ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Subtropical climate vegetated roof

Imagine you have a garden on top of your house that is always a little bit warmer than where you live. This is because it never gets too cold or too hot like it does on other parts of your house; it's just right. That's what it's like to have a subtropical climate vegetated roof.

A vegetated roof is a roof that has plants growing on it, and a subtropical climate is a type of climate that is in between a tropical and temperate climate. This means that it's never too hot or too cold, but it does get a lot of rain.

By having a vegetated roof that is designed for a subtropical climate, you can benefit from all the advantages that a green roof provides (like improved stormwater management, energy efficiency, and extended roof life), while also growing plants that thrive in your climate.

To create a subtropical climate vegetated roof, designers select plants that can tolerate both heat and moisture. These plants are planted in a soil mix that drains well and holds moisture, but is also lightweight so that it doesn't put too much weight on the roof.

Once the plants are established, they provide insulation to the building below, shading it from the sun and reducing the amount of heat that enters the building. They also absorb and filter rainwater, reducing the amount of stormwater runoff that enters our waterways.

Overall, a subtropical climate vegetated roof is a great way to create a beautiful garden space, while also providing environmental benefits to both you and your community.