September 2008 - Axter

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Extensive and Intensive green roof TechnologySfB47September 2008In general a green roof is one with plantsgrowing on its surface. This can rangefrom the spontaneous occurrence of lichenand moss on a roof surface to a fullylandscaped space including trees, shrubsand hard landscaping. There are manyvariations but in general green roofs havebeen divided into extensive, green roofs have lowmanagement requirements and do notusually require artificial irrigation. Basedon thin soil or substrate layers, plantingstyles are naturalistic with the object ofestablishing a self-sustaining plantcommunity, such as sedums or hardywildflower mixtures. An alternative isAxter s HYDROPACK ready plantedmodular tray (see separate HYDROPACKbrochure). The main reasons for installingan extensive green roof are visual,creating habitat for native flora and fauna,and enhancing the building green roofs need similarmanagement to a ground level garden, usuallycomprise a deep soil or growing medium andrequire artificial irrigation.

Irrespective of the type of green roof system the waterproofing and insulation requirements are broadly similar. It is important to remember that the supporting

  Roof, Green, Green roofs