On green roofs plants cool air through natural processes and shield buildings from high heat levels produced by direct sunlight.
Green roof and nurseries differences.
Plants for intensive and semi intensive green roofs.
However they each have a separate set of goals.
But in general the construction of a green roof includes a waterproof membrane a root barrier and drainage layer then the substrate and finally the plantings.
However the practicality of green roofs is the sticking point for many people.
This article describes the distinction between the two and outlines the benefits of each.
Green roofs are built as an extension of the foundation where plants and garden areas are constructed.
A green roof like your lawn is generally flat thin 4 6 of soil and planted with a family of short plants called sedum.
The benefits of green roofs are undeniable.
Getting enough water to the plants and providing good drainage are two main concerns.
Typically these roofs will have more soil and some small shrubs as well as the low growing wildflowers and sedums found on an extensive roof.
Two a green roof is akin to a garden.
According to the environmental protection agency epa the surface of a green roof on a hot summer day can be as much as 90 f cooler than the surface of a traditional rooftop.
Ideal for large flat roof buildings and apartments.
It also allows for a formal garden to be installed with paths grass lawn and flowers or pot plants.
Intensive green roofs are widely used on commercial buildings where owners want to have large green areas that incorporate all sizes and types of plants these roofs will have grasses ground covers flowers shrubs and even trees.
There are three types of green roofs.
You have to nurture it in order for it to thrive unless it.
One they are heavy due to soil and the fact your plants need water to survive.
Green and blue roofs are both excellent choices when it comes to environmental sustainability.
Suitable for low sloped residential roofs and retrofits.
This adds to the expense of a green roof.
An intensive green roof is more like a conventional garden or park and can have virtually no limit to the plant types that can be used.
3 6 of light weight growing medium.
However the green roof has to be designed to support the kinds of plants you intend to grow.
Desert grasses and succulent plants.
If you want any large or tall plants you ll need a semi intensive or intensive green roof.
Extensive green roofs designed for environmental solutions.
So make your plans known to your architect structural engineer and green roof system provider.
Both benefit the environment.
One of the easiest green roof constructions is available from a company called greengrid.
Components of an intensive green roof click for high res version intensive.