Tuesday, 17 June 2014

Types Of Sustainable Green Roofing

By Ina Hunt


A plain surface of the roof is turned into a habitat that can support growth of vegetation. Some of the latest trends in roofing include the sustainable green roofing. The roofing meets the needs of the current generation without compromising that of the future. The vegetated roofs look beautiful and attractive. The habitat is at a roof-level hence contributing to reduced surface run off.

The green roofs are serving various purposes such as providing insulation, increasing benevolence, absorbing rainwater, aesthetic purposes that low urban heat island. The temperature is regulated. There are various types of roofing some are thicker while others are thinner. Thick roofs support various types of plants that require extensive care and maintenance.

The maintenance and care vary with the size of this roof and also various roof can support different varieties of vegetation. This is a type of green technology that allow use of solar collectors, photo-voltaic panels and cool roof. There is a lot of benefits derived from this technology and mostly environmental benefits. This was first practiced in California where it has brought a lot of benefits.

The roofs are meant for provision of natural habitat, filter pollutants such as carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The vegetation help in insulating the building against noise this is possible since the plants block frequencies that are high and soil block the low frequencies. The roof is able to provide a space for agricultural practices.

There is an addition of thermal resistance value and also improved cooling effect due to evaporation . Urban heat island is reduced because the high temperatures of summer are absorbed and reduced. The vegetation control storm water drains since this roof resembles a garden. Plants absorb water and still control runoff by acting as water filters.

Chicago is one of the cities that was among the earliest cities that roofed green and this has led to improved urban heating. The urban heat island is controlled by the green coverage that absorbs heat. Animals, insects and plants add to the biodiversity of roof setting up a natural urban set up. Pollutants are reduced through absorption by plants while the birds get a place to nest.

Durability of the roof is increased whereby the green roof provide a membrane that is protective and control the amount of ultraviolet radiation rays reaching the roof that may cause it to age. The expansion and contraction of this system through thermal heating is reduced and also heat is absorbed by plants and this reduce need for air-conditioning.

Despite disadvantages such as high coast of initial installation, the roofing has led to development of green technologies that are saving energy. Many countries are adapting the particular covering technology since it is sustainable and natural. Biodiversity is conserved reducing future impacts of global warming. There is need for green spaces in urban areas and with the evolution of this specific covering is creating micro-climate by reducing heat radiation.




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