DIY Green Roof Sheds

A green roof shed is an interesting, attractive and ecologically-friendly structure in a backyard or landscape setting. You can convert any simple shed structure to a green roof shed by adding light yet sturdy framework, soil and plants to the surface of the roof. Living roofs naturally cool and insulate the structure, attract wildlife and add interest to your property. Consider adding a green roof to your shed this summer.

Measuring tape
Circular or table saw
4-by-4 inch upright posts
3-by-3 inch joists
Thin plywood
Butyl rubber pond liner
2-by-6 inch lumber
3- and 4-inch galvanized screws
Handheld drill
Topsoil, sifted peat moss and compost
Sedum and short fescue grasses or herbs and wildflower seeds

Instructions

- 1
  Reinforce the shed’s existing structure to support the additional weight of green roof materials with 4-by-4 inch posts and 3-by-3 inch joists. Place posts vertically at each inside corner of the shed from floor to roof and every 3 feet in between. Place joists horizontally across the tops of the beams and the roof trusses and screw them into place.
- 2
  Cut enough thin plywood to cover the surface of the roof and screw the sections firmly into place.
- 3
  Cover the plywood entirely with a butyl rubber pond liner.
- 4
  Cut 2-by-6 inch lumber to fit around the perimeter of the shed roof and screw the pieces into place on top of the rubber liner.
- 5
  Spread 4 to 6 inches of growing medium over the entire surface of the rubber liner.
- 6
  Plant selected rooftop plants 6 to 10 inches apart and water them well. Alternatively, broadcast grass or herb seeds instead of plants.

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