Green Roof Growing Medium

In general the bulk of the water storage in a green roof buildup is in the growing medium.

Green roof growing medium.

Green roof growing medium is composed of mineral aggregates and only a small amount of organic material. Growing medium is not the same material used for a house plant or a garden. However the factors allowing for a lightweight roof can create a high stress environment for plant material. These aggregates make a good basis for a growing medium.

During dry spells the growing medium can shrink leaving it vulnerable to weeds. Ensuring the growing medium is right for the type of. Green roofs are made up of several layers typically a waterproof root barrier layer to protect the roof a drainage layer water retention mat then the growing medium and vegetation. Over a 100m2 green roof with 10cm depth of growing medium the weight saved by using substrate instead of soil is considerable.

Types of green roofs. Pumice is somewhat porous and is lighter than most aggregates. Over the years the brown roof idea developed into the green roof designed for biodiversity. These generally require a 5 15cm 2 6in depth of growing medium that can consist mainly of lightweight inorganic materials such as perlite leca sand rockwool and crushed tiles or concrete.

Lightweight volcanic aggregate such as pumice or lava. Commonly referred to as growing media or soil substrates the growing medium used is an essential part of the green roof system. Sarah and scott can irrigate this roof with a self coiling garden hose threaded into the second floor bathroom sink faucet. The extensive green roof lightweight cost effective and probably the most popular of the green roofs.

This of course can be reflected in the cost of building materials. A green roof system is an extension of the existing roof which involves at a minimum high quality water proofing root repellent system drainage system filter cloth a lightweight growing medium and plants. For the best green roof medium the growing media should contain the following. Greater water holding capacity.

Green roof substrate has been researched developed blended and improved over several decades. Traditional soil is heavy and packs tight after repeated rains reducing water retention and aeration for plant roots. Quality control of the aggregate. These materials are available throughout the west coast of north america.

Green roofs designed for biodiversity biodiverse green roofs green roof designed for biodiversity basel switzerland. Green roof systems may be modular with drainage layers filter cloth growing media and plants already prepared in movable often.