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Source: ZinCo International 3/98
Brochure |
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Intensive greenroofs are more elaborately designed roof
landscapes, such as roof gardens and above/underground parking garage roofs, that are intended for
human interaction and will need to be engineered to conform to the load
requirements.
Intensive greenroofs can be distinguished from the popular
roof garden of container-filled plants by the continuous underlying greenroofing
layer system. Ideally, these greenroofs have relatively flat roof surfaces
(1 - 1.5%) or mild roof
slope percentages of up to 3%.
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Photo Source: ZinCo International
3/98 Brochure |
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Different growth media types and depths allow for a larger selection of plants, including
flowering shrubs and trees. Typical soil depths start at 6 - 8 inches and can
reach 15 feet or more - the limiting factors here are the roof loads and perhaps
the client's budget.
Pathways, terraces, water fountains, ponds, and other architectural
features result in beautiful and dramatic spaces.
Depending on the plant selection, additional water collection cisterns, reservoir boards,
irrigation, fertilization and/or maintenance may be necessary, just as it would
be for a traditional garden.
Additional layers such as
protection boards and water retention mats are usually included in the design.
Due to the increased number of layers and therefore product requirement,
intensive greenroofs are more expensive. The maintenance requirements will
also be much greater.
Although
a more refined application and therefore more expensive, the ecological benefits
of intensive greenroofs remain the same or can be greater due to the greater
natural processes utilized by larger and more diverse plant species.
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