| Article Index |
|---|
| Tremco: Green Roofs |
| Water buildup can also create pressure on the roof |
| All Pages |
Creative design and advanced technology incorporated into the development of the Tremco Green Roof System are providing an engineering solution for lighter weight green roofs. These green roofs ensure superior resistance to root and moisture penetration of the waterproofing membrane, unsurpassed resistance to wind shear, and drainage that will enable vegetation to better withstand the extreme climatic conditions of a rooftop.
Tremco Inc of Ohio, USA, offers a system that is designed to optimise the performance of the various complex components as they interact. The system incorporates a waterproofing membrane, root barrier, moisture retention mat, GreenRoof drainage, the growing medium and plants. Components will vary depending on the desired function of the system and the type of load the roof is able to handle.
As with any roof, the ultimate priority is to keep the building watertight. TREMproof 150 built-up hot rubberized asphalt waterproofing membrane or Vulkem 250 GC fluid-applied, elastomeric waterproofing membrane may be used to provide a complete, seamless system to waterproof the roof of the building, eliminates the chance that any water reaching this level will travel to a break in the surface. As a result, leak detection is significantly easier.
The Root Barrier, a 20 mil clear High Density Polyethylene with a double side tape on the outside edge, is installed above the waterproofing membrane overlapping the edges by a minimum of 4” to prevent root penetration. A Moisture Retention Mat, consisting of a double-ply heavy-duty 14-ounce loose woven polyester, is installed on top of the Root Barrier.
The appropriate prefabricated drainage system is placed over the Moisture Retention Mat, maintaining the optimal water content in the growing medium to promote strong vegetation growth and prevent drowning of the roots. One of the primary benefits of a green roof is the decrease in both the rate and volume of stormwater runoff. The soil and plants soak up water, preventing it from immediately running off into storm sewers. Excess water, however, must be removed from the roof area so that the plants will not drown and die from “root rot”.