Spring Break
The Daily OrangeESF embraces technology with eco-roof
By Ally Horn
Posted: 9/12/05, 11:01 PM EST Section: News
However, Baker's roof was found structurally unable to support the green roof. SUNY-ESF looked at its plans and found the next roof on campus that had to be re-done was Walter's Hall, and the project was set in stone when that roof was determined able to support the green roof.
Although the concept of a green roof may be new to many people, Murphy said they have actually been in existence for many years. Native Americans essentially installed green roofs when they used vegetation as roof covering. However, the green roofs of today are more controlled and complicated.
"We actually don't use soil like you would in a normal garden," said Melissa Muroff, an employee of Roofscapes Inc., the green-roof design and installation firm SUNY-ESF hired to plan the green roof. Instead, a granular-mineral composition called gross media is spread over a watertight seal over the area of the roof. Gross media is specially engineered so there is a balance between water retention and drainage. This media will not compress and does not contain organic materials that decompose like regular soil does, ensuring that the roof will need very little maintenance for 50 years or more.
The green roof is scheduled to be completed at the end of this month.
Although the concept of a green roof may be new to many people, Murphy said they have actually been in existence for many years. Native Americans essentially installed green roofs when they used vegetation as roof covering. However, the green roofs of today are more controlled and complicated.
"We actually don't use soil like you would in a normal garden," said Melissa Muroff, an employee of Roofscapes Inc., the green-roof design and installation firm SUNY-ESF hired to plan the green roof. Instead, a granular-mineral composition called gross media is spread over a watertight seal over the area of the roof. Gross media is specially engineered so there is a balance between water retention and drainage. This media will not compress and does not contain organic materials that decompose like regular soil does, ensuring that the roof will need very little maintenance for 50 years or more.
The green roof is scheduled to be completed at the end of this month.
