Green Roofing Definition

Green roofs are also known as vegetative or eco roofs.

Green roofing definition.

A roof covered with vegetation designed for its aesthetic value and to optimize energy conservation. A green roof is a layer of vegetation planted over a waterproofing system that is installed on top of a flat or slightly sloped roof. They can sustain shrubs trees walkways and benches with their complex structural support irrigation drainage and root protection layers. The weight of the green roof may result in liability issues if the pressure of it causes sagging.

This green space could be below at or above grade but in all cases it exists separate from the ground. The plants and growing medium are absorbing the solar rays protecting the roofing materials from uv breakdown the green roof also shields the membrane from extreme temperature variations another cause of hastened degradation. Insurance for green roofs is important due to the potential of droughts or unforeseen storms but also is expensive. A vegetated landscape built up from a series of layers that are installed on a roof surface as loose laid or modular that is installed layer by layer on the roof or as pre prepared layers in trays green roofs are constructed for multiple reasons as spaces for people to use as architectural features to add value to property or to achieve particular environmental benefits for example stormwater capture and retention improved species diversity.

It may also include additional layers such as a root barrier and drainage and irrigation systems. The foot or more of growing medium needed for an intensive green roof creates a load of 80 150 pounds 36 68 kilograms per square foot. They fall into three main categories extensive intensive and semi intensive. Green roof development involves the creation of contained green space on top of a human made structure.

Green roofs benefit the environment and local communities in many ways. Roofs covered in vegetable matter can help reduce and buffer rain water runoff. A green roof or living roof is a roof of a building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium planted over a waterproofing membrane. They filter the air and water.

While green roofing can benefit you and the community it is a costly process that can lead to some unforeseen expenses. Intensive green roofs are essentially elevated parks. Green roofs harvest rain water and put it to beneficial use. A green roof also known as an eco roof living roof vegetated roof oikosteges or greenroof is one that is either partially or completely covered in vegetation on top of the human made roofing structure.