Building Code Caution

Over the past year I have been researching many green blogs and I have found some very interesting information. Most of the green bloggers really do a great job of presenting their views of working toward a greener lifestyle or representing some great green products. But I have also come across some ideas or product representation that could be misinterpreted, unsafe or against local building codes. If people contact them to consult or provide more information they may provide better info but in their blog post they are lacking in proper information.

One example I came across the other day was describing how to install a vegetation green roof. The post was very informative, with great pictures and the concept is well represented. But the part that was lacking, in my observation, was the integrity of the roof system. Roofs are designed to hold the weight of themselves and localized weight of snow or rain. Nowhere in the post did it say the roof system should have weight bearing calculation to see if can hold up the additional weight from additional substrate, soil, rocks, vegetation and moisture held in the soil.

Adding additional substrate, several inches of soil, rock, vegetation and then watering it all down could add considerable weight per square foot. The roof was probably not designed for this. I am sure if this company was contracted to complete the work they would surly check this. But home owners get ideas from blogs, books and other sources to do themselves and without explaining this weight problem could result in a collapsed roof and possible injury.

I urge anyone looking to add, change, remodel, remove or upgrade any product in their home to study any complication that may arise. Check local building code to be sure they are in compliance of the local codes. I have seen first hand where homeowners decided to add a door or window in a load bearing wall and did not understand that the wall was holding something up and resulted in additional damage to the home. I have seen hot tubs go right through a deck that was not properly supported.

I could go on with many examples but the key is to now everything there is to know about your project before starting. Also never rely on just one article you find on the internet. Look for other articles on similar applications or ask a professional before beginning with a new project.