Green roofs are a great addition to any home, offering homeowners an effective way to increase their home’s energy efficiency while simultaneously enhancing its aesthetic appeal and contributing to a healthier environment. Due to these benefits, they have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly among homeowners who choose sustainable house designs for their custom homes. However, many homeowners often make mistakes when adding these features to their homes. In this post, we examine some of the common mistakes related to green roofs so you can avoid them when it comes to your own home.
1. Not Assessing Structural Load Capacity
Green roofs are not light and can add significant strain to the load-bearing structure of your home. The additional weight of the soil, plants, and water can easily add up and may be more than your roof is able to handle. Without a proper assessment of your home’s structural load capacity, you run the risk of causing your roof to sag or even collapse, posing a risk to the health and safety of those living in your home.
2. Choosing the Wrong Type of Green Roof
There are several different types of green roofs that can be installed, and choosing the wrong type of green roof can have disastrous consequences. Extensive green roofs, intensive green roofs and semi-intensive green roofs all differ in terms of their weight loads, maintenance needs and the types of plants that can be grown on them. It is thus important for you to conduct proper research before choosing a green roof for your home.
3. Poor Drainage Planning
When designing a green roof, it is also important to carefully plan out the drainage system and waterproofing for the roof. Proper drainage and waterproofing are essential if you want to protect your home from leaks and water damage. Ensuring that your green roof does not become waterlogged can also help you to prevent harm to your plants and minimise excessive weight.
4. Ignoring Building Codes
Depending on where you live, you may require planning permission from your local authorities before you are able to add a green roof to your home. Ignoring building codes when designing and building a green roof can lead to potential legal and financial consequences in the form of fines or demolition orders.
Let Australian Heritage Homes Help with Your Sustainable House Design
Australian Heritage Homes are leading sustainable home builders in Melbourne, and our experts have decades of experience in sustainable house design. If you’re looking to add a green roof to your home but aren’t sure where to begin, we can help. Our team will work closely with you to understand your needs, concerns and preferences before turning them into a reality with a custom home that is tailored specifically to you. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help with your custom home building needs!