

Shakes are produced by splitting wood, and they are thicker wedges with a rougher texture. Shingles are typically thin, wedge-shaped slabs of wood that are produced by precise sawing. Still, they are among the most attractive roofing materials, which makes them a popular choice for luxury homes.Īlthough both are made from natural wood, usually cedar (typically found on Cape Cod-style homes) or redwood, there is a difference between wood shakes and shingles. They are not as long-lived as some other roofing materials, and they are a poor choice in areas that get lots of moisture or where wildfires are a danger. Wood roofs are very attractive, but they are also quite expensive and have limitations. Average cost of wood shingles/shakes: $4.50 to $9 per square foot (shingles) $6.50 to $14 per square foot (shakes).The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.


A vegetated roof, on average, can be expected to prolong the life of a conventional roof by at least 20 years because the vegetation prevents the roof from being exposed to ultraviolet radiation and cold winds. The initial capital and ongoing maintenance costs of a green roof are offset by some long-term cost savings -most notably roof maintenance and replacement and utility costs. In the United States, green roof costs -including everything from waterproofing to plants -tend to range from $18 to $25 per square foot, depending on how intensive the system is. Of course, the more complex the garden, the more it needs to be maintained like a typical garden. Depending on the dimensions of the planting, some weed removal may be necessary as well. Some watering may be required during the first few years when root systems are getting established. Maintenance requirements may include inspection of the roof membrane and drainage flow paths. Once a green roof is well established, maintenance requirements are usually minimal. Green roofs are appropriate in most of the properties in the City including residential, commercial, industrial and institutional properties. In both new building designs and rehab opportunities, the load-bearing capacity of the roof may dictate the most appropriate type of system. This type of roof provides more stormwater benefits, including insulation, water filtration, storage and increased habitat opportunities. Intensive systems are similar to gardens on the ground. They have a minimum of 6 to 12 inches of soil,80 to 150 pounds per square foot, host deeper-rooted plants, including shrubs and trees, and require more maintenance. Extensive systems absorb stormwater and provide insulation. The two most effective types of green roofs are:Įxtensive systems, with 2 to 4 inches of soil, 12 to 40 pounds per square foot of roof area, short plants with shallow root systems, and easy maintenance. They can help preserve habitat and biodiversity in an otherwise sterile urban environment. Green roofs can also improve air quality by helping to reduce the “urban heat island” effect. Finally, they can provide garden areas and attractive views for other buildings. In addition to the stormwater benefits, green roofs extend the life of roofs two to three times. It has been estimated that green roofs, in comparison to conventional roofs, can reduce cadmium, copper and lead in runoff by over 95 percent and zinc by 16 percent nitrogen levels also can be diminished.

For small rainfall events little or no runoff will occur and the majority of the precipitation will return to the atmosphere through evaporation and transpiration. Key considerations for implementing green roofs include the structural and load-bearing capacity of the building, plant selection, waterproofing, and drainage or water storage systems. The quantity of rainfall retained or detained by a green roof can vary. The water that does leave the roof is slowed, kept cooler and is filtered to be cleaner. Green roofs can also further insulate the building, reducing cooling and heating costs. They help manage stormwater and contribute to improved water quality by retaining and filtering rainwater through the plant’s soil and root uptake zone. "Green" roofs are layers of living vegetation installed on top of buildings, from small garages to large industrial structures.
