A set standard or guideline is not yet available for the contractors and consultants in regards to the set up of green roof in Chicago. However some common practices and procedures have been developed along the way and a reputed and reliable Chicago roofing contractor will be able to help you with the implementation of a proper green roof for your house or commercial building. Some basic information on the green roofing will equip you to make the right choices.

You as the client and the Chicago roofing contractor you hire as the provider have to stick to the safety and health measures as set by the City of Chicago Department of Environment when installing a green roof in Chicago. Whether putting up or taking down or altering the roof, all these measures need to be followed.

One of the items which acts as a vital part in shaping of the green roof in Chicago is the base supporting system. In addition one needs to evaluate the vapor control capability and computed. One could find the waterproofing layer lying above the base. It is because of the water presence in this layer, rate of moisture vapor in the base supporting system gets affected. It can also be noted that low sensitive layer may lead to reduced performance in situations of internal condensation.

The waterproofing layer should be resistant to roots. If not then a separate root barrier should be included in the construction. The waterproofing membrane should also have been tested for leaks. In addition to drainage the green roof should be able to provide the vegetation with moisture, aeration to the roots and nutrients. In order for this to be effective the roof system must replicate nature. This can be made possible by having the following layers
1. Moisture retention layer
2. Drainage layer
3. Filter layer
4. Growing Medium

With reference to various types of plants, the design ,types of layers differ. So far, there is no specific standard of green roofing in America, as such as a true citizen, one can beneficially follow the German FLL standards
It is very important that you employ only a well-trained and licensed Chicago roofing contractor to do the installation. While signing a contract, you would be better off including maintenance post installation for a set period in the terms. You also need to check for all the warranties provided by the manufacturers and suppliers for the roofing system. In general the maintenance procedure that is carried out in the first year after installation involves

1. Removing excess plant material
2. Fixing any plant system problem
3. Replacing failed plants (if more than 5% of the entire installed lot)
4. Applying nutrients
5. Removing dead flower tips (mowing and pruning will have to be done extra in case of intensive roofs)
6. Checking drainage and outlets
7. Applying irrigation for each plant type (only for intensive roofs)
8. Replenishing settled substrate

Most of these are continued while the issues with plant system, failed plants and substrate are done only for the first year.

By having a spacious roofing, you can create an ecological landscaping with grow herbs, moss and grasses. It is low cost roofing. Strong roofing can provide a garden, a park with trees, with perennials, shrubs and lawn, but it is a costly affair. Installation of these two provisions, one can have semi intensive roofing. This provides a garden or an ecological landscape and results in shrubs, herbs and grass. For these, one should spend money towards periodical maintenance.

These green roofing not only provides visual appeal; but provides whole lot of benefits such as: –

1. Rooftop can be utilized for cultivating food
2. Setting up of a green space in a city which is constrained with space.
3. Pollution can be cleansed
4. Waterproofing membrane can be protected; with it, the life of the roof can be expanded
5. Sound insulation can be provided
6. Usage of air-conditioners is restricted to the maximum possible.
7. Rain water harvesting is easily done
8. Creation of a natural habitat for birds and insects
9. Urban Heat Island can be restricted

Author Bio: Article by Mark Carey of ChicagoRoofingExperts.com, a website with the best roofing in Chicago and Chicago roofing companies information on the web.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: Chicago roofing, green roofing Chicago