At First State Roofing & Exteriors, a trusted roofing contractor in, we specialize in green roofing for homeowners and businesses, who seek to reduce energy costs and support a healthier environment. Our team combines expert roofing knowledge with eco-friendly building practices to design and install green roofs that are durable, efficient, and beautiful.
Whether you’re upgrading your home or starting a commercial project, a green roof system offers more than just curb appeal; it’s a long-term investment in sustainability and performance.
Why Choose First State Roofing & Exteriors
Local Expertise
We understand the unique challenges of Milford’s climate, including freeze-thaw cycles, humidity, and seasonal storms.
Licensed & Insured
All our professionals are fully certified, and our work is backed by comprehensive insurance policies.
All-in-One Service
Whether it’s a small repair or a complete roof overhaul, we manage the entire project from start to finish with no outsourcing.
What Is a Green Roof?
A green roof (also called a vegetative or eco-roof) is a layered roofing system that includes waterproofing, root barriers, soil, and vegetation. These roof systems are gaining popularity for their environmental benefits and ability to enhance a property’s energy efficiency. Green roofs come in two forms:
- Extensive Green Roofs: These are lightweight and designed for low-maintenance plantings like grasses, sedum, and mosses. They work well on homes and garages where structural capacity may be limited. These systems are generally more cost-effective and easier to install.
- Intensive Green Roofs: These systems support deeper soil and larger vegetation like shrubs and trees. Often seen on commercial or municipal buildings, they require irrigation and ongoing care, but can offer usable green space or rooftop gardens.
Both options offer substantial benefits and can be tailored to your property’s structure, drainage, and design goals.
Why Green Roofs Are a Smart Choice
Lower Energy Bills Year-Round
A green roof provides a natural insulating layer, reducing heating and cooling needs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, green roofs can cut cooling-related energy use by up to 30%. For homeowners, this translates to hundreds of dollars saved annually, especially when combined with roof insulation.
Manage Rainfall Effectively
Milford receives about 45 inches of rainfall each year. Green roofs can retain 50% to 90% of this rainfall, reducing stormwater runoff, protecting local waterways, and preventing drainage system overloads during peak storms.
Extend the Life of Your Roof
By shielding your roof from UV radiation and temperature fluctuations, green roofs can last twice as long as traditional roofing systems. While a standard flat roof may last 20–25 years, a green roof can reach 40–50 years with proper maintenance, minimizing long-term replacement costs.
Boost Property Value and Marketability
Sustainable features like green roofs are increasingly in demand. According to the Appraisal Institute, eco-friendly upgrades can increase resale value by 5% to 11%, making green roofs a smart move for future planning. This can improve curb appeal and reduce time on market.
Improve Comfort and Noise Control
Green roofing systems also act as a sound barrier. This means a quieter indoor environment, especially in multi-family roofs or busy commercial spaces.
Green Roofs for Homes and Businesses
At First State Roofing & Exteriors, we install green roofing systems for a wide variety of buildings:
- Single-Family Homes: Homeowners looking to increase efficiency without a major remodel benefit from extensive green roofing solutions that reduce energy bills and promote sustainability.
- Apartment Complexes and Condos: Green roofs help reduce heating and cooling costs across multiple units and can be used as shared garden spaces, improving tenant experience and property value.
- Commercial Buildings: From office buildings to retail spaces, businesses gain from reduced operational costs, better public image, and potential LEED credits.
- Municipal and Public Buildings: Libraries, schools, and fire stations can use green roofs to reduce energy use and support environmental initiatives that align with state sustainability goals.
Is Your Roof Ready for Green Roofing?
Before installation, we inspect your existing roof to ensure it can support the additional weight and moisture management demands of a green roof. Key evaluation points include:
- Structural Strength: Flat or low-slope roofs are ideal, but we verify the load capacity for both extensive and intensive systems.
- Waterproofing: A fully sealed roof membrane is critical to prevent leaks.
- Drainage Systems: We design integrated drainage to keep your roof healthy and dry beneath the vegetation layer.
- Roof Age and Condition: Older roofs may require repair or replacement prior to green system installation.
We also offer upgrades like roof insulation to further boost energy efficiency.
With proper maintenance, a green roof can last 40 to 50 years, twice as long as conventional flat roofs.
Extensive systems are not designed for regular traffic. However, intensive green roofs can include paths or garden spaces suitable for walking.
Not if it’s properly installed. Our systems include multiple protective layers, including waterproofing membranes and root barriers.
Most extensive systems are self-sustaining after establishment. Intensive systems often require irrigation, which we can design into your plan.
Yes. They reduce runoff and help comply with local environmental standards, especially helpful during Delaware’s rainy spring and summer months.
Yes, but we may need to upgrade your existing roofing structure. We offer roof inspections to evaluate readiness and suggest improvements.
Contact Us Today
First State Roofing & Exteriors
202 E Mt Vernon St #1, Smyrna, DE 19977
Phone: (302) 222-4065
Business Hours
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours