How Much Does a Green Roof Cost? (2024 Guide)
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An eye-catching roof that serves an eco-friendly purpose might be the right home upgrade. Green roof costs range from $12,000 to $40,000, or about $22,000 on average.
Highlights
- A green roof cost averages $22,000, though some homeowners spend between $12,000 and $40,000.
- The main cost factors for installing a green roof include the roof type and size, the roof pitch, the system type, labor fees, and permits.
- Installing a green roof offers a number of benefits to homeowners and the environment: improved energy efficiency, better stormwater management, extended roof life, natural wildlife habitat, and reduced noise.
- Green roofs are complex systems that can easily be installed incorrectly, leading to leaks, poor energy efficiency, and even structural damage. Hiring a pro is the best way to go for a green roof installation project.
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The conservation-minded homeowner can build a more sustainable house using new technology such as a green roof. A green roof has a thin layer of live vegetation instead of common types of shingles to offer better insulation and a more eco-friendly environment. Green roofs are starting to be more widely used on commercial, industrial, and institutional building rooftops due to a wide range of green roof benefits. The popularity of a green roof on a house is growing, with renovation projects that increase energy efficiency, insulate the home, and improve stormwater management.
According to HomeAdvisor, installing a green roof system will generally cost about $22,000, though the overall price could range from $12,000 to $40,000 depending on the type. This fluctuation in cost occurs as a result of differences among green roof homes and homeowners’ preferences in green roof sections, growing media (base materials), and vegetation types. Homeowners can find out more about these key green roof cost factors before installing a green roof.
Key Cost Factors
When homeowners are considering whether a house with a green roof is a good idea, it’s important for them to weigh the potential benefits of this upgrade against average roof replacement costs. The high replacement cost for a green roof is one of the primary drawbacks to green roof installations. Homeowners can review common green roof cost factors, including the roof size, roof type, roof pitch, and green roof system.
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Roof Size and Type
The size of the roof is one of the most important factors to consider when homeowners are creating a budget for a green roof installation. The larger the roof, the more material will be required for the project. Similarly, the larger the roof, the longer it will take for the installers to complete the job, increasing the overall labor cost. Homeowners can expect to pay between $10 and $30 per square foot for a new green roof.
However, the cost can vary depending on the type of green roof: biosolar, blue-green, extensive, intensive, or semi-intensive. An extensive green roof is one of the more affordable residential options available, while an intensive green roof is typically the most expensive and better suited for large-scale applications. Homeowners can work with one of the best roofing companies to determine the optimal type of green roof for the home.
Roof Pitch and Accessibility
Climbing up onto a roof can be dangerous, especially if the roof has a steep pitch that makes it difficult to maintain balance. Considering the hazards, contractors will charge more for labor to install a green roof if the home has a steep roof pitch. If the roof is difficult to access due to multiple stories or obstructions around the base of the home, then the cost of the project will go up.
Additionally, the pitch of the roof can impact the homeowner’s choice of green roofing systems. Modular green roofing systems are not suitable on roofs with a slope that is steeper than 20 percent to 30 percent (11 degrees to 16 degrees). The trays can easily slip on a steep slope with the added weight of the growing media and vegetation. Before starting this job, homeowners will want to consider the options available for the existing home structure.
Green Roof System
When planning a green roof installation project, the homeowner will need to decide on the right green roof system for the home. Their choices include modular tray systems or built-in green roof root barriers.
- Modular tray green roof systems have an average cost of $10 to $30 per square foot. They are one of the easier types to install as long as the roof has a suitable pitch. This type of green roof system consists of a series of trays that hold the growing media and selected vegetation. Homeowners can remove a single tray at a time to maintain it or add new vegetation.
- Built-in green roof root barrier systems offer a more permanent, customizable alternative to modular tray systems, though they can cost about $20 to $35 per square foot. Built-in systems generally come as a lightweight, rolled-up mat measuring about 100 to 1,400 square feet on average. They’re more suitable for steeply pitched roofs and are lighter than modular systems. The mats are installed over several protective waterproof layers that are applied directly on top of the roof for a semi-permanent installation.
Labor and Permits
The labor involved with a green roofing installation job ranges from about $5 to $10 per square foot, which can become costly for a large roof. Costs can vary based on location and project difficulty and may also differ among roofing companies. Green roof installation companies will be able to suggest appropriate green roof systems for the home and ideal vegetation that grows well in the local climate.
Homeowners can also speak to the roofing company or the local permit office to determine if a permit will be required for the job. In most cases, the roofing company will handle permit acquisition, though it’s recommended that homeowners verify to ensure that everyone is on the same page. On average, permit fees for this type of work will range from about $200 to $500.
Vegetation Type
Adding a green roof can improve the aesthetic appeal of the home, since homeowners have a wide assortment of vegetation to choose from. They can even choose certain designs and color schemes they prefer to have installed. The cost of the project can be affected by the type of vegetation.
Moss and grasses are relatively low cost, while shrubs or even small trees can cost more for a residential installation. Also, the cost will increase as the diversity of plants increases, so it can be more cost-effective to opt for just one or two varieties of vegetation.
Growing Media
Homeowners will also want to consider the type of growing media that they use to support the plant growth. Generally, growing media is made up of a mixture of soil, sand, and organic matter that is then either placed in trays or rolled out as a green roof root barrier. Green roof installers can help homeowners decide on the best roof underlayments, shingles, waterproofing materials, and growing media that is right for the home.
Inorganic growing media, like sand, gravel, pebbles, perlite, or crushed stone, are common choices since they don’t require a lot of maintenance and cost less than organic growing media. Organic growing media, like compost, bark, or peat moss, are more expensive and require a higher level of maintenance. Still, organic growing media also offers better drainage and aeration to help protect the home.
Annual Maintenance
Like most elements of a home and property, a green roof will require regular maintenance to keep it in good condition for years to come. Homeowners can get green roof cleaning and maintenance services by hiring green roof gardening professionals, though some homeowners may choose to handle all of the green roof maintenance on their own. DIY maintenance is typically easier to do with a modular green roof system that has trays that can be removed from the roof.
On average, the maintenance and roof cleaning costs will range from about $0.75 to $2.00 per square foot for an extensive green roof and about $1.25 to $2.00 per square foot for an intensive green roof. Homeowners can ask the green roof installers whether they offer ongoing maintenance packages or know of any reputable companies in the area that offer these services. The best roof cleaning services (like Window Gang or Window Genie) may be able to clean a green roof or recommend a company for the homeowner to hire.
Additional Costs and Considerations
A green roof installation is a costly upgrade, so before starting this project, homeowners may want to consider the other options that are available, like a cool roof or a modular green roof. There could be extra project features, like built-in irrigation systems or solar panel systems, which come with their own costs for added material and labor.
Green Roof vs. Conventional Roof
Most homes have a conventional roof that is designed to protect the home from sun, rain, sleet, hail, snow, ice, wind, and outdoor temperatures. Traditional roofs are a popular choice that have worked for generations and have a lower price point of $4.35 to $11 per square foot.
However, while a built-in green roof can cost between $10 and $30 per square foot, it comes with a list of benefits that a conventional roof cannot match. Some green roof benefits included reduced noise pollution, increased energy efficiency, and a better ROI (return on investment). With this in mind, investing in a green roof is an excellent option for long-term savings and increased property value.
Green Roof vs. Cool Roof
A built-in green roof uses living plants and vegetation to shelter the home from the elements. But at a cost of $20 to $35 per square foot, a built-in system may not seem like the most appealing option for cost-conscious homeowners. Still, opting for a green roof installation can also help to manage the flow of stormwater around the home, provide extra space for local wildlife, and extend the life of the roof by almost twice as long as a conventional roof.
