Often times people consider what it would take to create a green roof if they are in a position to take advantage of something like that. There are many things to consider but perhaps the most important consideration needs to be the waterproofing of the roof beforehand. Not taking care of this aspect appropriately can lead to disaster for anyone. The following article may provide some pointers.
Creating a Low Maintenance Green Roof
We also know very well that a lush landscape rendering of a green roof will only look that way with the correct design from the onset and a working maintenance plan. Jock Gammon, founder of Junglefy, says there are four things that will instantly reduce green roof maintenance: Purpose People often fail to realise that a green roof can do more than improve aesthetics or aid with climate cooling. Gammon believes the market is maturing, with people installing living infrastructure for more reasons than “it’s the right thing to do.“ While green roofs haven’t taken off like their green wall counterparts, they are becoming increasingly popular atop multi-story residential apartments, providing amenity spaces for inhabitants of the building.
Green roofs are receiving praise for not only reclaiming green space in our dense cities but also for their environmental value.
Beyond aesthetics, it is well documented that green roofs can:
Despite the mounting benefits, however, green roofs are still perceived as being “too high maintenance,” which limits their uptake. We also know very well that a lush landscape rendering of a green roof will only look that way with the correct design from the onset and a working maintenance plan.
People often fail to realise that a green roof can do more than improve aesthetics or aid with climate cooling. It can grow food, help manage stormwater and serve as a city retreat.
Gammon believes the market is maturing, with people installing living infrastructure for more reasons than “it’s the right thing to do.” While green roofs haven’t taken off like their green wall counterparts, they are becoming increasingly popular atop multi-story residential apartments, providing amenity spaces for inhabitants of the building.
Waterproofing A Green Roof
In cities, most green roofs sit above a few storeys, which has led to one of the biggest maintenance concerns according to Gammon – leakage.
He said some people feel putting a garden on top of waterproofing membrane is a bad idea. This misconception that all green roofs are going to leak has also been fuelled by the lack of adequate waterproofing standards currently in Australia.
“I understand you have to go and do a course to get a licence to install waterproofing in a person’s bathroom or kitchen but you don’t actually have to get a waterproofing licence to install waterproofing on a commercial project, which is just ludicrous,” he said.
Gammon also said to be mindful of DIY work, as it’s imperative to get the waterproofing right.
“Once you get it right, the green roof will actually double the life of the waterproofing material as it is protected from UV and the chemical damage,” he said.
As for maintenance, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. The Growing Green Guide, Australia’s first guide to green roofs and walls has outlined five maintenance requirements of a green roof:
When looking to hire a professional to build a green roof, Gammon suggests signing a contract that includes ongoing maintenance.
“I think it’s important that the client who is making this investment knows that if something was to happen due to poor maintenance – they are covered,” he said. “There is no need for a client to hand more money out – it’s not the way it needs to go.”
If a green roof owner opts to maintain the amenity themselves, Gammon encourages automated irrigation, adding that good access to the roof space should also be a consideration.
“With many roofs on taller buildings, there’s no lift that goes up there,” he said. “You will usually get the lift up one or two floors below and then there’s a ladder that goes up. However, when you’re taking tools and a lot of green waste, it can be difficult. Creating a Low Maintenance Green Roof
There is much to consider when embarking on a green roof project such as this. Be sure to do your homework and understand whats involved so that you can make an informed decision.
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