Whether planting is your profession or hobby, a green house is one amazing gardening structure that’s worth considering. This type of building is used by many gardeners for its ability to offer a longer growing season. It is built with climate or temperature control specifications, allowing for a year-round harvest. Since it’s a covered structure, protection for your plants against harsh weather conditions won’t be an issue.

What’s more, greenhouses are suitable for growing more plant options and they are generally customizable too. The catch is, you need a good space for it. Most gardeners build their greenhouses in their backyard or any vacant lot, but ground space isn’t the only option. You can also build one on your rooftop. Read on to know how you can make this amazing green project happen:

Consult an expert for assessment

Before you start with the construction, you must first ensure if your rooftop is actually suitable for a greenhouse. You can call on a local contractor or architect to perform an assessment and determine if the orientation and age of your rooftop can support the structure. They can give you all the structural details and assessments of whether your house is safe for greenhouse construction. At the same time, they can give you an idea as to what building permits you’ll need to acquire for the build.

Plan for supplies and equipment

Depending on the type and size of your build, there are general supplies you should consider and obtain. These include concrete for foundation supports, galvanized steel or aluminum for beams and straps, patterned glass, insulation materials, and greenhouse plastic with a UV rating. You should also list down all the needed nutrients for the plants or vegetables you’re planning to grow. If you’re looking to grow hydroponics, you will need separate nutrient solutions for the plants. You can create your own plant buckets and planter boxes.

And since you’ll be building on your rooftop, you’ll need to obtain or rent the right type of equipment and gear for the construction. The good news is that most contractions readily have them. One important piece of equipment for the rooftop build is a heavy-duty mobile truck crane for moving heavy building materials up and down the structure. Many contractors will rent the equipment on your behalf. There might also be a need for a boom light for lighter lifts. Other pieces of equipment needed for the construction include a telehandler and scissor lift.

Add a liveable space

Creating a living space next to your rooftop garden can make gardening a better experience. You can go for a peaceful oasis or an entertaining space, depending on your needs. But remember, there is a restricted amount of weight the house can hold. Take into account the weight of your greenhouse before planning for the living space. You can get a licensed expert to check for structural integrity. They will ensure if the structure can support the extra weight of heavy materials such as furniture, tiles, or stones.

You’d also need to consider how you’ll move the furniture and items from down to up the rooftop. Lastly, the types of materials and furniture you’ll use to build the living space should be ideal for the local weather. If your area gets a lot of rainy days, you might consider building a roof for the space too. Or, choose a type of material that can withstand harsh climates. For instance, you can choose furniture made of wood such as cedar or acacia, which provide strong weather resistance.

Build for weather survival

Your rooftop greenhouse is the first one to get hit by storms or wind. That is why your house must be strong enough to have the greenhouse anchored into it. Whether you’re planning for a DIY project or you’re hiring a contractor, it’s best to check out rooftop greenhouse plans. You can find free ones online. Apart from the foundation, your greenhouse frame should be strong enough to withstand the weight of snow, high winds, and storms. Be sure to also choose the right covering film and hardware for your greenhouse.

The last thing you want to happen is for the greenhouse to collapse on your roof. Other things to consider include film accessories, doors, and benches.

A rooftop greenhouse can provide you with a unique gardening place and experience. Plus, it can help reduce the heat on your house and eventually, your energy costs too. Carefully plan your greenhouse construction using our tips and own an incredible gardening space for you and your plants.

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