Green roofs and facades are more beneficial than you think!

The natural look of green roofs and facades are certainly attention-grabbing, but they’re much more than just a visual statement. They improve the comfort of your home, reduce your energy costs and contribute to a healthier living space. Moreover, they offer smart solutions for water management and enhance biodiversity in urban areas. If you’d like to know more, be sure to read on to learn all about them.

If you want to do your bit for a better environment and insulate your home, you’re looking for a clever combination of nature and technology. Green roofs and facades are definitely worth considering in that respect. They’re composed of several layers that work together to form a sustainable and functional system. This includes a waterproof membrane that protects your house from leaks, a drainage layer that ensures proper water runoff, a substrate layer that feeds the plants, and of course the plants themselves that provide the green appearance. This construction ensures that your green system is long-lasting and functions well, even when the weather is changeable.

You can choose from different types of roof, each with their own advantages. If you’re keen on an extensive green roof, you should opt for a lightweight, low-maintenance solution, ideal for plants such as sedum and mosses. If you’d prefer an intensive roof, this will create space for larger plants or even small trees. You can also opt for a green facade with climbing plants or modular systems specially designed for vertical gardens.

Before getting started with a green roof or green facade, it’s crucial to check whether your property can handle the extra weight. Vegetation, substrate and water combine to create a significant load. You should therefore always have a specialist assess the supporting structure to avoid any unpleasant surprises. If your roof is ready, then you can get started!

• A properly waterproof layer is vital. This protects your home from leaks and moisture problems. Make sure this layer is professionally applied and checked regularly, especially on older roofs.
• Rainwater should be able to drain easily. A robust drainage layer prevents water from accumulating and causing damage. This is important not only for the life of your roof, but also for the health of your plants.
• A green roof or facade also needs attention. A proper maintenance plan, which includes regularly removing weeds, checking the drains and trimming the plants, will keep your green investment looking fresh and functional.

The most straightforward benefit is that green roofs and facades provide extra insulation. They keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, so you use less energy. That means lower energy costs as well as greater comfort all year round. They also help collect rainwater. By allowing water to drain more slowly, they relieve pressure on the sewer system and reduce the risk of flooding during heavy showers. The plants also filter particulate matter from the air and attract insects and birds, improving air quality as well as boosting the biodiversity in your neighbourhood.

A green roof sounds like a great idea: sustainable, beautiful and good for the climate. But before you get started, it’s a good idea to be aware of the downsides too.

• The costs can be substantial. For a straightforward extensive green roof (with succulents and mosses), you can easily pay between 45 to 100 euros per square metre, including the cost of installation. If you’d prefer an intensive green roof with grass, shrubs or even small trees, the cost quickly rises to 150 to 200 euros per square metre, and that's without any reinforcement of your roof structure, which may be needed to support the extra weight. 
• Don't forget maintenance. Even though some green roofs are low-maintenance, you’ll still need to remove weeds, check the drains and take care of the plants at least once a year. Intensive green roofs can require the same level of care as a regular garden.

Green roofs and facades can be a fully-fledged alternative to traditional insulation materials. Thanks to their natural construction, they offer excellent thermal performance, giving your home better protection against heat and cold. However, you don't have to choose between one or the other. It’s perfectly possible to combine green systems with your existing insulation. This way, you improve the energy efficiency of your home and enjoy additional benefits.

Green roofs and facades have long since proven themselves more than a passing fad. They’re a conscientious choice for those who want to build or renovate sustainably, without compromising on comfort or appearance. Moreover, they’re not only good for the environment, but for your wallet as well. In short: by installing a green roof or green facade, you’re investing in the future of your home and living space, which is a worthwhile choice on every level. 

Find everything you need for your home in KBC Mobile. It’s a great way to not only find your home and renovate it, but also save energy with measures such as solar panels and a home battery. Our partners can also advise you on the cost of your renovation plans so that customers like you can save time and money.