IS THERE ANYTHING I SHOULD AVOID IN BUILDING A GREEN ROOF?
Roofscapes Inc.Yes! To build and maintain a successful green roof, there are several design and installation problems to avoid: Herbicides will eventually leach out of materials, escaping into the environment and diminishing the root-inhibiting function of the root-barrier. When supplemental root-barriers are required, we recommend using thermoplastic membrane. Copper films are recent development in the green roof industry.
Related QuestionsWhat is a green roof?
Anthony Roofing, Expert Roofing Services NationwideTecta America specializes in installation and engineering of living roofs, or green roofs and have developed our own website with more information to answer your questions, you can link to it here: http://www.greenroof.com/ Tecta America specializes in phenolic remediation in accordance with class action requirements. For more information regarding our practices for phenolic remediation and reroofing click here.
Related QuestionsWhy do I see firefighters cutting holes in the roof of a building on fire?
City of Sacramento Fire DepartmentThis is called "venting the roof." There are two basic reasons for this practice. Dangerous gases and dark smoke accumulate in a burning building. Unlike the movie versions of fires, it is impossible for firefighters to see in such an environment. When a hole is made in the roof because the building is "vented," the smoke and gases escape because heat and smoke rise. It makes it much easier for the firefighters in the building to see.
Related QuestionsHow does a green roof affect the conventional roof below it?
Roofscapes Inc.Based on German experience, a green roof can be expected to double or triple the life of the underlying conventional roof by protecting from human activity and wind-blown debris; shielding from UV radiation; and buffering temperature extremes, thereby minimizing damage from daily expansion and contraction.
Related QuestionsHow much does a green roof weigh?
Roofscapes Inc.Green roofs vary greatly in weight, depending on their depth and the material components. The important measurement is 'wet' weight -- fully-saturated fabrics and plants. For example, Roofmeadow? systems, engineered to be both lightweight and efficient, generally weigh about 6.75 pounds per square foot for each inch of depth. Thus, the saturated weight of a 2-inch deep system is about 13 pounds per square foot, including a mature plant cover.
Related QuestionsHow are green roof plants started?
Roofscapes Inc.There are several methods for starting green roof plantings. From April through October, Sedums may be established from fresh cuttings. Broadcast on the growing media, these cuttings will quickly form roots and affix themselves. Alternatively, Sedums may be started in May-June or September-October from 72-cell plugs, planted a foot apart. Perennials can be seeded, except during the summer months.
Related QuestionsWill a green roof save energy?
Roofscapes Inc.Yes, although not due to insulation or "r-factors." A green roof acts as a thermal mass or heat sink, slowly absorbing and holding energy from sunlight and releasing it when the ambient air cools. In this way, it acts as a heat "storage battery" and reduces the heating and cooling demands within the building. Energy savings will be greatest in low buildings, due to the high ratio of roof area to the total of exposed building skin.
Related QuestionsWhat is a Green building?
FAQ's - Adirondack Green - Frequently Asked Green Cleaning Q...Green buildings are facilities that design their maintenance activities around 3 major considerations: The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) provides guidelines for converting existing buildings into Green buildings, and for creating new buildings that are Green. The standard, LEED/EB, offers great opportunities to improve safety and increase prestige
Related QuestionsDPD Green Building -- FAQsGreen building is the idea of creating a built environment --buildings, landscapes, communities and infrastructure--that connects the highest positive regard for our quality of life with the least ecological consequences to our environment. Sustainable design attempts to balance economic, social, and environmental factors. Sustainable design principles affect all phases of project development, from design, construction, operations and maintenance, and demolition and disposal. MoreRelated Questions
What's a 'Green' building?
City of San Mateo Public Library FoundationThe term 'green' is used to describe an energy efficient and environmentally sensitive building design. Due to overwhelming public interest, the City of San Mateo is making a commitment to recycle, to conserve energy and water and to use products that come from renewable resources.
Related QuestionsSustainability FAQs | PCA Press CenterThe U.S. government defines green buildings as those that demonstrate the efficient use of energy, water and materials; limit impact on the outdoor environment; and provide a healthier indoor environment. Studies show that green buildings offer improved air quality and more access to daylight in addition to energy and cost savings.Related Questions
Are there proven, scientific standards for green roof design?
Roofscapes Inc.Presently, the only widely-accepted, established standards for green roof construction are those developed in Germany by the Forschungsgesellschaft Landschaftsentwicklung Landschaftsbau. e.V. (FLL) These standards and guidelines are comprehensive, and include industry standard tests for the weight, moisture, nutrient content, and grain-size distribution of growing media. FLL also certifies laboratories to conduct critical tests, such as the root penetration resistance of waterproofing membranes.
