Green Roof Insulation Types

Sound waves are absorbed and reflected.

Green roof insulation types.

You may ask how well does a green roof insulate a building what is the r value of a green roof more insulation is better right does a green roof system have to include insulation don t engineers already figure this out for us. Recycled denim is an earth friendly roof insulation alternative. Consists of a thick layer of soil 50 200mm in which a variety of grasses herbs flowers and shrubs can grow. Intensive parks and gardens including urban agriculture semi intensive garden green roofs extensive natural low maintenance green roofs.

Quieter environment indoors and outdoors. According to etag 031 xps insulation with a cs 10 y 300 designation i e. There are three basic types of green roof. Polyfoam roofboard extra offers a declared compressive strength of 300 kpa.

Cotton insulation is similar to fiberglass insulation in several ways. Of course there is some cross over between the categories. So you can also save on your heating bills in the winter. Green roofs are internationally placed in three different types.

Denim and cotton waste is treated with a fire retardant chemical. It is sold in rolls making it easy to install and it won t irritate the skin. Sheep s wool is often considered one of the best insulation types available but it is also one of the most expensive. Build it green.

Additionally the r value of cotton insulation and fiberglass is the same roughly r 3 2 to r 3 7 per inch of thickness source. While this can be positioned below the roof deck installation above the waterproofing known as an inverted green roof is preferred as it further protects the membrane from condensation and physical damage. Thermal insulation in some cases a green roof may include thermal insulation typically a layer of extruded polystyrene. Other earth friendly roof insulation options include soy fibers and sheep s wool.

Intensive thick extensive thin and semi extensive somewhere in between. Although there are no precise definitions of them an extensive green roof has a shallow growing medium usually less than six inches with a modest roof load limited plant diversity minimal watering requirements and is often not accessible. In addition to thermal insulation a green roof also has a sound insulating effect. Other insulation materials include foam wool and even insulated glass for windows.

For one thing it can be rolled into batts. Most homes are filled with traditional fiberglass material with newer ones adopting recycled cellulose material for more environmentally friendly alternatives. However a green roof with grasses or herbs contributes more to heat regulation because the substrate layer is thicker than for a sedum roof.