Green Roofs Literal Meaning

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.

Green roofs literal meaning.

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. 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. Traditional black roofs absorb heat and lead to the overall increase of the city s temperature known as the urban heat island effect. Green roofs have traditionally been categorised as extensive or intensive.

Some green roofs incorporate urban agriculture and include herbs and vegetables that can be harvested for use by the building s occupants or the community. 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. Green roofs are also known as vegetative or eco roofs. They fall into three main categories extensive intensive and semi intensive.

Extensive green roofs are lightweight with a shallow layer of growing substrate of less than 200 mm deep requiring minimal maintenance. 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.