Architecture · April 21, 2024

What are Green Roof Systems?

Green roof systems comprise layers of waterproof covering material amongst vegetation on s

Green roof systems comprise layers of waterproof covering material amongst vegetation on superlative. They function for apartment together with low-sloped roofs.

There are 3 types of greenish roofs, each at a different cost point, maintenance level, together with with unique growing capabilities. Intensive light-green roofs are pop for creating gardening in addition to recreation infinite on summit of buildings, while extensive dark-green roofs are more mutual on residential structures.

Here’s the deviation between the types of greenish roof systems as well as what to know if y’all’re considering i.

What are the Three Types of Green Roofs?

Green Roof

There are iii types of light-green roofs – extensive, intensive, together with semi-intensive.

Extensive light-green roofs feature a shallow growing expanse of fewer than 6 inches. They family a limited variety of vegetation, similar mosses, sedums, in addition to grass. Since in that location is no ask for drainage or irrigation systems on extensive green roofs, they’re the lowest maintenance too lowest toll selection.

Intensive dark-green roofs are more advanced, featuring deep soil, irrigation systems, together with drainage. Because of the advanced features, intensive greenish roofs are ideal for growing various plants as well as can live used to make recreation spaces on tiptop of buildings.

Semi-intensive roofs are a come across-in-the-center between intensive and extensive roofs. They characteristic deep land, which allows for a variety of plants. They necessitate a medium grade of maintenance as well as are mid-priced.

How are Green Roofs Installed?

Intensive light-green roofs accept several layers. Extensive and semi-intensive light-green roofs can be built-upward or installed with a tray containing soil as well as vegetation.

All green roofs demand structural support for the weight of the soil, vegetation, together with water, too every bit waterproof covering membranes.

A typical intensive green roof will accept nine layers, including:

  • Structural back up
  • Vapor command
  • Insulation
  • Roofing membrane back up
  • Waterproof as well as rootage repellent barrier
  • Drainage Layer
  • Filter
  • Soil/Growing Medium
  • Vegetation

How Much Do Green Roofs Cost?

According to the EPA, a simple extensive dark-green roof costs every bit picayune every bit $10 per foursquare human foot. Intensive light-green roofs cost $25 per foursquare foot. Maintenance costs for greenish roofs average $0.75 to $ane.fifty per foursquare human foot per year.

The Pros together with Cons of Green Roofs

Green roofs are more than than pretty. They come amongst many advantages, but there are more or less concerns, also.

Pros:

  • Increased insulation – The ground as well as vegetation of green roofs increase a edifice’sec insulation too tin can assist bring down energy costs.
  • Longer lifespan of the roof – A roof covered inwards vegetation is protected from the sun’s UV layers too lasts longer than a typical apartment roof.
  • Improved drainage – Green roofs tin absorb H2O during a rainstorm. The roof releases excess water at a dull charge per unit for meliorate drainage.
  • Improved air lineament – Adding a light-green roof can amend air quality.
  • Can create a recreation space – Intensive dark-green roofs can create community gardens and recreation spaces in apartment buildings.

Cons:

  • Structural load – Since light-green roofs increase the weight on the roof, they involve proper support.
  • Cost – A green roof is more than expensive to install together with keep than a regular apartment roof.
  • Maintenance – While an extensive green roof is maintenance-complimentary, an intensive roof will involve a lot of attention.

What Do Green Roofs Look Like?

Green roofs can accept on many appearances – from rooftop vegetable growing areas to a layer of moss. Here are iii examples of greenish roofs.

Green Roof Provides Patio Space on Spa Roof

Green Roof Provides Patio Space on Spa Roof
Cushing Terrell

The dark-green roof on this spa provides a chiliad-like roof entertainment surface area. Rather than filling the roof alongside diverse plants, a elementary layer of grass works for the patio-like setting.

Garden Shed with Green Roof

Garden Shed with Green Roof
Graham Design Build

A simple greenish roof on this garden shed protects the roof from the Sun’sec harsh rays as well as adds an organic appearance. If you desire to test a dark-green covering arrangement, a modest edifice like this is a corking get-go project.

Green Roof with Decorative Shrubbery

Green Roof with Decorative Shrubbery
Re:Vision Architecture

A dark-green roofing system provides a decorative touch to the border of this urban edifice’sec roof. It makes the space feel more high-finish too natural.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

How long do dark-green roofs final?

Green roofs average 40 to l years but tin final longer depending on place too maintenance.

Are green roofs worth it?

Green roofs can save thousands of dollars in free energy costs over their lifespan. They increase roof insulation together with reduce free energy bills. But with the savings comes a higher installation cost as well as maintenance.

Can you lot pose a green roof on a chicken coop?

You tin pose a green roof on a chicken coop equally long equally the roof is structurally audio. Make sure your chickens aren’t able to go on the roof, or they’ll scratch up the plants as well as dirt.

Final Thoughts

Green roofs aren’t merely for looks. They tin can amend air character, cut back heating and cooling costs, together with increment the lifespan of flat together with depression-sloped roofs.

There are three types of greenish roofs. Extensive dark-green roofs are the almost simple as well as involve the to the lowest degree maintenance. Intensive greenish roofs are advanced in addition to let for many kinds of vegetation too recreation areas. But alongside advanced greenish covering systems comes the fourth dimension as well as price of maintenance.


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