Changing the World Through Green Roofs

Green roofs are living roofs, gardens that are asthetically pleasing, environmentally beneficial and economically smart - growing on top of your traditional roof. These vegetated membranes consist of a root barrier, an absorbant protection mat, a drainage and ariation layer, a filter sheet, a growing medium/ specially constructed soil, and selected plants.

There are two types of green roofs. The extensive system is lightweight, shallow soil depth and small plants. Intensive green roofs can be as big as you want them to be, real roof top gardens with shrubs, trees and walkways. Green roofs have many benefits: *Lowered energy costs - increased insulation, and the cooling effects of the evapotranspiration that happens on a green roof *Extended roof life – vegetation and soil protect the roof membrane fromUV rays *Decreased Storm Water Runoff – water is retained in the garden system *Environmental Benefits – reduces heat radiating off of roofs, especially important in urban environments; creates habitat for birds and bees; improves air quality by reducing greenhouse gases *Visual Appeal – creates a nice environment for employees, families and others, increases property value *Noise Reduction – because of increased insullation, outside noise penetrates the building less Brian McPartlon Roofing is currently in the process of creating a Green Roof System that will work well in the Southwest, building on the historic adobe dirt roofs that still exist in some places. Because of out climate, green roofs are more living roofs in this region, the landscaping will consist of very draught tolerent plants, a xeriscape will be created on rooftops around Northern New Mexico, as opposed to the sod green roofs that exist on the Eastcoast. We are working with local soil specialists and rainwater catchment companies to create a Green Roof System that is most sustainable in our area.