GREEN ROOF COMPONENTS:When designing and installing a green roof it is important to provide a growing environment as close as possible to the plants natural environment. In natural soil the plant roots can reach deep into the ground to get sufficient water and nutrients. Plants on the roof are cut off from this source of supply. A combination of growing media, water retaining drainage layers and an additional supply of water from an irrigation system enables almost any type of landscape to be installed on the roof.
1. Water Proofing:
The green roof system is placed on top of the waterproofing membrane. The waterproofing membrane keeps water out of the building construction.2. Protective Layers:
The waterproofing system and roof construction is protected by various layers (root barrier and protection mat) against root penetration and mechanical damage.
3. Water Retaining - Drainage Layer:
The drainage layer retains rain water in its storage troughs. This water is coming available again for the plant material in periods of drought. It also drains off the surplus of the precipitations. The size and shape depends on the type of Green Roof to use.4. Filter Sheet:
The filter sheet prevents the growing medium from washing out to the drainage layer and the waterproofing membrane.5. Growing Medium:
A light weight engineered growing medium based on a mixture of minerals and organic components is the support layer for the plant material. Depth and composition depends on the plant material to use.6. Plant Material:
Plant material based on the type of green roof, climate zone, depth of growing medium, landscape design and the requirements of the green roof owner.
