Green Roof Reno

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March 6, 2008

Judgement Day . . . Maybe

Sedum Trays

These are all 4 inch aluminum planting trays manufactured by Green Roof Blocks out of St. Louis, Mo. This is an extensive module sedum tray system and one of the better products we have seen in the lower price range. With an unlimited budget, we would love to install a seamless, integrated green roof system (more like a carpet as opposed to the modular system shown here, and unfortunately, for small sites, more pricey, too), but most of the companies that do this type of work focus on much larger projects, usually upwards of 5000 sq ft.

Steel – Yay or Nay?

Our day with the structural engineer has finally arrived! We’ll definitely snap some candids and post on the momentous event that’s happening tomorrow morning. Also, we’ll talk about the whos and hows and whys of dealing with a structural engineer after we have a chance to meet with them.

Thanks for reading.

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Comments

Seems like very little drainage for sedum. I guess I always assumed the trays would be more like screens with greater ease of outflow.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 3:19 PM

There is a guy out of Brooklyn. Timothy Osborne
The Organic Gardener , whom specializes in small / residential green roof design and installation. I met him working on one in Cobble Hill at Bond St. He seemed like a really knowledgeable guy and passionate about what he does!

www.theorganicgardenernyc.com

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 4:09 PM

3:19 . . . Well, for stormwater purposes you do want to retain the water . . . so screens wouldn't work. But, you're right, although I like this product for other reasons, the drainage is not ideal.

In other better-designed drainage systems, there is an eggshell-like mat that is separated from the soil by filter fabric. The filter fabric allows the water to drain through while retaining the soil. The eggshells act as mini cisterns, catching the water and allowing it to evapotranspire back into the plants roots over time.

If I lived in Portland or Seattle I might not be inclined to use this product because of the potential drainage issues, but in New York, 4 inches of lightweight soil in a tray elevated from the surface and on a roof, will actually dry out pretty quick.

Posted by: Green Roof Guy at March 6, 2008 11:06 PM

Just curious - does the "retained water" then become a breeding ground for mosquitoes?

Posted by: guest at March 7, 2008 11:51 AM

Hmmm . . . I've never heard of any mosquito problems. The eggshell layer that retains the water is under a couple of inches of soil and plant material.

Posted by: Green Roof Guy at March 9, 2008 10:28 AM

We love this post Green Roof Guy! Keep it up...would be great to see some cost analysis. What kind of cost differences are you seeing between the various options?

Posted by: housebywe at March 9, 2008 12:02 PM

Keep u p the goodwork green roof guy, learning a lot from your post, and excited to continue to see it unfold. Yes any information you can provide on costs would be appreciated, so we can alo start planning our green roof.

Posted by: hc at March 16, 2008 3:31 PM

What's the word from the structural engineer?? Being one myself I'm quite curious. He/she probably had some ridiculous requests like wanting to open up the ceiling or wall spaces...

Posted by: guest at March 19, 2008 3:37 PM

My name is Marshall LaCroix, partner of New York City Green Roof and Landscape, a new design/build firm located here in Brooklyn. Check us out at www.newyorkcitygreenroof.com
These "Green Roof Blocks" are an interesting product, they seem quite sturdy but really aren't very cheap. I believe they cost 15 to 17 dollars a s.f. and need to be trucked out here from MO (that's not including installation).
The more I look into it, I am attracted to the Live Roof system. It comes in a little cheaper than the blocks, has a seamless finish and can be delivered from CT. I was recently certified to install this product and I feel it's the best one out there for a modular extensive green roof. We have also found products even cheaper than these mentioned that can be installed for as little as $8 a s.f. (depending on the project). Visit our website for information and to contact us.
Thank you all for the lively conversation, it's so nice to hear a voice other than my own talking about green roofs.

Posted by: guest at March 21, 2008 4:14 PM