Dave Lotte

Matthew Nistico wrote:
But in the meantime, yes, please elucidate: why do you believe your current green roof is dying?

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Its not dying.  Its dead.  Planted micro clover, burned of off to dry soil.
Now its just whatever weed is up there. Planted a variety of test plants among the weeds - none survived.
Micro clover was REALLY NICE .... 5 different kinds of bees, lush and green with white flowers....
Going to try the mulch and straw idea next to bring that back.

Coydon Wallham wrote:
Maybe 'plant' the pots instead of the plants?

Are you allowed to have solar panels up there?

Still looking into some type of grass to plant - already have 4 Kw of solar, and adding more is $$$

Jay Angler wrote:
I'm also aware of the problem that if you add things to the soil to hold moisture during droughts, you're also adding weight to the roof when things are very wet! Generally, you're looking for the soil to drain, not hold water, and relying on the plants to cope without dying. Very tough requirements!  

To be honest, I would suggest that whatever you try, you do so in just a 3ftx3ft patch or so and see how it goes. Once you find plants tough enough to cope, you can expand from there.

Not too worried about weight right now... ever since i contacted the engineer and asked for the specific numbers.
This roof is engineered for 16 inches of topsoil - 88 tons - i only have 8 inches or 44 tons.
The snow load is rated for 3 feet of heavy wet snow - last year i did get a full yard stick depth - and then it rained. No movement inside at all.

Thinking the same thing for a test patch.  Center of roof -  4 inches of compost - 4 inches of straw- next spring throw in some micro clover seed and wait.

Jay Angler wrote:
I'm not convinced that you can't fix the roof problem other ways.
For example, have considered rocky mulch with succulents?

Still doing research on this, but while i was doing that the turf idea came up.  

Researching different soil amendments, ground covers ( compost, straw ) to layer on top so perhaps the micro clover will not burn off so fast....

8 inch root depth is a limiting factor.
Full open sun adds to that.

Purchased some succulants from the garden center, planted last year - now dead.

Hello all.  Looking for opinions....

Having a hell of a time finding a grass that will survive on my roof, so ....

For about 600 $ i can cover my entire roof in bright green artifical turf.
Yes.... fake grass....

My friend here says it will "look" ugly...  problem is - YOU WON'T SEE IT !

My roof is 9 feet high and you are standing on the sidewalk.  Not a problem.

But should I do it ?

Things are looking up.  Humidity is at an all time low of 34 % max temp is 79 F.

With the main bathroom, living room, kitchen and part of the dining room floor waterproofed and sealed, the humidity in the house is coming down nicely.

Even after opening the windows to vent the fumes of the sealer - raising the humidity up to 60 % - the next day ? Back down to 34 %.  Of course, the temperature in  the house never changed with the windows open for 3 hours ( it will take more than that to make a difference 😁)

Spilled a bit of water dumping out the dehumidifier - one side is sealed the other is not.

If you are thinking of sealing your basement floor to reduce humidity, do lots of research first, as this floor is not constructed using standard practices and i would not want you to make your situation worse.

One of the little things on the list is window blinds.
Since the windows are not properly framed in yet, what to do ?

I just found out about " temporary blinds".
Folded paper, cut with sharp knife, peel and stick up.

Do all 8 windows for the cost of one good blind.

Jay Angler wrote: Maybe made out of a metal mesh frame covered in fabric?

Not even on the list right now 😁

Matthew Nistico wrote:

Jay Angler wrote: burning your hand is *not* a good thing!

That situation is in need of a permanent solution. .... painting it white.

Agreed.  When i do not have 15 things that need to be done last week, i can paint the standard grey door - white.  Other than that ... it is one of the hottest days of the year...37 C in the shade.

Anything more than that would have to be acceptable by a better half - if i had one 😁😁😁

Still cool in the bunker though 😁

With the humidity dropping to 36 % in the house it is now time to start cleaning out each room, sealing the floor, so it is waterproof.
Hopefully this penetrating sealer will seal the last bit of moisture IN as well.

As for the temperature, dehumidifier running 24/7 - still emptying it twice a day - holding at 72 F (22 C).

Late afternoon, tried to go into the house and burned my hand on the door.

Outside of door 160 F (72 C)
Inside of door 68 F  ( 20 C )  ( back porch )
Around door handle is a bit warmer ( see pics )