Green Roof Noise Reduction

Green roofs have excellent noise attenuation especially for low frequency sounds.

Green roof noise reduction.

Commonly used porous growing substrates were shown to have good sound absorbing properties when dry. With regards to acoustic advantages green roof systems have been deemed an important structure in the reduction of noise pollution especially in urbanised areas. Green roofs reduce sound resonance by 3 db and provide sound insulation of up to 8 db. Green roofs are able to reduce the sound exposure near or inside a building by mitigating diffracting sound waves over parts of roofs and by reducing sound transmission through the roof system.

Plants soil and air trapped in the soil are great acoustic insulators. Green roofs protect the roof membrane from damage and wear extending the life of the membrane 2 to 3x lowering the volume of materials deposited in landfills. Green roofs have excellent noise attenuation especially for low frequency sounds as opposed to hard conventional roofs which tend to just deflect it. This may not seem much but for the human ear an 10 db reduction in noise levels is 50 quieter.

Sound waves are both absorbed reflected or deflected. The soil blocks lower frequencies and theplants block higher frequencies reduce the space used for landfills. The degree of sound insulation will depend on the thickness of the green roof structure. At novartis lab in cambridge an extensive green roof and paver patio overlooking the park create a rooftop respite for staff.

Tests indicate that green roofs can reduce indoor sound by as much as 40 decibels which is of great advantage to occupants of buildings affected by airports industry trains and traffic. Green roofs can increase a building s marketability. Noise reduction a green roof system provides good sound insulation keeps the living space quieter and creates more pleasant surroundings in urban areas. Reduces ambient noise outside and inside.

Serves as a sound dampener insulating a building for noise reduction. Green roofs can help reduce external noise pollution by 10 to 50 decibels depending on the thickness of the system cities 2006. Green roofs reduce the need for on site storm water management. Thanks to this cooler roof the efficiency of solar panels is higher and so you reduce your total energy costs.

It contributes to noise reduction in large cities near industrial areas and airports. The combination of soil plants and trapped layers of air within green roof systems can act as a noise insulation barrier.