Green roof gardens are a popular option for concrete roof buildings for their ability to maintain stable temperatures in the interior environment in all climates.

With many modern cities demanding a percentage of total roof space to be green, architects and building owners are choosing to install green roof gardens for the many benefits delivered to the building’s occupants.

A green roof is a roof surface, flat or pitched that is planted partially or completely with vegetation and a growing medium over a waterproof membrane. Green roofs provide multiple benefits such as increasing thermal mass and improving insulation; creating more stable temperatures in the building below; reducing energy demands for artificial heating and cooling; reducing noise; increasing productive garden space and biodiversity; providing beautiful views; reducing rainwater run-off; and improving air quality.

However, green garden roofs provide very low insulation from the soil and plants, especially when wet and additional insulation is needed for adequate R-values.

Foamular extruded polystyrene from Austech External Building Products meets this requirement of green roofs with its unique structure and capabilities. A closed cell board with minimal water absorption and high R-values, Foamular extruded polystyrene is placed below the soil but above the concrete roof, creating a continuous thermal barrier. Even pavers and ballast can be placed on it, providing walkways and recreation areas.

Since there is no nutritional value to plants, animals or bacteria, Foamular extruded polystyrene is not degraded by their presence. The very low water absorption potential of the product allows it to easily function in the presence of moist growing medium and water runoff. Foamular’s high compressive strengths means it is not affected by continuous pressure from foot traffic, growing medium or other loads.

Austech offers Foamular extruded polystyrene in a range of compressive strengths to deal with heavy loads, including vehicular traffic.

Image: Foamular extruded polystyrene is placed below the soil but above the concrete roof, creating a continuous thermal barrier

Architecture & Design Team

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Austech External Building Products

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