BUFR Design Guide - IKO

30 REINFORCED BITUMEN MEMBRANE SYSTEMS ENGINEERED FOR A MODERN WORLD
At one with nature
Innovative green roof options
There is no doubt that the development of urban areas, especially high rise
buildings in major cities, has had a detrimental effect on the environment.
Reducing the natural airflow, it also adds to dirt and pollution, higher
temperatures and lower humidity levels.
The innovation of green roofs is beginning to make a real positive
difference, improving air quality during the natural process of
photosynthesis and absorbing airborne pollutants through the leaves of
plants. They also add to the aesthetic quality of the environment, help
improve acoustic and thermal performance, and control the water run-off
into surface water drainage.
Many specifiers and building owners are
therefore turning to green roof systems, and
the numerous environmental benefits that
they offer. IKO’s Permatorch Anti-Root is a
specialist root-resistant membrane which
forms the ideal waterproofing foundation on
which a green roof can flourish. In addition
IKOgreen extensive, intensive and biodiverse
green roof systems feature a range of
drainage and filter layer options, offered with
a package of growing medium, planting
schemes and accessories to cover a wide
range of roofs. They have an established
track record, not only in the UK but also
across Europe, and can be designed
specifically to meet the individual
requirements of the project.
Extensive Green Roofs
Extensive green roofs are constructed using
low maintenance planting, without the need
for specific irrigation. Sedums (succulents)
and indigenous herbs and grasses provide
excellent cover and protection to the
waterproofing system. They do not provide
usable space or a surface that can be
trafficked, but add instantly to the aesthetics,
improve the local air quality and help to
control rainwater run-off into surface water
drainage systems. In addition, a correctly
designed system upgrades the acoustic and
thermal performance of roof finishes.
An increased quantity of growing medium,
improved drainage layers and irrigation
systems are generally required to support the
greater diversity of planting. Shrubs and trees
can easily be accommodated, and there is
little to restrict scope for design other than
the overall weight of the system and the cost
of its supporting construction.
Biodiverse Brown Roofs
Biodiversity roofs are another form of
extensive green roof (i.e. low maintenance)
that makes use of recycled materials (e.g.
crushed brick, crushed concrete etc.) in the
growing medium. This type of green roof is
intended to create a natural wasteland and
can be seeded initially with selected species
to create some growth. However the basic
design is to attract fauna and flora of all
kinds. As the growing medium is not of high
nutritional value, larger plants are not likely to
survive and will die off creating further
suitable habitat for invertebrates which in
turn will attract other fauna.
Intensive Roof Gardens
With intensive roof gardens, the landscape
variations are practically limitless, and it is
feasible to create an environment at roof level
similar to that of any designed garden.
Dedicated IKOgreen brochure also available
Technical hotline: 0844 412 7207
www.ikogroup.co.uk