Green roofs can be awesome if done right, but yeah, drainage is key. Buddy of mine tried one without proper prep... ended up with a mini swamp overhead. Definitely not the vibe he was going for, lol.
"Buddy of mine tried one without proper prep... ended up with a mini swamp overhead."
Yeah, proper prep seems crucial. I've been researching green roofs too, and apparently weight is another biggie—older homes might need structural reinforcement. Definitely something to factor into the overall cost...
Totally agree on the structural reinforcement point—seen a few projects underestimate that and end up way over budget. Another thing to consider is drainage and waterproofing layers. Even with solid prep, poor drainage design can lead to pooling water, root penetration, and eventual leaks. A proper root barrier and drainage mat are essential... otherwise, you're basically inviting moisture issues down the line. Worth investing in quality materials upfront to avoid headaches later.
Definitely agree about drainage and waterproofing—seen too many promising green roofs turn into soggy messes because someone skimped on those layers. Another thing people often overlook is plant selection. I've noticed some projects pick plants purely based on aesthetics without considering local climate or maintenance needs. Sure, sedums are popular and hardy, but depending on your region, native grasses or wildflowers might actually perform better and require less upkeep. Plus, they can attract beneficial insects and birds, adding biodiversity benefits. Curious if anyone's experimented with less conventional plant choices and how that's worked out long-term...
"Curious if anyone's experimented with less conventional plant choices and how that's worked out long-term..."
Funny you mention that—I once managed a property where the owner insisted on lavender for the green roof because she loved the smell. Looked amazing at first, but after one rainy season... total disaster. Turns out lavender hates soggy feet. Switched to native grasses and wildflowers, and now it's thriving with butterflies everywhere. Lesson learned: sometimes nature knows best, even if it doesn't smell like a fancy spa.
