Vegetative roof systems, perceived by many as durable,
sustainable, energy-efficient and high-performing, comprise layered
assemblies combining landscaping, thermal insulation, waterproofing
components and other elements to provide a functioning system. But
there are different approaches to vegetative roof system
installation.
Insulation can be placed above a vegetative roof system's
waterproofing membrane to improve waterproofing performance; this
often is referred to as an inverted roof membrane assembly. With
this construction, water flows through the insulation and
compromises the insulation layer's thermal resistance at the
membrane level. This often is recognized as an acceptable
compromise to improve waterproofing performance. However, the
magnitude of the loss in thermal resistance is difficult to
quantify and not well-understood.
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