Intensive Vs Extensive Green Roof System

Extensive green roof systems extensive systems are simpler and lighter weight than intensive systems.

Intensive vs extensive green roof system.

This is most noticeable in intensive green roofs since there is a thicker and more consistent layer of soil which provides a higher insulating value. For a conventional roof. 8 to 20 per square foot. Typically these roofs will have more soil and some small shrubs as well as the low growing wildflowers and sedums found on an extensive roof.

15 to 50 per square foot. Mosses sedums herbs and low growing grasses are common choices for extensive roofs. It also allows for a formal garden to be installed with paths grass lawn and flowers or pot plants. Green roofs can help reduce energy costs for a building by acting as another layer of insulation between the inside and outside of the roof.

Semi intensive roofs are generally used within highly visible area s to improve aesthetic design using small shrubs forbs and grasses. Due to their light weight and low profile they require less structural support and can be used on roofs with a slope of 30 b0 and higher. These systems range in thickness from 2 6 94 and weigh approximately 15 30lbs per sq ft. Intensive green roofs can support the growth of a wide range of plants including shrubs and small trees while the extensive green roofs can typically only accommodate a small selection of drought tolerant plants with shallow root systems.

A semi intensive green roof can give rise to a richer ecology with more diverse plant and animal species. Our semi intensive green roof systems include a richer deeper substrate and drainage solution compared to extensive roofs enabling use of a wider range of complex plant mixtures. Green roof insulation becomes more of a factor on new build commercial projects with intensive roof systems. A 2006 study by the university of michigan comparing costs of conventional and green roofs showed that on average installing a green roof costs about 22 00 sq.

You want to ensure that any roofing insulation is compatible with green roofs. There are no specific requirements for a green roof insulation layer in a simple extensive green roof.