"Usually, you'll need to reinforce or at least have a professional check it out beforehand."
Couldn't agree more on this point. I've inspected quite a few roofs where the homeowner jumped into green roofing without checking structural integrity first, and trust me, it's not pretty when things start sagging or leaking. But when done right, it's impressive how much difference it makes—both in insulation and moisture control. I remember one client who was skeptical at first but ended up thrilled after seeing their energy bills drop noticeably. You're spot-on about sedums too; they're hardy little plants that practically take care of themselves. It's definitely not a quick weekend project, but if you're patient and thorough upfront, the payoff is worth it in the long run.
Good points all around. I've seen a few DIY green roofs myself that turned into mini swimming pools after heavy rain—definitely not the kind of "green" anyone had in mind, haha. Underlayment choice really does matter, though. I've had good luck with EPDM liners; they're durable and forgiving if you're careful with seams. Still, even the best underlayment won't help if the structure underneath isn't solid. Better safe than sorry, right?
"Still, even the best underlayment won't help if the structure underneath isn't solid. Better safe than sorry, right?"
Couldn't agree more with this. I've managed a few properties where tenants got excited about DIY green roofs, and while I appreciate the enthusiasm, I've seen firsthand how quickly things can go south if the basics aren't covered. One tenant installed a green roof on a shed without reinforcing the structure first—looked great at first, but after a couple of heavy rains, the whole thing started sagging badly. We ended up having to tear it down completely and rebuild from scratch. Not exactly cost-effective or eco-friendly in the end...
EPDM liners have been pretty reliable in my experience too, especially if you're careful with installation. But honestly, even the best liner won't save you if drainage isn't properly planned out. I've found that adding a slight slope and making sure there's a clear path for excess water to escape makes a huge difference. Also, don't underestimate the importance of regular maintenance—checking drains and clearing debris can prevent a lot of headaches down the road.
One thing I'd add is that it's worth investing in a good root barrier layer beneath your liner. Roots can be surprisingly aggressive, and I've seen them puncture liners over time, causing leaks that are tricky to pinpoint. A solid root barrier can save you from some serious frustration later on.
Overall, DIY green roofs can be fantastic, but they're definitely not a "set it and forget it" kind of project. A little extra planning and prep work upfront goes a long way toward avoiding those unintended rooftop swimming pools...
EPDM liners have been pretty reliable in my experience too, especially if you're careful with installation.
Good point about the root barrier—I learned that one the hard way too. Had a client whose garage roof turned into a mini jungle...roots punched right through the liner. Took forever to track down the leak. Definitely worth spending a bit extra upfront to avoid that hassle.
- Good reminder about root barriers, seen a few messy situations myself.
- Curious if anyone's tried TPO liners instead of EPDM? Heard they're tougher against punctures but haven't used them much yet.
- Wondering how they hold up long-term compared to EPDM...anyone got experience there?
