Green Roof Considerations

What to consider before installing a green roof on a historic building.

Green roof considerations.

Water in excess of that which saturates the growth media snow and people visiting the green roof are all considered part of the live load of the structure. A green roof also helps control storm water runoff and retention. A robust and durable roofing system is necessary to provide a solid foundation for green roofs. To deliver a successful green roof the designer must consider the building s position and location along with the orientation of the roof during the day and any shade from surrounding buildings.

The increased urbanization of towns and cities has resulted in less green space and more impervious surfaces. Green roofs main types. Precipitation generally runs off the roof of a building into gutters and flows into a storm sewer. It is vital that the protection of the building s fabric and in particular its waterproofing is considered in the green roof design.

The height of the green roof system build up. A green roof can also expose the roof membrane to chemical inputs e g. The maximum saturated load of the green roof. There is no steepest pitch for a green roof they can even grow vertically.

There are three basic types of green roofing systems to consider when designing your project. An architect s guide to. Designing green roofs in a development may gain support which can. Other considerations in addition to potential costs and benefits can influence building owners acceptance of green roofs.

Grhc develops and protects the market by increasing the awareness of the economic social and environmental benefits of green roofs green walls and other forms of living architecture through education advocacy professional development and celebrations of excellence. There is important information that the building s structural engineer will require. The first issue to resolve when considering any green roof is what is the primary purpose for installing a green roof is it primarily for energy efficiency for storm water control for heat island reduction for visual enjoyment or other reasons. Pitched green roof design considerations green roofs are suitable for any pitch of roof.

The entire green roof assembly including plants and the water required to saturate the growth media is considered part of the dead load of the structure. Challenges associated with installing green roofs on new or existing buildings if not properly reviewed or addressed can increase costs and deter owners from installing such roofs. However when dealing with a sloped green roof with a pitch of more than 9 5 you ll need a design solution for retaining water and ensuring the substrate stays in place.