How to Grow a Lawn on a Rooftop Deck
- Calculate Roof Load. Load capacity of the roof is probably the most important consideration when installing a lawn on a...
- Manage Roof Moisture. Proper drainage prevents damage to the roof, retains enough water in the soil to hydrate grass,...
- Engineer the Soil. Growing rooftop grass requires at least 6 inches of growing medium held...
Full Answer
How to install a lawn on a roof deck?
You can roll out the layers of the system one-by-one or buy pre-planted modular systems that contain all the necessary layers and snap them together on your roof. Load capacity of the roof is probably the most important consideration when installing a lawn on a rooftop deck.
How do you plan a roof garden for beginners?
Because wind can dry out soil, your plants will need frequent watering. Map out your roof garden's design on graph paper. Using graph or blueprint paper, make a rough sketch of your garden and plot out where you want to put plants and furniture. This will keep your rooftop organized as you begin building your garden.
How do I grow grass on a green roof?
Choose the Right Vegetation. Growing grass on a rooftop is challenging because green roofs require plants with shallow roots, high heat tolerance, and low watering needs. Most grasses that are tolerant to heat and have shallow root systems, such as Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) and bentgrass (Agrostis spp.), require frequent watering,...
How do you lay shingles on a flat roof?
Lay the first row of shingles at the bottom of the roof. Start at the bottom of the roof and work your way up to layer the shingles on top of one another. Set the first shingle down so it hangs out 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) over the drip edge. Check to see that it’s even with a spirit level and use your chalk line to mark a horizontal row.
What is the most important thing to do when growing a lawn on a rooftop deck?
What is the most important consideration when installing a lawn on a rooftop deck?
Why is it important to have a drainage system on a roof?
Why is it so hard to grow grass on a roof?
What is the best way to keep water from standing on a green roof?
How much pitch should a green roof have?
How much does a roof weigh per square foot?
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About this website
How to Grow Lawn on Rooftop - Hi Quality Turf
Rooftop lawns and gardens have a long history, dating back many centuries. They are still around to this day and can greatly help to improve a building’s aesthetic, environmental impact and can also act as an oasis in a concrete heavy city.. Some people even go the whole hog and create an entire rooftop garden, with flowers, herbs, larger plants and different types of grass.
Garden Guides | How to Grow Grass on the Roof
Green roofs are a popular concept throughout the world and have been for a long time, according to North Carolina State University, they are a little slow to gain popularity in the United States. Growing grass on a roof insulates your house, and help with the "heat island effect". This term refers to the fact ...
Step 1: Getting Started
After doing quite a bit of reading on the Internet, ok well an afternoon or so, I soon realised that there isn't a step by step instruction for building a roof garden, just lots of greenies saying how good they are, and lots of companies trying to sell you expensive stuff to do it - so i thought I'd give it a go myself. Before putting anything on a roof you need to make sure its strong, very strong. As we'd just had this roof made we ensured we'd had is strengthened - there are 10 joists under the roof, each bolted next to another joist and supported by a steel frame at either end - so its super strong just to be sure. I found online is that living roofs can weight anything up to 150KG per SqM, so I asked our builder and engineer to work to a dead weight of 150KG - whats a 'dead weight' I hear you ask - well..
Step 2: Theory and Shopping
There are a number of types of living roof, ranging from the one I've made (enough for some simple grass, plants and anything else that comes along, right the way to full on living garden worlds, with trees, ponds and more - this isnt what we're after! To keep the plants happy they need: * - Soil to sit in * - Some way of staying moist enough when it isn't raining (ideally we want this garden to be maintenance free) * - Drainage so they dont get too wet (plants are tricky things to keep happy!) Also you need to protect the building structure, so this is my recipe for making a living roof: * - 1 x Roof - it'd be a normal garden if it wasnt on the roof! * - 0 x Insulation - I had to put in some thermal insulation because our council building control couldn't calculate the U value for insulation of the living roof - after installing it this is way better than any fibreglass or fibrespan board - so you probably dont need this! * - 2 x Pond liner - this is to stop any of the roots, damp, greenery, water or any other stuff getting to the roof - I used 2 x liners to be extra safe * - 1 x Root membrane - fancy name for the stuff you get in garden centres that stops weeds growing under decking/paths - This stops the roots and mud getting to the lower level of gravel, to help drainage * - 2 x Gravel - A layer to go on top of the pond liner, and another to go on top of the root membrane * - 1 x Moisture blanket - this is to help keep moisture in the soil - i used blankets used in hanging baskets, but they cost a ton - you can also use cardboard or old blankets - however I was concerned these may rot * - 1 x Wood chips - More soil moisture goodness! * - Compost - Food for the plants * - Top soil - gives a bit more substance to the compost * - Big stones to help with drainage at the edge and stop plants growing into the building * - plants!.
Step 3: Insulation and Protecting the Roof
I started with a fully functioning roof with felt already sealed on it, therefore I havent worried as much as you would need to do if doing this on a leaky roof. The insulation was required by our local building control, but I dont believe this was needed - however if you want a SuperRoof! stick some on it, it cost very little and was the silver backed bubble wrap you get in building merchants. So, the steps: 1.
