Unfortunately, in the development of today's cities, economic feasibility is at the forefront, and environmental aspects are relegated to the background. Therefore, green roofing is becoming more relevant than ever. In European countries, centuries-old experience in the construction of structures of this type has been accumulated; in our country, they are only gaining popularity.
Benefits of ecological roofing
The idea is based on the use of the roof area to place a layer of soil on it with various plants. There are projects that allow you to create entire complexes of lawns, swimming pools and tennis or golf courses on seemingly useless surfaces.
In addition, a green roof provides a number of functional benefits (Footnote 1):
- thermal and sound insulation premises;
- waterproofing protection against temperature fluctuations;
- protection of materials from exposure to ultraviolet rays;
- waterproofing protection against mechanical damage;
- beneficial impact on the environment, reduced exposure to smog and dust;
- aesthetic beauty dwellings and comfort improvement Everyday life;
- water resistance;
- compressive strength;
- resistance to penetration of plant roots;
- vapor tightness;
- resistance to hydrolysis reactions, fertilizers, chemicals and biological elements contained in plants and the environment.
Types of structures
Depending on the type of landscaping used and the type of operation, a modern green roof is made in several versions:
- Extensive. In most cases, this is an unexploited roof. Lawn grasses and mosses are used for landscaping. Small plants are planted in special containers.
Is different:
- light weight
- Minimum capital investment
- Unpretentiousness in service
- Intensive. This view is designed for active use.Thanks to a more powerful layer of the substrate, it is possible to plant shrubs and ornamental trees.
Has the following features:
- Possibility of creating a more complex ecological system
- High maintenance requirements
- The need for a special irrigation system
Note! For the installation of this type of roof, a project is required that takes into account the recommendations of professional landscape designers and designers. You also need a qualified roofer with experience in installing these systems.
"Green roofs" can be not only flat, but also sloping. In some cases (a good example is the turf roofs of traditional Scandinavian houses), the construction of a sloped green roof is even simpler than a flat roof - since the slope of the roof allows excess water to easily flow down, there is no need to use expensive waterproof coatings and drainage layers, which are an integral part of flat roof landscaping. roofs (Footnote 2).
Essential elements
Structurally, an extensive green roof includes 6 layers:
- plant layer
- soil substrate
- filter element
- drainage system
- Waterproofing
- thermal insulation
The device of an intensive (inversion) roofing pie is different in that the thermal insulation is located above the waterproofing layer.
Thanks to this, the waterproofing membrane is protected from mechanical damage and is always in the zone of positive temperatures.
- The thickness of the soil substrate depends on which green roof device is used. For an extensive version, 5-15 cm is enough, and for an intensive one, 20-60 cm.
- Geotextiles are most often used as a filter layer.Its main function is to prevent soil particles from clogging the drain. It is desirable to use thermo-riveted material, the arrangement of its fibers ensures operation throughout the entire period of operation and practically does not clog.
- The drainage system provides optimal conditions for plant development. It is made of high-strength roll materials created from perforated polyethylene or high-pressure polystyrene. In some cases, it is allowed to use ordinary perforated polystyrene or fill the surface with gravel.
To drain excess water, corrugated or asbestos pipes with slots are mounted:
- Foam glass has proven itself as an effective heat-insulating material. A green roof made using it will not have any impact on the environment, because this material is absolutely neutral. In addition, it is resistant to root pressure and does not allow moisture to penetrate. It is also common to use other, more traditional materials such as extruded polystyrene foam or stone wool.
- High-quality waterproofing will be provided by a polymeric waterproofing membrane with additional protection against roots. It is available on a bituminous or synthetic basis. Violation of the technology of laying the membrane or its incorrect selection is the main cause of problems during the operation of the entire system.
Note! If the green roof is to provide additional protection to all load-bearing structures, it is possible to lay aluminum or copper foil over the membrane.
Main design features
Due to the fact that plants and the weight of the soil create an additional load on the supporting structures, it is advisable to develop a green roof project at the design stage of the entire building.
If a green roof is installed on an existing structure, calculations must be made to take into account possible pressure increases.
As a rule, sloping roofs are suitable for landscaping, with a slope angle of up to 12. But in some cases, such work is allowed on slopes up to 25-30, in this case, elements are provided to prevent slipping roofing cake.
Adjacent to a vertical surface is one of the weakest points.
However, the question of the reliability of such interfaces is also relevant for other types of roof structures. Raising the waterproofing layer along the interface will avoid leakage.
Sunlight plays a big role in extensive roof models. The lack of light has a depressing effect on the main plants used. On intensive roofs, this is not so important due to the variety of plants used.
There will be no unnecessary processing of waterproofing roofing PVC membrane anti-root drugs. In this case, the root system of plants will be located parallel to it, without penetrating inside.
aesthetic factor
Despite the complexity and cost of installation, this technology has recently been steadily gaining a number of fans. Thanks to it, you can create a unique appearance of your home ownership. After all, a green roof is incredibly beautiful.
Having decided to install such a structure, you will receive in return a cozy place where you can feel complete unity with nature, which is so lacking in a modern city dweller.
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