Green Roof Considerations

To deliver a successful green roof the designer must consider the building s position and location along with the orientation of the roof during the.

Green roof considerations.

Example costs of individual components of green roofs. Drainage and protection layers 20 30 m 2. An intensive green roof will require the regular maintenance associated with the planting scheme and landscape design whereas an extensive green roof will need only minimal maintenance maybe one or two visits a. However these costs may also vary according to the issues outlined above under cost considerations.

They fall into three main categories extensive intensive and semi intensive. Although there are no precise definitions of them an extensive green roof has a shallow growing medium usually less than six inches with a modest roof load limited plant diversity minimal. The next step planning the green roof to meet the needs of the vegetation. Design considerations for a successful green roof for a green roof to flourish it requires suitable amounts of sunlight water sufficient drainage and aeration to encourage healthy plant growth.

The following rates for green roof components can be used as a guide. Green roofs are also known as vegetative or eco roofs. Considering the underlying purpose will shape the next decisions in designing the green roof and help determine if a green roof is an appropriate solution at all. Structural support of the green roof.

Green roofs are suitable for any pitch of roof. Weight vegetative roof weights can range from 16 to 60 pounds per square foot depending on the depth of the growth medium types of plantings and accumulated weight of other additions such as pavers or water features. Grhc develops and protects the market by increasing the awareness of the economic social and environmental benefits of green roofs green walls and other forms of living architecture through education advocacy professional development and celebrations of excellence. It is vital that the protection of the building s fabric and in particular its waterproofing is considered in the green roof design.

You just need to build up the core layers as per manufacturer s instructions when constructing a green flat roof. Once the vegetation finish has been determined the structural and design considerations and green roof components can be proposed. Pitched green roof design considerations. These issues are addressed below as general considerations where green roofs are either planned or already installed.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that a green roof should not negatively impact the building s historic character. When constructing a flat green roof the design aspect is much simpler.