What are green roofs?
Green roofs are vegetated layers that sit on top of the conventional roof surfaces of a building. Usually a distinction is made between ‘extensive’ and ‘intensive’. These terms refer to the degree of maintenance the roofs require. Intensive green roofs are composed of relatively deep substrates and can therefore support a wide range of plant types: trees and shrubs as well as perennials, grasses and annuals. As a result they are generally heavy and require specific support from the building. Intensive green roofs (what most people think of as roof gardens) have in the past been rather traditional in their design, simply reproducing what tends to be found on the ground, with lawns, flower beds and water features. However, more contemporary intensive green roofs can be visually and environmentally exciting, integrating water management systems that process waste water from the building as well as storing surplus rainwater in constructed wetlands. Because of their larger plant material an
Green roofs are engineered roofing systems incorporating the use of vegetation that make environmental, economic, and social contributions to urban areas. The Green Roof Research Facility focuses on extensive green roofs. Green roofs have limited impact in short span construction. The weight of a 3″ green roof is approximately equal to gravel ballast use in inverted roof systems. For long span construction, load considerations may require structural engineering.
A green roof consists of vegetation and soil, or a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane. Additional layers, such as a root barrier and drainage and irrigation systems may also be included. Green roofs can be used in many applications, including industrial facilities, residences, offices, and other commercial property. In Europe, they are widely used for their stormwater management and energy savings potential, as well as their aesthetic benefits. What Are the Benefits of Green Roofs? Green roofs are an attractive roofing option that can reduce urban heat islands by providing shade and through evapotranspiration, the release of water from plants to the surrounding air. They also: • Reduce sewage system loads by assimilating large amounts of rainwater. • Absorb air pollution, collect airborne particulates, and store carbon. • Protect underlying roof material by eliminating exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation and extreme daily temperature fluctuations. • Serv
To put it simply, green roofs are exactly what they sound like. It is a roofing structure that uses vegetation to cover over the roof of a home or commercial building. Moss Acres offers an extensive style, low profile moss based green roof. This means that there are fewer, lighter weight layers which are typically less expensive and more easily maintained. We suggest using a few different types of moss, including fern moss or rock cap moss. Neither of these types of moss require a lot of attention to flourish. They need very little sunlight, can endure very hot or very cold temperatures and require very little water once established to survive. If there happens to be a drought or it gets very cold, the moss will go into a dormant state and preserve itself for week or months at a time. More Information Click here to learn how to establish a green roof with moss. Please feel free to contact us about our green roof details. IS A GREEN ROOF EXPENSIVE? Green roofs are environmentally friend
