1. GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
ACHIEVING HIGH PERFORMANCE PROTECTION
Nexus – Green Round Table
9/14/10
Todd Skopic, CSI, CDT, LEED AP
Henry Company
Building Envelope Systems®
This program is registered with the AIA/CES, HSW and SD
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
for continuing professional education. As such, it does
not include content that may be deemed or construed to
be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material
of construction or any method or manner of handling,
using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.
Questions related to specific materials, methods, and
services will be addressed at the conclusion of this
presentation.
Thank you!
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2. Achieving High Performance Protection
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
What you’ll learn today...
 Advantages of a Green Roof?
 Fundamental Design Elements
 Why Fluid Applied Roofing System
 Industry Codes and Standards
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3. “What is a Green Roof”?
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
“What is a Green Roof”?
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
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4. “What is a Green Roof”?
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
“What is a Green Roof”?
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Heinz 57, Pittsburgh, PA
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5. “What is a Green Roof”?
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Millennium Park Project, Chicago
“What is a Green Roof”?
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Vancouver Convention Center
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6. GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Bristow St, Bronx, NYC
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Millenium Tower Residences, Battery Park City, NY
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7. “Why do I want a Green Roof”?
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Looks Great….but…
How do I convince my client
to include a Green Roof on
his project?
MANY BENEFITS…
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
BENEFITS
• Minimize Storm Water runoff
• Economic $4.50/sq ft
– House Bill A.11226 c/o Ruben Diaz
• Extend roof membrane life
• Energy Savings Impact
• Public Relations/Marketing
• Health/Employee Benefits
• Qualify for LEED points
• Visual Value
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8. Environmental Benefits
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Vegetated Roofs Comprehensively Manage
Stormwater
• Retention Function
(Permanent Storage):
15% by volume
• Detention Function
(Transient Storage):
15% - 35% by volume
A green roof demonstrates a first-order discharge rate – performing as well as a
detention basin.
Environmental Benefits
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Vegetated Roofs Decrease Stormwater
Runoff Rates
An extensive green roof with
4” of growing media can:
Peak • Reduce stormwater
Attenuation
Runoff Rate
runoff by about 95%
Direct Runoff
• Control runoff from over
With 95% of storms
Roofmeadow TM
• Prohibit any immediate
runoff from the smallest
25% of all storms
• Substantially reduce
peak flow rates
Time
A 4” green roof would provide peak control for storm magnitudes of up to 3.5”.
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9. GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Reduces Urban Heat Island Effect
Infrared image of
Washington D.C.
Green roofs provide over 8,000 BTUs of cooling
energy for every gallon of water that is evaporated.
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10. GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Reflective Air Temperatures (At 2 inches above roof surface)
105 Reference Mod Bit 102oF
85 Green Roof 82oF
Temperature (°F)
65
Ambient Air Temperature 64o F
45
25
0:00 3:00 6:00 9:00 12:00 15:00 18:00 21:00 0:00
Time
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LEED Criteria v3
The Urban Heat Island category specifically references green roofs,
which provide 1 credit
Green roofs can contribute to the following categories worth up to 16
points
 Stormwater management
 Water efficient landscaping
 Improved energy performance
 Reflectance reduction
 Recycled material content
 Local and regional material
 Innovative Design
Minimum score for LEED certification is 40 points
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11. GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Industry Standards
• VF-1 SPRI/GRHC Fire Standard – Maint., Issued 1/2010
• RP – 14 SPRI/GRHC Wind Design Guide, Issued 6/2010
• FMG 1-35 Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet
– Wind Uplift – Use safety factor of 1.7 of Data Sheet 1-28
• FMD 4477 Approval Standard for Vegetative Roof Systems
• ASTM E 2399 Granular Drainage Media for Green Roofs
• ASTM E 2397 Determination of Dead and Live Loads
• ASTM E 2398 Water Capture and Media Retention
• ASTM E 2399 Max. Media Density for Dead Load Analysis
• ASTM E 2400 Selection, Installation, and Maintenance of Plants
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Fire Standard - VF1
• Design Standard vs. a test standard
– provides a method for designing external fire resistance
for vegetative roofing systems.
