---Advertisements---

[Introduction]  [History]  [Extensive Greenroofs]  [Intensive Greenroofs] 
[Underground Parking Garages]  [Why]  [Conclusion]
 

Photo Source: Optigrün international AG; www.optigruen.de

Extensive greenroofs are lightweight veneer systems of thin layers of drought tolerant self-seeding vegetated roof covers using colorful sedums, grasses, mosses and meadow flowers requiring little or no irrigation, fertilization or maintenance after establishment.

The types of plants suitable for extensive landscaping are those native mainly from locations with dry and semi-dry grass conditions or with rocky surfaces, such as an Alpine environment.  As a method of surviving extreme conditions, they have developed special mechanisms such as water storage organs, thicker leaf surface, silver surface hairs, narrow leaves, etc. (ZinCo, 1998).  Minimum soil depths range between 2 and 3 inches, which is sufficient to support the smaller plant communities.

Photo Source: ReNatur©; www.re-natur.de

Generally, extensive greenroofs can be constructed on roofs with slopes up to 33%, and can be retrofitted onto existing structures with little, or most often, no additional structural support.  The average weight of a fully saturated minimum extensive greenroof is 17 pounds per square foot, which is comparable to the weight of gravel ballast placed on many conventional roofs.  These roofs are not intended for recreation, or to accommodate the weights of people, larger shrubs nor trees. Extensive greenroofs are less costly due to single or double layer construction.

Link here to see section material examples of Roofscapes, Inc.'s four generic extensive greenroof profiles, which include overall depth, excluding foliage; maximum saturated weight, including foliage; and typical dry weight, including foliage.

Back to Top