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How to Design a Rooftop Garden
Posted by Bridgman on
Load Capacity
You must load the load capacity of the roof before you plan your garden. Ideally, a roof garden will be integrated into a new roof system. Otherwise, you must work around the limitations of the existing roof. The first step in designing your rooftop garden is to consult with a structural engineer or architect. The engineer or architect can determine the load capacity of the roof at different spots. The load capacity determines the type of garden you can plant. The weight or load of the garden includes the plants, growing media, containers, structural and design elements, snow loads, HVAC equipment, water storage, and the people who maintain and use the space. A roof garden can weigh between 100 and 725 kilos per square meter. Where load capacity is minimal, a container garden or raised bed garden may be the best choice. Container gardens weigh less than planted gardens, especially if you use lightweight containers and planting medium.Other Design Considerations
Include in your rooftop garden design plan:- Access to the roof;
- Emergency exits;
- Enclosures such as guards and railings;
- Handicap accessibility, as required or desired;
- Watering systems (roof storage or automatic system);
- Windbreaks. Lattices and trellises reduce the flow of the wind without trying to stop it completely.
The Layered Look
Much like a natural landscape or ground-hugging garden, a rooftop garden is based on layers. Only these layers protect the roof as well as giving the plants a place to grow. A well designed rooftop garden should have the following:- Wind barrier. Keeps planting medium in place until the plant roots take hold.
- Plants. Plants that are drought tolerate and prefer poor soil tend to do best. Sedum plants do well in many locations.
- Growing medium. The growing medium provides, drainage, nutrients, and a place for roots to take hold. The growing medium should be as deep as possible. Compost and other lightweight materials are good.
- Geotextile or filter mat. The mat lets water soak through but prevents soil erosion.
- Drainage layer. A drainage layer keeps the growing medium aerated and holds excess water. It can also be used as water storage. Gravel works well, but Styrofoam peanuts are lighter.
- Roof barrier. The barrier protects the roof.
- Waterproof membrane. The membrane should be able to stand up to the chemicals released by some plants.
- Insulation layer.
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