EPDM Nightmare

SinglePlyGuy

True Garden Roofs are typically very expensive projects. I have seen TPO spec'd in a few and it really suprises me that the least expensive base product be use in such a high priced application. Especially with the limited track record as Grumpy alluded to.

I won't go near those, personally, and I have installed thousands of squares of TPO. I would also not use an EPDM membrane, unless I could install it without ANY seams....which IS possible in some balcony type settings.

The main benefit for having a Garden Roof is it reduces storm water run-off which is becoming an increasingly popular objective in cities.

Secondary benefits are roof protection, higher insulating values, noise or sound proofing and aesthetics.

Typically we use a thicker PVC system like Sarnafil.

In my opinion ,however, the BEST route to go with a Green Roof would be to use the planter method... there are a lot of them out there. Install a new roof, put down a seperator and then the pre-planted interlocking garden "pans". If theres ever a problem, just move the pan, fix proble, replace pan.

Grumpy

green grid and live roof are two manufacturers of the planter type product. I've got three projects coming up each are 300-400 square feet "balconies" over living space beneath and each one is having a deck construction atop them when we are complete. One of those projects is actually 7 different balconies, about 3 years in age, modified bitumen complete failures.

We are putting 60 mil TPO fully adhered with insulation also adhered, no fasteners, probably doing a high density fiberboard over the insulation as well but I just can not remmeber off the top of my head. The decks are to be built modular, however, so that they can be easily removed. We are also providing TPO walkway rolls for the carpenters to install beneath the decks.

In my opinion the #1 benefit of a roof garden or a roof deck is added living space. With yards getting smaller and smaller in the city of Chicago, it's nice to have an oasis of nature away... Or in other words actually have a YARD. LOL.

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-Grumpy
Chicago Gutters Chicago Roofing

SinglePlyGuy

We had an in-house presentation by LiveRoof today and its a pretty neat system.... the pre-vegetated pans look VERY good.

After researching a handful I think LiveRoof will be the product we run with going forward.

A little more pricey up front, but i figure lower lifecycle costs and it is established greenery at install.

Grumpy

Ez installation also because laborers can do it, you don't need gardeners. Plus the bundled warranties with various manufacturers like Versico are a nice thing.

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-Grumpy
Chicago Gutters Chicago Roofing

rwolfe

Two weeks ago i was awarded a project on Miami Beach that will be a Hydrotech monolithic assmebly with drainage mats and intesive assembly. Nice racket they have going on. Hydrotech must provide the soil. The neat thing is the majority of the deck will be sloped 3/12 and will have a cable system holding up the gardnet system.

But with garden roofs and planters, I agree that if single ply was required, Sarnafil or Fibertite would be my only considerations. Having said that, hot rubber would be my first choice (AH or carlisle)