June 06, 2005
Grass Roof Anyone?
Grass roofs have been popular for a while in Europe, and now they're beginning to catch on in the US. If you live in a condo that's a ways from the nearest lawn but has roof access, adding a grass roof could give you a relaxing place to lay out in the sun or a chance for your puppies to play without worrying about traffic.
There are environmental reasons for adding a grass roof as well. Not only do they provide a refuge for birds and butterflies surrounded by concrete and tarmac, they reduce storm-water runoff and create a weather buffer which helps your roof last up to twice as long as regular roofs. A grass roof also has the ability to cool ambient air temperatures and reduce energy requirements.
How one condo owner installed a grass roof:
"First, he laid down 2-inch-thick high-compression foam, slicing grooves to direct water runoff and cutting channels in it for an irrigation hose and sprinkler heads, which are on a timer. Then he unfurled black fabric weed block, followed by 2 inches of dirt topped by Zoysia sod."
(snippet from "Install Grass on a Roof" in the Feb/Mar 05 issue of Remodeling Ideas).
More information on grass roofs:
Grass is Greener on the Roof
Green Roofs Could Cut Heating Costs
