I get what you’re saying about moss and debris, but I think a lot of people still underestimate how fast rot can set in. I was helping my uncle patch up his old cedar shake roof last year—north side looked fine from the ground, but once we got up there, the decking was like a sponge in spots. Honestly, even just a little leaf pile can start that process if you let it sit all winter. I’d argue it’s not just storms—sometimes it’s the slow, steady drizzle that does the most damage. Regular checks seem like a pain, but they save you a ton in the long run.
I hear you about rot setting in fast, but I’ve actually been surprised by how much less of an issue it’s been since switching to a green roof setup. The plants and soil layer seem to keep the decking way drier than when I just had shingles—maybe because they soak up the drizzle instead of letting it pool? Not saying it’s zero maintenance (weeding is a pain), but I haven’t seen the same soggy spots, even on the north side. Wonder if the type of roof makes more difference than we think...
The plants and soil layer seem to keep the decking way drier than when I just had shingles—maybe because they soak up the drizzle instead of letting it pool?
Funny enough, I’ve seen the same thing on a couple inspections. Green roofs look like a mossy mess from the street, but underneath? Dry as a bone compared to some shingle jobs I’ve crawled under. Only downside is, if you hate weeding your garden, you’re gonna hate weeding your roof even more.
That’s been my experience too—green roofs look wild, but they’re surprisingly effective at keeping things dry underneath. I’ve managed a few buildings with them, and honestly, the only real headache is when the weeds start getting ideas above their station. Still, I’ll take a little extra weeding over tracking down mystery leaks any day. It’s not for everyone, but if you don’t mind a bit of rooftop gardening, it’s a solid trade-off.
the only real headache is when the weeds start getting ideas above their station
That’s a good way to put it. I’ve noticed the same—sometimes it feels like the weeds are plotting a takeover up there. Out of curiosity, have you had issues with roots messing with the membrane? I’ve seen that once or twice, but maybe it was just bad luck. I do agree, though, much easier to pull a few weeds than hunt down leaks in the middle of a rainstorm.