What can I put up on my flat roof to help the environment?

P

pq glen

New member
The type of roofing material would be required for an accurate answer. I will assume you have a torch down roof.

There are foam roof that can be sprayed onto roofs by contractors that are then painted white. There is usually a 20 year guarantee associated with these roofs.

The foam seals the roof and provides insulation making the entire building more efficient.

The white paint qualifies it as a cool roof.

This works on more than one level as you decrease energy usage, seal the roof against the environment with a long term guarantee and reflect sunlight on the entire surface

I am aware of the green roof suggestions but would not put plants on my roof. Long term I would think it will be problematic in many cases based on the basic nature of dirt, water and plant root systems compounded by time
 
Install a thermosiphon hot water heater or photovoltaic panels to generate your own electricity.

A small roof wind generator will also work 24/7 for you.
 
A low spreading succulent plant may be best in your situation. They do a good job as far as a green cover, don't grow high (but you'd need to keep the perimeter under control), only need a small substrate, and are VERY water and wind hardy.

The best thing is to find one native to your area. Where I am (coastal southern Australia) the best would be something like Carpobrotus glaucescens (pigface). The more local the plant you can find the better - in environmental (as it can also create a habitat for native fauna) AND hardiness.

Also, I'm only recommendingg something like this because you have a concrete roof that 'should' be able to carry the weight, because when they're fully watered succulents can be VERY heavy. DON'T put a plant like this on a lightweight roof. And even with your concrete roof, you'd do well to ask a structural engineer to check that your roof is strong enough to carry the weight.

Hope that helps, and all the best with it.
 
Whos going to be pleased when they look at your roof?...the birds? You just said so yourself that you wont be going up there often. Layer your roof in solar panels, put the sun to work. Its better than growing plants on your roof that you need to maintain.
 
Install a thermosiphon hot water heater or photovoltaic panels to generate your own electricity.

A small roof wind generator will also work 24/7 for you.
 
The type of roofing material would be required for an accurate answer. I will assume you have a torch down roof.

There are foam roof that can be sprayed onto roofs by contractors that are then painted white. There is usually a 20 year guarantee associated with these roofs.

The foam seals the roof and provides insulation making the entire building more efficient.

The white paint qualifies it as a cool roof.

This works on more than one level as you decrease energy usage, seal the roof against the environment with a long term guarantee and reflect sunlight on the entire surface

I am aware of the green roof suggestions but would not put plants on my roof. Long term I would think it will be problematic in many cases based on the basic nature of dirt, water and plant root systems compounded by time
 
We have a concrete house with a flat roof. I need a ladder to get up there, so I don't want to go up so often. Is there anything that could grow without much care which would be useful, and possibly pleasant to look at?
 
I depends on the strength of the roof and figuring this is a job for a professional. It does not pay to have to reinforce the roof to bear more weight. If the roof is sturdy enough, you have a choice: solar space or water heating, solar electricity, or a green roof. In some places, a wind turbine might be feasible. If the roof has not been overbuilt, you still can paint it with white reflective paint. That should cut your cooling bills during the summer and will make little difference during the winter.
 
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