Regardless of the type of roof you are after: if Activity Roofs is the question, FOAMGLAS® Compact Roof is the answer. This also applies when the roof is on the ground level. Think of the roofs of underground car parks, underground department stores, underground metro and/or tram lines, etc. They too have a roof that can accommodate various possible facilities.Read on to find out all there is to know.
Green roofs
Green roofs add life to urban environments, have a positive effect on the air we breathe and are quickly becoming a haven for people to gather and enjoy a sense of community.
There are many variations of green roofs possible. An extensive green roof, also known as an Eco roof or Brown roof, is characterised by small, low-growing vegetation. They require no permanent irrigation system and are ideal for efficient stormwater management with low maintenance needs.
Meanwhile, intensive green roof systems are characterised by a variety of vegetation, from herbaceous plants to small trees. Professional maintenance and advanced green roof irrigation systems make them ideal for small gardens to full scale public parks. A popular choice for green roofs is the park roof.
Park roofs
A park roof is a roof system that includes everything a ground park has, such as intensive greenery, walkways, playgrounds, ponds, benches and small terraces. These green spaces are important hotspots for community life and social gatherings, contributing to healthy living. They also add value to the building, making it a more attractive place to live. However, there are risks associated with park roofs.
The risks of a park roof:
- Root penetration, nesting or vermin and deformation of the surface
- Water leaks and moisture entering the roof build-up, causing widespread damage; the exact location of the leak is often hard to detect
- Loose insulation moving around and cracking
All of these risks come at a price. Repair work can be costly and an insurance risk, lowering the value of the roof and the building.
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Technical Roofs
Technical roofs are accessible roofs with a technical top-on construction.
An example is the solar roof with photovoltaic panelling or laminate and of course, the popular HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Cooling) systems popping up on the flat roofs. Blue roofs are another perfect example of technical roofs.
FOAMGLAS® Compact Roof build-up can withstand high compressive loads and bear all loads permanently, safely and without affecting its insulation properties . The compact roof build-up is resistant to any kind of deformation. The roof remains accessible after construction, which is key for roofs that require regular technical maintenance. Should the need arise for additional systems over time, FOAMGLAS®Compact Roof is the ideal foundation.
Blue Roofs
Blue roofs are designed to provide initial temporary water storage and the gradual release of stored water, typically rainfall.
This Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) plays an important role in preventing flooding but also has considerable weight implications. But that’s not the only risk when it comes to installing a blue roof.
The risks of a blue roof:
- Water infiltration entering the build-up can cause widespread damage
- The heavy weight of a blue roof leads to compression of the insulation and may cause cracking of the waterproofing
- Any damage is tough to detect and costly to repair; the insurance risk will lower the value of the roof and the building
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Solar Roofs
Solar roofs are increasingly popular and will become even more important as our climate continues to evolve.
A solar roof is equipped with solar panels, also known as photovoltaic panels. These panels convert solar energy into electricity and require only sunshine to generate electricity.
In other words, they are a valuable source of sustainable energy. There are a number of things to keep in mind when planning and installing a Solar Roof. Besides pressure resistance, the non-combustibility of the insulation layer is an important factor to consider. And there are other caveats.
The risks of a solar roof:
- Due to the permanent load of the solar system, insulation materials might start to deform over time, leading to tensions in the waterproofing and eventually the formation of cracks. Crack formation in turn causes water infiltration, resulting in water damage inside the building
- Solar panels are often located close to the underlying building materials. In the event of a fire due to a technical problem in the PV system, they represent an additional risk
- Any damage is tough to detect and costly to repair; the insurance risk will lower the value of the roof and the building
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Community Roofs
Community roofs like rooftop restaurants, bars and terraces are popping up everywhere. They offer excellent views of the city and add value to a building. Fire safety and load bearing strength are key here.
Other applications include sports activities such as running tracks, tennis courts and even swimming pools. Let’s take a closer look at sports and game roofs.
Sports and game roofs
Roofs are an excellent space for sports and leisure activities in modern cities. They promote healthy living, a sense of community and add real value to the building.
Regardless of the sport, there are potential dangers to keep in mind.
The risks of a community roof
- Water absorption within the insulation material will lead to deformation and damage to sports and recreational areas
- Without a proper build-up, deformation may occur under heavy loads or forces
- Any repairs are costly and an insurance risk, inevitably lowering the value of the roof and building
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Heavy duty roofs
Heavy duty roofs provide ample parking space and add value to a building, resulting in a higher rental or sale price.
They also provide access for emergency services and make it possible for helicopters to land. It goes without saying that choosing the right insulation here is key.
Parking Roofs
The benefits of parking roofs are undeniable.
More parking spaces on the roof means less cars in the street. Costly construction of underground garages can be avoided and the overall value of the building is also increased.
However, there are things to keep in mind. A parking roof is designed to support a wide variety of traffic, including busses and fire trucks.
Bearing the load of these vehicles is not enough, a parking roof also needs to be 100% waterproof and fire safe. And there are other risks involved, too.
The risks of parking roofs:
- Heavy loads can lead to deformation of asphalt, concrete and the waterproofing layer without a proper build-up
- The dynamic forces of vehicles may lead to damage of the surface and waterproofing, resulting in water penetration
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Total peace of mind, regardless of the type of activity roof?
Yes! Thanks to the nature of cellular glass insulation, its hermetically sealed glass cells and the specific FOAMGLAS® Compact Roof build-up, you can rest assured. This combination delivers an exceptional set of properties and mitigates all risks linked to active roofs.
FOAMGLAS® Compact Roof is an outstanding choice for the construction of any green, technical, community or heavy-duty roof. The build-up guarantees no water or vapour issues throughout the lifetime of the building.
The hermetically sealed glass cells guarantee water resistance, vapour tightness and prevent root penetration. The waterproofing membranes are fully bonded to the insulation system, preventing any kind of water flow, vermin or roots within the layers. Your insulation will not become a mini eco-system.
FOAMGLAS® Compact Roof is rigid and can bear extreme loads without deformation.
The high compressive strength means that FOAMGLAS® insulation can handle almost any type of load such as swimming pools, large trees and vehicles, including heavy fire trucks and their static loads. The pressure resistant insulation doesn’t compress under heavy loads, making deformation impossible.
The FOAMGLAS® Compact Roof system is third party certified, with a time-tested thermal performance that is best in class.
This combination of protective properties offers complete peace of mind: any kind of active roof can be enjoyed for many years to come.
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