Before building your green roof, you should know what they are. The original goal is for them to self-colonize, but today they are often seeded to increase biodiversity. Many purists deride this practice, but it does encourage the colonization of insects and spiders.
Additionally, they provide a habitat for insectivorous birds. A great example of a green roof is a brown roof like the one at the Laban Centre for Contemporary Dance in London. While there are many types of green roofs, they all require different layers of materials.
Listed below is the basic anatomy of green roofs. A green roof contains specific types of vegetation, growing medium, and soil.
The membranes are necessary to support the plantings above them. The layers of these materials are also important for the building's thermal insulation, vapor control, and structural support. Understanding what is green roofs can help you design the best green roof for your project.
As a bonus, these plants also help the building breathe. They act as filters to reduce humidity and oxygenate the air, and they absorb dust and other pollutants. In addition to this, they also reduce electromagnetic radiation by up to 99%. An Australian guide to green roofs also explains the various steps required. However, they can be complicated, so the first step is understanding what is green. Make sure to contact a professional roof contractor to guide you in your decision-making.
It system is composed of modular parts. The main components include a growing medium, plant material, and watering system. It is typically divided into two different types, an extensive with a shallow growing medium and low roof load, an intensive one with a deeper growing medium, and a more complex plant selection and higher structural loads. The intensive type requires more frequent maintenance and is generally less accessible.
The benefits can go far beyond their aesthetic value. They provide a rainwater buffer, purify the air, regulate indoor temperatures, and encourage biodiversity in cities. Green roofs are also climate-proof, reducing energy consumption and preventing floods. It can also make people happier and healthier. If you are considering installing them, make sure it is installed properly. It is work well with flat roofs—why use a flat roof.
A. Provide a rainwater barrier. Vegetation and plants on your roof can absorb rainwater by water buffering to its layers. It delays the pour of rainwater into the drainage and purifies them. This helps stabilize the ground level and reduces the risk of flooding.
B. Cleans the air. The plants on your roof filter the air and convert CO2 into oxygen. Installing a green roof makes you contribute to air purification. They help reduce the production of associated air pollution.
C. Reduces energy costs. Green roofs provide a natural insulator making them perfect for absorbing heat. This is a good way if you're looking to cut down your summer energy consumption.
D. Prolong the lifespan of a roof. A green roof protects the roofing materials from outside elements such as sun, rain, wind, and temperature. It helps to extend the lifespan of your property up to 60 years or even more.