Vegetated roofs are more than a beautiful addition to a building—they’re living, breathing systems that contribute to sustainability, stormwater management, insulation, and even occupant well-being. But like any living landscape, they require ongoing maintenance to perform at their best.

In this guide, we break down what it takes to care for your green roof over the long haul—seasonal checklists, common maintenance tasks, and specific considerations when working with Barrett Greenroof-Roofscapes® systems.

Why Green Roof Maintenance Matters

A well-maintained vegetated roof:

• Extends the lifespan of the waterproofing membrane
• Protects against drainage blockages and overgrowth
• Prevents wind uplift and plant loss
• Maintains appearance and ecological function
• Ensures continued compliance with stormwater and energy codes

Barrett’s Greenroof-Roofscapes® systems are built for durability and performance, but even the best assemblies benefit from a thoughtful, proactive care plan.

General Maintenance Checklist

Whether your roof is intensive or extensive, this core checklist applies year-round:

Remove weeds and invasive species
Inspect and clear drains and scuppers
Check for signs of erosion or plant die-off
Replace or replant damaged vegetation
Remove debris and litter
Check irrigation systems (if applicable)
Inspect waterproofing access points and flashings

Seasonal Maintenance Reminders

Each season brings new needs. Here’s a breakdown of what to focus on throughout the year:

Spring

• Inspect for winter damage and replant bare patches
• Test irrigation system functionality
• Fertilize if recommended for plant types
• Check for freeze-thaw membrane issues

Summer

• Monitor for drought stress and adjust watering
• Control weeds before they spread
• Prune overgrowth
• Watch for insect or pest damage

Fall

• Remove fallen leaves and organic debris
• Conduct the final weeding before dormancy
• Inspect drainage pathways ahead of winter
• Prepare irrigation systems for shutoff or winterization

Winter

• Minimize foot traffic during freezing conditions
• Inspect for ice dams or heavy snow load
• Monitor plant dormancy for abnormalities
• Check membrane edges and flashings after storms

Barrett-Specific Maintenance Considerations

Barrett’s waterproofing and green roof systems are engineered for performance, but their longevity depends on keeping protective layers undisturbed and functional:

• RamTough 250® and other fluid-applied membranes should be visually inspected at any accessible edge transitions or penetrations annually.
• Ensure that root barriers remain intact and are not breached by aggressive species.
• For modular systems like Roofscapes®, inspect module alignment and check for edge separation or uplift.
• If a Barrett drainage layer is used, never allow silt, sediment, or debris to clog the geocomposite drainage core.

Barrett offers long-term system warranties when maintenance is performed in accordance with recommendations—keeping documentation of inspections and repairs is key for preserving coverage.

A Partner in Performance

From the initial design of your vegetated roof to its long-term care, The Barrett Company is committed to supporting the entire lifecycle of your system. Our assemblies are built for the rigors of the real world, but it’s the attention to detail in maintenance that helps them thrive for decades to come.

Need help evaluating or maintaining your green roof? Contact Barrett for system-specific guidance or to connect with certified installers and maintenance professionals.

For over seven decades, Ferrari has embodied a legacy of excellence, seamlessly blending tradition with cutting-edge innovation to deliver unmatched performance in the automotive world. This enduring commitment to precision and progress set the tone for the construction of its premier dealership in Long Island.

To ensure the structure met the highest standards of durability and design, especially in the critical area of roof waterproofing, developers turned to a company with an even longer history and a shared dedication toward innovation, performance, and enduring quality.

For the utmost performance and protection, Barrett recommended contractors utilize 120 mils of RamProof GC (Green Concrete) single-component, fluid-applied elastomeric rubberized asphalt roofing and waterproofing material for this 15,000 sq/ft application.

Topped with a Ram 306W white granular cap sheet, the resulting asphaltic-rubber membrane provides a fully adhered monolithic waterproofing system that is VOC-free, environmentally friendly, and LEED certified. And like that of a Ferrari, it guarantees performance, speed, and quality.

Parapets were coated with 60 mils of RamProof GC reinforced with PolyFelt 125VP polyester reinforcement fabric, followed by a second 60-mil coat of RamProof GC. Similarly, all drains were coated with 60 mils of RamProof GC reinforced with RamFlash 327 HDR uncured neoprene flashing, followed by a second 60-mil coat of RamProof GC overtop the neoprene.

Once fully adhered, the Ram 306 is covered with RamDrain DD-025 prefabricated dimpled drainage board, followed by a layer of insulation and a concrete slab. This assembly comes with a complete 20-Year Single-Source Warranty.

A national leader in the roofing and waterproofing industry since 1928, The Barrett Company has provided customers with hands-on experience and professionally engineered products. As with many before, Barrett’s advanced roofing and waterproofing systems proved integral to delivering a high-performance solution worthy of the Ferrari name.

NOTES FROM CRAIG:

• Reinforced all transitions 8” inches up the vertical and 8” on the horizontal (minimum reinforcing height is 3” up and 3” out).

• CONCRETE was poured over Ram 306 after application.

• Applicator wanted to bring the material up higher ending just below the final elevation once topping slab was poured (horizontal to vertical up the Parapet walls) 60 mils RPGC then embedded the Polyfelt 125 VP and applied an additional 60 mils of RPGC

• RamProof GC (120 mils)
  • Ram 306 W
  • Ram DD025 Dimpled Drainage Layer
  • Insulation
  • Topping Slab over Insulation

• Drains were reinforced with HDR 327 Uncured neoprene set in 60 mils of Ram Proof and applied another 60 mils on top of the neoprene.
  • 2 ft x 2 ft piece of neoprene tape
  • Set it over the drain
  • Star cut and push

• Field work was 120 mils of Ram Proof GC unreinforced with our 306 White Granulated Cap Sheet.

• 20-year warranty