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How to Lay Green Roof Blocks

Green roofing has become a popular option for practical and ideological reasons. A green roof is simply a flat or pitched roof that is covered with some type of living vegetation. A green roof helps keep heating and cooling costs down and insulates against sound as well as reduces storm water drainage and helps improve the ecosystem. Green Roof Blocks are a green roof option that are specifically designed to be easy to install, long lasting and low maintenance.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Gloves
  • Skid loader or fork lift
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure your roof. Your will need to know how many square feet you need to cover. For square or rectangular sections, multiply the length times the width. For a triangular section, multiple the height times the base and then divide by two for the square feet. Add all sections together to arrive at a total area. You can also use the price calculator option on the Green Roof Blocks website.

    • 2

      Select your Green Roof Blocks. Blocks come in 2-feet by 2-feet squares. There are a variety of vegetation options from which to choose. Consult with the manufacturer before you place your order to determine which plants will grow best in your area. Place your order ahead of time as the blocks can be planted and grown at the nursery.

    • 3

      Rent a small fork lift, skid loader or other equipment capable of lifting the pallets onto the roof. Although the individual squares can be loaded one at a time, they are large and heavy and are not intended to be carried up a ladder. The appropriate equipment to lift the pallets can typically be rented from a local hardware store or equipment rental store. You may wish to load all the pallets at once since you have rented the equipment and will likely be paying by the hour.

    • 4

      Arrange the pallets once they have been loaded onto the roof. No other preparation is necessary. No underlayment is necessary. Green Roof Blocks come ready to be installed directly onto the roof. The blocks should be placed directly connecting so that the vegetation overlaps as it grows.