Green Roof Growing Medium

For the best green roof medium the growing media should contain the following.

Green roof growing medium.

These materials are available throughout the west coast of north america. Over the years the brown roof idea developed into the green roof designed for biodiversity. However the factors allowing for a lightweight roof can create a high stress environment for plant material. Lightweight volcanic aggregate such as pumice or lava.

Green roof growing medium is composed of mineral aggregates and only a small amount of organic material. In general the bulk of the water storage in a green roof buildup is in the growing medium. Types of green roofs. Sarah and scott can irrigate this roof with a self coiling garden hose threaded into the second floor bathroom sink faucet.

These generally require a 5 15cm 2 6in depth of growing medium that can consist mainly of lightweight inorganic materials such as perlite leca sand rockwool and crushed tiles or concrete. Ensuring the growing medium is right for the type of. Commonly referred to as growing media or soil substrates the growing medium used is an essential part of the green roof system. Green roof systems may be modular with drainage layers filter cloth growing media and plants already prepared in movable often.

Growing medium is not the same material used for a house plant or a garden. When saturated these layers can weigh in at more than 100kg per square metre or 20lbs per square foot. These aggregates make a good basis for a growing medium. Green roofs designed for biodiversity biodiverse green roofs green roof designed for biodiversity basel switzerland.

During dry spells the growing medium can shrink leaving it vulnerable to weeds. Green roofs are made up of several layers typically a waterproof root barrier layer to protect the roof a drainage layer water retention mat then the growing medium and vegetation. Pumice is somewhat porous and is lighter than most aggregates. Careful consideration and planning is required during the design phase of a green roof build and a local growth expert should be consulted in order to develop the best system for your needs.

Green roof substrate has been researched developed blended and improved over several decades. The extensive green roof lightweight cost effective and probably the most popular of the green roofs. This of course can be reflected in the cost of building materials. Greater water holding capacity.

Traditional soil is heavy and packs tight after repeated rains reducing water retention and aeration for plant roots. Quality control of the aggregate.