Finally there is also ongoing costs to consider for maintenance and repairs. A green roof can increase the life expectancy of a roofing system by protecting the roofing materials from direct ultra–violet radiation and extreme temperatures. 2) Reduces dependence on and cost of municipal water services. The popularity of green roofs has increased in the United States due to their many benefits, While pretty, green roofs serve a much greater purpose than simple beautification.. Extensive green roofs: Mat-forming species of Sedum, Sempervivum and moss are good choices. It should also be light weight, resistant to decomposition and compression, and physically and chemically stable. Sound: Green roofs work excessively well for filtering out sound pollution as well by blocking lower frequencies and industrial sounds. During dry spells, the growing medium can shrink, leaving it vulnerable to weeds. Provides a rainwater buffer. Instead of ugly fibreglass, rubber or bitumen, you can, for a reasonable price, look out of your window at a beautiful green roof covering. ,, Mama, Roof ,, Funding Contest ,, 13 How Does A Green Roof Work : ,, Mama, Roof ,, Funding Contest ,, – How Does A Green Roof Work. Under an extremely dry conditions, a nocturnal cooling effect is no longer apparent above the green roof. Green roof growing medium is composed of mineral aggregates and only a small amount of organic material. Green roofs – or the installation of plant life on the roof of buildings – is becoming an increasingly popular practice across the globe, especially in North America and Europe. Until the late 19th century, it was the most common roof on rural log houses in Norway and large parts of the rest of Scandinavia. We took a field trip to the largest green roof in New York City. Many millions of square meters of flat roof are not yet green – this means wasting an enormous potential of living space. Green roof plants like these sedums usually don't require irrigation unless there's a four-week spell of high heat with less than 1 inch of rainfall. The best green roofs in the long term tend to be ones that a re planted and seeded. Green roofs are unique in that they have the ability to capture and retain a volume (depth) of rain from each rainstorm. As the objects cool down, they release their heat energy back into the air. A green roof is not a collection of potted plants to decorate a roof space but rather an extension of a conventional roof which involves instillation of a layered system of membranes, substrate and plants. As an estimate in the UK the average cost per square meter of extensive green roof system is £50-100, whereas an intensive green roof system is £60-150. Green roofs can also help to improve air quality. Green roofs are part of climate-proof construction. The vegetation on a green roof helps absorb pollutants from rainwater before it evaporates back into the atmosphere. The mats are better for large areas. Green Roofs for Healthy Cities is working with local partners in a number of cities to develop cost effective direct and indirect financial support for green roof and wall implementation that meets local/regional needs. While redeveloping our house we decided to install a living roof on our kitchen roof, why you ask.. well..: 1. Green roofs or vegetated roof covers (also referred to as living roofs, nature roofs and eco-roofs) are a thin layer of living plants growing on top of a roof. A green roof or living roof is a roof of a building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane.It may also include additional layers such as a root barrier and drainage and irrigation systems. 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