Rotopor® green roofs - nature on the roof
Green roofs offer a variety of benefits that are both ecologically and economically valuable. They improve the climate, reduce heat build-up in cities and act as natural insulation, saving energy in the building. At the same time, they store rainwater, extend the life of the roof and provide a valuable habitat for plants and animals. Green roofs promote biodiversity, enhance the appearance of buildings and make an important contribution to environmental protection.
Whether on residential buildings, commercial buildings or garages - a green roof combines sustainable solutions with economic benefits. Discover how a green roof can have a positive impact not only on the living environment, but also on the future.
Advantages of a green roof
Extensive greening
Extensive green spaces are forms of vegetation designed to be close to nature and have the advantage of being largely self-sustaining and self-developing. The maintenance effort is therefore relatively low. It is a largely closed area of vegetation (mosses, succulents, herbs, possibly bulbous and tuberous plants, etc.), which - if no external influence is exerted - is subject to natural population reorganisation. However, this can be interrupted by targeted nutrient supply and care.
The surface weight of a single-layer extensive greening is approx. 50 - 100 kg/m² in the saturated area.
Extensive greening can also be implemented as a multi-layer variant. This design is chosen if the water storage capacity is to be increased and the planting is to be more variable and varied. The maintenance requirements remain roughly comparable to those of the single-layer structure.
The surface weight is approx. 60 - 350 kg/m² when saturated.
Intensive greening
Intensive greening can consist of perennials, grasses, shrubs, etc. Trees and lawns are also possible. Trees and lawns are also possible. In terms of plant, design and utilisation diversity, they are comparable to a ground-based open space and there are hardly any limits to the possibilities. This type of greening requires regular care, watering and nutrient supply, but in return it also provides the greatest possible benefit.
The weight per unit area is approx. 150 - 500 kg/m² when saturated.
Extensive
Extensive green roofs offer the ideal solution for low-maintenance green roofs in single-layer or multi-layer construction. The substrate made of natural pumice, lava and organic materials, tested in accordance with FLL guidelines, ensures a near-natural green roof that is largely self-sustaining. It requires little maintenance, offers high water storage capacity and frost resistance and supports the growth of plants under difficult conditions. Ideal for sedum, succulents and herbs, it creates a stable, long-lasting roof. It promotes biodiversity, improves air quality and acts as additional noise protection. An easy maintenance and sustainable solution for green, resilient roofs that are both ecologically and aesthetically pleasing.
Mineral
Mineral green roofs offer the ideal basis for single-layer green roofs with a ready-to-use growing medium. This substrate, tested in accordance with FLL guidelines, enables natural, largely self-sustaining greening with minimal maintenance. It consists of natural materials such as natural pumice and lava, which ensure an ideal ratio of water permeability and water storage capacity. The greenery creates stable, frost-resistant vegetation consisting of mosses, succulents and herbs, which can develop further with a targeted supply of nutrients. Ideal for garage and flat roofs - for a sustainable, low-maintenance solution.
Intensive
Intensive green roofs offer the ideal basis for multi-layered green roofs with a high-quality, ready-to-use growing medium. This substrate, tested in accordance with FLL guidelines, enables greening with perennials, grasses and woody plants and is suitable for demanding plants such as small trees or lawns. Intensive greening requires regular maintenance, watering and nutrient supply, but this enables a high degree of design and utilisation diversity. The substrate of natural pumice, lava and green compost ensures an ideal balance of water permeability, storage capacity and frost resistance.
Planning and preparation for the green roof - the basis for long-term success
Utilising the benefits of a green roof requires careful planning and preparation. An important step is to define the requirements that the green roof must fulfil at an early stage. The actual planning can begin with these specifications. The appropriate roof structure must be selected: An extensive green roof, for example, is easier to maintain than an intensive green roof. The loads caused by various superstructures must also be taken into account.
If a photovoltaic system is to be integrated, the planning must ensure that both the green roof and the solar system are harmonised. The loads of the roof structure must be precisely determined and a structural analysis provided. In the case of new buildings, these loads are planned directly, whereas in the case of existing buildings, it must be determined how much additional load the building can absorb. If necessary, the existing structure must be reinforced. Particular attention must be paid to the professional execution of the roof waterproofing to prevent the ingress of moisture. The waterproofing materials must be coordinated with each other as well as with the green roof. Further information on this can be found in the flat roof guidelines and DIN 18531 ff.
Our recommendation: Check the roof surface thoroughly before starting work on the green roof. In the event of a roof leak after the green roof has been installed, localisation and repair is usually very time-consuming and expensive.