Green Thinking in the Delaware Valley.

Green Roofs

They are conventional flat roofs that have plants mounted on top of them. The plants are living ecosystems and they act in the same process as natural plants and trees. A layer of soil and a drainage layer are applied directly to a roofing membrane. The roofs are stable and carefully designed to provide economic, environmental and social benefits to companies and communities. Green roofs are a natural fit with the move toward LEED certified buildings (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), so they will be very popular in the near future.

What are the environmental benefits of Green Roofs? One of the most important environmental benefits is the expansion of green life, which increases the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) removed from the atmosphere and releases O2(oxygen) back into the atmosphere. Another benefit is the assistance with water conservation/reduction of storm water runoff. The soil in the green roof systems acts like a sponge and absorbs excess rain water. Research has shown that extensive green roof systems can reduce runoff by up to 95% following a 1” rain. In turn, it reduces the impact of each new building on the municipal storm drainage system and surrounding watershed. Green roofs are also a solution to the "urban heat island effect." This effect is the temperature difference between urban areas and their rural surroundings. This temperature difference causes air currents and dust, and even contributes to violent weather events within urban settings. The green roofs help to balance out these temperature variations to decrease the likely-hood of these events.

What are the economic benefits of Green Roofs? One of the economic benefits is that green roofs cost less to install than other energy efficient systems. They can be included as part of new construction or retrofitted to existing buildings. Another benefit is the evapotranspirative effect of the plants and four inches of growing medium, usually reduces indoor temperatures 6 to 8 degrees during warm/hot weather. This can reduce air-conditioning costs 25 to 50 percent in single story buildings. Another economic benefit is it extends the life of the roof. Plants and soil act as a protective shield from the sun, rain and wind. This means no U.V. radiation/photo degradation of roofing components and minimal thermal contraction and expansion which can double and in some cases triple the roof life. This will also cut down on maintenance costs and reduce the need to resurface the roof every few years.

Green roofs are much better looking than asphalt or tar. Natural views create more productive, healthy, happy, creative, relaxed people. Green roofs expand the usefulness of buildings via patios, gardens and vistas. Green roofs beautify the urban landscape and are more attractive to look at.

The Green Property for residential and commercial properties. We have information on solar panels, weatherproofing, green roofs, LED lighting, etc. Low cost and energy saving air conditioners, lower utility bills, electric bills, insulation, flat roof, green, eco-friendly, panels, eco, solar, soil, growing, snow, contractors, additional support, membrane, Philadelphia PA.