Planted Roof Section

A green roof or living roof is a roof of a building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium planted over a waterproofing membrane it may also include additional layers such as a root barrier and drainage and irrigation systems.

Planted roof section.

Roof terrace constructed over block and beam. A more traditional planted roof of built up layers is also common but the tray system offers much more flexibility and comes pre planted with mature specimens. A grassy plant producing long stems of pink or white flowers in summer at its prime sea thrift can look stunning growing on a roof. Extensive systems weigh anywhere from 10 to 25 pounds per square foot when dry which is why the interlocking system of trays is important otherwise strong winds could very easily blow the plantings away.

Herbaceous or shrubby species which use more water than succulent species will be more effective plant choices. Container gardens on roofs where plants are maintained in pots are not generally considered to be true green roofs although. Sea thrift seen here growing on a cliff top is well adapted to the harsh conditions of a green roof. See more ideas about green roof roof roof garden.

Department of energy reported that most extensive planted roofs often do not require additional structural support. Green roofs can range from roof gardens with raised beds and pots to rolled out green carpets to shed roofs containing planting cells that are filled with soil or compost and planted up with low growing perennials and grasses. Often found in coastal areas and favouring dry sandy soils sea thrift is well suited as a green roof plant. Plant selection for stormwater management.

As it is rare for an owner to have excess funds dedicated to beautifying a roof the design team must think about all the benefits and how they relate to the overall systems of the building. A planted roof is a system just like mechanical or plumbing and should be thought about in the larger context of the holistic building. For further information about the benefits and construction of green roofs see our green roofs section. Pitched turf roof.

If a roof is designed to soak up water and remove contaminants in the water during storm events species that use water effectively and that accumulate nutrients should be explored. The weight added by an extensive planted roof is comparable to that of the gravel ballast on a conventional roof about 15 to 30 pounds per square foot depending on the growing medium the depth of the growing medium and the weight and depth of any additional.