Why a Green Roofing?
Benefits
Apart from their attractive appearance, green roofs offer numerous clear ecological and economical benefits, provided, of course, that the correct system build-up is employed to ensure long-term success. Green roofs are worth it, from installations on small garage roofs, right up to installations on large industrial surfaces.
Ecological Benefits
Financial Benefits
Water Retention
Depending on their design, green roofs retain between 50 and 90% of rainwater. A large proportion of this water evaporates, whilst the rest gradually drains away. Pipes, drains, water butts etc. can all be incorporated into the green roof and can help to reduce drainage costs. The risks of flooding are reduced and some of the burden is taken from the sewerage system.
Increased Water Retention
Green roofs retain between 50 and 90% of rainwater. Pipes, drains, water butts etc. can all be incorporated into the green roof and can help to reduce drainage costs. The risks of flooding are reduced and some of the burden is taken from the sewerage system.
Improving the Microclimate
Green roofs humidify the air and provide some cool air. This is particularly effective on rooftops that lie adjacent to residential or office spaces, but also makes a valuable contribution to improving the microclimate in our urban centres. Furthermore, air conditioning systems have a much greater affect due to the reduced heating.
Reduced Renovation Costs
When placed under a green roof, waterproofing is better protected from UV-rays, hail and the hot and cold. Oscillations in temperature are reduced and the life expectancy of the roof waterproofing is vastly increased.
Binding Dust and Toxic Particles
The large foliar surface of green roofs and the deceleration of the air flow that they help to create means that landscaped roofs filter between 10 and 20% of the dust from the air. Nitrates and other substances contained in the air and rainwater are also retained and utilised.
Reduced Energy Costs
Thermal-insulating green roof systems, like the DUO-Dach with Floratherm® system with officially recognised thermal insulating values (k values), can be added onto the building’s insulation. The homeowner can reduce their costs by approx. 21/square metre of heating oil per year.
Improved Noise Protection
Green roofs reduce sound reflexion by up to 3 dB and improve the sound proofing of a roof by up to 8 dB. These benefits are particularly useful for buildings which lie under flight paths or which contain very strong sources of noise (e.g. nightclubs, etc.).
Green Roofs as a Substitute for Lost Areas of Landscape
Having a green roof means that the piece of land in question can be better utilised: the green roof can be taken into account as a substitute for sacrificed landscaped areas. This is often prescribed in the development plan.
A Larger Living Space
Landscaped roofs can go a considerable way to help compensate for green spaces, which are lost during building works. In particular, extensive species-rich landscaping can provide diverse opportunities for offering a balance.
Additional Space
Rooftops can be put to a number of different uses – from a pure “nature reserve” to a relaxing garden to a rooftop cafe or playground/sports pitch. And all this can be achieved without having to purchase new and expensive land.
Recycling Support
Green roofs make extensive use of recycled and recyclable products, saving further valuable resources. Rubber, polyethylene and expanded polystyrene rigid foam are used in the production of drainage elements. The mono clay material Zincolit and humus are the basis for the production of ZinCo rooftop garden system soils. The most important criterion is the quality of the product, which is tested by recognised institutes and research bodies.