Green roofs - Are we smart enough to build them?

Question

I live in Vancouver, a place that's become synonymous with massive building failure esp low-rise multi-family wood-frame housing (leaky condo syndrome) although Vancouver highrises also fail with startling and devastating regularity. I can see from some of the articles collected here

http://www.bccondos.ca/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1094#1094 that green roofs and rooftop gardens are marvels of contemporary European construction. But they're complicated high-maintenance features. Should Vancouver builders be trusted with this technology?

Answer 1

Green roofs- Are we smart enough to build them?

First of all, green roofs, are gardens and trees on rooftops, which help deccrease greenhouse gases. You PLANT them, not BUILD them... lol... How are green roofs techno? ><

Yeah, I geuss green roofs would be a good idea in Vancouver because it's very populated there... it would atleast stop Global Warming a little... =]

Answer 2

I went to the Salt Lake City Visitors center. I was amazed at the green roof they emplore on that builng. What is even cooler is the fact that you can walk through it! Its like a garden in the sky. However, this undertaking is not without engineering prowess upon the part of any contractor. One considers load bearing walls, snow loads, and a host of other engineering problems that could arise from these green roof applications. They do however, promote energy savings, and reduce heat in our cities by a signifcant amount. They also promote habitat for birds, in some cases small animals, as well as oxygen and reduction of green house gases.

I would not be afraid of a sound contractor to undertake a project such as this.

Structurally, Bulidings have to be built far beyond the normal acceptal loads. Green roofs are VERY heavy. However, They do, in the long run save a grip load of enegy. Meaning larger expense to the owner/leasor(s) to the building. INITIALLY.

These costs woul d probably degrade over time due the energy savings in the building itself. BUT, the initial up front cost is spendy.

It is a problem that warrants many different variables for solutions.

I am in favor of any technology that saves my planet. WITH reasonable side effects. I am a right wing conservative, but I love my animals, and the propagation of species, and the fact that these green roofs do help with that.... I am all for it.

Maybe contractors need to be more educated in how to not only build these structures, but also promote them as a beneficial addition to the community, country, and planet.

Answer 3

BY GREEN DO YOU  MEAN LIKE ITALY  AND  MUCH OF EUROPE  WHERE  THE ROOFING IS  CLAY TILE//SLATE..I SEEN A HOUSE  BEING  RETLIDED IN ITALY 3 MEN  WORKED 8 HOURS A DAY 5 DAYS WEEK FOR 3 WEEKS  I THINK..  THE  ROOF  MUST  BE ON  STRONG HOUSE..IT WILL BE ABLE TO WITHSTAND MASSIVE WINDS  FOR SOME  50 YEARS  NORTH AMERICAN COUNTRIES ARE NOT READY FOR THESE EXPENSIVE ROOFING SYSTEMS

Answer 4

The Centre for Alternative Technology have guides on green roofs http://www.cat.org.uk

not complicated and should be zero maintenance, just allow the sheep access to graze.

The Adnams distribution centre in Southwold is the biggest "green" roof.

but crucially it is not a "bolt-on" fix, but part of an eco-design

http://www.haymills.com/project_print.ph...

a 4,400 square metre warehouse utilising hemp, lime and chalk blocks walls. filled with a hemp-lime mix.   hemp construction locks carbon dioxide up in the finished structure.  

41.6 metre Glulam beams as a crucial element of the roof structure. This glued and laminated wood was from a sustainable source in Denmark and the manufactured beams are said to be the longest ever used in Britain on any construction development.

The roof itself is Sedum, a living carpet of thick fleshy plants and grass (grown locally Cheltenham), which provides not only a structural and aesthetic benefit, but reduces energy costs and removes carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the air.  Combined with the warehouse being situated low in an old gravel pit, the green Sedum roof literally camouflages the building, integrating it with the surrounding countryside and minimising the impact it will have on the view for passers by.  Solar panels located on the roof also provide 80% of the operation’s hot water supply.

Rainwater stored in the Sedum is also harvested from the roof, recycled and used in the warehouse and for washing vehicles.  Furthermore, waste water will be past through a septic tank and through reed beds making it pure enough to return to nearby ponds.

Answer 5

To maintain a green roof, the supporting members must be especially strong. I'm sure that there must be at least one builder in your area capable of building a roof capable of supporting the weight.

As far as maintenance goes, that depends on the planting. A roof covered with sedum or hen and chicks (both are low-growing succulent plants) will require little maintenance once established. A roof planted with trees and grasses requires more care.