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Chicago Green Roof: What is the Cost?

 
Question:

What is the cost and process involved in the installation of a green roof?

Katie asks: My husband and I are considering purchasing a home in Chicago that has a terrace, currently covered in stone tile, that we would like to convert over to grass. The terrace is over part of the basement, so it we would need all the same considerations as a green roof, as it is still a roof. The terrace is sandwiched between the garage and the home.

Before we go further on this home, I was wondering approximately how much it might cost to green this space out and what we might have to do to accomplish it. We are new to this and don't know where to find this out. The dimensions are approx. 15'x19' (286 sqft) and part of that is a built in grill. I was told that the trusses are open web trusses that are 12" on center, 16" on the high side and 12" on the low side. The dead load is 45 lbs and the live load is 100lbs.

I would really appreciate any information you can provide.

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Expert Advice and Comments

Green Roof Cost

Sun, 03/29/2009 - 15:02 — test.com

Hi Katie:

Thanks for your question... check out our section on Green Roofs for some information on the costs... Also, we don't believe that there are any tax benefits for installing a green roof in Illinois although there are energy efficiency incentives that exist in that state.

You may want to look into whether the installation of a green roof could reduce the heat island effect in this home which would probably reduce the HVAC load requirements in summer and may provide insulation (reduced heat loss) in winter. You mention that the roof is over the garage so I'm not sure whether the space beneath it is heated.

Good luck!
Green-Buildings.com

I've understood it's very

Mon, 10/31/2011 - 19:02 — Elijah

I've understood it's very expensive, but the thing with "investing in green" is that the costs are absorbed in time. My wife and I have started investing in natural gas for the very same reason. So if you're deciding on putting a green roof above your head, don't worry, in a few years you'll have more that you thought.

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