Related QuestionsWhat are the most important factors in designing a green roof?
Roofscapes Inc.There are many complex, interactive factors that green roof design engineer takes into account, balancing many considerations for optimal performance, including:
Related QuestionsWhat is the difference between an 'extensive' and an 'intensive' green roof?
Roofscapes Inc.There is no strict demarcation. Generally speaking, 'extensive' green roofs are less than 6 inches deep, and, depending on depth, may support a range of plants, such as Sedums (low-growing succulents), herbs, meadow grasses, and perennials. Deeper 'intensive' systems can sustain complex landscapes, including small trees and even small ornamental ponds and fountains.
Related QuestionsAre leaks under a conventional green roof a problem?
Roofscapes Inc.Surprisingly, leaks in the waterproofing layer are less likely when it is protected from the elements by a green roof. If a leak does occur, it can readily be located through new electronic technology, such as electric field vector mapping (EFVM), which can rapidly and accurately pinpoint even minute holes. This system is more reliable than the older flood testing method; need not be installed in advance, and can even be used on steeply-sloped surfaces.
Related QuestionsHow does green roof media differ from 'soil'?
Roofscapes Inc.Conventional green roof media is mostly light-weight mineral material, with a minimum of organic material. It should be designed to meet established FLL guidelines for both water retention and drainage, as green roof systems with poor water retention will require irrigation to compensate. One the most important criteria for media is that it remain a viable growing and water-control substrate for decades.
Related QuestionsWhat kinds of plants should be used on a green roof?
Roofscapes Inc.In frost zones 4 through 8, at least half of the plants installed on an extensive green roof should be varieties of Sedum. In colder climates grass-dominated covers are recommended. Reliable tropical plant lists are not currently available. However, in cooperation with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Roofscapes, Inc. has installed three green roof prototypes to evaluate candidate plants for un-irrigated extensive systems.
Related QuestionsWill I be able to walk on my green roof? Can it be used for recreation?
Roofscapes Inc.If the roof is accessible from the building and the roof will support the weight, decks, patios, and walkway pavers can be integrated into the design of the green roof. Among the available plant covers, only turf grass will stand up to regular foot traffic. Turf green roofs will require a minimum of 6 - 9 inches of media depth and irrigation is mandatory (i.e., an intensive green roof).
Related QuestionsWhat can a green roof system do for sound insulation?
GreenGrid® Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)The growing media, plants, and layers of trapped air in a green roof system serve as excellent sound insulators. Tests have shown that green roofs can reduce indoor sound by as much as 10 decibels for every 3 inches of growth media, providing particular benefit to buildings in noise impacted areas, such as those close to airports or industry.
Related QuestionsFAQ MerryPlace Frequently Asked QuestionsGreen” building is the term used to describe building practices that are more efficient and more environmentally friendly than conventional methods. For a complete description of the many benefits of green building, clink on the link “What it Means to Be Green.”Related Questions
Why do firefighters cut holes in the roof of a building on fire?
FAQ'sThis is called "venting the roof." There are two basic reasons for this practice. Dangerous gasses and dark smoke accumulate in a burning building. It is impossible for firefighters to see in this environment. When a hole is made in the roof, the smoke and gases escape. Venting the roof makes it easier for firefighters to see and find the source of the fire, and it also reduces the possibilities of backdraft and flashover.
Related QuestionsIs the peak of my roof in the center of the building?
Pole Buildings, Pole Barns, Barns, Steel Buildings, Metal Bu...a standard practice, yes. Our advertised prices are for a gable roof with the peak in the center, as this is the most cost effective and practical design. Customized designs can be done to offset the peak or even have the entire roof slope in a single direction, for an addition charge.
Related QuestionsCan I add any weight to the roof of my building?
FAQAdding weight to the roof of a Pioneer building should be done with care. Pioneer buildings, once constructed can take a great deal of weight and stress. However, adding weight directly to the roof (a catwalk, for example) should be done only after consulting our factory engineers.
Related QuestionsHow often should a building's roof or cladding be inspected?
Hi-Clad roofing, Frequently asked questions, FAQYour roofing and cladding system should be inspected twice a year. If there are heavy storms, we would advise an inspection to ensure that your roof or cladding has not been damaged.
Related QuestionsHow long should a building's roof last?
Hi-Clad roofing, Frequently asked questions, FAQA life of a building's roof depends on several contributing factors including the quality of the materials, the quality of installation, and preventative maintenance to spot problems before they become large ones. Some roofs are designed for a life expectancy of 30-plus years while other roofs have a life expectancy of 10 years or less. Research proves that the number one reason why roofs do not survive their anticipated life cycles is the neglect of maintenance.
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