Step 4: Draining and Root Stopping
This bits easy 1. Pour on the bags of gravel - your looking to get just a single layer cover over the entire roof 2. Brush into place 3. Roll over the root membrane 4. Add some more gravel - I went for a layer of about 1.5 x the one under the root membrane (didnt get a photo of this sadly - close your eyes and imagine!)
Step 5: Keeping the Moisture In
Now onto the soil and compost goodness! 1. Roll out the moisture blanket keeping a 6-8" space around all of the edges (I have read you can use old towels/cloths/sacks to achieve the same effect, basically this is to get damp and stay damp) 2. Put another layer of small stones over the moisture blanket 3.
Step 6: Soil Time
Finally moving onto installing the growing stuff! 1. Lay out the bark on the roof - this is another layer of damp goodness to stop the soil drying out too much (when buying the bark make sure its not chemically treated to stop weeds etc, as this will not be good for the plants! 2. Once you've got a good covering of bark start to put the compost up.
Step 7: Planting
We visited the local garden shop and picked up a selection of plants that are hardy (see the bottom of the post for details). Before planting I placed the plants around to get a feling for the spacing. Once the spacing was right then dig a hole and bed them in. Plants we bought: Name / Notes * Chamomile - Has spread ok * Houstonia Caerulea - Has spread ok * Sedum Hispanicum Glaucum - Brilliant, looks great, spread really well * Sedumm Reflexum - Brilliant, looks great, spread really well * Thymus Serpyllum Minimus - Favourite, really dense coverage, very pretty * Scabiosa (Misty Butterflies) - dont like, looks a bit weedy now * Acaena Saccaticupula (Blue Haze) - Didnt last too long * Cotula Hispida - Didnt last too long * Dianthus Deltoides (Acctic Fire) - looks lovely, but hasnt spread that well All of the plants have now been in for well over a year, sedum really is the way to go. When planting keep them in sensible patches and let them spread.
What to choose for a pergola roof?
Now, let’s move to the next part of the How To Put A Roof On A Pergola task: What roof material to choose?
Why do people put a pergola on their roof?
It will allow you to enjoy a good cup of coffee in the morning, even if it’s raining heavily. Most people opt for pergola roofs because of rain, but some people might want to keep out the pesky sun as well. Too much sunlight might annoy you during the summer months.
What is the best material to cover a pergola?
Fiberglass and plastic. Both fiberglass and plastic roofs are in demand right now. They provide customers with a quick and relatively cheap way to cover their pergola and protect it from rain. When properly installed, they can last quite a while and they don’t need a lot of maintenance.
When to secure a pergola?
You can secure it on top of the pergola when the sun is out and remove it when you’re finished relaxing on your patio.
Can a pergola handle rain?
Your pergola might not be well-equipped to handle every kind of weather. A lot of them don’t come with any kind of shades or covers. This means that rain will go through them rather easily and you’re going to end up with a drenched patio.
Can you use plastic for a pergola?
Fiberglass isn’t easy to find inadequately shaped panels, and plastic isn’t very good for the environment.
Do you need a drill to install a roof?
If you plan to have a solid roof, installing the panels and connecting them will require a lot of screws. If the panels aren’t already filled with holes designed for the screws, you might need a drill to help you create them. Either way, you should get ready to spend a lot of time perfectly setting those panels up.
How much does it cost to install a new roof?
The cost of a new roof will vary dramatically depending on the size of the roof, the shape of your roof, and the material you choose. Generally speaking, you should expect to spend anywhere from $7,000 to 12,000 on the materials and installation.
What is the best roofing material for a flat roof?
Shingles are the most popular option out there because they’re the easiest to install and replace. EPDM rubber roofing is going to be your all around best bet for a DIY job on a flat roof. Unlike the other options for a flat roof, EPDM membrane comes in really big sheets so you don’t need to worry as much about fixing the seams.
What is the cheapest roofing material?
Asphalt shingles tend to be the cheapest, and it’s fairly easy to replace a few shingles in the future if your roof ever get damaged. These roofs aren’t the most durable, though.
Who owns Bumble Roofing?
This article was co-authored by David Bitan. David Bitan is a roofing professional, licensed contractor, and the owner and founder of Bumble Roofing based in Southern California.
How to get a building permit?
Apply for the necessary building permits if required. Contact your local building department or look their codes up online to see what the process for this is where you live. If you need to file permits and plans yourself, follow the instructions as they’re outlined by your local laws to submit your application.
Can you put roofing on a pitched roof?
You may be better off simply estimating the size of each section and then ordering a little extra so that you have plenty of material to cover the entire roof. It is highly recommended that you don’t install roofing on a gable roof on your own , though.
Where to apply adhesive to a membrane?
Apply adhesive to the underside of the membrane as well.
How to plan a roof garden?
Map out your roof garden's design on graph paper. Using graph or blueprint paper, make a rough sketch of your garden and plot out where you want to put plants and furniture. This will keep your rooftop organized as you begin building your garden. If you change your mind about something, you can always go back and redesign it.
What is a rooftop garden?
