Green Roof Design
Green Roof Design
(OP)
What are the requirements for designing green roofs? Are there any references that define all the elements of evaluating, designing and installing a planting area on an existing rolled roof supported by wood joists. The bldg is located in northeast and is five stories high with a 42" parapet. Any help is greatly appreciated.






RE: Green Roof Design
The roof membrane system is easy...lots of details, but easy. Mostly try to accommodate energy efficiency through insulation, reflection, and "green" products. Difficult comes in having planters, sod, flowing water, and traffic on roof. All have significant detailing/waterproofing issues.
As for the structure, that's another story....could encompass anything...planters, sod on roof, water loads, etc. All increase the structural system and thus, the cost.
RE: Green Roof Design
This is in addition to the code required live load so sometimes the roof structure doesn't have the ability to support the green roof without strenthening.
RE: Green Roof Design
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Green Roof Design
Stay away from condos and keep the liability insurance payments current.
IMHO
RE: Green Roof Design
Be careful suppporting on Wood Joists - Even if joists work when checked under this additional load - possible issues with rot, long-term creep (is there a gypsum ceiling below?), etc.
RE: Green Roof Design
The green roofs I've done are individual panels of grass or something that can be easily moved. They are not typically integral with the roofing system.
RE: Green Roof Design
Wind uplift may also be an issue here. After all, we don't want everything to get blown off the roof.