How Much Does a Green Roof Cost in 2024?

Average Green Roof Cost

Green Roof Cost Factors

Roof size and pitch impact the cost of your green roof. Large roofs require more materials, and steeper roofs require more time for safe labor. The green roof tray system type and local labor costs also influence your total installation cost.

Size

The size of your roof is a primary factor when calculating total costs. Larger roofs require more time, labor, and materials, increasing your final installation cost. Green roof installation can range from $10 to $50 per square foot on average, depending on the type of green roof and other factors like roof pitch and local labor rates.

Roof Pitch

The slope of your roof impacts the type of green roof you can install and the time required for labor. Some green roof systems, like modular roofs, can’t be installed on roofs with a very steep pitch. Generally, roofs steeper than 20% to 30% are unsuitable for modular green roofs, so you may have to look into other green roof types.

Steeper roofs also require more time and care for safe installation. If your roof is steep, especially high or multi-story, or if there are other accessibility challenges, like obstructions blocking the roof, you’ll likely pay a higher cost for labor.

Tray System

There are two main types of green roof systems: modular and built-in. Modular green roofs are made up of a series of trays filled with vegetation and arranged across your roof. They’re popular for their easy maintenance system—homeowners can remove a single tray to add or change vegetation or otherwise conduct maintenance. Modular tray systems average $10 to $30 per square foot.

Built-in green roofs feature a mat of vegetation installed on top of a protective waterproof layer on the roof. They’re lighter than a modular tray roof and can be installed on various roofs, including roofs with a steep pitch. They’re also easier to customize, making them a popular choice for roofs with unusual shapes. Most built-in green roofs cost between $20 and $35 per square foot.

Labor

In general, labor costs for installing a green roof range from $5 to $10 per square foot. These costs increase for steep or high roofs or roofs with barriers to access.

Labor rates may vary depending on where you live. Cities with a high cost of living, like Los Angeles, usually have higher labor rates, which increases the total cost of your project.

Additional Green Roof Cost Factors 

In addition to the costs of installing the roof, you’ll need to budget for a construction permit and the ongoing maintenance costs of your new roof.

Permits

Depending on your location, you may require a permit to install a green roof. Permits usually range from $200 to $500, but your local permitting office can advise you on the exact costs. The roofing company often acquires the permit, but you should ensure it’s in place before installation begins.

Ongoing Costs

Most green roofs require some degree of maintenance, although the cost and level of care vary depending on your roof type. Extensive green roofs require the least maintenance because they don’t need irrigation. Most homeowners pay about $0.75 to $1 per square foot each year for extensive green roof maintenance. 

Intensive green roofs have a slightly higher annual maintenance cost of $1 to $1.50 per square foot. These costs increase if you choose high-maintenance plants that require additional fertilization, irrigation, and specialized care.

It’s a good idea to have your green roof inspected, especially if you have a heavier roof type. Roof inspections cost around $250 on average and can make sure your green roof is properly managing water and supporting the weight of soil and vegetation.

Green Roof Cost by Type

Five main types of green roofs can be installed on a building. Some are better suited to residential properties and specific climates, with a range of options for different price points. Explore the different benefits to find the right fit for your home:

Extensive

Extensive green roofs are the most common choice for residential properties due to their lightweight construction and affordable price. On average, installing an extensive green roof costs $10 to $20 per square foot.

This type of green roof is also low-maintenance. It’s usually made with native self-sustaining plants with some degree of drought resistance. This helps the green roof stay healthy while collecting and reusing rainwater.

Intensive

Intensive green roofs feature layers of material, growing media, and vegetation to create a thick layer of soil and greenery on top of your roof. They’re significantly heavier than extensive green roofs, so check with a roofing professional to see if your structure is capable of handling the weight without bending or buckling.

Thanks to their versatile design, it’s easy to customize an intensive green roof with your preferred greenery. This roof type requires more irrigation and maintenance than an extensive type. Installing an intensive green roof typically costs between $20 and $40 per square foot.

Semi-Intensive

Semi-intensive green roofs offer an in-between option for homeowners seeking some of the benefits of an intensive green roof without the full weight. While still heavier than an extensive type, semi-intensive roofs are lighter than intensive roofs, making them easier to install on some homes.

Most semi-intensive green roofs use a modular system rather than a built-in roof. While this requires more irrigation and maintenance, it also offers the customizable benefits of an intensive roof. Semi-intensive roofs usually range from $15 to $30 per square foot.

Blue-Green

Blue-green roofs combine a green roof with a water management system that uses vegetation, rainwater collection, and rainwater storage systems. They’re ideal for areas with high rainfall because they offer an eco-friendly way to handle extra water.

In most cases, installing a blue-green roof requires a flat concrete roof. While some residential homes have this type of roof, it’s primarily designed for professional buildings, condos, and apartment buildings. Blue-green roofs cost an average of $25 to $35.

Bio-Solar

Like blue-green roofs, bio-solar roofs combine green roofs with another eco-friendly technology—solar panels. These can be a great choice for properties located in sunny areas. 

The green roof component of a bio-solar roof typically costs $25 to $35 per square foot. However, solar panels can run $250 to $600 per panel. Homeowners have to purchase both components to install a bio-solar roof. While the upfront costs are higher than other green roof types, solar panels can save money on electricity bills in the long run.

Due to the combination of green roofing materials and solar panels, bio-solar roofs are very heavy. They’re primarily installed on commercial buildings, but a roofing inspector can help you determine whether it may be an option for your home. 

Does a Green Roof Increase Home Value?

Green roofs have plenty of benefits, including potentially increasing the value of your home. Some studies have found that a green roof increases property value by 7% to 11%, which can offer a beneficial return on your investment.

Green roofs can also save you money on everyday energy costs. They reduce cooling costs by up to 25%, which is especially helpful if you live in a hot environment and regularly run your AC. Green roofs help regulate water flow in areas with high rainfall, protecting your building and property. They also shield your roof from the elements, extending its lifespan and saving you on roof repair costs and roof replacement costs.

The upfront costs can be high depending on the type of green roof you choose, but the return on investment, energy savings, and roof protection offer significant financial benefits in the long run.

Budgeting for Installing a Green Roof

Installing a green roof is a complex, labor-intensive process that requires expert knowledge. An incorrectly installed green roof puts your home at risk of water damage, so it’s important to bring in professionals who are comfortable with the installation process. However, there’s still plenty you can do to keep your green roof installation budget-friendly:

• Opt for an extensive green roof: Although they offer fewer customization options, they’re significantly more affordable than other green roof types. Their lighter weight makes them better suited to most residential homes.

• Look for rebates and green action incentives: Depending on your location, you may be eligible for federal, state, or local energy incentives and rebates for installing a green roof. Look into these before choosing your green roof, as rebates vary for different roof types.

• Consider doing maintenance yourself: A steep roof or a complicated system may require a pro, but most extensive green roofs only require fertilization occasionally. If you’re comfortable on your roof, you can DIY this task to save on maintenance costs.

• Contact multiple roofing pros: Get in touch with several roofing contractors in your area to compare quotes for installation.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.