A cool roof can be a good alternative option that has a less expensive up-front cost and offers moderate protection from UV radiation and heat. Contractors will install reflective materials on the roof to deflect the sun’s rays and keep the home cooler naturally. Cool roofs are especially popular in areas with warmer climates, since they help to keep the home cool and reduce the energy costs for the home.
Modular Roof vs. Built-In Roof
The two main types of green roof systems include modular and built-in green roofs. A modular green roof system comes in removable trays, allowing the homeowner to take individual trays off the roof for extra care, replanting, or regular maintenance. It ranges in cost from about $10 to $30 per square foot, while a built-in green roof will cost between $20 to $35 per square foot.
For a built-in, Installers will add a vapor control layer, thermal insulation, roofing membrane, waterproof barrier, and green roof root barrier before finally installing the drainage, filtration, growing media, and vegetation. Built-in green roofs are more permanent and customizable.
Roof Inspection
Before installing a green roof, homeowners will want to have the existing roof inspected to determine if there are any roof repair costs that need attention first. Additionally, a roof inspection is advised after the green roof installation is complete to ensure that the green roof was installed according to the local codes and regulations.
Typically, a roofing inspection costs about $215, depending on the size of the roof and the extent of the inspection. The initial inspection can help spot any problem areas and identify if any additional structural supports will be required before a green roof can be installed. This is an essential step that most green roof installation companies will insist on to ensure that the home can hold the weight of the new green roof without bowing, bending, or collapsing.
Irrigation System Installation
A built-in irrigation system can be used to keep the green roof lush and lively, though not all green roofs require this feature. Basic extensive green roofs, which are popular for residential homes, generally don’t require watering. However, semi-intensive and intensive roofs typically have vegetation that will need regular watering.
The installation of an irrigation system can reduce the amount of hands-on maintenance needed for the upkeep, but it’s also important to have a proper drainage system installed to prevent puddles of water from forming on top of the roof. Drainage is included as a part of the green roof installation process, though it’s recommended to review irrigation and drainage options before beginning.
Solar Panel System Installation
Solar panels are typically used for biosolar green roofs in combination with the vegetation. This is a popular choice for large apartment buildings, condo buildings, commercial spaces, and institutional buildings, such as at universities and colleges. Most residential homes are not built to support both a green roof and a solar panel system, so homeowners will want to discuss this option carefully with a contractor. On average, solar panels cost $26,579. Many of the best solar companies (like Tesla) offer financing to help homeowners afford solar panels for their homes.
Tax Rebates and Incentives
Green roofs offer benefits to the home and the environment, so many local, state, and federal government agencies offer tax rebates and incentives for this home upgrade. Depending on where the home is located, green roof incentives may cover up to 30 percent of the cost to install a green roof.
Local policy incentives can also include stormwater fee reductions, tax abatements, and direct financial incentives to help offset the high initial cost of installing a green roof. These subsidies can be used for both new constructions and retrofit installations. Homeowners can contact local housing or energy organizations to determine if the home is eligible for any rebates or incentives.
Think a green roof is right for your house?
Talk to top-rated pros in your area to see what they can do for you.
Types of Green Roofs
The cost to install a green roof depends on a range of factors that the homeowner may not have a lot of control over, such as the size or pitch of the roof. However, homeowners can choose from among five common types of green roofs: biosolar, blue-green, extensive, intensive, and semi-intensive.
| Type of Green Roof | Average Cost (Materials and Labor) |
| Biosolar | $25 to $35 per square foot |
| Blue-green | $25 to $35 per square foot |
| Extensive | $10 to $20 per square foot |
| Intensive | $20 to $40 per square foot |
| Semi-intensive | $15 to $30 per square foot |
Biosolar
A biosolar green roof combines the eco-friendly benefits of a green roof and a solar panel system. However, due to this combination, a biosolar roof is one of the more expensive choices, since the homeowner will need to pay for both the green roof installation and the solar panels.