Extensive – Roofs that are covered by hearty native ground cover such as grass, thyme, and sedums. Landscaping flat roofs offers an effective and practical use of space, … By planting as such native vegetation as possible, whether herbaceous, shrubs or trees. Simply providing planted areas on these low roofs will improve the appearance of the space, which may improve occupant mood and well-being. Reduces runoff and improves water quality. This potentially lessens the need for complex and expensive drainage systems and reduces the amount of pollution in our rivers, lakes, and oceans. Installing a green roof can cost up to twice as much as installing a conventional roof. Furthermore, these modules also make maintenance such as finding roof leaks, or moving sections of roof very easy. We also earn commissions from qualifying purchases at GBES.com. They require complex structural support and irrigation. In the winter time a green roof acts as insulation, keeping more heat in than a standard roof. A green roof may include components of these two types of green roof systems and be referred to as either semi-intensive or semi-extensive green roof. Data collected from a study by researchers at the Pennsylvania State University, Center for Green Roof Research shows that green roofs captured almost 60% more rainwater than a standard roof. Beauty Green roofs can make your property more attractive. 3. 2. Since the plants sit on top of the roofing materials they act as a barrier, protecting the roof from direct ultra–violet radiation, wind, hail and extreme temperatures. However, the setup costs for a green roof are high. In the summertime the vegetation on the roof absorbs the light and heat from the sun, keeping the roof cool. An intensive green roof offers a great potential for highly creative designs and biodiversity. When it comes to installation, there are two main types of Green Roofs to choose from. To reap green roof benefits, you need to choose which type of green roof you want to install. 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. An extensive green roof generally costs between $10 to $24 per square foot. It’s very large and planted more deeply, and it provides a nesting habitat for birds, as well as energy and water management benefits. A green roof is one that is covered – either partially or completely – with vegetation. Before getting into the benefits of a green roof, let’s talk about the types of green roofs you might consider. With rising energy costs and the threat of climate change, many people are choosing to utilize green roof designs for their homes. All that is really needed is an occasional inspection to confirm that the trays are intact and that the plants are flourishing. Green roofs can help reduce energy costs for a building by acting as another layer of insulation between the inside and outside of the roof. Extensive systems weigh anywhere from 10 to 25 pounds per square foot when dry, which is why the interlocking system of trays is important - otherwise, strong winds could very easily blow the plantings away. One important item to design for is an increased structural load. 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. 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. The soils of a green roof will capture a significant amount of stormwater, which is absorbed and used by the planted material. There are three types of green roofs. Green roofs can help reduce energy costs for a building by acting as another layer of insulation between the inside and outside of the roof. Intensive green roofs weigh from 35 pounds to beyond 100 pounds per square foot when dry - it is all a matter of the soil depth, which is affected by the amount of mounding that is used. This system supports everything from small personal/home gardens to full scale public parks. Green Roofs come in many different forms, specified to suit individual needs. 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. Usually occupied so special attention needs to be monitored for health roofs and reduce! 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