I get the appeal of asphalt shingles—just slap ’em down and you’re done, right? But honestly, I’ve seen more ice dams wreck shingle roofs than green ones. If the drainage’s dialed in, green roofs actually handle freeze-thaw cycles better in my experience. Just gotta baby that drainage layer... and maybe keep a snow rake handy for those Midwest dumps.
Just gotta baby that drainage layer... and maybe keep a snow rake handy for those Midwest dumps.
That’s the truth. I’ve inspected plenty of roofs after a rough winter, and the ones with clogged or poorly installed drainage layers on green roofs always have trouble spots. But when it’s done right, you’re spot on—they seem to shrug off ice damming better than shingles. I’ve seen shingle roofs where the ice just creeps up under the tabs and you get leaks in the weirdest places. Still, I’ll admit, green roofs need more TLC. Not everyone wants to be up there fussing with drains when it’s ten below.
You nailed it about green roofs needing more attention, especially with drainage. I’ve seen the same thing—if that layer gets blocked, water just sits and finds its way in, no matter how new the membrane is. But when everything’s set up right, they really do handle freeze/thaw cycles better than most folks expect. Shingles are a different beast; once ice starts creeping under, you’re chasing leaks all winter.
I get why people hesitate to mess with drains in the dead of winter. Not everyone wants to be up there with a heat gun or clearing scuppers when it’s brutal out. Still, a little prep in the fall goes a long way. I’ve told clients to check those drains before the first snow and again after any big melt—saves a lot of headaches later.
Honestly, every roof type has its quirks. Green roofs just make you work for that peace of mind, but if you stay on top of it, they’ll reward you.
Funny thing, I used to think green roofs were just for eco-nerds with too much time on their hands... then I inherited one on a building and learned the hard way that you can’t just let those drains fend for themselves. You’re spot on—if you ignore them, you’re basically inviting a pond party up there. I keep a plastic rake and a pair of old boots handy for the pre-winter ritual. Not glamorous, but it beats spending February chasing leaks with buckets in the lobby. Shingles? Don’t get me started—once ice dams set in, you might as well put “indoor waterfall” on the amenities list.
- Totally get it—those green roofs look low-maintenance until you’re ankle-deep in soggy leaves.
- Clearing drains is a must, but I’ve found gutter guards help a bit with the worst of the debris.
- Not sure if you’ve tried heat cables for shingles? They’re not perfect, but saved me from a few indoor “water features” last winter.
- Honestly, nothing glamorous about any of it... but yeah, it’s way better than explaining ceiling stains to tenants.
- I still laugh thinking about my first winter—thought I could just ignore the roof until spring. Rookie mistake.
