LRW is on the cutting edge of green roof technology. We believe this is the future of roof construction. There are numerous benefits to installing a Green Roof System including reduced cooling costs, environmental benefits including reduction of greenhouse gases, economic benefits including longer material lifetime and sound insulation.

About Green Roofs

A green roof system is an extension of the existing roof. The green roof system involves a high quality waterproofing and root repellant system, a drainage system, filter cloth and plants.

Green roof technologies not only provide the owners of buildings with a proven return on investment, but also represent opportunities for significant social, economic and environmental benefits, particularly in cities.

Green roof development involves the creation of a "contained" green space on top of the roof structure. Green roofs can provide a wide range of public and private benefits.

Economic benefits:

• Protection of roof membrane
• Longer material lifespan -- almost twice that of conventional roofs
• Savings on energy heating and cooling costs
• Reduction of the amount of standard insulation used
• Potential to reduce roof drains
• Potential to reduce community resistance to new development

Building Insulation:

• Green roofs shade the external surface of the building
• Green roofs insulate buildings by preventing heat from moving through the roof
• On roofs covered with grass, the temperature is estimated not to rise above 77 F

Sound Insulation:

• The substrate tends to block lower sound frequencies
• The plants block higher sound frequencies
• A green roof with 4.7" substrate layer can reduce sound by 40 decibels

Improved Air Quality:

• A Green roof acts as a filtration system for airborne particles
• Absorbs heat by filtering the air moving across the roof
• Acts as a carbon dioxide/oxygen exchange by converting carbon dioxide, water and sunlight energy into oxygen and glucose

Temperature Regulation:

• Green roof moderate the urban heat island effect
• Through daily dew and evaporation cycles, plants are able to cool cities during the summer months
• Green roofs have a noticeable impact on the heat gain and loss of a building, as well as humidity, air quality and reflected heat in the surrounding neighborhood

LRW Consultants has the expertise to guide your company through a green roof installation. There are numerous technical details to understand and evaluate before choosing a green roof system.

• The slope of the building
• The structural loading capacity
• The existing materials on the roof
• Drainage systems
• Waterproofing
• Electrical and water supply
• Cost

About White Roof Systems (also known as TPO Single-ply System)

LRW is also a proponent of White Energy Star Roof Systems. The White Roof System, a TPO roof system is an economical solution for a building owner. The system offers energy savings and will qualify for a Leeds Certification. TPO membranes are single-ply roof membranes constructed from thermoplastic polyolefin. They are designed to combine the durability of rubber with the proven performance of hot-air weldable seams. They have been tested as having excellent resistance to ozone, are algae-resistant, environmentally friendly and safe to install. For additional details on White Roof Systems, please see TPO Roof System section under Roof Types.