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Category:Living roofs
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 | Information on Green roof can be found at Wikipedia. |
A living roof, or green roof, is a roof of a building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium (soil or another medium), planted over a waterproofing membrane.
A green roof can provide a cooling effect on the immediate surroundings, benefiting both the building and the area. Also, there is an insulating effect by the layer of soil, if used. Green roofs, if implemented widely in a city, could help reduce the heat island effect.[verification needed]
However, they typically require a stronger structure, particularly if soil is used. Thus any environmental advantages may be offset by the greater embedded energy of the structure. The insulating effect can be achieved more cheaply by other means.[verification needed] See Insulation. However, other forms of roof insulation will not have the same cooling effect on the immediate surroundings.
[edit] Suggested projects
- Weigh up the environmental advantages and disadvantages of green roofs, comparing them with alternative designs.
Much of the benefit of a planted roof can be obtained by a simple horizontal pergolaW suspended over the actual roof and used as a support for vinesW planted in the ground or in pots.
Pergolas can made of light wood slats, netting, cords, PVC pipe, etc. Care should be taken to provide adequate structural support, as luxuriantly growing vines can be quite heavy, and to insure that the roof remains accessible for maintenance. High winds or snow may also impose stresses.
Appropriate vines include ivyW, wisteriaW, trumpet vineW, grapesW, morning glory W, bougainvilleaW, and many others, depending on climate and situation.
Depending on species and situation, vines may take several years to achive full coverage. It may sometimes be advisable to plant two species for a few years - a fast-growing annual species to provide temporary shade while a slower-growing permanent species is getting established.
Pergolas can also be used as supports for other shading materials such as cloth, light wooden slats, cut vegetation, etc. Care should be taken in the selection and fastening of materials to prevent damage or injury in the event of high winds or other stressful conditions.
[edit] See also
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Pages in category "Living roofs"
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