– provides a minimum design and installation reference for
those individuals who design, specify, and install
vegetative roofing systems
– use in conjunction with the installation specifications and
requirements of the manufacturer of the specific products
used in the vegetative roofing system
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12. GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
VF1 general design considerations
• Limited to roof slope designs up to 2:12
• Design roof for wind resistance before designing for fire
resistance
• Use either a fire resistant roof design as defined in the standard,
or as approved by the authority having jurisdiction
– Succulent based systems
– Grass based systems
• Requires a Class A rated continuous border for a minimum of 6’
around roof top structures, equipment and penetrations
• Requires the use of a firestop to partition large roof areas into
sections not exceeding 15,625 ft2 with no dimension greater
than 125’.
– Fire stop walls: non-combustible construction extending 3’ above
roof surface
– Fire break: 6’ wide Class A
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Wind Standard - RP14
• Based on ANSI/SPRI RP4 - Ballast
Design Guide
• Includes special provisions for
vegetative roofs
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13. GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
RP14 provides…
• A method of designing wind uplift resistance of
vegetative roofing systems.
• It is intended to provide a minimum design and
installation reference.
• It shall be used in conjunction with the installation
specifications and requirements of the manufacturer
of the specific products used in the vegetative roofing
system.
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
General design considerations
• Requires licensed design professional
when:
– building height exceeds 150 feet
– maximum 3-second gust wind speed exceeds
140 miles per hour
– Located in a windborne debris region
– Slopes greater than 1.5”
• Wind erosion
– Areas with exposed growth media greater than
5” in diameter require provisions for preventing
wind erosion
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14. GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
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15. GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Definitions:
• Extensive
< 6”
• Semi Intensive
6” - 9”
• Intensive
9” – 4 feet
Green Roof Design Elements
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Waterproofing Membrane
The most critical
design element of any
Green Roof System is
the Waterproofing
Membrane. No matter
how good it looks on
top, it must keep the
water out!
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16. GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Hot Fluid Applied Rubberized Waterproofing
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
•Proven Performance
• 2ply fully bonded seamless membrane
(PMR)
• CAN/CGSB 37.50
• UL Class A (R13831)
• 40 Year Track Record
• Workmanship Warranties
• VRA Single Source
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17. GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Hot Applied Rubberized Waterproofing
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Deck
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18. Hot Applied Rubberized Waterproofing
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Polymer Modified Primer
Hot Applied Rubberized Waterproofing
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Hot Applied
Rubberized Asphalt
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19. Hot Applied Rubberized Waterproofing
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Protection Course
Hot Applied Rubberized Waterproofing
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Insulation /
Root Barrier
M3
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20. Slide 43
M3 Roofscapes, Inc. would request that this slide be altered to eliminate the DBR Rootblock 20
Muroff, 1/22/2007

21. Hot Applied Rubberized Waterproofing
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Water Retention/Drainage
M4
Hot Applied Rubberized Waterproofing
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Filter Fabric
M5
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22. Slide 44
M4 Roofscapes, Inc. would request that the sheet drain layer be replaced with a Root Barrier, as indicated
in thsi slide.
Muroff, 1/22/2007
Slide 45
M5 Roofscapes, Inc. would request that the DBR product be eliminated from the profile and that a
"drainage/water retention layer" be added on top of the Root Barrier and beneath the filter fabric. The
Root Barrier would be installed over the insulation.
Muroff, 1/22/2007

23. Hot Applied Rubberized Waterproofing
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Growing Medium, Plants
M6
Hot Applied Rubberized Waterproofing
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Why Hot Applied Rubberized Waterproofing?
• 100% Solids
• 40 Year Track Record
• 2 ply fully bonded and seamless
membrane
• Cost effective
• 25% recycled content
• Recyclable packaging
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24. Slide 46
M6 Roofscapes, Inc. would request that the DBR product be eliminated from the profile and that a
"drainage/water retention layer" be added on top of the Root Barrier and beneath the filter fabric. The
Root Barrier would be installed over the insulation.
