Green Roof Waterproof Membrane Technologies to Gain Increasing Momentum

A green roof system is an extension of the existing roof. Such development involves the creation of ‘contained’ green space on top of a human-made structure. A green roof waterproof membrane might be modular, with drainage layers, filter clothes, growing media, and plants already prepared in movable, often interlocking grids, or built up where-by each component may be installed separately.

The benefits of green roof technologies are poorly understood and the market remains immature in many parts of the world. However, these technologies, much like leaking balcony repairs in Melbourne, have become very well established. Government legislation and financial support have greatly attributed to this development.

Benefits of Green Roof Technologies

Green roofs offer many public, private and design-based benefits.

a) Aesthetic Improvements

Urban greening has long been promoted as an easy and effective strategy for beautifying the built environment and increasing investment opportunities.

b) Stormwater Management

· With green roofs, water is stored by the substrate and then taken up by the plants from where it is returned to the atmosphere through transpiration and evaporation.

· Green roofs not only retain rainwater but also moderate the temperature of the water and act as natural filters for any of the water that happens to run off.

· Green roofs reduce the amount of stormwater runoff and also delay the time at which runoff occurs, resulting in decreased stress on sewer systems at peak flow periods.

c) Improved Air Quality

· The plants on green roofs can capture airborne pollutants, atmospheric deposition, and also filter noxious gases.

· The temperature moderating effects of green roofs can reduce demand on power plants, and potentially decrease the amount of carbon dioxide and other polluting by-products being released into the air.

Conclusion

Green roof technologies not only provide the building owners with a proven return on investment, but also represent opportunities for significant social, economic, and environmental benefits, particularly in cities.