Green Roofs
09/19/2009: Earth Clinic Planet writes: "We talk about a veritable carpet of grass, but a division of Toyota manufacturing is doing it's best to innovate a solution that would create just that. The subsidiary, Toyota Turf Mat, is already marketing the TM9 turf mat, a fully equipped green roof solution that comes in 20-inch plastic squares, two inches thick, covered by a low-maintenance Korean velvet grass, the necessary soil substrate, and a built-in drip irrigation system. The grass seems to require some watering, but only need be cut down once a year, and the system can be quickly installed on any flat rooftop space with little to no concern about supporting the additional weight of a green roofing system, since the Turf Mats are so slim and lightweight. Initial prices are $43 dollars for each easily installed tile, a price that is sure to drop when home and business owners begin to see how easy it is to increase insulation, reduce cooling costs, and bring a park-quality lawn to their rooftops."
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08/17/2009: Earth Clinic Planet writes: "Yeah, it's a cool idea for sure, and I'll mention those green roof system initiatives to my boss for the corporate rooftop, but would it ever be possible for me to install green roofing on my own home? Well, yes and no. Green roof design is foremost limited by the structural requirements necessitated by all that growing medium for the plant life. For certain, starting out with a flat roof gives you a certain advantage over a pitched roof, though pitched sod and thatch green roof designs have been perfectly common in Scandinavian countries for centuries and in continuing practice. Still, if you have an accessible flat roof, you can at least make a go at some sort of an extensive green roof garden. Think of the parties you could have there!
Practically speaking, you should first check local zoning laws. Few are written to directly address a green roof or living walls, but for certain this would be a major construction or renovation project, so existing statutes are likely to apply some limitations or at least require permits. Secondly, get a structural engineer to verify that your house can accept the additional weight a living roof entails. You should also look into local, regional, and national grants that may offset the cost of your green roofing installation.
More green roof contractors are popping up around the world all the time, and your best bet is to do a search engine query to find roofing companies in your area that are expert in this sort of work. If you can't find an outfit you trust, or the expense seems too great, but your house is solid enough to support additional weight, consider scattering a few pots and trays full of low-maintenance plants like sedum and chives across the roof, on top of benches or above an impermeable root barrier to protect your existing roof from penetration.
Lastly, send us a report on how it turns out!"
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05/04/2009: Kevin Garrett (uglygarrett@gmail.com) from Atlanta, GA writes: "Normal Asphalt shingles require are made with a oil based product which is about 80% carbon. Asphalt can be derived from what is left over in a barrel of crude oil after everything else like gas, kerosene ect. have been refined. Organic shingles have around 30 to 36 % asphalt and fiberglass shingles having 19 to 22%.
Recycling old shingles can be problematic, with only about 5% of shingles get to recycling centers across the U.S. which accept them. Roof tear offs contribute and estimated 11,000,000 tons to landfills in America (report from 2006 EPA).But when they can be recycled they go to help build and repair roadways. Check with your local recycling centers to see if they will take them.
Here is another good source: http://www.shinglerecycling.org/
Low let’s look forward; what can we use when we put on a new roof? Recycled material shingles, of course. Some recycled shingles look like normal asphalt and others look like cedar shake shingles. Here are 2 companies worth looking at; Enviroshake® and Ecostar®. They both carry a 50 year warranty and can easily but put on like any other roof. Enviroshake look like cedar shakes roofing and is made with 95 % reclaimed or reused material. The Ecostar brand is made of 80% recycled rubber. They both have representatives through the U.S. So if you like the shake look or the standard shingles, give a little thought to these guys, or companies like them.
Kevin Garrett"
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05/02/2009: Steve from Seattle, WA writes: "I have been reading up on Sod Roofs in magazines and online sites lately. Am getting excited to try it one of these days (I guess in the spring?). Anyone attempted to install a sod roof? Did it improve your home's insulation? Did you notice a savings in electrical bills? Thanks."
05/02/2009: John from San Francisco, CA replies: "I'd be very interested to know what type of grass people in drought-stricken areas are planting on their roofs. If you have water restrictions, this is an issue, especially in California. That said, I am all for the idea of sod roofs."
05/02/2009: Deirdre from Atlanta, GA replies: "Appears that sod roofs were predicted to be the next big thing in 1972! Here's a great how-to article on Mother Earth News archives.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Green-Homes/1972-11-01/The-Return-of-the-Sod-Roof.aspx"
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PLEASE SEND US YOUR GREEN SOLUTIONS FOR THE PLANET!