FAQs Archive - Page 4 of 5

Q: How much does the LiveRoof system weigh?

The LiveRoof® system weighs approximately 27-29lbs./sq. ft. (with a media depth of 4”) when fully vegetated and saturated. The LiveRoof® soil follows FLL standards, enhanced to reflect current research regarding sustainable organic content. We have intentionally avoided excessive organic content, which will shrink excessively over time due to decomposition. Likewise, we have avoided perlite which may break down during the freeze thaw cycle.

Q: What incentives are available for green roofs?

As the huge costs associated with stormwater runoff are becoming recognized and as smog and other pollution impacts our cities, many cities and states are encouraging "green" building methods, including green roof systems. By offering financial incentives for green roofs, municipalities help to reduce storm water surges, and therefore protect the ground water, lakes and streams, and encourage energy conservation. Of course, incentives vary from city to city and state to state, but it is not uncommon for owners of buildings with green roofs to be generously rewarded. The city of Portland, OR, provides financial, technical and educational incentives to participants through its green roof initiative. Washington, Illinois, New York, Montreal, California and Maryland have also implemented incentive structures. Cities all across North America are following suit, and grant money is often available for the energy conservation and air and water quality benefits that green roofs bring. Be sure to check with your state and local governments. Don’t assume that nothing is available. States and municipalities benefit greatly from green roofs, and often provide tax credits, avoidance of fees assessed for impervious surfaces, grant funding, and/or favorable zoning to encourage their use. Visit GreenRoofs.org for a list of some incentives, policies, and resources for green infrastructure.

Q: How does the LiveRoof system help mitigate the urban heat island effect?

Traditional rooftops are usually covered with tar, black membrane, shingles or stone. As a result, they absorb sunlight. On sunny days with an air temperature of 95°F, city roofs can easily reach temperatures of 175°F or more. The LiveRoof® system acts like a protective umbrella above the roof to shade and insulate buildings, avoiding the heat island effect associated with traditional rooftops. Plants, of course, release oxygen and evaporate water, and the soil they live in evaporates water. Collectively, these processes are known as evapotranspiration and act like evaporative cooling systems to make the surrounding air considerably cooler. By implementing a LiveRoof® system, the combined benefit of eliminating the heat generated by a non-vegetated rooftop, along with the evaporative cooling effect, is significant.

Q: How can I share my green roof project with others?

LiveRoof’s project showcase contains volunteered projects from across North America. Submit your project today using our simple online form. Submit high resolution photos to sales@liveroof.com and/or call 800-875-1392, and you may see your project featured in our next design guide printing.

Q: How do green roofs save energy?

Green roofs have been proven to bring about significant energy savings, particularly during the summer cooling season in which single story buildings can experience a reduction of greater than 25% energy use for air conditioning. Green roof soils insulate the roof from heat, and green roof plants transform heat and soil moisture into humidity, to create natural evaporative cooling. Each gallon of water transpired by the plants or evaporated from the soil surface liberates 8000 BTU of thermal energy.

How much does the LiveRoof system weigh?

How do I go about having a LiveRoof system installed?

What incentives are available for green roofs?

What’s so special about the LiveRoof system?

How does the LiveRoof system help mitigate the urban heat island effect?

What is the urban heat island effect?

How can I share my green roof project with others?

How do green roofs save energy?

What is the biggest financial advantage of a green roof?

Will I need to fertilize my green roof?