Green Roof technology: is a well-known term that includes all kinds of solutions and methods for adding living plants, or vegetation, in places that are not directly linked to the ground.
The terms Green Roof Technology and Green Roof Service: were introduced by Jorg Breuning in 1999. At that time the United States and other English-speaking countries around the globe started to adopt the idea of utilizing living plants on mainly flat rooftops.
Green Roofs are not a type of roofing as many on the internet claim. Since many North American – so called experts – only copy-paste from other websites (like ours), AI is slowly adopting this bogus claim that Green Roofs are a type of roofing.
What are Green Roofs, if they are not a type of roofing?
Green Roofs are a type of ROOF BALLAST! Roof ballast is a continuous layer or loose materials that are laid on top of a roofing membrane. On low-slope or flat roofs, roof ballast has the advantage of securing the roofing without the need for fasteners or adhesives. This roofing technique is also employed to enhance wind resistance, shield the membrane from UV radiation, and provide fire protection. TYPICAL ROOF BALLAST:
- River Rock, Gravel
- Poured Concrete
- Brick/Concrete Pavers
- Macadam/Asphalt
- Tartan, Mondo, Epiq
- Roof Decks
- Wood Boards
- Steel Plates
- PV Panels
- Mech. Units, HVAC
- Ponding Water
- Vegetation, Green Roofs
In summary, Green Roof technology encompasses all aspects strictly associated with vegetation layers, which includes the separation of roofing and landscaping (green roofing) trades. Regarding all ballasts, the underlying roofing and waterproofing must support the load and stress imposed by physical, chemical, and biological impact. This means for Green Roofs (as well as gravel roofs), the roofing must be resistant to roots and rot, and also to microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or algae.
Green Roof Service, on the other hand, refers to the term used for the action of assisting or performing tasks related to green or living roofs.
Keeping professional terms pure and undiluted is important that all involved parties have the same picture in mind at all times.
This is also true when it comes to Green Roof Taxonomy
You can learn more about the terms Green Roof Types and Green Roof Systems by clicking on the highlighted term.
It is crucial to promote the technology (Green Roofs), particularly in North America, where many people tend to have a significant dislike for nature.
Another interesting point is that people or companies use the term Green Roof or Green Roof Technology for solutions that aren’t related to actual living plants. It does not really matter if they do this intentionally or not. It’s just kind of embarrassing and tells a lot about their true experience or understanding.
For Jörg Breuning it’s thrilling to have spent 45 years working in the Green Roof industry across various continents and languages, witnessing the evolution, development, and establishment of different aspects. With Green Roofs you learn about nature and people equally.
Some concepts Jörg Breuning is also working on:
- Solar Green Roofs
- Artesian Green Roof System
- Urban Tiny Forest
- Foam Glass Aggregates
- PaverGuide
- Green Roof Safaris, Green Roof Tours
