I’ve been interested in vegetated roofing systems for some time, and last week I had the opportunity to meet Paul Cook, Pennsylvania sales reps for LiveRoof, and visit his growing nursery in Manheim.

Paul took me around the facility and explained how the roof system is grown.  More commonly known as “green roof”, these systems are designed to be directly mounted on an existing roof with only a thin root and moisture barrier in place.  The engineering theory is that the layer of soil and vegetation create a cool zone beneath the roof of the building, allowing for reduced heating and cooling costs.  In addition, green roofing absorbs the majority of stormwater before it runs off into municipal drainage arrangements.

LiveRoof, a Michigan-based firm, uses regional growers to provide the vegetation for their roof installations.  The plants are selected based on their water retention, heat resistance, growth height and other factors.  Plants used fall into the “sedum” category.  Paul explained how the plants take approximately 3 months to fully grow once the order for a roof system has been placed.  “We don’t rush these” he cautioned as we examined a system growing for Drexel University.  “Once the system is in place there isn’t much maintenance – just a regular pH check and weeding.  You CAN mow the roof once a year as the clippings do help with regeneration”.

Imagine that – having to mow your ROOF!

Paul is pretty busy right now with jobs coming in from all points in his territory, which covers PA, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware and New York City.  He travels to do “lunch and learn” seminars with industry professionals and raise awareness of green roofs with landscape contractors & architects.  One new customer is the School District of Lancaster, which plans to install a system in early 2010.

And what about the cost, you say?  Depends…of course.  Homeowners CAN install the system themselves, if they watch a “certification” video provided by LiveRoof.  That would save roughly half the cost.  The system itself runs about $12 per square foot on average for a residential installation.  So, if you have a 20×20 roof its 400 square feet or $4,800.  In Lancaster, green roofing would work best for city homes with a “bump out” rear rubber roof with would be about 15×20 feet or so.  That would allow the vegetation to cool the kitchen and rear spaces typically in the bump out.  Residential customers can pick up the interlocking 2 s/f trays right there at the nursery or have them delivered to the site.  LiveRoof also sells aluminum “end caps” that slide under the end trays and create a pleasing look at the roof edge.

If you’re interested in learning more about LiveRoof give Paul Cook a shout at Creek Hill Nursery, 717-723-0855 or at Paul@CreekHillNursery.com.