Green Roof Systems
In order to adapt the roof to the needs of each project, CoverEcology has different options that cover most roof formations. Taking this factor into account, the basis of the following systems will always be that of an extensive green roof, as these are lightweight roofs
and low maintenance.
Flat roof (<10°)
"Sedum - 120kg/m2 weight
saturated
of water - 8cm of substrate
"Grasses - 150kg/m2 water saturated weight - 10cm of substrate
If the waterproofing does not include it, a polyethylene anti-root sheet is placed on top of the waterproofing, followed by a separating and protective blanket for the waterproofing, the drainage and retaining plate (egg cup), the geotextile as a filtering element and the substrate with the corresponding vegetation.
*In the case of non-sloping roofs, the only element to change will be the type of drainage plate, which will be higher to separate possible puddles of water from the vegetation.
- Inverted cover
"Grasses - 145kg/m2 water saturated weight - 10cm of substrate
A polypropylene separation sheet is placed on top of the insulation, followed by the drainage and retention layer (egg cup), the geotextile as a filter element and the substrate with the corresponding vegetation.
- Light cover (industrial)
"Sedum - 116kg/m2 water saturated weight - 8cm of substrate
If the waterproofing is not included, a polyethylene anti-root sheet is placed on top of the waterproofing, followed by a layer (2cm) that includes the functions of the separating and protective blanket and the drainage and retaining plate (egg cup), the geotextile is placed, and finally the substrate with the corresponding vegetation.
- Light cover (up to 5°)
"Sedum - 90kg/m2 weight saturated with water - 6.5cm substrate
If the waterproofing does not include it, a polyethylene anti-root sheet is placed on top of the waterproofing, followed by a separating and protective blanket for the waterproofing, and a drainage and retaining plate (egg cup) containing part of the substrate, in order to achieve a lower thickness, and finally the corresponding vegetation.
Pitched roof (10° - 35°)
From 15° upwards it is necessary to use anti-erosion products, from 20° upwards a system of auxiliary elements that function as barriers is needed, and from 30° up to 35° upwards it will be necessary to use pre-cultivated vegetation in rolls together with the substrate.
"Sedum - 145kg/m2 (<20°), 160kg/m2 (<35°) - 6cm (<20°), 12cm (<35°) of substrate
Up to 20°: Above the waterproofing
if this is not included, a polyethylene anti-root sheet is placed, followed by a separating and protective blanket for the waterproofing, and a drainage plate (egg cup) together with battens containing part of the substrate, in order to achieve a lesser thickness, and finally the corresponding vegetation.
Up to 35°: Above the waterproofing
if this is not included, a polyethylene anti-root sheet is placed, followed by a separating and protective blanket for the waterproofing, and a strip-type structure containing part of the substrate, in order to achieve less thickness and firmness, and finally the corresponding vegetation.
INSTALLATION
Once the usual cover layers have been installed by the Cover Industrial team, the entire surface must be cleaned, as it will be the base of the green roof. The products mentioned in the previous section will be installed in the established order, always according to the system chosen.
When laying the substrate, care shall be taken to leave the perimeters of the cover free, as
to be filled with rolled gravel, separated from the substrate with metal L-profiles. This assembly process prevents the substrate from detaching and the cover from losing its properties.
The vegetation is then installed and should be watered abundantly for the first few weeks to allow the roots to grow and the plants to adapt to their new environment.
MAINTENANCE
It is assumed that an extensive green roof requires little maintenance,
the work to be carried out shall be done on an annual basis. The only exception to this is when damage has been caused by external causes such as vandalism, unusual weather conditions in the area, etc.
"Annual inspections
Check the condition and functioning
of the roof in general, remove weeds and leaves from the gutter, prune according to the chosen vegetation and fertilise in spring.
"Post-installation irrigation
In order for the plants to take root in the new substrate, the cover should be watered with water and fertiliser for the first 15 to 20 days after installation.
Roofing components:
On the base of the roof, which can be deck type, sandwich or in-situ sandwich, inverted, traditional, etc., the green roof will be formed with the following products depending on whether or not irrigation is required.
- No irrigation
1. Root protection film (if the roof is waterproofed with roofing felt).
2. Protective and retaining layer (to separate and prevent puncturing)
3. Drainage layer or egg cup
4.Substrate of variable thickness
5. Vegetation
- With irrigation
1. Root protection film (if the roof is waterproofed with roofing felt).
2. Protective and retaining layer (to separate and prevent puncturing)
3. Drainage layer or egg cup
Geotextile
5. Substrate of variable thickness
6. Water distribution filter
7. Irrigation pipes with automatism 8. Vegetation
- Others:
By-products could include fertiliser for maintenance, gravel and metal profiles for the perimeter and stormwater fittings.
Information on components:
"Substrate
- Mixture of mineral and organic components in granular form. Depending on the selected system,
the components and the required substrate thickness will vary.
- Roll of rockwool substrate, also in different thicknesses, which is used for lighter roofs.
"Irrigation system
- Drip: made up of polyethylene tubes with a diameter of 16mm, with integrated drippers every 40cm approximately. The system is buried in the substrate.
- This system allows for greater water savings, as it supplies the necessary amount of water for each plant.
- Loss of nutrients and the appearance of rot and fungus due to excess water are prevented.
- Components: pipe with filters, connectors, drippers, caps and pressure reducer.
"Vegetation
- Succulent plants: do not require an irrigation system, the subspecies used is Sedum, low maintenance, suitable for extreme climates, easy to install, stores rainwater, does not require pruning and adapts easily to the new environment.
- Grasses: need irrigation, different varieties according to climate resistance
and needs of the site, fairly tolerant to diseases. Grasses (cepitosas) are also included in this group.
- Aromatic: always combined with other species such as grasses.
