Totally agree—flashing and ventilation are the sneaky culprits way more often than people think. I’ve seen folks spend a fortune on “eco” shingles, but then skip proper venting and end up with moldy attic insulation. Curious if anyone’s tried adding a green roof layer (like sedum mats) over metal or shingles? Wondering if that helps with leaks or just adds more weight and headaches. My neighbor swears by his, but I’m not sure it’s worth the hassle in our rainy climate...
Wondering if that helps with leaks or just adds more weight and headaches. My neighbor swears by his, but I’m not sure it’s worth the hassle in our rainy climate...
Seen a couple of those green roofs go up around here (Pacific NW, so rain’s a given). Honestly, every time I’ve inspected one, it’s been a mixed bag. The sedum mats can add a bit of insulation, but if the waterproofing layer underneath isn’t perfect, water finds its way in. Had one job where the extra weight caused some sagging too—nothing catastrophic, but enough to worry the homeowner. I get the appeal, but in wet climates, it’s just another layer that can hide leaks until they’re a real mess. Not saying don’t do it, just… go in with eyes wide open.
I’ve worked on a few green roofs and honestly, they’re a gamble in our kind of weather. If you’re not 100% sure about the waterproofing, it’s just asking for trouble down the line. I’ve seen leaks go unnoticed for months because the plants hide everything. Plus, that extra weight isn’t nothing—especially if your structure wasn’t built with it in mind. Personally, I’d rather deal with a straightforward metal or shingle roof here. At least you can spot problems before they turn into a nightmare.