the green one just needed some cleanup. Insurance was a pain though—took months to get them to even look at our claim.
That tracks with what I’ve seen—vegetative roofs seem to take the brunt of wind and debris way better than shingles, but insurance adjusters always act like they’re some kind of science experiment. Did you have any issues with drainage after the storm? Sometimes the buildup from leaves and branches causes more trouble than the wind itself.
Did you have any issues with drainage after the storm? Sometimes the buildup from leaves and branches causes more trouble than the wind itself.
That’s a good point—honestly, I’ve seen more long-term headaches from clogged drains than from actual roof membrane damage. After big storms, vegetative roofs can hold onto debris in weird spots, and if the drainage layer gets blocked, you’re looking at pooling and maybe even root rot. Insurance folks rarely get that nuance. I’d say luck plays a part, but ongoing maintenance is what really keeps things from going sideways.
I hear you on the maintenance—sometimes it feels like half the battle is just keeping those drains clear, especially with a green roof. After last year’s storm, I found a bunch of pine needles jammed right at the drain exit, and it took me a while to even notice since everything looked fine from above. Do you do regular checks after storms, or just wait for signs of pooling? I’m always torn between being proactive and not wanting to climb up there every time it rains...
I hear you—after every big storm, I tell myself I’ll check the roof “tomorrow,” and then three tomorrows later I’m up there fishing out a squirrel’s worth of debris. I try to do a quick walkaround if it’s been especially windy, but honestly, sometimes I just cross my fingers and hope for the best. Those green roofs hide all sorts of surprises...
LUCK OR GOOD PREP? ROOF CHECKS AFTER STORMS
I get the temptation to just hope for the best—especially with those green roofs, since you can’t always see what’s going on up there. After last year’s nor’easter, I figured my roof was fine because there were no leaks inside. But when I finally climbed up, I found a cracked vent boot and a bunch of loose flashing tucked under some moss. Now, after any big wind, I do a quick check: look for missing shingles, check gutters for granules, and peek at the attic for damp spots. It’s not foolproof, but it’s saved me from bigger headaches down the line. Sometimes it feels like luck, but a little routine goes a long way...