Are Green Roofs Fireproof?

Green roofs are beneficial in many ways, but you may be wondering if they are a fire hazard. After all, your roof can help or hinder fires that start in the home. Originally created in Germany, green rooftops were actually designed to work as a type of fire prevention. As long as the roof is properly cared for, it will help prevent fires from spreading. Dead plants that have gone completely dry could catch fire, but it still isn’t a big concern. Here are some of the ways green roofs protect your home.

Irrigation Systems Prevent Spreading

Fire and water don’t go together. The irrigation system will prevent fire from spreading easily and the damp soil can also keep flames at bay. Be sure to keep your plants watered regularly in order to keep flammability low. In case of a fire, you can also turn on the irrigation system. This may help put out any flames that have reached the roof.

Soil is Insulating

The soil atop your roof may not be very thick, but it does serve as an insulator. This prevents fire from easily moving across the roof in order to start a blaze elsewhere. The soil may also be damp from irrigation, which makes it more resistant to fire passing over it. A layer of dirt on your roof will prevent sparks from other fires from catching on your home.

Green Roof Care Reduces Fire Hazards

If you are caring for your rooftop garden properly, you’ll have far less flammability. This means you need to water the plants regularly to keep them moist. It’s also important to remove dead plants and leaves and to clear out fallen leaves and twigs after storms. Eliminating anything dry and easily flammable will help reduce your risk level.

Proper tending of the rooftop garden is an essential part of fire prevention and should be treated as such. If you don’t take care, it can still be dangerous. You may even want to incorporate succulents into your rooftop landscaping if you want to increase the fire resistance. Overall, a green roof greatly reduces the chances of a fire spreading across your roof. Take the time to care for the roof properly and to plant the right plants to help keep your home safe from fires.

If you need help with designing and building your green roof, you can contact B&D Roofing to learn more.