Green roofs have drastically increased in popularity over the last few years due to their environmental and financial benefits for commercial property owners. From improved stormwater management to increased property value, there are countless benefits to installing an urban green roof.

However, many property owners mistakenly believe that creating a green roof is too difficult and expensive to be worth it, especially on an existing building. Luckily, this couldn’t be further from the truth. With Tile Tech’s modular plant tray system, you can create a stunning urban rooftop oasis in a time-efficient and cost-effective manner.

What Is a Green Roof?

 

A green roof, also called a living roof, is a rooftop that is partially or completely covered with vegetation. In addition to providing visually appealing greenery to otherwise monochromatic cityscapes, green roofs also offer a host of benefits for the building, its owner, and its residents. 

Green roofs can provide insulation to your rooftop by covering it with vegetation, which absorbs the sun’s rays. Through this heat absorption, green roofs can also reduce a building’s energy consumption, as they keep buildings organically cooler and reduce the need for air conditioning in the summer. They also absorb rainwater and reduce the volume of stormwater runoff, which lessens the demand on local storm drains. Finally, they reduce air pollution and create habitats for wildlife, making them a beloved choice for sustainable construction.

How Green Roofs Are Designed

There are two main types of green roofs: extensive and intensive. Extensive green roofs are lightweight and require minimal maintenance, making them a popular choice for commercial and residential buildings alike. They typically consist of a shallow layer of lightweight soil, a drainage system, and a hardy group of plants such as succulents and low-growing grasses. These can also utilize roof top turf tray options for even lower maintenance requirements.

Intensive green roofs, on the other hand, are more complex and require a deeper layer of soil. This allows for a wider range of vegetation, including taller trees and shrubs, to be grown. These roofs are often found in parks or large commercial complexes since they require much more maintenance and structural support.

How Modular Plant Trays Improve Green Roofs

Modular plant trays have revolutionized the way extensive green roofs are designed. These easy-to-install trays are a convenient and efficient way to create a lush green roof with minimal cost and effort. Growing plants directly on a rooftop can be incredibly expensive and time-consuming. By using modular plant trays, however, you can eliminate most of the hassle of installing a green roof.

With plant paver trays, you don’t need to worry about drainage mats, water retention mats, root barriers, or filter fabric. The modular system keeps the plants neatly contained and allows them to seamlessly integrate with the hardscaping for a hassle-free installation. The roof plant trays can also be pre-planted off-site and delivered to the project location for minimal disruption, or provided as “planted-in-place,” where empty trays are laid on the rooftop and then filled with growing plants.

The Benefits of Tile Tech’s Modular Plant Tray System

There are dozens of benefits to Tile Tech’s modular plant tray system for business owners seeking cost-effective green roofs. These benefits include efficient stormwater management, reduced heat island effect, greater energy efficiency, and increased property value.

One of the best features of Tile Tech’s plant trays is their ability to reduce your building’s energy consumption, saving you money and improving your carbon footprint. The plants and flowers installed in roof plant trays absorb and store heat, which they then use to release moisture. By using heat in this way, they reduce the temperature of the surrounding area and help create cooler, cleaner air on your rooftop. Protecting your building from direct solar heat and minimizing heat loss during winter will also conserve energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save you hundreds of dollars on electricity bills every year.

Another major benefit of modular plant trays is their visual appeal and ability to boost property value. In a city full of beiges, a vibrant pop of green will feel refreshing to guests and clients. An urban garden sets you apart from the competition and helps your building stand out in a crowded city. Having a unique design element that you can tout as both beautiful and eco-friendly will help you attract more clients, which in turn will help you see a swift return on investment for your green roof. Additionally, since modular plant trays protect your rooftop, they increase its lifespan and reduce maintenance costs, saving you significant money over time in more ways than one.

Here at Tile Tech, we have everything you need to create the ultimate green roof. Our unique plant tray system is an engineered paving system used in conjunction with our adjustable pedestals and deck pavers to create a stunning urban oasis for your commercial enterprise. To find out more about our full product selection as well as installation services, give Tile Tech a call today at 866-905-4303 or fill out our online contact form. We would be more than happy to send you a free catalog, quote, or product sample upon your request.