Green Roofs In Az

Back to summer 2009 newsletter an increasingly frequent urban sight although not in arizona and the west green roofs demonstrate a new meaning and purpose for roofs.

Green roofs in az.

Costly metal roofs are more expensive than most roofing alternatives. The basic anatomy of a green roof consists of vegetation growing medium filter membrane drainage layer waterproof root repellant layer roofing membrane support for plantings above thermal insulation vapor control layer and structural roof support. All three types of roofs require specific layers of roofing materials not found on regular roofs. As a result the roof structure can require less maintenance saving the owner money in replacement costs over the long term life of the roofing system.

Roofs a hitherto taken for granted inauspicious urban feature are being adapted to take advantage of the natural elements of water sun soil and vegetation to achieve environmental benefits. Green roofs are covered with vegetation that enable rainfall infiltration evapotranspiration of stored water and reduce stormwater runoff. Green roofs for healthy cities grhc is the north american industry association for the green roof and wall sectors. There are multiple options when it comes to green roofs.

That s because a green roof can save you up to 30 of your energy costs depending on which options you choose. Instead of buying and installing brand new metal roofs secondhand or recycled metal roofs are available for a portion of the price of the newly minted metal roofs. Installing a living green roof below the panels allows transpiration from the plants to cool the panels in some cases by as much as 20f increasing the panels efficiency and their electrical output. In turn shade from the panels both cools the plants and helps prevent water loss in extreme heat increasing plant productivity by as much as.

However there is a cheaper metal roof alternative. A green roof can increase the life expectancy of a roofing system by protecting the roofing materials from direct ultra violet radiation and extreme temperatures. Some green roofs actually have plants on them while others are made of energy efficient materials to. A university of arizona assistant professor and biosphere 2 researcher pavao zuckerman returned from tucson s annual urban heat island workshop in 2008 inspired by speakers who had successfully implemented green roofs but questioned their suitability for the southwest s arid climate.

Green roofs are becoming increasingly popular in phoenix arizona.