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Abstract
Within the past year, several new water retaining roofing systems have been introduced in North America. Typically employing stone or paver ballast in combination with a variety of water retention devices, these systems not only reduce storm water runoff but also lower surface temperatures to reduce peak cooling energy requirements and help mitigate the urban heat island effect. But the most important long-term benefit of these engineered water retention systems is that they may be combined and integrated creatively with vegetated roof areas to offer many of the environmental benefits of green roofs at a more favorable life cycle cost and return on investment. This paper provides a brief review of recent research pointing to potential economic and environmental benefits of ballasted roofing systems when used in conjunction with green roofing systems. In addition, the paper offers suggestions for future research that could help building owners and designers optimize the benefits of green roof and ballasted roofs in their design and selection of roofing systems.
Within the past year, several new water retaining roofing systems have been introduced in North America. Typically employing stone or paver ballast in combination with a variety of water retention devices, these systems not only reduce storm water runoff but also lower surface temperatures to reduce peak cooling energy requirements and help mitigate the urban heat island effect. But the most important long-term benefit of these engineered water retention systems is that they may be combined and integrated creatively with vegetated roof areas to offer many of the environmental benefits of green roofs at a more favorable life cycle cost and return on investment. This paper provides a brief review of recent research pointing to potential economic and environmental benefits of ballasted roofing systems when used in conjunction with green roofing systems. In addition, the paper offers suggestions for future research that could help building owners and designers optimize the benefits of green roof and ballasted roofs in their design and selection of roofing systems.
Date
6/2009
6/2009
Author(s)
James Hoff
James Hoff
Page(s)
Keyword(s)
green roof; water retention; energy requirements
green roof; water retention; energy requirements