Not sure about Green Roofing?

Green roofs are multi-layered performance-driven systems that utilize plants, herbs, and vegetation to perform a range of functional and aesthetic purposes.

The three main types of green roofs are extensive, intensive, and hybrid (also known as semi-intensive green roofs). Extensive green roofs are 1-6 inch performance-driven systems. Intensive green roofs are over 6 inch systems that are designed for both performance and aesthetic purposes. Hybrid systems combine elements of both.

Green roofs have been proven to contribute to an overall cleaner environment while minimizing costs and energy usage. Numerous studies reveal the impact of green roofs. NASA research highlighted that green roofs significantly improve stormwater management. The study revealed that on average, green roofs absorbed 80% of rainfall. According to the research, a 4”-6” deep green roof can hold approximately a gallon of water per square foot of roof space, enabling a typical 4″-6’’ green roof to retain/manage a high percentage of all rainfall.

According to research conducted in 2011 by the General Services Administration (GSA), on a national level, a dollar invested in a green roof suggests a return of $1.29.  If carbon and particulate matter absorption and community benefits were added in, that same dollar invested would result in a $3.19 return. Refer to other economic and environmental benefits below.

Economic Benefits

• Increase in property value up 30%
• Extended roof life 2-3x
• Lower energy costs
• Tax and regulatory incentives
• Increase rental demand
• Improve the efficiency of roof mechanical equipment such as HVAC units
• Increases solar panel efficiency

Environmental Benefits

• Improved air quality
• Reduce building energy usage
• Improved stormwater management
• Habitat reestablishment
• Improved health
• Reduced urban heat
• Insulates the building
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Increase Biodiversity

For further information, we have attached several studies that outline the benefits of green roofs in greater detail.

Sources:

• on www.nasa.gov
• on www.gsa.gov
• on www.nps.gov

Green roofs are expected to last two to three times as long as conventional roofs — this extends the life of a roof to over 50 years. The average roof needs to be replaced every 15 years. Green roofs prevent UV degradation on roofs which extends the life of the membrane.

Green roofs vary in weight, depending on the type of green roof and vegetation used. Typically, an extensive green roof will weigh between 15 and 30 pounds per square foot while an intensive roof can weigh between 50-500 pounds per square foot. A hybrid or semi-intensive green roof usually ranges from 30-50 pounds. This is why understanding the load capacity of your roof is important when deciding what green roof to install.

Adaptive Green offers a full range of services including consultation, design, installation, and maintenance. We specialize in green roofs, green walls, solar, and sustainable water management systems such as stormwater and greywater.

Adaptive Green is a leader in the green roof industry, having designed and installed over half a million square feet of sustainable roofs. Our proprietary technology is designed to intelligently manage water storage, runoff, filtration, and climate change adaptation. We utilize cutting-edge building technology to maximize livability, building performance, and environmental outcomes.

As a Benefit Corporation, we are committed to having a positive impact on society by bringing dependability, efficiency, creativity, passion, and attention to detail to every project we execute.

Yes, many incentive opportunities exist within local, state, and federal governments, as well as organizations and city programs. Grants such as the New York City Department of Environmental Protection Green Infrastructure grant that will fully reimburse a green roof installation, the New York State Property Tax Abatement, and Washington DC District Department of Energy and Environment (DDOE) subsidy. Adaptive Green can handle many of the grant submission components, having won multiple grants for our clients.

A study at the University of Illinois concluded that the combination of solar panels and a green roof resulted in the maximization of the environmental benefits while minimizing the costs. The study indicated that the payback period of installing both solar panels and a green roof was around 6 times faster than the payback period of just a green roof. Environmental benefits included an increase in the plant diversity of a green roof, a decrease of maintenance needed for the solar panels, and the green roofs providing a more suitable climate and temperature for solar panels to function.

Caring for your green roof after installation is essential to maintaining longevity. While it is possible to maintain your green roof yourself, Adaptive Green makes it easy for you. We offer long-term maintenance and warranty solutions for all products including green roofs, green walls, solar panels, and sustainable stormwater management systems.

Green roofs: $15-45 per square foot (SF)
Solar panels: $35-55 per SF
Green walls: $75-200 per SF
Greywater and stormwater management systems: $2-6 per SF
Maintenance: $0.15 to $1.50 per SF, annually

Note: These prices are approximated, prices can vary depending on a range of factors.

Yes, green roofs can be installed on existing roofs if the roofs match certain structural requirements such as roof load capacity and waterproof membrane condition.

Before inquiring about a green roof, it is good to know the materials, slope, and load-bearing capacity of the roof. Other additional information regarding the drainage systems, electrical systems, waterproofing, and water systems will also be required later in the process. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have regarding the features of your roof.

You can choose from a range of different plants and designs depending on the type of green roof you wish to install. Depending on factors such as climate, roof bearing capacity, slope, height, budget, and irrigation system, there will be a range of available plants and styles for clients to choose from. We offer consultation to advise which plants will fit best the individual needs of each customer.

Although it can depend on the selection of plant life, usually the answer is yes. While regular walking is not advisable, occasional walking is perfectly fine assuming that vegetation is not frozen or damaged.

Assuming that the roof satisfies certain requirements such as the age of the roof, green roofs can be installed above most roof materials. Some roofing membranes such as modified bitumen may require additional protection layers.

If the leak is detected prior to the installation of a green roof, it is important that it be taken care of before installation. If a leak occurs after the green roof is installed, Adaptive Green works with your membrane manufacturer to patch and replace any sections of the roof that need to be repaired. Systems such as Electronic Vector Field Mapping (EVFM) can actively monitor your membrane and help pinpoint the location of a leak. Green roofs inherently help prevent leaks by reducing the amount of time resting water sits on your roof.

Yes, as long as a green roof is properly maintained, it is designed to withstand every season. Green roofs are capable of surviving both the extreme northern winters and intense southern summers.

At Adaptive Green, we do everything we can to ensure successful installation for our clients. Adaptive Green provides a full system manufactured warranty on all components as well as a workmanship and plant warranty. Plant warranties are contingent on an Adaptive Green or approved-alternative maintenance program. We pride ourselves on our transparency, so please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

If you have any interest in green roofs or any other green building component, get in contact with us by either calling (844) 868-9883 or emailing hello@adaptivegreen.com. Our friendly and helpful staff are always happy to talk about green building options and opportunities. Whether you end up using our services or not, we encourage you to reach out with any questions or inquiries. While we are dedicated to providing green building components, we are equally committed to green building educational services. After speaking with us, we can begin looking into assessing your current roof and exploring potential designs.