A green or vegetated roof can be a major asset to a home. Green roofs provide the function of a conventional roof while allowing plants to grow on the surface. They are ideal places for entertaining and can offer urban homeowners a garden sanctuary to escape to at the end of a busy day.

Concrete is the structural system of choice for vegetated roofs. It provides a continuous load-bearing surface for the potentially moist growing medium and plants. In addition, cast-in-place or precast concrete panels provide a uniform surface. Projects constructed using waterproof concrete made with proprietary admixtures allow for the elimination of membranes, and therefore simplify design, construction, and maintenance processes.

In addition, lightweight concrete topping can be used to create the sloping deck of a vegetated roof system. Structural aggregate forms a lightweight, absorptive portion of the growing medium, reducing the deadload on the roof structure.

Vegetated roofs offer multiple environmental benefits.

Durability. The vegetated cover protects the roof membrane resulting in a longer service life.

Energy Efficiency. Green roofs add insulation to a structure. Modeling by Environment Canada estimated that with grass in less than 4 inches of soil a one-story building would reduce summer cooling needs by 25%. Field studies in Ottawa Canada, found that a 6-inch extensive green roof reduced heat gains by 95% and heat losses by 26% compared to a reference roof.

Water Efficiency. Appropriate vegetation can eliminate the need for landscaping irrigation in green roofs after establishment. Runoff can be captured for reuse in landscaping.

Stormwater Management. Because rainwater percolates through the growing medium peak runoff rates are reduced.

Heat Island Reduction. The vegetated roof minimizes the heat island effect of the home.

Human Well Being. Increased aesthetics for those with access or site line view to the vegetated roof, enhancing psychological well-being of building users.

Outdoor Air Quality. The plants absorb and filter outdoor pollutants, helping improve outdoor air quality.

Acoustical Comfort. Increased sound insulation results from higher sound absorption by the growing medium and plants

Habitat. The roof provides habitat for birds and other small creatures.