Sod roofs are pretty popular among many folks in the countryside, but this does not mean that they are not used in the suburban houses as well. In fact, many suburban homeowners have sod roofs installed in their houses, although it is not as “wild” or “outdoorsy” as those found in the rural areas. But why would people even think about putting turf or sod on their roofs?
Benefits of Sod Roofs
Well, for one, sod roofs are known to provide homes with excellent insulation, keeping the cold out during the cold winter months and keeping the heat in at the same time. During the warmer months, sod roofs can help to cool down your house compared to other roofing materials. On a hot day for instance, say 80 degrees Fahrenheit, sod roofs heat up to only 85F, where are traditional roofs can go as hot as 180F. So aside from the insulation, sod roofs can also help you to save on your heating and cooling bills.
In addition, sod roofs and the plants therein also help to protect your roofing materials. Roofing materials are often exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun which greatly reduces their lifespan. Having sod and plants there will help to keep these harmful rays from damaging your roof so you can enjoy it longer.
And of course, last but not the least, who doesn’t like the idea of a rooftop garden? When properly cared for, sod roofs can become a lovely garden which do not only provide homes to butterflies and birds but also increases the value of your home.
Drawbacks of Sod Roofs
Despite all the good things about sod roofs, it does not come without disadvantages.
For one, they can get pretty difficult to manage, especially if you are not fond of tending to plants. Neglecting to manage sod roofs can cause tall weeds to grow, and the turf may even dry up and wilt, which then makes your house unsightly.
Second, sod roofs require a very strong roof architecture, which can be quite expensive and heavy to the pockets.
Sod roofs offer a great way of improving your home’s appearance while provide additional benefits as well. However, they do have their own disadvantages, and if you plan to install sod roofs on your house, it is best to weigh the pros and cons of doing so before you make your decision.