Contents
Preface ix
Chapter 1 Design 1
Why Create This Green Roof? 6
Where Is the Green Roof Being Built? 13
Chapter 2 Structural Design 33
Roofing Insulation 37
Roofing Membranes 38
Protection Materials 40
Moisture-Retention Materials 42
Root Barriers 44
Drainage Layer Materials 44
Growth Media 46
Plant Material 47
Drawings 49
Chapter 3 Waterproofing 53
Liquid-Applied Membranes versus Roll Goods 56
Overkill and Prudent Design 58
Sunshine 60
Water Testing 61
Chapter 4 The Dirt on Green Roof Soil 65
Quantity and Composition 67
Sourcing Ingredients 70
Finding a Blender 70
Transporting and Hoisting Blended Growth Media 71
Chapter 5 Construction 75
Modular or Built-in-Place 77
Roof Slope 84
The Location of the Insulation 86
Drainage 88
Detailing Accessories 90
Preparing for the Plants 93
Irrigation 96
Chapter 6 Plants 103
Native or Not 105
Planting Strategy 108
Diversity 108
Seeds, Cuttings, or Plugs 110
The Establishment Period 112
Drought Tolerance 113
Fertilizer 114
Chapter 7 Maintenance
Hydration 120
Fertilizers 122
Weed or Not? 123
Pests 124
Survival of the Fittest 125
Chapter 8 Realistic Expectations
Coverage 130
Seasonal Appearance 130
Irrigation 131
Manicuring 131
Annuals 132
Lifespan 133
Chapter 9 The Environment
Heat Island 138
Storm Water Management 139
Green Space and Habitat 139
Air Quality 140
The Solution 141
LEED 141
Chapter 10 Return on Investment
Life Cycle 148
Energy Savings 149
Storm Water Fees 149
Intangible Benefits 150
Chapter 11 Quantifying the Benefits of Green Roofs 153
Research-Green Roof Plants 157
Research-Green Roof Growth Media 164
Research-Does My Green Roof Work as Advertised? 170
Research and Resources 173
Index 175