What are the Different Types of Eco-Roofs?

Owning a home is a major responsibility and one of the biggest and best investments a person can make. Despite the fluctuations that occur in the housing market, in the long run the value of most properties will continue to increase.

With a growing population, there will always be a demand for well-constructed homes. On the other hand and especially in cities like Toronto where economic growth is on the rapid rise, housing competition can be quite fierce.

More and more buyers are searching for properties that are built with energy-efficient materials, and this is the case for multiple reasons. Cheaper utility bills are no doubt one of the biggest selling points of houses that feature things like eco-roofs, for example.

Eco-roofs are comprised solely of sustainable materials, sod being one of the leading material choices. They are used to support vegetation growth for both water and energy conservation. As such, their popularity has exploded in recent years.

The Lowdown on Eco-Roofs

Eco-roofs are subdivided into two key categories: green roofs and cool roofs, each of which has its own distinct set of advantages. The primary purpose of the “green” variety is to offer a space where vegetation can grow and hopefully flourish. These roofs are typically composed of a waterproofing membrane (to prevent water from leaking into the house), a drainage layer, and soil.

You’re probably more familiar with the concept of cool roofs, as they’ve been around for longer. Equipped with a solar surface layer that features high reflectivity and thermal emissivity properties, a cool roof is designed to reflect the Sun’s UV rays, which helps to reduce the buildup of thermal energy.

This in turn keeps the facility much cooler without the need for excessive commercial, HVAC system use. Home and business owners can choose from the installation of a reflective coating layer, or an additional single-ply waterproofing membrane, but the end result is the same for both.

In light of the many benefits offered by eco-roofs, it’s highly reasonable to expect a huge increase in their sales over the next decade. They serve as an effective management system for storm water runoff, reduce energy consumption, improve air quality, and also make for more aesthetic urban scenery!

Once in place, most eco-roofs can have a lifespan of about 50 years, which makes them an excellent investment.