Are you an individual and want to spruce up your home? So get started creating a plant facade! This trend is gaining more and more momentum, especially in cities where we want to encourage the return of vegetation. An environmental approach that makes particular sense in a climate of major ecological crisis. However, greening your facade requires certain knowledge. Rest assured, nothing insurmountable. Here is all the information you will need to take the plunge!
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a green facade?
In addition to the aesthetic side, green facades have many advantages. First, they form a natural weather shield. Indeed, the climbing plants prevent rainwater from running off the wall, which protects it from humidity. They therefore improve the sealing of the facade. Likewise, they prevent the sun’s rays from passing through, thus fighting against the degradation of the wall.
In addition, a green facade offers an excellent thermal insulation. In summer, it helps keep the house cool – thanks in particular to its anti-UV action – and in winter it helps, on the contrary, to keep the heat. Combined with roof insulation work and the installation of solar panels (discover the EcoFlow solar panel for homes), the green façade could thus contribute to considerably reducing your energy costs.
Let’s also mention the direct effect it can have on the environment. In addition to creating a place of biodiversity (insects and birds will not take long to take up residence there), it contributes to fight against heat islandsespecially in cities, and to improve air quality.
Finally, green walls are also effective in terms ofsoundproofing. What naturally reduce external noise, but also interior.
Good to know : it has long been thought that climbing plants have a destructive effect on the walls of houses. We now know that walls covered with vegetation deteriorate much less quickly than those exposed to bad weather.
Now on to the cons. There are few of them, but they still have the merit of existing. First of all : the price ! Indeed, to make your facade a green haven, it is strongly recommended to call on a professional. And for good reason, the installation of pots or a hanging structure, sometimes associated with the installation of a substrate and an irrigation system, will be necessary.
Another disadvantage – and not the least – is that climbing plants can seep under the roof of the house. In this case, they can end up lifting tiles, thus degrading the roof of the building and creating a possible problem of waterproofing. Hence the need to maintain its facade by pruning the plants once a year.
Also pay attention to gutters which can break under the weight of plant residues. It is therefore essential, once or twice a year, to check that they are not blocked. If so, do not hesitate to hire a professional to clean them, preferably between fall and spring. You can also install a gutter guard to space out these checks.
Finally, the last drawback lies in the fact that the revegetation of a wall leads irremediably to the development of microorganisms (moss, mushrooms, etc.). In fact, it will be necessary to clean your facade with a medium-pressure cleaner at least once a year.
Good to know : do not hesitate to apply on your facade a water repellent in order to waterproof it before setting up the climbing plants.
Are there any regulations to follow?
The creation of green walls is not not subject to specific regulations. However, care must be taken that climbing plants do not invade your neighbour’s wall, especially if it is adjoining.
In addition, you will need to consult the local urban plan (PLU) of your municipality but also make a prior declaration of work at the town hall if your green wall “results in a change in appearance of the facade” (The particular).
Which plants to choose?
Greening the facade of your house is a great project, but you still have to choose the plants to install. And for good reason, it is in your interest to choose climbing plants that require little maintenance and above all that do not risk damaging your wall. Finally, all you have to do is trim them from time to time to prevent them from invading the windows or the roof.
1. Ivy
Often referred to as the climbing plant par excellence for a plant facade, ivy is not always recommended. The reason ? It has so-called “crampons” roots which tend to cling firmly to the wall and squeeze into cracks. The risk of degradation is therefore too high if your facade is not in perfect condition (that is to say without any cracks or crumbling areas).
2. The climbing rose
For a romantic facade, opt for the climbing rose!
3. Virginia creeper
Sublime when it takes on its fall colors, Virginia creeper should not however be chosen for an already damaged wall, just like ivy.
4. Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle has the advantage of being able to grow up to 6 meters high. And above all, it gives pretty flowers in summer that smell incredibly good.
5. Hops
Hops are a climbing plant that grow very quickly since they can cover an entire wall in a single season. If you are in a hurry, this is the plant for you!
6. Clematis
It is from March to October that this climbing plant is in flower. On the other hand, be careful, it must be installed on a sunny wall!
7. Wisteria
With its magnificent lavender color, wisteria is ideal for dressing up your facade. Especially since it has the merit of flowering almost all year round!
8. Hydrangea
Endowed with sublime flowers in summer, the hydrangea is an ideal choice. Be careful however, just like ivy and Virginia creeper, it is a plant that clings alone to the facade thanks to its crampons.
9. Jasmine
This plant with green foliage is adorned with pretty white flowers in summer and autumn. Not to mention that it gives off a heady scent. Consider pairing it with winter jasmine, which flowers between December and March.
10. Bougainvillea
A sun-loving plant, it blooms from May to September. To be reserved for regions where the climate is mild.
