Structural Requirements For A Green Roof

Green roof structural requirements.

Structural requirements for a green roof. Green roof assemblies are typically composed of two systems. A roof base assembly and b above membrane vegetated roof system. Perform a structural analysis of the existing building. The structural requirements for a green roof are the most important aspect to consider.

The system structure for a flat water retaining green roof consists of a drainage layer with filterfleece extensive roof garden substrate and a vegetation blanket. Residential buildings 25 000 square feet or larger that meet the following criteria must meet the ordinance s cool roof requirement but are exempt from having to choose a compliance option. The allowable depth of the green roof is determined by the load capacity that can be allocated to it. Green roofs must be designed to allow for safe access and working conditions for green roof inspection and maintenance personnel.

Dead load the final constructed weight of all built elements and all components associated with the roof or wall. Shallow pitched green roof 5 25 the structure of a shallow pitched green roof differs slightly from the structure of a flat roof. You need to make sure that the structure can cope with the extra weight of your green roof especially when saturated with water. Flat green roof 0 5 flat roofs are ideal as green roof.

Once the load requirements of the local building code have been determined one must calculate the saturated weight of the green roof system to determine if structural upgrades will be necessary. A green roof installation four inches deep or less does not require certain drawings calculations and other construction documents to be filed with the application. Live load the weight of people who will use the space and of any mobile equipment. The roof base assembly includes the water proofing membrane rigid insulation protection board and structural system.

Inspection and maintenance access design standards. Removing unnecessary finishes may provide sufficient capacity for a green roof of equal weight. Additional structural support may need to be provided. However the filing professional must.

This access must be a permanent feature of the building such as a pilot house roof hatch or exterior stairs to the green roof. Make certain technical certifications. And certify that it can without modification sustain the green roof load when saturated. The typical modern vegetated roof system requires a minimum of eight 8 functional layers.

For a green roof wall or facade the loads that the building structure must support include. It is an existing residential building 5 stories or less or less than 62 5 feet in height.