Ecostratos

Green Roofs, Terraces, Hanging Gardens

Made up of different special layering systems, including drainage systems, protective layers with various functions and special substrates that allow the optimal development of vegetation on the roof, creating a conducive natural environment.

Benefits of Green Roofs

Sustainable investment for future generations

We are all responsible for protecting the environment and taking steps to reduce the negative effects of urbanization and climate change. That’s why Ecostratos offers you a practical and aesthetic solution through green roof systems. They not only improve the aesthetic appearance of buildings, but also provide benefits for the environment and our health.

By installing a green roof, we help reduce air and water pollution, also we are combating global warming and improving the quality of life in congested cities.

Green roofs, also known as vegetation roofs, are an innovative and sustainable building solution with multiple and important environmental and energy saving benefits.

Green Roofs

Ecological Advantages

Aesthetics And Biodiversity
Aesthetics And Biodiversity

Green roofs add a pleasant aesthetic element to buildings, but also an oasis of biodiversity in the urban environment, thus supporting the diversity and health of ecosystems.

Water Absorption
Water Absorption

Green roofs absorb rainwater and retain it (between 50% and over 90% of precipitation); thus the risk of flooding is reduced and the local sewage system is protected from overloading.

Thermal Insulation
Thermal Insulation

With the help of the vegetation layer and the substrate, green roofs reduce heat transfer through the roof by 25% to 60% compared to traditional roofs, reduce the need to heat or cool the building, thus saving energy.

Noise Reduction
Noise Reduction

The vegetation layer and substrate can reduce noise from traffic or other external sources, improve protection against road traffic noise by up to 10 dBA, thus contributing to a quieter and healthier environment for all.

Reducing The Heat Island Effect
Reducing The Heat Island Effect

It helps to combat the phenomenon of excessive heating of the urban environment by reducing the ambient temperature thanks to the created microclimate. Green roofs can reduce the maximum daytime surface temperature in summer by 15 - 45 °C and the maximum air temperature by up to 5 °C.

Improving Air Quality
Improving Air Quality

Vegetation on green roofs helps filter pollution from the air, reducing particle concentrations and emissions, thereby improving the health and well-being of residents. According to research presented in the 2014 Green Roofs White Paper, a green roof of 93 m2 can remove 18 kilograms of polluting particles from the air, which is equivalent to the emissions generated by 15 cars driven for a year.

Economical Advantages

Reduction Of Local Taxes
Reduction Of Local Taxes

In some regions, green roof owners can benefit from local tax reductions.

Increase Property Value
Increase Property Value

Green roofs make property more attractive to potential buyers and can increase property values by 6-15%, according to studies.

Contribute To Achieving Environmental Certifications
Contribute To Achieving Environmental Certifications

Green roofs can significantly contribute to achieving environmental certifications such as LEED/BREEAM and achieving nZEB standards.

Extends The Waterproofing Membrane's Lifetime On Terrace Roofs
Extends The Waterproofing Membrane's Lifetime On Terrace Roofs

Green roofs absorb and retain stormwater, they can reduce roof stormwater runoff by up to 65% and delay the runoff rate by up to three hours, reducing stormwater management costs.

Contribute To Cost Reduction With Storm Water Management
Contribute To Cost Reduction With Storm Water Management

Green roofs absorb and retain stormwater, they can reduce roof stormwater runoff by up to 65% and delay the runoff rate by up to three hours, reducing stormwater management costs.

Energy Saving
Energy Saving

By insulating and reducing the heat island effect, green roofs can help reduce building heating and cooling costs. The results of recent studies show a maximum economy of 6.8 kWh/m2 (1.5 kg/m2 by CO2 tons) and a minimum economy of 2.0 kWh/m2 (0.44 kg/m2 by CO2 tons) in the winter. They also improve the quality of the surrounding air, thereby reducing ventilation costs.

The initial costs of installing a green roof can be significant and depend on the complexity of the design, building size, ventilation and connection areas, but in the long term, the green roof directly influences energy savings and optimizes the overall costs of the building throughout its lifetime.

General Structure of the Green Roof

The structure of a green roof varies depending on the specific design of each roof and the individual goals of the owner. In general, however, a green roof is composed of the following layers:

General Structure of the Green Roof
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In addition

to these basic layers, a green roof can also include other elements such as: an irrigation system, an automatic maintenance system, solar panel system or even wind turbines, fall protection elements of the roof, lightning protection systems.

1
Vegetation

This is the key element of the green roof. Plants can range from grasses and flowers to shrubs and trees, depending on the purpose of the green roof, the stratification in the project and local conditions.

2
The Substrate

It is the most important layer in which the green roof`s plants are installed. The special soil mixture layer can be made up of several components, among which we can mention volcanic rock, perlite, compost, sand, ceramic granules and other materials to improve water retention, and drainage of excess water after reaching maximum water retention, aeration and nutrient supply.

3
Filter Layer

This layer ensures that the water reaching the drainage and water retention layer is clean and free of impurities. This layer can be made of geotextile with nanometer pore size or other similar materials.

