Green Roofs - Living Architecture Monitor - Spring 2013 - (Page 35)
ON SPEC
tHe lucky 7
SEVEN INSTALLATION ISSUES fROM THE GREEN ROOf CONTRACTOR pERSpECTIVE
By: ANDy CREATH
I
nstallation issues occur in all areas of
construction. Green roofs are not special in that regard, but there are a few
issues green roof contractors should keep
in mind—and some tips for planning ahead
to ensure success. Here are just a few of
the many issues that can occur, and need
to be thought about before beginning the
installation.
1. CONTRACTOR COMMUNICATION
Let’s face it, at times the general contractor’s (GC) understanding of green roof
components are minimal. Constant communication is necessary to ensure that the
GC recognizes that all materials have been
installed correctly and will perform accordingly. Lack of communication can result in
delays and numerous site tours.
2. LEAK TEST
Please get one done. Nothing tempers the
excitement of a beautiful green roof more
than a leak that could have been discovered
prior to the installation.
3. GREEN ROOf MAINTENANCE pRIOR TO,
DURING, AND AfTER INSTALL
You need a green roof maintenance plan—
from day one. Imagine this scenario: A
100 degree day with plants sitting in a sunbaked parking lot waiting to be brought up
to the roof. Then a problem occurs on the
roof, delaying installation for three days
and leaving those plants without water.
Construction delays occur quite frequently,
putting plants at risk; it is therefore crucial
to prepare and plan for such circumstances.
If the plants survive this first phase, and are
safely installed on the roof, the next phase
of maintenance begins. There needs to
be a green roof maintenance plan in place
during this crucial time period—before the
building is complete and the owner’s maintenance crew begins the care.
4. CLEAR pLANS
On a job site things are not always constructed according to architectural plans.
This is especially common with roofing
plans. A skylight may have moved or water
and electricity may not have made it out
to the roof where you need to work. Architectural and landscape plans are the
green roof contractor’s guide to the intent
of the designer. If the plans aren’t clear
or complete, the final product may not be
what the owner expects, and costly change
orders may occur.
5. COORDINATION WITH OTHER TRADES
Whether you are on a commercial or resi-
dential green roof installation, the rooftop
can be a really busy place. Learning to “play
well with others” makes for a smooth installation. Without coordination, you often
have to wait for other trades to finish their
work or move their materials.
6. WATER ACCESS
No water equals dead plants, unless cacti are
utilized in the majority of the planting plan.
Ensure that water is available from a hose
bib, metered fire hydrant or other water
source. This limits time spent dragging a
hose or filling five-gallon buckets in the
bathroom sink.
7. GREEN ROOf ACCESS
Because of the park-like feel of many
green roofs, the newly constructed green
roof can become a break area for workers
on site. To manage traffic, lay protection
down or tape off areas to ensure plantings
are not damaged by foot traffic or other
trades’ work. This needs to occur both
during and after the construction of the
green roof.
Andy Creath is the owner of Green Roofs of
Colorado and a GRHC course instructor who
teaches Advanced Green Roof Maintenance.
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Green Roofs - Living Architecture Monitor - Spring 2013
Green Roofs - Living Architecture Monitor - Spring 2013
Contents
From The Founder
Strata
On the Roof With...
Policy and Standards
Current Research
Living Architecture Meets Hurricane Sandy
How Healthy Is Your Hospital?
Leadership
Product
Plant
Conference
Project
Project
Project
New Corporate Members
Professional Calendar
GRHC Board Member Updates
GRHC Buyer’s Guide
The Lucky 7
Green Roofs - Living Architecture Monitor - Spring 2013
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2020Winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2020Fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2020Summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2020Spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2019Winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2019Fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2019Summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2019Spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2018winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2018Fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2018summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2018spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2017winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2017fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2017summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2017Spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2016winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2016fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2016summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2016spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2015Winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2015fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2015summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2015spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2014winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2014fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2014summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2014spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2013winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2013fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2013summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2013spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2012fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2012summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2012spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2012winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2011fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2011summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2011spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2011winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2010fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2010summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2010spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2010winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2009fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2009summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2009spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2009winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/dawson/greenroofs/lam_2008fall
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com