Green Roofs Literal Meaning

Because green roofs require professional design careful structural analysis and multiple layers and systems even extensive green roofs usually start at 8 per square foot significantly more expensive than the 1 25 per square foot for built up roofs burs source.

Green roofs literal meaning.

Traditional black roofs absorb heat and lead to the overall increase of the city s temperature known as the urban heat island effect. The initial expense of green rooftops often turns away prospective clients. They fall into three main categories extensive intensive and semi intensive. Although there are no precise definitions of them an extensive green roof has a shallow growing medium usually less than six inches with a modest roof load limited plant diversity minimal.

They generally have lower water requirements and use small low growing plant species particularly succulents. Some green roofs incorporate urban agriculture and include herbs and vegetables that can be harvested for use by the building s occupants or the community. Extensive green roofs are lightweight with a shallow layer of growing substrate of less than 200 mm deep requiring minimal maintenance. These trendy roofs bring a new literal meaning to the word cool as a recent study from the energy and buildings journal suggests that white roofs are up to three times more effective than green roofs at fighting climate change.

Green roofs are also known as vegetative or eco roofs. A green roof can also provide a refuge for insects and birds that have lost their natural habitat due to urban development and the loss of green space.