.

Also, roofs with green roofs are great places to create mini recreation areas where residents of the house can have a picnic and not waste time in traffic jams to go out of town.

3 types of green roof:

The main selection criterion for landscaping is slope. It should not be more than 40 degrees. The type of landscaping is also selected based on the degree of slope. And the shape of the slope can be any - single-slope, gable, or another shape.

And for a roof with a slope angle of less than 40 degrees, you can install special gratings and then the roof will not slide.

All green roofing is divided into 3 groups.

Each group differs from the other in the degree of load on the frame of the building where the roof will be installed; possible functions; installation technology. Thus, green roofing can be intensive, or intensively simple, or extensive.

• Intensive- makes it possible to create parks and gardens on your territory with the help of ornamental plants.

The created landscape can be made on several levels.

Of course, such a volume of everything has a very heavy weight, which creates a high load on the building frame. Also, such a roof surface will require careful maintenance. It is even created special system glaze.

It is better to carry out installation where it has already been planned and included in the calculations of loads on the building still under construction.

Or you can lay out the roof of a building that has been in use for a long time, if when calculating the load it turns out that the roof will not cause harm to the building frame.

Roofing pie - longitudinal section

• Extensive— the soil of such a roof is covered with grass, mosses, and unpretentious plants.

This is as close as possible to the conditions wildlife landscaping system.

Some plants can be used in roof design, but they are not planted in the soil, but in special containers with soil. These containers are placed throughout the coverage area according to the designer’s idea. This type puts minimal pressure on the building frame.

As has already been said, no maintenance is required, and therefore it will all take less costs both strength and finances.

• Intensive simple roof – this type has absorbed part of the functionality of the extensive type and part of the functionality of the intensive type.

The thickness and weight are much less than that of the extensive one, so trees and shrubs are also not provided for on it, but you can walk on the lawn calmly and relax, placing everything you need on the green cover.

Caring for such a cover is also minimal - water at the grass growth stage, clear weeds and periodically trim the lawn.

How to create a green roof with your own hands:

Before installation (special inversion roof), it is necessary to carry out preparatory work on the roof of the house.

Installation of a parapet is required, the height of which must be at least 1-2 meters.

Installation of the roof itself occurs in the form of laying its layers:

1. The first layer is considered to be the surface of the roof itself - these are mainly reinforced concrete slabs.
2. There must be waterproofing. For this they use special materials in rolls to perform this function. Particular attention should be paid to areas adjacent to the wall, parapet, and water drains. If the slope is flat, then at this stage an artificial slope of 3-5% should be created.
3. The next layer is thermal insulation. Materials are used that do not rot and cannot be deformed over time. It could be basalt wool, and foam glass, and extruded polystyrene foam.
4. Next, drainage is distributed over the surface of the insulation, which is covered with geotextile. Drainage takes away from plant roots excess water, and geotextiles serve as a filter for this water - it prevents soil particles from leaving the top layer.
5. And the soil mixture is poured on top of this entire structure.

A green roof has its disadvantages:

• Fairly high cost;
• Complex and labor-intensive installation of the coating;
• This coating is not suitable for every roof, as it provides high pressure on the frame.

Particular attention should be paid to the choice waterproofing materials. They must be resistant to mechanical stress, since if trees grow on the roof, their roots can damage the fragile waterproofing.

Roofing should be laid only by specialists and only in compliance with all installation technology.

Since installing such a roof is expensive, the price of apartments in a building or an entire house also increases.

After all, they are not only aesthetically beautiful, but they also have a longer service life than ordinary ones.