structural elements
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Sowing the seeds of a successful green roof specification
Stuart Hicks, marketing manager of Kemper System, considers the elements of a green roof specification that can lead to success or failure
green roof is specified to help a building blend in to rural or semi-rural surroundings, to enhance bio-diversity or to gain BREEAM points, it can be a striking addition to a building that matures to enhance the structure’s character over time. However, the success or failure of a green roof depends on
T
an effective specification that considers not only the structure itself but the location, orientation, shading and climate of the site. Only by working with waterproofing and green roof specialists that can offer a proven roofing system along with the required level of horticultural expertise can the specifier be confident of a viable long-term result.
Design stage
While it may appear that planting can be decided at a later stage, in fact it is important that these decisions are considered at the design stage as the roof build-up impacts on the planting possibilities. For example, wildflower meadows are a popular choice for large expanses of roof surface, but they need plenty
he drive towards more sustainable buildings has led to an evolution of green roofs from specialist eco-feature to much more mainstream specification. Whether the
of moisture, which means designing the roof to accommodate the load and a greater depth of reservoir core and necessary growing medium required to keep the green roof healthy. Conversely, alpine planting needs much less water to thrive, which influences the load bearing capabilities required from the roof. Green roofs can also be incorporated in to a project as part
of a SUDS design. Water stored to irrigate the green roof reduces the potential impact of new and existing developments with respect to surface water drainage discharges. Again, considering the planting at an early stage means that the specifier is in a much more informed position to understand the level of water that will need to be stored or released from the roof.
Watertight
The effectiveness of the waterproofing membrane used to create a watertight barrier between the roof substrate and the green roof system is the most critically important element of the spec- ification. The membrane should be flexible enough to cope Continued overleaf...
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