Green Roof Factors

Understanding the desired biodiversity and habitat is a major factor in selecting a green roof system.

Green roof factors.

When choosing materials for the roof it is important to choose native plants that naturally populate the local climate zone. 6 factors to assess green roofs 1 roof insulation the minimum insulation values required by building codes have been rising steadily in recent years. Having these plants for your roof will ensure your plants will continue to thrive even without your everyday attention. 2 thermal performance best practice calls for at least two layers of insulation.

Always ask a manufacturer or installer to provide you with the maximum saturated weight of the total green roof system. Biodiversity is also closely tied to everything from water management to insulation. Vegetative roof weights can range from 16 to 60 pounds per square foot depending on the depth of the growth medium types of plantings and accumulated weight of other additions such as pavers or water features. Plants such as wooly thymes or dwarf spruces are excellent choices when it comes to green roof planting.

Intensive roofs which are thicker with a minimum depth of 12 8 cm 5 1 16 in and can support a wider variety of plants but are heavier and require more maintenance and extensive roofs which are shallow ranging in depth from 2 cm 13 16 in to 12 7 cm 5 in lighter than intensive green roofs and require minimal maintenance. There are two types of green roof. Low maintenance plants and dwarf shrubs are the best plants to plant atop your green roof. A general understanding of the bioregion species requirements and planting can help inform clients which system makes the most sense.

This is best for easy upkeep and a greater survival rate of the plants.