In the winter time a green roof acts as insulation, keeping more heat in than a standard roof. The insulating properties of the soil can also help reduce sound transmission through the roof from outside the building. A more traditional planted roof of built-up layers is also common, but the tray system offers much more flexibility and comes pre-planted with mature specimens. Plants for Green Roofs Heat islands, especially in urban areas, negatively affect microclimates by raising temperatures and altering air movement patterns. Green roofs are also attractive, and some can be very low-maintenance, extending the lifespan of the roof itself. Copyright © 2020 Archtoolbox. All rights reserved. While the benefits of green roofs aren’t widely recognized in North America yet, green roofs are popular in Europe. Larger plants will also require regular pruning and will have to be monitored for health. The benefits of green roofs With continued urban expansion absorbing the habitats of our indigenous plants, insect and birds, living roofs can provide fresh areas for the local ecology to thrive. Intensive green roofs use a variety of plant species, which may include trees and shrubs. The wide variety of benefits include environmental, economic and even social advantages. Green roofs provide a host of health and economic benefits for the homeowner, the community and the environment: Reduced heating and cooling costs. It is important that a protective barrier be used over the waterproofing membrane. Although intensive green roofs are, on the whole designed for people they can provide important ‘garden’ habitat in our towns and cities. You’ll also help to slow climate change, reduce the amount of stormwater runoff and improve the water quality of rivers, lakes and streams. Green roofs can provide much needed vegetation in urban areas that need it the most. They are typically constructed in layers, but can also be installed using a tray system. Semi-intensive systems generally weigh between 25 and 40 pounds per square foot when dry. Green roofs not only reduce the amount of energy your home uses, but they also have a wide variety of ecological benefits. Scientists at Michigan State University found that replacing traditional roofing materials with green roofs in an urban area the size of Detroit, with a population of about one million, would capture more than 55,000 tons of carbon. We also earn commissions from qualifying purchases at GBES.com. What is an Intensive Green Roof? Whether you opt for an extensive, semi-intensive or an intensive green roof, you are bound to reap its many benefits. Green roofs can help reduce stormwater run-off, mitigate the urban heat island effect and clean the air, benefits that accrue to the community. Intensive green roofs offer a great potential for design and biodiversity. Green Roof Systems: Intensive, Semi-Intensive, and Extensive, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs): A Guide for Architects, Fabrics and Textiles for Interiors and Furniture, Types of Roof Membranes for Flat or Low-Slope Roofs, Intumescent Paint, Fireproofing, and Firestopping, Through Penetration Firestop and Fire Resistive Joint Systems, sedum, moss, grass, herbs, flowers, shrubs. Therefore, lower air temperatures on the roof improve the efficiency of heat–rejecting rooftop HVAC equipment because it is operating at a lower ambient temper… Although green roofing systems come with several inconveniences, their pros far outweigh their cons. A cross section of the system layers is below: Intensive green roofs offer considerable benefits to the urban landscape far and above anything a light sedum roof can offer. This type of green roof is the best for homes and small buildings since they are lightweight, have less startup costs, and are much easier to maintain than the intensive green roofs, Semi-Intensive – Combination of semi-intensive and extensive roof types. Environmental benefits – Improves air quality and reduces the Urban Heat Island Effect, keeping air temperature cooler than a traditional rooftop would . Many people are ‘going green’ in the hopes of reducing their own carbon footprint and lowering their energy costs. Green roofs tend to improve the life of the membrane because it is completely covered by plantings and isn't exposed to the sun's harsh UV rays. The owner should understand that a green roof requires routine landscape maintenance, which can vary from occasional to regular and can add a significant ongoing cost. The natural plantings and soils in green roofs mitigate the heat island effect by better modulating temperature fluctuations caused by radiant heating during the day. This is most noticeable in intensive green roofs since there is a thicker and more consistent layer of soil, which provides a higher insulating value. Improve property values and marketability. Intensive green roofs, with increased layers and ability to retain large amounts of water, make this consideration especially important. There are a number of things to consider when designing for a green roof. The environmental benefits of installing green roofs on . An intensive green roof offers a great potential for highly creative designs and biodiversity. The soils of a green roof will capture a significant amount of stormwater, which is absorbed and used by the planted material. All that is really needed is an occasional inspection to confirm that the trays are intact and that the plants are flourishing. If the roof is occupied, additional maintenance should be accounted for to make sure the roof is safe and comfortable. Intensive roofs are usually occupied so special attention needs to be paid to walkways and other occupied zones so that visitor safety is maintained. It also makes retrofitting an existing structure with a green roof more expensive than designing a green roof into a new building. Maintenance is also important to consider when designing a green roof. With growing deforestation and urban expansion there are less plants naturally available to absorb the growing emissions of carbon dioxide. One benefit of green roofs that is not easily quantifiable is the aesthetic improvement that landscape provides. However, this depth also means that an intensive green roof adds a lot of weight to a building, which your architect or structural engineer will need to account for. They require complex structural support and irrigation. 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