Irina, call me a skeptic, but if someone asked me this question at a local USGBC meeting or in casual conversation (since that comes up a lot…) my response would be that you’d definitely want to hire a professional (or two). Especially if you’re considering a residential structure as even most commercial buildings require additional structural support prior to implementation of a green roof structure. Though I’m sure that there are others that would say you’re entirely capable of doing a simple green roof project yourself.

The fact is that I’m not an expert on these types of systems, so I wouldn’t feel comfortable implementing a green roof myself because even though I’ll work on anything in my home, when it comes to structure I’m very careful.

Green roofs are divided into two categories: extensive green roofs, which are typically six inches or shallower and intensive green roofs, which are much deeper (and less common). According to an Extensive Green Roofs article by Charlie Miller, PE, for Whole Building Design Guide, “The most common vegetated roof cover in temperate climates is a single un-irrigated 3- to 4-inch layer of lightweight growth media vegetated with succulent plants and herbs.”

The Greenroofs.com website offers some small DIY projects that look interesting if you’re trying to implement a green roofing system at your home or business. Though if you’re simply interested in green roofing products I’d maybe recommend trying out something to see how it works, I'd try the green roofing products from grid products from which can be used in non-roof applications as well. The grid system would probably be the way I’d go if I were implementing a green roof (though I’d need a structural engineer at the least, and probably also solicit the services of a good landscape designer with experience in native and adapted vegetation. The GreenGrid system weights are approximately as follows:

2.5-inch module = 11-13 lbs/sf. (wet)

Standard 4-inch module = 18-22 lbs/sf. (wet)

New G3 4-inch module = 21-25 lbs/sf. (wet)

8-inch module = 36-44 lbs/sf. (wet)

Plenty more information is available at the website for the nonprofit organization Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, http://www.greenroofs.org. This industry association consists of individuals and public and private organizations committed to developing a market for green roof infrastructure products and services across North America.

Another good resource is Penn State’s Center for Green Roof Research at http://web.me.com/rdberghage/Centerforgreenroof/Home.html, which strives to promote the use of green roofs in North America through Research, Teaching and Outreach. You can also search the Green Roofs Database for projects in your area at http://www.greenroofs.com/projects/.

Related Advice:

• Cool Roofs are Green Roofs: Five Things to Remember when Considering a Cool Roof



• Green Roof Cost: What is the cost per square meter?



• Green Roof System: What Should I Consider When Installing it Myself?