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An insulation layer is
optional on any roof, and prevents water stored in the greenroof system from extracting heat
in the winter or cool air in the summer. Insulation is generally applied on
existing roofs in retrofitting projects that may require an increase in the
insulation value and is usually determined by the architect. Each company has different insulation options, from
being integrated with the drainage boards (ZinCo's Floratherm build-up), to
Foamglas® cellular glass (Pittsburgh Corning Corp.). Depending on the
design and type of roof, the placement of insulation can be wither under or
over the roof deck, or over the waterproofing membrane.
Robert McMarlin of
Pittsburgh Corning states that "Combining an impermeable, closed-cell
insulation material such as cellular glass with the roof membrane is ideal for
the flat roof system...since no water can accumulate, the danger of root
invasion is eliminated." Due to its high compressive strength of 100
pounds per square inch, Foamglas® cellular glass insulation will not compact
under the greenroof system weight. He also points out that because it is
manufactured from the very abundant mineral silica (SiO2), cellular glass is
totally inorganic and requires no production of chlorofluorocarbon or
hydrochlorofluorocarbon gasses (Western Roofing Magazine, May/June, 1996).
Waterproofing | Insulation | Drainage | Filter Fabric | Growth Media | Plant Material | Water Storage & Irrigation
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