Green Roofs Literal Meaning

Green roofs are also known as vegetative or eco roofs.

Green roofs literal meaning.

Container gardens on roofs where plants are maintained in pots are not generally considered to be true green roofs although. 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. Extensive green roofs are lightweight with a shallow layer of growing substrate of less than 200 mm deep requiring minimal maintenance. Traditional black roofs absorb heat and lead to the overall increase of the city s temperature known as the urban heat island effect.

They generally have lower water requirements and use small low growing plant species particularly succulents. A green roof can also provide a refuge for insects and birds that have lost their natural habitat due to urban development and the loss of green space. The initial expense of green rooftops often turns away prospective clients. Because green roofs require professional design careful structural analysis and multiple layers and systems even extensive green roofs usually start at 8 per square foot significantly more expensive than the 1 25 per square foot for built up roofs burs source.

These trendy roofs bring a new literal meaning to the word cool as a recent study from the energy and buildings journal suggests that white roofs are up to three times more effective than green roofs at fighting climate change. Although there are no precise definitions of them an extensive green roof has a shallow growing medium usually less than six inches with a modest roof load limited plant diversity minimal.