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As commercial businesses become aware
of their direct effect on the environment,
an increasingly popular building management
response has been the adoption of
green roofing. Exchanging traditional
roofing systems with vegetated materials,
green roofs provide building owners
and tenants with numerous ecological,
technical and economic benefits.
Both functional and aesthetically
appealing, Green Roofing (also referred
to as Roof Gardens and Vegetative
Roofing) improves the structure's
energy efficiency while adding plant
life in populated areas.
There are two main types of green
roofing: extensive or intensive.
Extensive (eco-roofs or low-profile)
green roofs are composed of fewer
layers and therefore lighter and less
expensive. Optimal for ecological
benefits, extensive green roofs are
not intended for foot traffic. The
types of available vegetative materials
are dependent upon the unique constraints
of the environment and the engineering
of roofing system.
Alpine-type plants
are generally the most flexible because
they flourish well in environments
with limited moisture, heavy winds,
and seasonal frosts. Critical to
the functionality, maintenance, and
longevity, the supporting soil mixtures
are mostly inorganic.
| Advantages
of a Green Roofing
System |
| 1. Enhances building's
aesthetic appearance. |
| 2. Increases space
for tenant use and
recreation. |
| 3. Negates "Urban
Heat Island"
problems. |
| 4. Storm water management:
retain 50%-90% of
a typical rain fall
on the roof. |
| 5. Improves building's
energy efficiency. |
| 6. Processes airborne
toxins and re-oxygenates
the air. |
| 7. Creates therapeutic
and peaceful environments. |
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Intensive (high-profile) green roofs
are the more expensive and elaborate
roof gardens with a broader variety
of plant material. Intensive green
roofs require a stronger load capacity
given that larger vegetative growth
requires deeper rooting and heavier
moisture saturation. Further, the
required soil mixture generally requires
more organic components to support
the vegetation. Intensive green roofing
also requires a commitment to investment
in regular maintenance.
Both extensive and intensive green
roofs require irrigation systems.
Although simpler in design, extensive
systems are just as vulnerable to
drying out and the proliferation of
weeds and undesired trees seedlings.
Depending on the budget, irrigation
systems vary in functionality and
cost.
From drip systems, to solar powered
active irrigation systems, to recycled
rainwater systems, green roofs are
obviously much more resource intensive
than traditional roofing systems.
Beyond irrigation, green roofs can
be extremely flammable, therefore,
an extinguishing response system should
be engineered into the design.
Green roofs require a high quality
waterproof singe-layer or built-up
membrane with adequate drainage before
any vegetative materials are applied.
Although traditional roofing technologies
(single-ply, BUR, etc.) have made
significant advancements in recent
years, green roofs shield them from
the sun's ultraviolet rays, fluctuating
temperatures, and mechanical damage.
If maintained effectively, green roofs
can yield a much longer life cycle
than traditional roof systems.
When designed and installed by experienced
roofing professionals, green roofs
can negate the "commercial"
look of a building. Further, green
roofing meets the objectives of many
of the mandates to improve the air
quality of cities by mitigating the
effects of heat islands caused by
ever increasing development. The benefits
of a Green Roof have been demonstrated
by the US Green Building Council's
endorsement of these systems through
the LEED (Leadership in Energy Efficient
Design) certification program. Virtually
any flat or gently sloped roof can
be transformed into a landscaped environment.
Are
Live Roofs Cost-Competitive to
Traditional Roofing Options?
The initial investment cost
of an extensive green roof starts
at $8 per square foot,
which includes materials, preparation
work and installation. In comparison,
the cost of a traditional built-up
roof starts at about $3 while
cool roof membranes start at
approximately $3 per square foot.
However, with
energy efficiencies, return on
investment on a green roof is
tantamount with that of
a traditional roof.
|
 |
The
roof replacement
presented
no staging
problems
and the
TPO membrane
easily
accommodated
sheet metal
and mechanical
work and
the addition
of vents,
drains/sumps,
curbs and
pipe penetrations. |
|
Few
businesses appreciate
the value of maximizing
profitability better
than financial institutions.
A key component of turning
a profit, of course,
is containing expenses,
which was precisely what
a Sacramento-based credit
union had in mind when
it contacted Madsen Roof
Company about reroofing
its Sacramento corporate
headquarters.
Energy Crunch
Prompts Conservation
As California's energy
costs soar to record
highs, a renewed conservation
mindedness has emerged.
Building owners throughout
the state are seeking
creative ways to reign
in their expenditures.
One of the main areas
they are exploring for
energy savings is the
roof.
Light surfaces reflect
the sun's rays, keeping
buildings cooler, lowering
energy costs and helping
to improve the local
air quality and environment.
Building owners are looking
to roofing contractors
and manufacturers to
offer energy-saving options.
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