Green roofs are growing in popularity across the U.S. because of their obvious aesthetic appeal and additional economic benefits, such as helping manage stormwater, reducing the heat island effect, and adding value to buildings.
A green roof is defined by the Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) organization as a system that’s an extension of the existing roof. The extension includes high-quality waterproofing, a root repellent system, a drainage system, filter cloth, and a lightweight growing medium and plants.
But here at LawnStarter, we like to call them pretty roofs with flowers on top.
Photos: Houzz
But exactly how much of a difference does a green roof make?
- A green roof will absorb rainwater (up to 80 percent) and reduce the chance of flooding, especially if your gutters typically overflow with runoff.
- Green roofs double (sometimes even triple) the life of a roof, which grows brittle and cracks from too much sunlight.
- By soaking up the sun’s rays, a green roof can help reduce temperatures by 6 to 8 degrees and lower your utility bills.
- Green roofs pair well with solar panels.
Below, we rank our favorite green roofs for single-family homes. I
1. Water Song
Photos: Houzz
Designed by: Shepherd Resources Inc.
Location: Edward, CO
Why we like it: The roof seamlessly meshes with the landscape around the property and camouflages the house.
2. Creekside Home
Photos: Houzz
Designed by: Vail Custom Builders
Location: Denver, CO
Why we like it: The maturity of the roof’s foliage and the abundance of lighting make the house seem like it belongs in a fairytale.
3. Tomales Retreat
Photos: Houzz
Designed by: Leger Wanaselja Architecture
Location: Marin County, CA
Why we like it: This design scores points for having vibrant plant life along with solar panels. Double the efficiency!
4. Sonoma Residence
Photos: Houzz
Designed by: Hammond & Company, Inc.
Location: San Francisco, CA
Why we like it: Another example of a well-put-together color palette, with the addition of solar panels to go that extra mile.
5. Straw Bale House
Photos: Houzz
Designed by: Allbright Bullock Architects
Location: Baltimore, MA
Why we like it: This design is the perfect example of keeping it simple yet classy.
6. Earthship Farmstead
Photo: Houzz
Designed by: Kaplan Thompson Architects
Location: Portland, ME
Why we like it: The cow is on the roof! Which just also happens to be the property’s “backyard.”
7. Gateway Residence
Photo: Houzz
Designed by: Constructive Solutions Inc.
Location: Bozeman, MT
Why we like it: Have you ever seen such undisturbed green lolling over the hills? No one should interrupt that elegance with a roof made of shingles.
8. Northbay Residence
Photo: Houzz
Designed by: Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects
Location: Seattle, WA
Why we like it: Style points for the blue rock border and the clustered coloration of the sedum.
9. Ballard Cut
Photo: Houzz
Designed by: Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects
Location: Seattle,WA
Why we like it: This home allows its tenants to enjoy a colorful garden while sitting on their rooftop patio.
10. Hobbit Home
Photo: Houzz
Designed by: Dawson Design Group
Location: San Diego, CA
Why we like it: We’re huge fans of “The Hobbit,” and that’s about as creative as it gets.
