Are you a private individual and want to beautify your home? So start 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 great ecological crisis. However, greening your facade requires some knowledge. Rest assured, nothing insurmountable. Here’s all the information you’ll 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 one natural weather shield. Indeed, climbing plants prevent rainwater from running off the wall, which protects it from moisture. Therefore they improve the sealing of the facade. Likewise, they prevent the sun’s rays from passing through, thus combating the deterioration of the wall.
In addition, a green facade offers an excellent Thermal insulation. In the summer, it helps to keep the house cool – thanks mainly to its anti-UV effect – and in the winter, on the contrary, it helps to keep the heat. In combination with roof insulation work and the installation of solar panels, the green facade could thus contribute to a significant reduction in your energy costs. For example, discover the EcoFlow solar panel for homes.
Let’s also mention the direct effect it can have on the environment. In addition to creating one place of biodiversity (insects and birds will soon inhabit there), contributes the fight against it thermal islandsespecially in cities, and to improve air quality.
Finally, green walls are also effective in terms ofsoundproofing. The one that naturally reduces the external noise, but also the internal one.
Good to know : it has long been believed that climbing plants have a destructive effect on the walls of houses. We now know that walls covered with vegetation wear out much less quickly than those exposed to bad weather.
Now to the cons. There are few of them, but they still have the value of existence. First of all : the price ! Indeed, to make your facade a green haven, it is highly recommended to turn to a professional. And for good reason, it will be necessary to install pots or a hanging structure, which is sometimes associated with the installation of a substrate and an irrigation system.
Another disadvantage – and no less important – is that climbing plants can they leak under the roof of the house. In this case, they may end up lifting tiles, thereby degrading the roof of the building and creating a potential waterproofing problem. Hence the need to maintain its facade by pruning the plants once a year.
Be careful too gutters which can break under the weight of plant debris. It is therefore necessary, once or twice a year, to check that they are not blocked. If so, don’t hesitate to hire a professional to clean them, preferably between fall and spring. You can also install a gutter guard to remove these checks.
Finally, the last disadvantage lies in the fact that the vegetation of a wall irreparably leads to growth 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 : feel free to apply on your face a waterproof to waterproof it before setting up the creepers.
Are there regulations to follow?
Creating green walls is not not subject to special regulations. However, you should be careful that climbing plants do not invade your neighbor’s wall, especially if it is adjacent.
In addition, you will need to consult the local urban plan (PLU) of your municipality and also make a previous declaration of works at the town hall if your green wall.’has the effect of changing the appearance of the facade“(This particular one).
Which plants should I choose?
Greening the front of your house is a great project, but you still need to choose the plants to install. And for good reason, you get to choose climbers WHERE require little maintenance and above all don’t risk damaging your wall. Finally, all you have to do is trim them from time to time so they don’t invade the windows or ceiling.
1. Ivy
Often referred to as the quintessential creeper for a plant front, ivy is not always recommended. The reason ? It has so-called “crampon” roots that tend to stick firmly to the wall and squeeze into cracks. The risk of deterioration is therefore very high if your facade is not in excellent condition (ie no cracks or crumbling areas).
2. The climbing rose
For a romantic front, choose the climbing rose!
3. Virginia creeper
Beautiful when it takes on its autumn colors, the 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 tall. And above all, it produces beautiful flowers in summer that smell incredibly good.
5. Hops
Hops is a climbing plant that grows very quickly as it 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 creeper blooms. On the other hand, be careful, it must be placed on a sunny wall!
7. La glycine
With its wonderful lavender color, gusteria is ideal to decorate your facade. Especially since it has the advantage of blooming almost all year round!
8. The hydrangea
Gifted with lovely flowers in summer, the hydrangea is an ideal choice. Beware, however, like ivy and Virginia creeper, it is a plant that attaches itself to the facade thanks to its crampons.
9. Jasmine
This plant with green foliage is adorned with beautiful white flowers in summer and fall. Not to mention it gives off an intoxicating aroma. Consider pairing it with winter jasmine, which blooms between December and March.
10. Le Bougainvillier
Plant that loves the sun, blooms from May to September. Intended for areas where the climate is mild.
