Intensive Versus Extensive Green Roof

The distinction is based on the kind of plant involved.

Intensive versus extensive green roof.

Intensive includes a thick layer of soil that can support large vegetation such as small trees. Green roofs with more than 6 inches of media are considered intensive. Extensive green roofs generally weigh between 12 50 pounds per foot versus 10 12 pounds foot for a conventional roof and 80 150 pounds foot for an intensive green roof not including snow. Their depth can range up to 2 feet or more depending on the weight constraints of the roof.

A 2006 study by the university of michigan comparing costs of conventional and green roofs showed that on average installing a green roof costs about 22 00 sq. Extensive green roof systems extensive systems are simpler and lighter weight than intensive systems. For a conventional roof. Typically these roofs will have more soil and some small shrubs as well as the low growing wildflowers and sedums found on an extensive roof.

A green roof comes in two varieties. The sides of the roof may also need to be built up to accommodate the additional layers. Typically extensive green roofs strive for environmental benefits cooling and stormwater management prime among them over human amenity space. 15 to 50 per square foot.

An extensive green roof is characterized by a thinner layer of soil and smaller plants. It also allows for a formal garden to be installed with paths grass lawn and flowers or pot plants. Gardening is the last bastion of the patient as nature cannot be hurried. Extensive or intensive both types can be created on sloped green roofs and solar green roof s click on text to learn.

If you increase that planting depth by a foot or two though a whole new realm of possibility opens up. A semi intensive green roof can give rise to a richer ecology with more diverse plant and animal species. Intensive green roofs. These systems range in thickness from 2 6 94 and weigh approximately 15 30lbs per sq ft.

8 to 20 per square foot. Green roof technology has the expertise to realize the impossible and the incredible if you can dream it we can create it and keep in mind.