The assemblies part of the project examines the inert elements of a green roof system. These usually consist of the waterproof membrane, root barrier, drainage mat, soil filter fabric, and erosion prevention grid. These, for the most part, are geotextiles. Some green roof assemblies provide more, some fewer, layers of geotextiles. We intend to examine both green roof vendor designs as well as original designs for green roof assemblies. The best candidates will be tested by using them in a test panel, a small roof, or a test roof.

We are looking at various components of these assemblies to evaluate them for redundancy, cost, availability. Waterproof membranes, erosion barriers, soil filter fabric, and drain board are all sold seperately. We intend to test some assemblies that are not vendor supplied. Some we will come up with on our own. Some are assemblies other greenroofers have tried on their own. We are currently looking at the vendor systems of Soprema, Sarnafil, W.P.Hickman, Roofscapes Inc, Garland, and American Hydrotech.

Here is a cross-section of a typical green roof installation illustrating the key components:

Technical details about products and materials used in our demonstration projects:

• plants
• soils
• drainage mats and filter fabrics
• waterproof membranes