Green Roof Insulation Types

Green roofs are internationally placed in three different types.

Green roof insulation types.

Quieter environment indoors and outdoors. There are three basic types of green roof. Sheep s wool is often considered one of the best insulation types available but it is also one of the most expensive. Consists of a thick layer of soil 50 200mm in which a variety of grasses herbs flowers and shrubs can grow.

Denim and cotton waste is treated with a fire retardant chemical. Intensive thick extensive thin and semi extensive somewhere in between. Of course there is some cross over between the categories. A compressive strength of 300 kpa declared in accordance with en 13164 is suitable for both green roofs and roof gardens.

According to etag 031 xps insulation with a cs 10 y 300 designation i e. Other earth friendly roof insulation options include soy fibers and sheep s wool. 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.

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. Intensive parks and gardens including urban agriculture semi intensive garden green roofs extensive natural low maintenance green roofs. The combination of substrate plants and the embedded air in the green roof system provide good sound insulation. Build it green.

For one thing it can be rolled into batts. Cotton insulation is similar to fiberglass insulation in several ways. Most homes are filled with traditional fiberglass material with newer ones adopting recycled cellulose material for more environmentally friendly alternatives. 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.

Thermal insulation in some cases a green roof may include thermal insulation typically a layer of extruded polystyrene. So you can also save on your heating bills in the winter. Polyfoam roofboard extra offers a declared compressive strength of 300 kpa. Recycled denim is an earth friendly roof insulation alternative.

Other insulation materials include foam wool and even insulated glass for windows. They fall into three main categories extensive intensive and semi intensive. It is sold in rolls making it easy to install and it won t irritate the skin.