so many roofs... so many functions

It's not easy being GREEN

Deciding what you want on your rooftop can be a tough call for some people.

What Chicago Green Design Deals with everyday is people weighing there options on which way to proceed with there rooftop.

OPTION #1....Should I go more green and have a true green rooftop that not only helps with my heating bills (by contributing to the "R" rating) by insulating my roof from the direct sun exposure and also helping the environment but absorbing heat in a big city thus doing my part in lowering temps and also help lower carbon emissions,

OPTION #2..... Should I use that space for a garden that I can use for my own personal consumption. i.e. vegetables. Herbs,

OPTION #3.... Or use the space for personal use. expanding your overall square footage of your home and have all the goodies you ever wanted but just didn't have the space in the city to accomplish all your goals.

I say... DO IT ALL!!!!

You can accomplish all of the above with of course sacrificing a little of each option or adding a little of each option, just depends if your a glass is half full or half empty kind of person.

By adding a surface over your roof ( concrete tiles or IPE wood tiles, artificial turf ) this will shade the roof membrane hence help lower the cost of your heating bill and help prolong the replacement of your roof. You can add planters that will be able to house vegetables, herbs and you can also add your favorite goodies like a built-in grill, outdoor TV, automated Fire Pit, Sport court, Putting/Chipping Green, refrigerator, ice machine, basketball court. wine bar, martini bar, dance area. etc.

Remember when you plan your next rooftop project, you always have to take into account weight. and we always consider the flexibility of what surface we put down. This must be in a modular application for ease of access to the roof. you want to be careful if you put down a permanent structure.

If you have any questions or are curious on how we can help you in any way. please ask and we will help anyway we can. Chicago Green Design Inc. is a design, consultant, install, and maintenance company of rooftop gardens throughout Chicago.

For ideas and inspiration visit www.chicagogreendesign.net