How much does a green roof weigh?
A fully saturated 3-inch thick compliance green roof can be as light as 20 lbs/sf or less. Green roof weights are influenced by the thickness and composition of the growing media, the rainwater stored in the pores of the media, the plant material and roof furniture. Before or during design development, a structural engineer provides the green roof designer with the dead and live load limits and the designer will select a profile and a design that does not exceed the dead load capacity of the building. Thicker weightier profiles retain greater amounts of rainwater and allow designers to explore a broader range of plant material than that of a typical extensive green roof. Industrial buildings constructed before the 1950’s often have great load bearing capacity, which can mean that the roof is suitable for a green roof installation.
What can I grow on a roof?
With a good design and smart maintenance you can grow most anything that grows on grade on a roof, but a typical 3-inch Philadelphia green roof will support a variety of succulent perennials, typically from the sedum genus. Sedum species are selected for their ability to withstand the regional climate and the rooftop micro-climates. A few herbaceous perennials, biennials and annuals thrive in depth-limited landscapes as an ornamental supplement to a sedum carpet. Bio-diverse planting can increase a green roofs ecological value to pollinators.
Why is a flood test important?
The E-Built Green Roof division preforms a flood test before beginning a green roof installation to determine the effectiveness of the waterproofing system. During a flood test, a controlled amount of water is retained over the roof surface for xx hours to confirm the watertightness of the waterproofing system. After the waterproofing is confirmed watertight, we begin the installation of the green roof.
How does a green roof function?
Green roofs are engineered landscapes composed of layered materials designed to function like a natural landscape. Green roofs absorb rainfall and store it on the pore space of the green roof media. and decrease the rate of stormwater runoff and delay peak flow. Green roofs are engineered systems that rely on a layered assembly of components to satisfy specific performance objectives.
How much does a green roof cost?
The E-Built Green Roof Division will work with you to ensure that you are aware of cost saving incentives for green roof construction. A simple compliance green roof may cost you $15 - $20/sf, but of you take into consideration the zoning bonuses and available tax credits the incentives may far exceed the cost of the green roof. The commitment to a green roof can increase the earning potential of your building from day one. We take pride in our ability to quickly and efficiently install extensive green roofs. E-Built was one of the first local firms to use blower trucks to transfer green roof media from the ground to the roof, cutting the time and labor necessary for the task. Our speed saves you time and money. Our knowledge of local codes means that you will have every opportunity to take advantage of Philadelphia’s generous green roof incentives.
Our custom roof gardens can be designed to include luxuries and amenities. We source appliances, lumber and furniture from regional outlets.
A fully saturated 3-inch thick compliance green roof can be as light as 20 lbs/sf or less. Green roof weights are influenced by the thickness and composition of the growing media, the rainwater stored in the pores of the media, the plant material and roof furniture. Before or during design development, a structural engineer provides the green roof designer with the dead and live load limits and the designer will select a profile and a design that does not exceed the dead load capacity of the building. Thicker weightier profiles retain greater amounts of rainwater and allow designers to explore a broader range of plant material than that of a typical extensive green roof. Industrial buildings constructed before the 1950’s often have great load bearing capacity, which can mean that the roof is suitable for a green roof installation.
What can I grow on a roof?
With a good design and smart maintenance you can grow most anything that grows on grade on a roof, but a typical 3-inch Philadelphia green roof will support a variety of succulent perennials, typically from the sedum genus. Sedum species are selected for their ability to withstand the regional climate and the rooftop micro-climates. A few herbaceous perennials, biennials and annuals thrive in depth-limited landscapes as an ornamental supplement to a sedum carpet. Bio-diverse planting can increase a green roofs ecological value to pollinators.
Why is a flood test important?
The E-Built Green Roof division preforms a flood test before beginning a green roof installation to determine the effectiveness of the waterproofing system. During a flood test, a controlled amount of water is retained over the roof surface for xx hours to confirm the watertightness of the waterproofing system. After the waterproofing is confirmed watertight, we begin the installation of the green roof.
How does a green roof function?
Green roofs are engineered landscapes composed of layered materials designed to function like a natural landscape. Green roofs absorb rainfall and store it on the pore space of the green roof media. and decrease the rate of stormwater runoff and delay peak flow. Green roofs are engineered systems that rely on a layered assembly of components to satisfy specific performance objectives.
How much does a green roof cost?
The E-Built Green Roof Division will work with you to ensure that you are aware of cost saving incentives for green roof construction. A simple compliance green roof may cost you $15 - $20/sf, but of you take into consideration the zoning bonuses and available tax credits the incentives may far exceed the cost of the green roof. The commitment to a green roof can increase the earning potential of your building from day one. We take pride in our ability to quickly and efficiently install extensive green roofs. E-Built was one of the first local firms to use blower trucks to transfer green roof media from the ground to the roof, cutting the time and labor necessary for the task. Our speed saves you time and money. Our knowledge of local codes means that you will have every opportunity to take advantage of Philadelphia’s generous green roof incentives.
Our custom roof gardens can be designed to include luxuries and amenities. We source appliances, lumber and furniture from regional outlets.
1247 E Columbia Ave, Unit C1
Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 925-5559
Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 925-5559