Green roof systems

[big brown horse]

http://www.toolbase.org/Technology-Inventory/Roofs/green-roofs

I would love to build my new coop out of cob or straw etc. however it doesn't look like that will be happening any time soon.

However, my coop needs a better roof, I think I want to try this.

 

[big brown horse]

Check out the photo in this craigslist ad: http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/grd/1659151068.html

 

[big brown horse]

How to build a green roof system:

http://howto.wired.com/wiki/Build_a_Green_Roof

 

[patandchickens]

First make sure your structure is strong enough to SUPPORT a green roof. They can weigh upwards of several times as much as a conventional shingled roof, and need MUCH more in the way of posts/beams/rafters.

They have a demonstrated track record in reducing temperatures of buildings in hot climates, but do *not* tend to do much to keep buildings warm in cold winters (alas for me )

Also unless you plant entirely with hen-and-chicks and selected sedums, it will not be green for most of the year, it will be more along the lines of a brown roof

If you want to build one, definitely read some books on the subject. There are a lot of construction considerations, and it sounds like little changes in design can really make the difference between a basically-successful roof and one that leaks or collapses or slumps off the edge.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[big brown horse]

Thanks Pat.

It will be a very small green roof, probably about 3 1/2 x 3 1/2, because my existing coop has a very small foot print .

Our weather is mild year round.

 

[FarmerDenise]

At our county fair the Master Gardeners always put in a show garden. They include a green roof along with instructions. This is particularly geared to our area and the Master Gardeners are there to answer questions. I have found it to be very interesting.

I have bought several drought and or heat tolerant plants from them for our front yard. Often these are the same plants they put on the green roof. They also had a rainbarrel set up with it for the runoff that would still occur in our rainy winter months.

 

[The YardFarmers]

the Ford Plant in Detroit has a green roof- we were able to see it when we went on a trip to the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.

It was planted in sedum. I thought it was fascinating and it seemed to do a good job for them. they also had special perforated parking lot materials and some other interesting projects. That was several years ago- I was so hoping they were going to position themselves as a progressive green company, but doesn't seem to be so much.

Maybe I missed it, but is your coop high enough that the chickens won't be able to get up on it? I hope your project works- I wonder if there would be anything edible that could be planted on it? Maybe some drought resistant herb?

YardFarmer Julie

 

[big brown horse]

Yeah, no I didn't say how high up my coop is. The roof would be about 6 feet high when it is finished. They couldn't get up there.

I would love to plant different things during different times of year. I thought kale, spinach and lettuce would work in the spring and fall. I haven't thought about summer yet. Herbs? The roof would be small and low enough to "garden" by standing on a step stool.

 

[noobiechickenlady]

I love it!
A semi-local master gardener had one built on an arbor in his yard, very nice. More pictures from around the world. Be sure to scroll down for the vw bug, too cute!

Ummm... a link would be nice
http://www.felderrushing.net/GreenRoofEntryArbor_000.htm

 

[Wifezilla]

Cool!