4
The Drainage and Retention Layer of the Water

Ensures water drainage from green roof surface, root aeration and water and nutrient storage. It is made of a special drainage material that allows excess water to drain into a collection system. The thickness and type of drainage is chosen according to the requirements of the project.

5
Water Retention and Protective Layer

It is recommended for the delimitation of incompatible materials that can cause the migration of plasticizers, it helps to protect the waterproofing and increase its life span.

6
Anti-root Foil

It is used to protect the waterproofing from the mechanical action of the roots, prevents their penetration into the roof structure in cases where waterproofing does not have this property.

7
Waterproofing Layer

It is the first protective barrier against water infiltration inside the building. It can be made of different materials, such as bituminous membranes, PVC membranes, FPO, EPDM. The waterproofing can also hold the certification of the anti-rooting property.

8
Insulation Layer

It helps to insulate the building and prevent heat loss in winter and excessive heat penetration during summer. There are used materials tannic or mineral wool, cellular glass insulators, extruded polystyrene plates.

Main Types of Green Roofs

Depending on the specific structure, features and benefits, there are several types of green roof systems. In general, the factors that determine the type of system that works best for a building are determined by the architecture of the building, climatic factors and technical economic objectives.

Extensive Green Roof

Extensive

This type of green roof is the easiest and most affordable. It generally consists of thin substrate and hardy plants such as grasses and mosses. It requires less maintenance and can be installed on most buildings. Extensive green roofs are generally recommended for any building with a flat or pitched roof up to 75°. Nowadays, with the recognition of the many positive ecological and economic effects of green roofs, there is a growing demand for the development of self-sustaining ecosystems. Using Sedum-Mix or Sedum+Biodiverse Plants is the most effective way to quickly create self-sustaining, low-maintenance green spaces.



Semi-intensive Green Roof

Semi-intensive

The system combines elements from the two types of green roof, respectively extensive and intensive. It can include a variety of plants that require moderate maintenance. It is more versatile than the extensive green roof as it offers a wide range of design options, with a wider variety of plants and better water holding capacity, but requires more care. The depth of the substrate is greater than in the case of the extensive system, but less than in the case of the intensive green roof. Plants used for the semi-intensive green roof include species of turf, grasses, perennials, succulents or small shrubs. The most widespread top layer of semi-intensive green roof is the biodiverse one that resembles wild meadows with thousands of flowers in vegetation.
Intensive Green Roof

Intensive

It is the most complex system because it is composed of larger plants such as shrubs and trees as well as grasses and flowers. It requires a strong support structure and a greater thickness of the substrate reaching even 1.5 m thick. They also require more careful maintenance, but provide ideal habitat for a greater variety of plants and can create a more sophisticated and attractive green space. Intensive green roofs are generally recommended for buildings with a flat roof or with an inclination of up to 5° and a large roof area, such as office buildings, shopping centers, public institutions or residential buildings, underground parking, multi-storey. They are generally used for projects that aim to create an oasis of greenery in congested urban areas.

Installation and Maintenance

Minimal Effort, Maximum Benefits

Green roofs can be installed on almost any type of roof (from a permanent load allowed by the project specifications of min. 50 kg/m2), including on old, modernised roofs (retrofitted green roofs).

There are solutions both for roofs with 0° slope, as well as for roofs with incline greater than 15° (up to 75°) with proper design, slopes of up to 85° can be reached. Installing a green roof is a complex task that requires experience and specialized knowledge. It is important to be installed correctly to ensure proper functionality. Evaluating the support structure is the first step in green roof design, to ensure that it can support the added weight of substrate, plants and other necessary building materials.

It is also very important to prepare the existing roof structure, this may include checking and repairing any damage to the roof and/or structural elements. Depending on the used system type, a green roof may have maintenance needs of varying intensities, from 2-3 annual inspections to regular maintenance (as in the case of intensive green roofs, which require maintenance and regular irrigation such as a park or green area at ground level). Regular maintenance includes: checking the drainage system, fertilizing, cleaning the plants and periodic irrigation.

Installation and Maintenance
Installation and Maintenance

The Roles Of Delimitation Gravel Layer

Prevents sliding and erosion of the substrate and vegetation during heavy rains or strong winds, reduces the risk of damage to the green roof system.

Prevents blockage of drains or other elements of the drainage system, which can lead to water accumulation on the green roof and damage to it.

It can provide a more pleasing and cleaner aesthetic at the edge of the roof or at junctions with other roof elements.

Between the gravel layer and the substrate, depending on the thickness of the substrate and the complexity of the project, it is recommended to use marginal profiles, or prefabricated concrete elements that have the purpose of aesthetic delimitation between the surfaces.

The Roles Of Delimitation Gravel Layer

The substrate must be bounded over the entire contact surface with filter geotextile, the filter membranes must be properly fixed and installed with sufficient overlap to prevent clogging of the drainage and storm water outlets with fine particles from the substrate.

The specific green roof construction elements, such as Safety Pro safety system, control boxes, concrete border elements, terrace supports, are installed on the roof without mechanical fixing, without penetrating and damaging the waterproofing.