What Is Green Roof & Benefits Of Using Them?

Posted by elain martell on April 9th, 2019

A green roof is a roof that is on a building either partially or completely covered with plants thus replacing the vegetated footprint that was damaged during the building construction.

Green roofs are usually constructed for many reasons for example; as spaces for people to use, as architectural features and to add value to the environment.

Types of Green roofs:

1. Extensive Green roof- They are thin lightweight roof systems that have a planting media of 6- 20 cm deep. They support vegetation and plants which require low or no maintenance. They also provide attractive protection to the waterproof membrane and reduce runoff of water. Inspection is needed once or twice annually. The need regular fertilization annually. Irrigation is not necessary unless there is an extreme weather condition. Regular access also not required.

2. Semi - Intensive Green roofs; They include a richer,deeper drainage solution thus a wider range of complex plant mixtures. They are used in highly visible places such as,long term care facilities,urban areas,and daycare play places. They need a higher level of maintenance due to vegetation used. Due to deeper nutrients rich growing medium used in their construction a wider range of plant mixtures and shrubs is used.

3. Intensive Green roof; They have a deeper soil layer of 15cm upwards and hence a wider variety of plants can be grown. The depth of soil required, irrigation system and the maintenance level are determined by the type of plants. It requires regular access thus paved areas are needed during design. It is suitable for parks,playgrounds and vegetable gardens.

4.Biodiverse Green roofs; They are used for their ecological advantages. They have recycled materials such as,rubber,logs which encourage habitation of wildlife like bees and small insects. They also have sparse vegetation that is designed to build habitats in urban environment.

Green Roofs Benefits.

1.Urban greening is an effective method for beautifying the built environment.

2. Green roof use the recycled materials in the growing medium.

3.  Reduce the temperature,slow rate flow and reduce the amount of water runoff into local water systems.

4. Help in moderating of urban heat by reducing distribution of dust in the city.

5. Creation of jobs like roofing contractors,land scape designers,manufacturing companies.