|
|
|
Compare the cost of green (vegetative) roofing with conventional roofing systems right now, with our GreenSave calculator!
Roofs are typically considered “out of sight, out of mind". Yet recently, building owners have
recognized the roof as a valuable patch of real estate that can be used not only to improve their
building’s appeal, but improve the ecology through the use of a “green” roof. Green roofs or rooftop
gardens are not new; in fact they can be traced back hundreds, if not thousands of years to the use
of sod and thatch. However the practice of converting a proposed or existing traditional roof into a
green roof has garnered renewed interest due to its environmental benefits.
|
|
|
Natural Improvement
Use of a vegetated roofing system, a waterproofing protective covering featuring a top layer of plants
embedded in a growing medium, addresses several growing environmental problems; the two most important
are the system’s ability to manage storm-water run off as well as reduce the Urban Heat Island effect.
By absorbing and retaining a large percent of the rainwater (up to 70% in some instances), green roofs
can slow down and reduce the amount of water moving to our already over-burdened and aging sewage
systems. Green roofs also alleviate the heat island effect by lowering overall temperatures that
exposed black roofs and asphalt create. Additionally, green roofs can moderate building temperatures and
purify outside air while providing a habitat for plants, insects and birds.
|
A green roof membrane assembly converts an otherwise traditional roof system to an environmentally
beneficial and aesthetically pleasing assembly that incorporates a waterproofing layer along with root
barrier and drainage layers and a growing medium to accommodate a wide variety of plant options
suitable to the local climate.
There are two basic types of garden roofs assemblies: extensive and
intensive. The two types are distinguished by the depth of their growing medium and the species of plants
Extensive
Extensive green roof systems have very shallow beds (2-6”;5-15cm) that support only hardy, low growing
vegetation.They are lightweight, ranging from 15 to 35 lbs/ft (70 to 170 kg/m2) and require little to
no maintenance or irrigation; thus they are the most practical and economical.
Intensive
The intensive systems can grow a wider variety of plants and even small trees due to their deeper beds,
and are more aesthetic or garden-like. With this type of landscape, regular maintenance including
watering, fertilizing, mowing and irrigation are required, adding operational costs.
Additionally the extra soil and taller vegetation increases the systems weight to a range of 60-200
lbs/sq ft (290- 970 kg/m2) so additional structural support may be required.
Waterproofing Membrane
Tremco offers a number of durable, trouble-free options for the waterproofing membrane, including hot
applied membranes, cold process systems and elastomeric single ply membranes.Your local Tremco
representative is skilled in selecting the appropriate combination to effectively meet your needs.
Benefits
Storm water runoff is reduced and retained within the green system, possibly reducing property taxes
and storm water fees.
Minimizes urban heat island effect by absorbing solar energy and reducing the effects of heat radiated
from conventional sources.
Improve air quality through the reduction of greenhouse gases and other airborne particulates.
Reduction in heating and cooling requirements due to insulative properties of plants and soil.
Outdoors noise levels are decreased within the facility.
Increased bio diversity at the roof level of plants and animals.
Increased life cycle of roof waterproofing system because of better protection from weathering effects.
Visual appeal increases property value through social, recreational and therapeutic uses.
|
To learn more about Tremco Green Roof Solutions, contact a Tremco representative by using
our
Find A Rep page.
|
|
