Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: paul.fr on 06/07/2007 08:21:04

Title: Ivy covered houses, are they greener?
Post by: paul.fr on 06/07/2007 08:21:04

this is a house covered in ivy.

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs154.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs262%2Fpf0604%2Fivy.jpg&hash=1294d1d750c64ebeb0cb83c84095bef9)

will this house be greener than a bare one? by greener i am talking enviromentally friendly, would it require less heating as the ivy would act as an insulator. if so, by how much?

Title: Ivy covered houses, are they greener?
Post by: Karen W. on 06/07/2007 09:53:08

It may to a point but Ivy is ultimately very destructive on a house it works it's way under roof shingles and under wood siding raising it causing leaks and destroying parts of the structure.  Brick structures may very until the ivy reeks havoc with shingling.. We had to do our roof again as it destroyed it! I do not know about insulation value because once it destroys the roof the insulation value would seem to be gone..!

It looks great but is very evasive even on siding! Destroys things!

Title: Ivy covered houses, are they greener?
Post by: dentstudent on 06/07/2007 09:54:00

I guess you could also claim greenness on account of the carbon used by the ivy in its growth. But I don't think this is ivy (not that it makes much difference to the question). I think it's Virginia creeper.

Title: Ivy covered houses, are they greener?
Post by: dentstudent on 06/07/2007 09:58:22

Quote from: Karen W. on 06/07/2007 09:53:08

It may to a point but Ivy is ultimately very destructive on a house it works it's way under roof shingles and under wood siding raising it causing leaks and destroying parts of the structure.  Brick structures may very until the ivy reeks havoc with shingling.. We had to do our roof again as it destroyed it! I do not know about insulation value because once it destroys the roof the insulation value would seem to be gone..!

It looks great but is very evasive even on siding! Destroys things!

If you have ivy growing on garden walls, then, if it's not being invasive, it's fabulous and very necessary for wildlife. Ivy is a late flowerer, and provides an excellent food top-up for wintering creatures. Also the berries are valuable to birds. We have a large ivy here at work, and in late August, it is alive with bees, birds and butterflies. Many older ivys are used for nesting, as they provide excellent shelter - so - please be careful if you are thinking of pruning your ivy! If possible, please don't!

Title: Ivy covered houses, are they greener?
Post by: Karen W. on 06/07/2007 10:03:14

I removed it altogether but it is coming back in the carport! LOL..THe house was a mess It ruined the wood siding and had to be removed caused thousands of dollars worth of damage to the house and was difficult to repair!