The Environmental Benefits Of Green Roofing

The main advantage of traditional roofing is that water will quickly be removed from the surface of the roof. Green roofing will actually hold water on the roof. It may also make maintenance more difficult and can cost up to 50% more to install. So why would you consider building a green roof?  if you are considering constructing a green roof contact  <a href=”http://deluxeroofing.com/services.php”>Atlanta roofing company</a>. 

These green roofs or GR, consist of a roofing layer in which plants can grow. The most recent progress has been made in Germany. Germany can now boast almost 10% green buildings. The roof cover is put on in layers, with various functions being filled by each. There’s a substratum and then a base layer on top of that acts to seal the roof and make the building waterproof. A synthetic membrane or metal tray roofing are two forms this may come in. You then have the drainage layer, which lays on top of the filter and root protection layer. The membrane that protects the root stops the plant from poking a hole in the membrane, thus causing it to leak. The growing medium itself where the plants get bedded serves as the final layer. There are three basic types of “living roofs”, also called “green roofs.” Extensive, Intensive and Bio diverse. 

Extensive green roofs are also known as GR and are generally used for the growth of moss, grass, and other herbs. This particular growing medium is fairly shallow and has a depth of approximately 50 to 200 millimeters. The weight of the plant medium is 60-150kg per square meter. Eco roofing is utilized in areas where there is little to no foot traffic and where low maintenance roofing is required. This type of roofing is the least costly  to put in. To learn more about green roofs get in touch with  <a href=”http://deluxeroofing.com/services.php”>roofing companies Atlanta</a>.

They are constructing roof and park gardens using Intensive green roofing. These roofs offer a wide range of planting opportunities. Shrubs, flowers and even trees can be utilized. The range of depth is between 200 and 500 millimeters for the growing medium. This greatly increases the weight per square meter, requiring structural upgrades. 

Roofing that is bio diverse needs very little tending as it is meant to mimic a naturally grown ecosystem. Varied soil levels on the surface can create a wide range of habitats for different species. Local plants are grown and wind swept seeds are allowed to take root. One of the things that bio diverse roofing focuses on is the habitat needs of species that have threatened status. 

Green roofing can turn an unattractive urban roof into an aesthetically pleasing feature. Living roofs provide plenty of financial rewards and additional aesthetic value. Roofs are subjected to constant ultra violet light so are the waterproof membranes. The UV rays will break down the roofing surface and cause leaks. The living roof will protect the building from these ultra violet rays.  This can double the life span of the roofing and recoup the initial extra cost of installation. In addition, a green roof is a thermal layer that holds in the warmth in the cold months and the cool in the summer months. The benefits of ecological roofing is now realized by planners within the local government as well. Often, district councils offer tax breaks for developers who use green roofing. This trend will continue as the need to reduce carbon emissions increases.

Normal urban roofs will absorb the suns rays and emit them as heat. This creates urban heat emission. You will be much more aware of this impact during the evening due to the fact that urban locations are generally warmer than some of the outer areas. The night time temperature in London is higher by about six degrees thanks to the urban heat island effect. Green roofing will not absorb the heat, so this effect is minimal. That means that even in hot climates air conditioning might not be as necessary.

With the proliferation of urban structures, there begins to be a lot of flooding because of water run off. Huge areas of concrete and tarmac prevent the natural drainage of heavy rainfall. Up to 75% of rainfall gets captured by green roofing and put back in the environment slowly. The evaporation will also cool the building, reduce your energy footprint even further. 

Green roofing also can retain approximately two hundred and forty grams of carbon per square meter. It provides a valuable habitat for plants and insects as well as providing food for bee’s and seed eating birds. In effect ecological roofing replaces the green footprint removed by the building.

Tagged with: environmental roof • green roofs

Filed under: Landscaping

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