Muroff, 1/22/2007

25. GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Apply primer & complete crack treatment.
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Heat Rubberized Asphalt in double jacketed kettle.
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26. GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Squeegee Rubberized Asphalt to 90mils thick base coat.
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Place Polyester Fabric into hot base layer.
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27. GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Pour hot Rubberized Asphalt over Polyester Fabric.
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Squeegee second layer over polyester to 125mils thick.
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28. GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Lay MB Protection Course into hot Rubberized Asphalt .
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
• Hot Fluid Applied Membranes Potential
Limitations:
 Heated Kettle on the roof
 Impractical for small areas or confined
spaces
 Specialized contractors
 Odors
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29. GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
As an Alternative to Hot Rubber
• COLD FLUID APPLIED POLYETHER,
• HIGH SOLIDS,
• ELASTOMERIC,
• MOISTURE CURE,
• RUBBERIZED WATERPOOFING MEMBRANE
 2 ply polyester reinforced application
 Fully bonded seamless membrane
 Contains no solvents, Very Low VOC, LOW odor
 Environmentally friendly, Recyclable Pails
 Can be applied to Green Concrete
 Safer than HOT
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Electric Field Vector Mapping (EFVM)
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30. GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
EFVM
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Drainage Composites:
• Root barrier fabric: Prevent roots
from penetrating the membrane and
clogging retention/drainage core.
(copper hydroxide treated)
• Water Retention Layer: Stores
water to hydrate soil. Extremely
important on Extensive Systems with
shallow growing medium (soil).
• Drainage Layer: Serves to drain
excess water away from system. Most
important function for extensive and
intensive systems.
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31. GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Installation of H2O Retention / Drainage Composite
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Application of a light weight growing medium
•Not DIRT
•Expanded shale / clay
•Quality sand (golf course)
•Low Organic 12-15%
• 6-7 lbs/inch/sq. ft. saturated
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32. Hot Applied Rubberized Waterproofing
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, Maryland
Emulating Nature
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Green roof ready for vegetation
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33. GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
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34. GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Pre-grown mats
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Vegetative Roof Assembly
Pre-Grown Mats
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35. GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Pre-grown mats
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
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36. GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Emulating Nature: Drainage & Irrigation
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Reasons to Irrigate
• Support specific plant palate
• Optimize Evapotranspiration Losses
– Reduce Runoff
– Modify Micro-Climate
• Optimize Thermal Benefit
– Evaporative Cooling (Latent heat transfer)
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37. Emulating Nature: Drainage & Irrigation
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Irrigation Methods
Surface Systems
[Required for most systems with artificial drainage layers]
– Drip (Media depth of 6 in, or greater, recommended)
– Overhead Spray
Sub-Surface Systems
[Single layer systems, or systems with granular drainage
layer]
– Capillary
Emulating Nature: Drainage & Irrigation
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Capillary Irrigation Method
Drip Line
Capillary
Fabric
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38. Emulating Nature: Drainage & Irrigation
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Internal Drainage
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
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39. Green Roof Design Elements
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Roof Drains
Green roof systems
require drainage at
various levels.
Bi-level type roof
drains are installed
and wrapped by the
filter fabric to control
silts from washing
through.
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
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40. GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
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The Calhoun School, NYC
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41. GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Warranties
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Single Source Warranty
Gold Seal
Conditions
 System Pre-approval
 All components supplied by manufacturer
 Approved contractor
 Roofing/waterproofing
 Landscape/vegetative componenets
 Installed as per written recommendations
 Inspections (during and final)
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42. GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
CONCLUSION
• Beneficial to our environment.
• Driven by Storm Water Management & LEED points.
• Waterproofing/Roofing System Integrity/Longevity.
• Collaboration of multiple team members.
• Read manufacturer’s Technical Data Sheets.
• Well written Specifications are essential.
• Talk to a manufacturer you can trust!
• www.greenroofs.com
• www.greenroofs.org
Commercial Products & Systems Group
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Building Envelope Systems ®
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43. Achieving High Performance Protection
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
THANK YOU
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