Forums > Specific Focus > Home, Garden & Construction in Mexico

travisdyer

Apr 13, 2008, 8:24 PM

Post #1 of 6 (4221 views)

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Roof-top Gardens

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Does anyone have experience with growing a rooftop garden on a standard "Mexican" concrete roof? I am interested in using this option to grow vegetables, herbs and wildflowers. My wife, who is from Mexico, says that she has not seen it done, but that doesn't mean that it can't be done. My concerns are with proper drainage and the additional weight. Can a standard "Mexican" roof withstand the additional weight of a rooftop garden? Would a PVC drainage system be wise?

Rolly / Moderator

Apr 13, 2008, 8:44 PM

Post #2 of 6 (4219 views)

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Re: [travisdyer] Roof-top Gardens

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I assume you don't plan to cover the whole roof with several inches on dirt. That would probably be too heavy, especially when wet.

If you use large pots or long boxes set along the edges of the roof (not on overhangs) you should be OK. The edges are the strongest points. Large containers set directly over other columns will also be OK. But I would be very leery of setting heavy weights over clear-span areas.

Rolly Pirate

stina

Apr 13, 2008, 8:48 PM

Post #3 of 6 (4218 views)

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Re: [travisdyer] Roof-top Gardens

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I'm also just about to start gardening on my roof- in large pots w/ drain holes. I don't have any experience doing this- or as of yet any kind of gardening in Mexico- but I will be happy to share my experiences as I have them. The first challenge I'm facing is getting all the stuff- e.g. dirt- up there. Once things get sprouting it will be interesting to me to see how gardening here compares to my experiences in San Francisco. The climates are just a wee bit different....

I think our roof will hold up just fine w/ big pots, but to be sure I will be arranging them in rows.... I don't know what your roof is like. Ours is solid. We're in the process of a pretty big renovation and have just been redoing the roof, so I know it's sound.

I do know that rooftop gardening generally speaking is a very good thing. Not only is it nice to have more green around, it also helps moderare the temps in your house (and in your community), can provide a trove of locally-grown, organic produce, and they are great for catching rainwater.

I live in the middle of Guadalajara's centro, about as urban as can be. I will keep you posted. IN the meantime, I too am really interested in others' experiences.

travisdyer

Apr 13, 2008, 10:01 PM

Post #4 of 6 (4211 views)

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Re: [stina] Roof-top Gardens

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I should have gone into more detail. We are in the design phase of our building project, and I really want to have a rooftop garden spread out over the roof, not just a bunch of pots.

Does anyone know if this is possible, with reinforced columns and "bigas"?

My father-in-law is a master welder, and he says that it can be done, with a little modification. Basically, he says we should put an iron beam at every 18" instead of the standard 33" (1 meter).

I'm wondering if this will be strong enough to support my rooftop oasis.

He says it will, but I'd like a second opinion.

Rolly / Moderator

Apr 14, 2008, 5:46 AM

Post #5 of 6 (4199 views)

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Re: [travisdyer] Roof-top Gardens

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I agree with your FIL since you are starting the design with that application in mind. You will want to beef up the columns. For the columns I would use frames of four 1/2" rebar rather than the usual 3/8" for a single story house. I would also use as many internal columns as possible to relieve some of the pressure on the outer wall columns.

The beams (vigas) add stiffness and strength to the concrete to prevent bowing (and failure) under the added weight. The more the merrier.

Good drainage is vital. That much dirt is heavy, and water is much heavier.

Your garden will provide excellent insulation for your house.

Rolly Pirate

travisdyer

Apr 14, 2008, 6:53 AM

Post #6 of 6 (4193 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Roof-top Gardens

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Thank you, Rolly. I will talk to the architect, and see if we can "hide" those extra interior columns.