Rooftop gardens are a beautiful and environmentally-friendly addition to urban homes. If you live in an apartment or a house with no yard, rooftop gardens can let you cultivate ornamental trees and grasses, flowers, and even edible plants. Contact a structural engineer and map out your garden before you begin planting.
What plants can be grown on a rooftop?
Shy away from large-leaf plants. Plants with large, supple leaves tend to get shredded by the high winds on rooftop gardens. They are also more likely to suffer winter-burn during the colder seasons. Smaller-leaved plants or pines thrive particularly well on rooftops.
What can a structural engineer do for a garden?
A structural engineer can also advise you in preliminary designs for your garden and how to work around possible obstructions (like chimneys). Business search sites like Yelp or Angie's List can help you find a local engineer.
What is the loading capacity of a roof?
Evaluate your roof's loading capacity. The loading capacity is how much weight your roof structure can support. This will include your plants, plant containers, furniture, equipment, visitors, and weather loads like snow. Contact a structural engineer to discuss your roof garden and how much your roof can handle.
Can you overstock a roof?
Don't overstock your roof with more than it can carry.
Do you wash a sock before using it?
Yes, but wash them properly before you use them.
How far can you roll out a roof?
You'll be able to roll out long sections at a time if you have a low-pitched roof, but the underlayment may slip off the eaves on steeper roofs, so roll out no more than 10 ft. there (Photo 1). It's important to make sure all your underlayment lies flat before you fasten it to the decking. Ripples and lumps can telegraph through the shingles and may be noticeable from the ground.
How to protect a roof from ice dams?
Protect the roof against ice dams and windblown rain with self-stick ice-and-water underlayment. Peel off the top half of the plastic backing as you unroll the underlayment.
What causes water to seep under shingles?
Windblown heavy rain and/or snow can force water up and under even properly installed shingles. Even worse are ice dams (frozen water/snow that builds up on roof edges), which can wreak havoc by allowing water to seep up under lower shingles and then drip into your house.
How much does a roof nailer cost?
Unless your roof is tiny, you're going to want to get your hands on a pneumatic roofing nailer. Prices range from $100 to $300. Renting one costs about $35 a day or $90 a week, so if you own a compressor, you might as well buy rather than rent. A compressor rents for about the same as the nailer. If you don't own a compressor and know you're going to finish your house in less than a week, then renting is probably the way to go.
Can you install new shingles if you don't tear off the old?
Tear off the old shingles. It’s impossible to properly install new flashing and underlayment if you don’t tear off the old roof beforehand. When tearing off the existing shingles, be sure to remove all the old nails or pound them flat. Protruding nails will tear holes in your new shingles.
Do you need a drip edge on a roof?
Metal d rip edge isn’t usually required (check with a local building official), but it gives roof edges a nice finished look, prevents shingles from curling over the edge, and keeps water from running directly down your fascia boards.
Can you work on a roof with common sense?
When it comes to roofs, even the best safety equipment is no substitute for common sense and good judgment. Here are some tips for working safely on a roof: Leave steep and/or high roof work to the pros. No amount of money you could save is worth the risk of death or a lifelong disability from a fall.
What is the most important thing to do when growing a lawn on a rooftop deck?
Waterproofing membranes are the most important component when growing a lawn on a rooftop deck. The right waterproofing system must prevent water from entering the building from the outside and also not allow the plant roots to penetrate. Other critical components include water retention and drainage systems, insulation, a root barrier, ...
What is the most important consideration when installing a lawn on a rooftop deck?
Load capacity of the roof is probably the most important consideration when installing a lawn on a rooftop deck. The roof must be able to hold the weight of the soil when saturated with water, and if you live in an area that receives snow you also need to factor in the weight of the deepest snow each season.
Why is it important to have a drainage system on a roof?
Proper drainage prevents damage to the roof, retains enough water in the soil to hydrate grass, and moves excess water off of the roof rather than allowing it to stand, as each drop of water adds weight to the roof. Waterproofing membranes are the most important component when growing a lawn on a rooftop deck.
Why is it so hard to grow grass on a roof?
Choose the Right Vegetation. Growing rooftop grass is challenging because green roofs require plants with shallow roots, high heat tolerance, and low watering needs. Most grasses that are tolerant to heat and have shallow root systems.
What is the best way to keep water from standing on a green roof?
The system should also have a layer of filter fabric to hold soil in place and prevent it from clogging the drainage system. Green roofs should be sloped with 10 to 30 degrees of pitch to prevent water from standing. With more than 30 degrees of pitch, plants and soil tend to slide off and need to be pinned in place.
How much pitch should a green roof have?
Green roofs should be sloped with 10 to 30 degrees of pitch to prevent water from standing. With more than 30 degrees of pitch, plants and soil tend to slide off and need to be pinned in place.
How much does a roof weigh per square foot?
SmartAsset.com. Extensive roofs are less than 6 inches deep, less than 35 pounds per square foot when soil is saturated, and covered with a light layer of drought tolerant vegetation. Intensive roofs are 6 inches deep or deeper and approximately 50 to 300 pounds per square foot when soil is saturated.