Icopal go Green | ||
| [23/07/2004] | ||
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| Icopal has unveiled a new range of lightweight green roof systems with minimum roof loading that claims could help reduce building and irrigation costs. | ||
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Fytocell forms the heart of the landscaping within an Icopal Green Roof, both as a substrate and flaked soil enhancer. Proven with more than 1.6 million square metres of roof gardens laid using this system, Icopal Green Roofs combine high water retention with a lightweight construction thus reducing structural loads and pressure on build costs. The use of Fytocell can also reduce irrigation costs by up to 30 per cent providing further cost savings in terms of total water consumption and electricity. Roof gardens can be located anywhere from ground level, usually with an underground car park beneath, to a residential or commercial roof many storeys high. Recreation areas can be developed around residential properties which also introduce wildlife habitats in to the city, particularly for birds and insects. There are two types of Icopal Green Roof Systems, namely Extensive and Intensive systems. Intensive Roofs Intensive roofs are designed to be used as recreational spaces and often involve features similar to traditional gardens including paving, water features, lawns, shrubs and trees. Extensive Roofs These are generally intended to be viewed from another location as a decorative/ecological feature and not used as a recreational space. Extensive systems generally have a shallow profile (approximately 100 - 200mm deep) and are much lighter in weight than intensive systems. Lightweight Soil Mixes The unique Icopal lightweight soil mixes contain 40 per cent Fytocell Flakes which create drainage channels for excess water whilst at the same time retaining enough water to promote healthy plant growth. The use of Fytocell Flakes within the soil mixes reduces their weight by more than 40 per cent compared to standard top soils. Green roof systems provide a number of key benefits, including: Longer roof life as the waterproofing is protected from extreme weather and UV radiation Positively viewed by planners in both urban and rural situations, helping secure successful applications Quieter buildings green roofs can reduce dB levels by up to 60 per cent Improved urban air quality green areas help to remove atmospheric pollutants and increase oxygenation of the air Cooler cities as plants use heat energy to evaporate moisture. This helps to reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect which is the difference in temperature between a city and its surrounding countryside Lower pressure on drains and sewers as green roofs retain or delay stormwater run off Wildlife habitats are introduced into the city, particularly for birds and insects Better urban humidity as green roofs retain rainfall which is then given up through evaporation, helping to control over-dry city desert climates in summer. Icopal Green Roof Systems are installed by a nationwide network of approved contractors who have been specially trained to carry out the waterproofing and landscaping elements of any green roof installation. Only those contractors who demonstrate excellence in working practice can become approved. This tight control ensures that the quality chain is maintained from initial roof specification through to materials and workmanship to the finished contract. | ||
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