Modular Green Roof Vs Extensive Green Roof, What Is The Difference?

If you’re looking for a green roof for your home or business, you’ve likely come across two main types: modular and extensive green roofs. But what’s the difference between these two types of green roofs? Modular green roofs are built with a variety of individual components and are designed to be installed quickly, while extensive green roofs are made from pre-grown mats and have a much lower weight load. Both types of green roofs offer many environmental benefits, but it’s important to understand the differences between them in order to make the best decision for your home or business. In this article, we’ll explain the differences between modular and extensive green roofs and discuss the pros and cons of each.

What is Modular Green Roof?

A modular green roof is a roof system made up of a series of interlocking components that allow homeowners to add green roofs to their properties in just a matter of days. The components are designed to be installed by one person, and homeowners can add a green roof to just about any level of their home or building. Modular green roofs are constructed with a variety of materials, including PVC, rigid foam, or extruded polyethylene (EPE). The components are held together with fasteners, including anchors, and adhesives, which are used to hold them in place. Some modular green roofs are built with a grid system, while other systems are built with a furring system.

What is Extensive Green Roof?

Extensive green roofs are made from pre-grown mats that are grown specifically for roof applications. These roofs are often referred to as “solar or heat-retention” roofs. While extensive green roofs are designed to last longer than modular green roofs, they are much heavier and less flexible, which means they’re not as suitable for residential applications. Extensive green roofs are constructed from a variety of materials, including PVC, wood, or EPE. These roofs are usually built on a concrete foundation, although some are built on metal structures, like a roof rack.

Pros and Cons of Modular Green Roof

Modular green roofs offer homeowners many advantages. They’re lightweight, easy to install, and quick to install, which means homeowners can get a green roof installed quickly, like for an extended remodel or repair. Modular green roofs are also scalable, meaning homeowners can easily expand the roof with a future addition. Unfortunately, modular green roofs aren’t suitable for all types of environments. These roofs are usually not suitable for extremely heavy soils, like in coastal areas or areas prone to flooding. Another potential disadvantage is that they’re more expensive than other green roof options.

Pros and Cons of Extensive Green Roof

Perhaps the biggest advantage of extensive green roofs is that they are suitable for all types of environments. They’re designed to withstand heavy loads, like being exposed to high winds and snowfall, which means extensive green roofs are suitable for most locations. One potential disadvantage of extensive green roofs is that they require more maintenance than other green roof options. Because these roofs are made from pre-grown mats, they require frequent cleaning and maintenance to prevent build-up of dirt and other debris.

Installation of Modular Green Roof

Installation of modular green roofs requires two individuals to work together, one to install the components and another to install the attachments. Most systems can be installed on most levels of a home, such as on a slab or on a low-slope roof, although they can’t be installed on a crawlspace. Modular green roofs usually come with a variety of components, so homeowners can install a green roof system that best suits their needs, depending on the size of their home and the amount of roof area they have. Most systems come with a variety of different attachment points, including gables, ridges, a sports bar, or a band.

Installation of Extensive Green Roof

Installation of extensive green roofs is much more involved than the installation of modular green roofs because they are usually built on a concrete or metal foundation. Extensive green roofs are usually built on a concrete or metal foundation. They can’t be installed on slabs or low-slope roofs, and they require a crane to lift them onto a foundation. Installation of extensive green roofs requires two or more people to work together.

Conclusion

Green roofs are an increasingly popular way to improve your home’s environmental footprint, but the choice of which type of green roof to install can be complicated. Modular green roofs are economical and easy to install, but they’re limited in their lifespan and don’t offer the long-term benefits of extensive green roofs. On the other hand, extensive green roofs are more expensive, but they’re suitable for all types of environments and can last 50 years or more. This can make the choice of green roof type a difficult one.