Vegetative Roofing Systems

Vegetative Ply Roofing: An Eco-Friendly Solution

Green building is no longer a trend—it’s an expectation. More developers are choosing vegetative ply roofing as a way to reduce environmental impact while boosting property value and performance.

Vegetative ply roofing combines traditional roofing materials with layers of soil and vegetation. Think of it like building a mini ecosystem on your roof—engineered to support plant life while protecting your structure underneath. 

Kalkreuth Roofing and Sheet Metal builds vegetative ply roofs to meet the highest performance standards. You get quality materials, time-tested construction, and a partner who’s already helped other companies transform their rooftops into green, functional spaces.

Types of Vegetative Ply Roofs We Install

Not every green roof is the same. Whether you’re building a walkable rooftop garden or need simple, efficient coverage, we’ll help you choose the system that fits your structure, budget, and climate.

Intensive Vegetative Roofing Systems

Intensive vegetative roofing systems use a deeper soil layer (6+ inches) to support heavier plant life like shrubs, flowers, and even trees. These systems require more planning and support but offer a major payoff in terms of design flexibility and thermal performance.

You’ll get:

• A complex multi-layered system (membranes, barriers, drainage, and planting soil)
• Incredible insulation, helping cut heating and cooling costs
• A usable, attractive green space people can enjoy

Extensive Vegetative Roofing Systems

Don’t need a park on your roof? Just want reliable, eco-friendly coverage with less maintenance? You want extensive vegetative roofing.

These systems use a thinner layer of soil (1.5–6 inches) and lighter vegetation like mosses, sedums, and grasses. They’re easier to install and maintain, making them perfect for larger commercial or industrial buildings.

You’ll benefit from:

• Lightweight design with minimal structural changes
• Lower installation and maintenance costs
• Solid energy efficiency and water management

Every commercial property is different. That’s why we provide custom consultations to design a vegetative roof that matches:

• Your building size and structure
• Your regional climate
• Your budget
• Your energy efficiency targets

With Kalkreuth’s experienced team on your side, the process is smooth from start to finish. We manage everything—design, installation, maintenance plans—and keep you informed every step of the way. Call us at 304-232-8540 or book a consultation to start planning.

Pros and Cons of Vegetative Commercial Roofs

Benefits

• Energy Efficiency: Green roofs can cut summer cooling costs. 
• Stormwater Management: Rainwater gets absorbed and filtered, reducing runoff and easing pressure on drainage systems.
• Extended Roof Lifespan: By protecting your underlying roofing materials from UV and thermal damage, green roofs can extend your roof’s lifespan.
• Aesthetic and Recreational Space: Green roofs are just flat-out nicer to look at—and they can be functional too, offering recreation or meeting spaces.

Limitations

• Higher Initial Costs: The initial investment is bigger than traditional roofing because of structural requirements and materials.
• Maintenance Requirements: You’ll need to care for the vegetation, monitor drainage, and schedule inspections to keep it all running smoothly.
• Structural Load Considerations: Not all buildings can handle the weight without extra reinforcement.
• Climate Limitations: Your local environment will impact which plants thrive and how your system performs over time.

Install Your Dream Green Roof: Vegetative Ply Experts

Kalkreuth Roofing and Sheet Metal has managed vegetative ply roofing projects across the country for all kinds of commercial and industrial spaces. Whether you’re planning a full green roof installation or ongoing maintenance, we help you pick the right system based on your building type, climate, and budget.

Take a look at our full range of commercial roofing systems.

Ready to get started? Book your free, no-obligation estimate now.