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Green Roof Systems

(Also known as Vegetative Roofs)

Green roofs integrate living vegetation into roofing systems to deliver environmental benefits, aesthetic value, and stormwater management.

These systems combine layers of plants, growing media, root barriers, waterproof membranes, insulation, and drainage systems.

There are three main types of green roofs, primarily differentiated by soil depth, maintenance needs, and irrigation requirements:

Extensive Green Roof

  • Soil Depth: Less than 6 inches
  • Weight: 10–35 lbs/sq ft
  • Maintenance: Low; typically does not require irrigation
  • Plant Variety: Limited (mainly sedums and hardy groundcover)
  • Cost: Most economical
  • Installation: Often delivered in pre-grown tray systems

Semi-Intensive Green Roof

  • Soil Depth: ~6 inches (±25%)
  • Weight: 35–50 lbs/sq ft
  • Maintenance: Moderate; may or may not need irrigation
  • Plant Variety: Moderate — more options than extensive roofs
  • Cost: Mid-range
  • Installation: May include seeds or plugs

Intensive Green Roof

  • Soil Depth: Greater than 6 inches
  • Weight: 35–300 lbs/sq ft
  • Maintenance: High; requires full irrigation system
  • Plant Variety: Broad (small trees, shrubs, gardens)
  • Cost: Highest among green roof types
  • Installation: Grown on-site; often designed for rooftop access or gardens

Green Roof Benefits

Green roofs can transform commercial buildings into sustainable, eco-conscious spaces. Often green roof spaces are utilized as an outdoor patio area. Green roofs generally have a longer life span than traditional roof systems.

Considerations

  • Green roofs may not be suitable for many existing roofs due to added weight
  • For fire safety purposes borders are required around green roof sections >15,200 sq ft, with max lengths of 125 ft
  • Hidden membranes increase the difficulty of locating leaks; many green roof systems include automated leak detection grids
  • Maintenance: Intensive and semi-intensive roofs require frequent gardening during establishment
  • Fertilizers can degrade certain metal flashings; avoid aluminum—opt for stainless steel or copper
  • Accessible green roofs require guardrails or other OSHA-compliant safety measures
  • While advocates cite extended roof life, green roofs often cost 2–4x more than traditional systems and require continual maintenance

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CAN HELP YOUR PROPERTY

Ready to learn how a Lutz Maintenance Program can improve your roof asset performance and reduce total costs? Call us or complete a service request form online.

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your roofing needs.

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CALL: 1-800-750-1148

REQUEST A QUOTE

Whether you’re facing an emergency leak, planning a large-scale installation, or looking to extend the life of your roof, our team is ready to help—on time and on budget. Let’s talk about your next project today.

REPORT A LEAK

Whether you’re facing an emergency leak, planning a large-scale installation, or looking to extend the life of your roof, our team is ready to help—on time and on budget. Let’s talk about your next project today.