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Green Roof Systems with Moss Cover

At Moss Acres we now offer moss and related materials for green roof systems which are environmentally friendly, easy to work with and visually appealing. Located in northeastern Pennsylvania, Moss Acres can ship moss for green roof systems across the US and now also to Canada. Green roof systems have been utilized and proven beneficial in Europe, and are becoming a new alternative in this country compared to traditional roofing.

At Moss Acres, we specialize in green roof systems that use moss for cover. Moss is ideal because of its extra light weight, which reduces roof loads, and because of its superior water absorption ability. We have conducted extensive research and have identified the varieties of moss that are best suited for green roofs and walls in shade – of these, “Fern Moss” is superior. This variety requires less sunlight, and thrives in shady roof areas where commonly used sedums will encounter challenges. There are other green roof systems that use mostly succulent plants, but we have found that moss is ideal for green roof systems in shady areas. We are also experimenting with other mosses for green roofs in sunny areas – call us for updates.

Over the roof foundations, special waterproofing/drainage materials are installed on the roof. After that a lightweight growing medium that has increased water absorbing qualities is installed at a depth of about 1 ½ to two inches. This roofing soil medium is then planted with moss, which will absorb up to ten times its weight in water - beneficial for water control during heavy rains, as it reduces runoff. These green roof systems can thrive in shade or in partially shaded areas, and are drought tolerant once established. Our moss green roof systems will provide full moss coverage of the roof in about two to four months time. After the initial growth period, no additional watering is needed with our green roof systems.

More Information Click here to view our current moss products. Please feel free to contact us about our green roof systems.

Moss Acres green roof systems help water resources and are eco-friendly because they reduce water runoff, conserve water and clean air and water at the same time. Breezes that flow across greenery gently clean the air of particulates, as they are trapped by the moss plants and then retained in the soil mixture. Proper drainage assists the cleaning process. Reducing runoff also helps building owners with erosion problems on the property below the roof, because the green roof systems absorb so much more water. These types of green roofs do not require extensive watering once established, so that is another savings created by moss green roof systems. In fact, mosses can go dormant and dry for weeks or months on end once established. The only reason to water would be to keep the moss more tightly adhered to the surface (in areas of high wind) and to make the moss a brighter green and more visually appealing.

To install green roof systems, it is important to examine the existing roof structure to see if reinforcements or rebuilding are necessary. Green roof systems utilize a waterproofing membrane (EPDM) material with drainage layers above, and can extend the lifetime of roofs by double, but routine maintenance and inspections are necessary to ensure that moisture does not penetrate and cause troubles such as mold. The roof preparation includes installing of special moisture barrier and drainage materials. Once your green roof is established with moss, you do not have to worry about mowing; you may only need to do occasional weeding.

Moss Acres is a family owned company that has specialized in moss since 2002. We are very experienced with moss and how it is used for landscaping purposes, and are now applying that knowledge and experience for green roof systems. Our green roof systems help insulate for winter warmth, and cooling properties are useful in summer, reducing the need for air conditioning. Aesthetic beauty is inherent with our mosses for green roof systems, and by mixing in some other shade loving plants, including ferns, roofs and terraces become works of art, adding value to any home or business.

Moss Acres has learned that moss is an exceptionally hardy plant that can recover from even the direst circumstances with a little care and watering. We have been shipping moss to the US and Canada for many years now, and are happy to be raising moss from ground cover to roof cover for green roof systems. Our moss requires less growing medium than other green roof plants, and is ideal for coordinating with building shadow or nearby shade trees for insulation purposes, because it loves shade or partial shade.

If you have questions about green roof systems, please feel free to call us or see our green roof consultants to learn how to get started! Combine our moss green roofs with all your other environmentally friendly, energy saving efforts to turn your home or commercial building project into a truly “green” structure.