Green Roofing
A green roof is an addition to existing roofs designed to support plant life, involving layers of waterproofing material, root barrier, lightweight filter fabric and plants all supported by an extensive drainage system.
Green roof systems come in all shapes and sizes, being defined as any contained growing space located above a building. Extensive green roofs most often come in modules, or segmented sheets of plants - typically sedum, grown into a lightweight media and filter fabric. Once an existing roof is prepared with a layer of waterproof material, root barrier and, if needed, irrigation, sheets of mature plants can be laid out in any manner appropriate for the design.
Green roof systems are highly customizable, allowing everyone to enjoy the economic, ecological and social benefits of a green space. Compared to more traditional roofing options, green roofs offer a longer lifespan, greater protection and higher energy efficiency.
Beautification
Urban centers have become large swaths of drab grays and dead space. With green roofing we are able to reclaim unused real estate, allowing bountiful greens, reds, purples and yellows to burst forth above the city line, creating a more welcoming environment and allowing city residents to regularly benefit from biophilic design.
Cost savings
Vegetation acts to protect the roofing structure when a green roof is installed. Shielded from UV, environmental contaminants, and harsh weather, green roofing extends the life of a building’s roof two to three times when compared to traditional roofing - properly maintained 60+ years is possible. Combined with up to a 30% reduction in heating and cooling costs the addition of a green roof provides a solid ROI while benefiting both people and the planet.
Energy Savings
The vegetation on a green roof act as insulation for the building. Green roofs reduce heat transfer into the interior of a building by up to 72%, this translates to a reduction of up to 35% on air conditioning.costs. During the winter the layers also act as a cap, keeping that warm air in the building providing further energy savings.
Biodiversity
Loss of biodiversity is a side effect of the sprawling cities of modern society. Green roofing helps reclaim the dead lifeless spaces we have created providing an oasis for all sorts of life. Birds and all types of insects benefit from green roofs as they provide safe havens from the urban environment we have created.
Storm water runoff
The vegetation and support layers serve to retain water, reducing the amount of storm water runoff. According to a report by Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, a professional association for the green roof and wall industry, a green roof will retain 25% to 40% of the rainwater that falls on the building during the summer, and as much as 70% to 90% in the winter.
Community
These combined effects make green roofs an excellent candidate for community expansion. The cooling effects of Green roofing, the soft texture, and the air cleaning properties of the vegetation make these spaces appropriate for a wide range of activities or simply a valuable escape from harsh urban conditions.
People, Planet, Profits
Have a project in mind? Don’t know where to start? GreenPro Biophilic Design can help - We are experts in the design, installation, and maintenance of green roofs.
Reach out today to speak with one of our experts - We are always happy to answer any questions you may have.