Simple green roof design and installation for the do-it-yourself builder

Essential Green Roof Construction is a comprehensive, in-depth guide to building simple green roofs for houses and small buildings.

Packed with detailed photos, illustrations, case studies, and code compliance advice, it offers clear step-by-step instructions necessary to create your own living roof on a new build or as a retrofit. Coverage includes:

• The benefits of a green roof
• The basics of planning and design
• Assessing site conditions such as aspect, slope, and loads
• Navigating building codes and working with building officials
• Material options, including professional grade and economical or local alternatives
• Planting suggestions for different roof climates and conditions, including food production
• When to call on professionals to ensure safety and integrity
• Step-by-step guidance for safe roof installation and detailing
• Annual green roof maintenance.

Where common sense meets beauty — a green roof is a system of layers that work together to support plant life, insulate homes, and make the world a greener place.

Essential Green Roof Construction will give you the knowledge and confidence to install your own green roof.

Leslie Doyle is the owner of Restoration Gardens Inc., a green roof design and installation firm. She is an instructor, a certified LiveRoof Installer, and is an accredited Green Roof Professional by the Industry Association, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities. Leslie resides in Toronto, Ontario.

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In this impressive book, Leslie Doyle shares her wealth of experience and knowledge installing and maintaining green roofs. The writing is detailed and comprehensive and, importantly, easy for the average person to understand. Filled with photos, real-life case studies, and practical guidance, Essential Green Roof Construction left me with the confidence to get started with a green roof. I have some clear steps and ideas to move forward and feel like I know the right questions to ask.
—Stephen Hill, associate professor, School of the Environment, Trent University

For a thorough understanding of what constitutes a modern green or living roof, this essential guide will provide all you need to know to install and maintain a beautiful and ecological compliment to your home or office. The details are clearly described and illustrated and safety and durability are emphasized throughout, while specific engineering analysis is left for professionals on a case by case basis.
—Kelly Hart, GreenHomeBuilding.com, author Essential Earthbag Construction

Required reading for anyone building a green roof. I wish I'd had it before building my two green roofs (the first one in 1960). It begins with cautions about leaks and total weight, then lays out the many aspects of what is actually a complex process. It's well-written, well-researched, and full of clear and informative drawings and photos.
—Lloyd Kahn, editor-in-chief, Shelter Publications, author, Shelter and The Half-Acre Homestead

I can't begin to count the number of clients I've had who are interested in incorporating a green roof into their project. Now, thanks to Leslie we have an excellent resource for both DIY and design professionals.
—Tim Krahn, P. Eng. Building Alternatives Inc., author, Essential Rammed Earth Construction

Leslie Doyle has brought the art and science of green roof construction to the masses. Abundantly approachable, yet thorough and exceptionally detailed, this is a go-to resource for anyone with an interest in building their own green roof. This book is yet another excellent addition to this series — and to my library!
—Chris Phillips, Greening Homes Ltd.