The Structure of Green Roofs

While green roofs are a relatively simple technology, for a green roof to function properly it must include several components and be installed correctly.  There are a few different types of green roof, and they are classified according to their depth and maintenance requirements.  Classifications of green roofs include: lightweight extensive, extensive, semi-intensive, intensive, roof garden, and bio-diverse/wildlife.  Intensive roofs are typically those that require a greater amount of maintenance, and may require feeding or manual irrigation.  By contrast extensive green roofs are virtually self-sustaining, and usually consist of an absorbent plant such as a Sedum plant which only needs to be maintained annually.  Extensive green roofs may not be accessible to the public, whereas intensive green roofs are those that can be used by the building’s occupants as a recreational area.

Green roofs consist of several layers underneath the actual soil and vegetation. Most green roofs have a vapor control layer on top of the roof itself, insulation, a waterproof membrane, drainage layer, and then the growing medium and plants.  Just covering up black city roofs, which are one of the biggest sources of heat during the summer months, can greatly reduce a building’s temperature and the temperature of the air around a building.  Although green roofs are not difficult to install, a building must meet the necessary requirements to ensure the weight of the roof will be supported.

April 22, 2012 | Categories: Green roofs | Tags: environment, green roof, green roof benefits, green roof installation, green roof technology, plants | Leave a comment