Green Roof Insulation Properties

Reducing the urban heat island effect.

Green roof insulation properties.

Read on to learn about 10 of them. The combination of substrate plants and the embedded air in the green roof system provide good sound insulation. Sound waves are absorbed and reflected. What are some of your options when it comes to roofs.

More green roofs and fewer dark colored roofs equal a cooler city. In some cases a green roof may include thermal insulation typically a layer of extruded polystyrene. They can reduce peak energy demand by lowering a building s cooling costs in the summer months and heating costs in the winter months. Further if the roofing material doesn t have insulating properties it can create a secondary environmental issue by requiring the inhabitants of the building to crank up the climate control.

The basic anatomy of a green roof consists of vegetation growing medium filter membrane drainage layer waterproof root repellant layer roofing membrane support for plantings above thermal insulation vapor control layer and structural roof support. Due to their relatively large surface mass density low stiffness and pronounced damping properties green roofs increase the acoustic insulation on top of the basic roof. So you can also save on your heating bills in the winter. Quieter environment indoors and outdoors.

However a green roof with grasses or herbs contributes more to heat regulation because the substrate layer is thicker than for a sedum roof. Does a green roof system have to include insulation it depends. Green roofs are great insulators. While this can be positioned below the roof deck installation above the waterproofing known as an inverted green roof is preferred as it further protects the membrane from condensation and physical damage.

Especially their performance in the low frequency range could be interesting. In addition to thermal insulation a green roof also has a sound insulating effect.