Siplast ParaGREEN Vegetated Roof in NYC
EDUCATION

What is a “green roof?”

Siplast’s custom solutions for complex projects
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Understanding vegetated roof systems

Vegetated roofs offer exciting opportunities for architectural design while contributing a myriad of benefits to the projects - and the surrounding communities in which they exist. A vegetated roof can allow a structure to merge with the surrounding landscape, provide a dramatic accent, or reinforce the defining aspects of the structure's geometry. Vegetated roofs are frequently integrated into the design of hospitals and care facilities through biophilic design to help provide a relaxing environment for patients. These living roof garden areas can add serene communal space in urban areas, helping to add to quality of life for city dwellers. And perhaps the biggest benefit of vegetated roofing is the ability of these systems to manage stormwater, providing alternative solutions for building owners and helping to alleviate flooding in the communities in which they exist.


Benefits of green roof systems

Vegetated roofs have become increasingly popular in North American since late 1990's due to their numerous benefits, and Siplast has been an active part of that movement. There are several benefits associated with vegetated roofs. The most commonly recognized benefits are:

Comparing innovative green roof systems

Siplast understands that no two projects are alike, and the same goes for your vegetated roof project. Each ParaGREEN Solution can be tailored to meet specific project thresholds and objectives. The comparison chart below provides estimated guidance, but we suggest reaching out to your local Siplast Representative to learn more.

Benefits of a Siplast ParaGREEN™ Vegetated Roof

Whether you're looking for a single-source vegetated roof solution, or need assistance developing complex assemblies for your unique project, the Siplast ParaGREEN line of Vegetated Roof Solutions can help you meet and exceed your vegetated roof demands.

Overview of integrated vegetated, amenity, and stormwater roofing solutions highlighting sustainable and multifunctional design benefits.

Integrated Vegetated, Amenity, and Stormwater Solutions Overview

The evolving roles of roofs and amenity spaces have dramatically increased performance expectations. That’s why Siplast offers integrated single-source solutions to help meet and exceed your vegetated, amenity, waterproofing, and stormwater demands. Read more in our overview.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a “green roof” system?

Vegetated roofs come in many shapes and sizes, from small inaccessible areas atop mechanical shelters to expansive landscapes over podium decks. Beginning at the structural deck, vegetated roof assemblies consist of waterproofing membrane, drainage and retention layer(s), filtration layers, engineered growing media, and plants. Engineered growing medias may range from as thin as a couple of inches, to multiple feet, dictated by building thresholds, design intent, and the type of plant material the vegetated roof is trying to support. Vegetation may range from sedums and succulents all the way two large mature trees, and everything in between.

What are the types of “green roof” systems?

There are three primary categories of vegetated roofs: extensive, semi-intensive, and intensive. The types are based on thickness of growth media, typically dictated by the type of vegetation intended to be used for the vegetated roof. Generally speaking, extensive systems include a growth media 3 to 8 inches deep; semi-intensive systems’ growth media is 8 to 12 inches deep; and intensive systems’ growth media is 12 inches to several feet deep. Extensive roofs can be constructed with layers or modules4.

4 Siplast warranties and guarantees only provide coverage for ParaGREEN Sedum Mats, Tiles, or containerized Extensive Vegetation for two years from the date of installation when purchased through Siplast, so long as the vegetated roof is maintained and reported in accordance with Siplast's installation and maintenance requirements. Refer to sample warranties and guarantees, available at siplast.com, for complete coverage and restrictions.

What types of membrane systems should I use?

Vegetated roofs add a great deal of aesthetic appeal, and function, to a building project, but they also require appropriate membrane selection. From membrane through vegetation, Siplast provides complete vegetated roof solutions to meet your project needs, ensuring full-system compatibility and comprehensive system guarantees4. ParaGREEN Vegetated Roof Systems are compatible with SBS-modified bitumen, PMMA, and hot-applied rubberized asphalt waterproofing systems.

For over 30 years, our SBS-modified bitumen waterproofing membrane Teranap has met the needs of these demanding applications.

For vegetated roof applications where project circumstances, local regulations, or a tight construction schedule make the application of sheet materials difficult, Siplast offers a proven high-performance option: PMMA liquid-applied Parapro.

Designed for waterproofing approved and properly prepared substrates for plaza deck, protected/ballasted, or other covered applications, our PA-750 Hot-Applied Rubberized Waterproofing System provides a fast-setting, fully bonded, monolithic membrane.

4 Siplast warranties and guarantees only provide coverage for ParaGREEN Sedum Mats, Tiles, or containerized Extensive Vegetation for two years from the date of installation when purchased through Siplast, so long as the vegetated roof is maintained and reported in accordance with Siplast's installation and maintenance requirements. Refer to sample warranties and guarantees, available at siplast.com, for complete coverage and restrictions.

Who should I contact at Siplast to help me plan a vegetated roof system?

Whether you’re an architect, contractor, or building owner, you can be confident that Siplast is equipped to meet all of your vegetated roofing and amenity space needs. As your proven one-stop shop, we deliver coordinated assembly solutions that meet every project demand. And as your trusted partner, we’re with you every step of the way – from design guidance through installation and beyond.

Siplast living roof after installation

Priorities, benefits, and design considerations of vegetated roofs

Discover how a vegetated roof with or without an amenity space can be an excellent choice to improve the aesthetics, environmental attributes, and overall value of a building or tenant space. Read about more benefits and design considerations in our white paper.