Vegetation on the Roof: Roots Can be a Problem

Green Roofs

There are so many great things about a green roof, or having vegetation on the roof. They save money in numerous ways. Insulating the building, preventing water damage, preventing UV damage and providing food. They’re becoming more popular and are an excellent investment. Did you know the Olympic Village has many green roofs on its buildings?

Vegetation on the Roof

If you’re getting one installed, you’ll need to know that the very thing that makes it a green roof, the vegetation on the roof, can also cause damage. Plants start from seeds and seeds get spread around from gardens. The wind, the bees, the butterflies and birds all help spread the seeds around. Some end up on the roof membrane and the start growing roots. It’s so important to have a quality roof membrane so they can’t get in.

This isn’t just a problem for green roofs. This can happen to any roof! We’ve seen roofs that could actually be mistaken for green roofs.

Sometimes it’s a few grassy weeds.

A picture of weeds growing out of the roof.

They grow tall.

A picture of a man standing next to a small tree that is growing on the roof.

Like a shrub.

A picture of vegetation growing on the roof.

Like a bush.

a picture of a small tree growing on the roof.

Like a tree.

They grow even if they weren’t meant to. It’s a bad sign when vegetation on the roof shows up with its roots in the membrane. Those roots are trying to find water in any way they can and will draw it down into the membrane.

Prevent Possible Root Damage from Vegetation on the Roof

Uncontrolled vegetation growth on the roof poses serious problems. For example, blackberry bushes have strong root systems which quickly and easily cause damage to the membrane.

Dried grasses and moss pose another safety concern especially in the hot summer months. A simple spark can ignite the dried grass and moss creating a serious risk of fire. Making sure such vegetation is regularly cleared off your roof is essential to proper roof function and safety. Such proactive measures will help extend the life of your roof system.
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Design Roofing : In the business of keeping a roof over your head

Any business owner can agree that everything just seems to run smoother when weather isn’t a factor. However, few entrepreneurs look back on just how the cold and harsh conditions have worn down the integrity of their building’s structure, which is especially important for roofs. Damage from drastic climate changes can cause splits and cracks, which end up costing companies much more than a simple upkeep. Professional, certified roofing contractors make it their business to ensure that staying on top of your maintenance needs are a simple matter.

Design Roofing is a premier commercial roofing company that has catered to the people of Vancouver and the Lower Mainland for more than 25 years. As leaders in their field, they know the importance regular preventative maintenance has in avoiding damage caused by the passing seasons. Potentially expensive situations can be averted by their team of passionate and qualified re-roofing experts. To them, whether it be sheet metal, shingle or flat roof repairs, prevention is the key to cost-effective solutions and long-term durability.

Maintaining a positive image in the eyes of their community has been no accident. As a long-time member of the Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia ( RCABC ), their commitment to client satisfaction by providing professional service has earned them accolades from their peers. Additionally, they ensure that all of their technicians pass a certification through the Construction Safety Association of British Columbia ( CSABC ) and adhere to the strictest safety codes.

With the many reservations that come with hiring a contractor, understanding the needs of the client is what sets Design Roofing apart. Along with 24-hour emergency service, the company offers Real Time Solutions, a system that allows the on-site roofing specialists to communicate their notes along with photos of the building to the head office; keeping their customer apprised almost instantly. These and other unique services are why they have earned a reputation as a trustworthy business in the Vancouver area.

With the coming spring, regular preventative maintenance is imperative as it will save you a lot of money and heartache. If that isn’t incentive enough, the practice of regular check-ups helps keeps the environment green. Making the effort to keep your roof’s longevity will avert a costly replacement and keep damaged, unusable materials from being discarded. And, as a native of the west coast, the Vancouver-based roofing contractor proves that environmentally-conscious thinking keeps their city looking bright.

Design Roofing will help your company with the most important item on your spring cleaning checklist. Let their experts convince you that the foundation of a good business starts on top.