Green Roof Considerations

Precipitation generally runs off the roof of a building into gutters and flows into a storm sewer.

Green roof considerations.

What to consider before installing a green roof on a historic building. There are three basic types of green roofing systems to consider when designing your project. An architect s guide to. Fertilizer aggressive roots and increased foot traffic.

Challenges associated with installing green roofs on new or existing buildings if not properly reviewed or addressed can increase costs and deter owners from installing such roofs. The entire green roof assembly including plants and the water required to saturate the growth media is considered part of the dead load of the structure. There is important information that the building s structural engineer will require. A green roof also helps control storm water runoff and retention.

A robust and durable roofing system is necessary to provide a solid foundation for green roofs. The height of the green roof system build up. The increased urbanization of towns and cities has resulted in less green space and more impervious surfaces. 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.

Water in excess of that which saturates the growth media snow and people visiting the green roof are all considered part of the live load of the structure. Designing green roofs in a development may gain support which can. A green roof can also expose the roof membrane to chemical inputs e g. The maximum saturated load of the green roof.

However when dealing with a sloped green roof with a pitch of more than 9 5 you ll need a design solution for retaining water and ensuring the substrate stays in place. 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. There is no steepest pitch for a green roof they can even grow vertically. Other considerations in addition to potential costs and benefits can influence building owners acceptance of green roofs.

Green roofs main types. It is vital that the protection of the building s fabric and in particular its waterproofing is considered in the green roof design. Green roofs for healthy cities grhc is the north american industry association for the green roof and wall sectors.