Funny you mention roots, because I actually had a rogue dandelion try to burrow right through the felt last spring. Never thought I’d be digging up weeds on the roof, but there I was, trowel in hand. Didn’t do any real damage, but it made me wonder if I should be checking more often. Honestly, I’d rather deal with a few stubborn weeds than chase down a mystery drip during a thunderstorm... but both are a pain in their own way.
Had the same thing happen with a thistle last year—never thought I’d be pulling weeds up there either. I check every couple months now, just in case. Way cheaper than dealing with water damage, that’s for sure. Still feels weird gardening on the roof though...
Weeds on the roof always catch people off guard, but honestly, it’s more common than you’d think—especially if there’s any debris or standing water up there. Out of curiosity, what kind of roof do you have? I’ve seen flat roofs with gravel get all sorts of stuff sprouting after a windy season. Checking every couple months is smart. Have you noticed any spots where water tends to pool, or is it just random growth? Sometimes those little plants are the first sign something’s not draining right. Feels odd to be up there pulling weeds, but it beats patching leaks later...
Feels odd to be up there pulling weeds, but it beats patching leaks later...
Honestly, I’d rather see a few weeds than cracked shingles or a sagging spot. But here’s the thing—if you’re getting regular growth, it might be time to rethink the roof setup. I know people love gravel on flat roofs, but it’s basically a planter box if drainage isn’t perfect. Ever considered a green roof? At least then the plants are intentional and you get insulation out of it. Just saying, sometimes “weeds” are telling you what your roof really wants.
I get the appeal of green roofs, but honestly, for most folks with standard flat or low-slope roofs, it’s not as simple as just letting the weeds take over and calling it “intentional.” There’s a big difference between a designed green roof system—with proper waterproofing, root barriers, drainage layers—and a roof that’s just collecting debris and sprouting whatever seeds blow in.
In my experience, once you’ve got enough organic material up there for weeds to thrive, you’re already risking membrane damage and clogged drains. That’s how you end up with leaks and ponding water. I manage a couple of older buildings where people let things slide for a season or two, and the cost to clean it up and repair the damage was way more than just keeping on top of the maintenance.
I’m all for sustainable options, but if your roof wasn’t built for greenery, I’d stick with regular cleaning and maybe look into improving drainage. Green roofs are great—when they’re planned from the start. Otherwise, those “weeds” are just warning signs, not free insulation.
