Andraursuta.com – A Green Roof Drainage Layer (GRDL) is one of the most essential components of a green roof. The underlying soil is protected by a layer of permeable material, which supports the growing medium. Geotextile is typically used for this purpose. It acts as a capillary wick, preventing fine particles from entering the drainage layer. It also helps keep the GRDL aesthetically pleasing. In addition, it provides some level of security for the roof.
Excellent Choice for a Green Roof
Rainfall volume has the most significant effect on runoff retention. However, rainfall depth has a negative correlation with runoff retention rates. Nevertheless, when used in combination with drainage mat, washed gravel, and expanded clay aggregate, there were no leaks observed. Compared to conventional roofing materials, these materials are an excellent choice for a green roof. Listed below are some advantages and disadvantages of a Green Roof Drainage Layer.
Initial moisture content of the Green Roof Drainage Layer seems to influence retention. Although the accumulated retention rate of green roofs depends on initial moisture content, it does not affect retention rates when it is applied in combination with drainage layers. Further, increasing slope increases peak runoffs. However, the effect of slope on detention performance has not been fully explored. In Hakimdavar et al.’s study, retention rate decreased as the slope increased. Vesuviano and Stovin’s study also examined the peak reduction capacity of the Green Roof Drainage Layer.
When it comes to the material used for the Green Roof, it’s important to understand that the substrate used for the vegetation needs to be porous enough to allow water to drain through. The substrate used should also be able to retain the appropriate amount of water and maintain the optimum moisture content. The substrate should also be durable enough to withstand the weight of the roof. Ultimately, a Green Roof Drainage Layer will increase the overall performance of the roof.
Making Good Roof Absorption
In a recent study, scientists compared two aggregates that contain different levels of water retention. The drainage layer accelerated the drying process of the substrate. As a result, the green roof drainage layer accelerated the drying process. Nevertheless, differences were not statistically significant. The difference between individual trays was also attributed to the absorbency of the aggregates. The difference between aggregates was not significant and was determined by the amount of rainwater absorbed by the green roof.
Flow duration curves generated from observed time series provide valuable information on green roof runoff patterns. This information can be used to assess the green roof’s detention capabilities and its relationship to local stormwater requirements. While green roofs can fulfill part of the required stormwater detention, they must be combined with other measures to achieve optimal results. And since a Green Roof Drainage Layer can only be one component of a comprehensive stormwater management strategy, it is important to ensure it is well-designed.
Considerations when Designing a Green Roof
A recent study has examined the retention capacities of extensive green roofs. It investigated four different locations in Norway. The observed accumulated retention was between 11 and 30 mm per year, and the absolute monthly retention was between 36 and 47 mm/month in the temperate seasons. However, absolute monthly retention varied only slightly between these locations. And the retention capacity was limited by actual evapotranspiration, which is a significant consideration when designing green roofs.
Deeper substrates were also used to study the water requirements of Sedum spp. The deeper the green roof drainage layer, the more frequent watering is required. The deep layers required additional irrigation after fourteen days and 28 days, while shallower ones required less frequent watering. In addition to the soil properties of green roofs, the Green Roof Drainage Layer affects the amount of water the plants need. For instance, shallow green roof systems may not be able to support a dense vegetation.