By Phil Dzikiy/dzikiyp@gnnewspaper.com
The Tonawanda News
October 04, 2007 12:09 pm
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• Controls stormwater runoff, can retain up to 75 percent of a one-inch rainfall
• Green roofs reach a peak temperature of about 120 degrees, compared to 190 degree temperatures a traditional roof might reach on a hot summer day, reducing the “heat island” effect.
• Green roofs can cost 4 to 10 percent more to construct than traditional roofs. But the roofs can create long-term financial benefits, such as reducing energy costs and extending the roof’s service life.
Joy and Scott Kuebler needed a new garage and Joy’s landscape architectural firm needed more work space. The answer to all of their problems was on display Wednesday, topped with an environmental statement.
The Kueblers of North Tonawanda held a demonstration event Wednesday afternoon to introduce and explain the new “green roof” that will cover the new 450-square-foot office and garage built next to their Zimmerman Street home. The couple believes it will be the first residential green roof in Western New York.
The north side of the structure’s roof will be adorned with shingles, but in time, the south side will be green and brimming with vegetation.
Joy Kuebler is a landscape architect and Scott Kuebler is an architect. The project was a way for the couple to illustrate their own beliefs while giving themselves more space, Joy Kuebler said.
“It was a good opportunity for us to implement sustainable concepts that we ask our clients to embrace,” she said.
Scott Kuebler designed the structure with many specific environmentally friendly features, including radiant floor, a tankless water heater and soy-based spray-foam installation. But the biggest draw is the green roof.
A crew worked on laying a special foundation on the roof Wednesday before the specially engineered soil can be laid down. The green roof won’t look too green until the planting has been completed and some time has passed, Scott Kuebler said.
This was the first green roof project he has built.
“I’ve been intrigued by these,” he said. “(I’ve built it) to lead by example. Every commercial building, you’re pushing a green roof.”
A green roof is environmentally friendly in many ways, Joy Kuebler said. The vegetation will reduce the “heat island” effect by reducing surface temperatures on the roof by up to 70 degrees during the summer, helping keep the building cool. It also provides an extra layer of insulation and retain heat during the winter. It will also create a new wildlife habitat. But most importantly, it will control stormwater.
“The primary reason that we put (green roofs) on is stormwater control,” she said.
A green roof can retain up to 75 percent of a one-inch rainfall, Joy Kuebler said. The roof will reduce impact on the city’s stormwater sewer system.
The roof uses specially designed fabric for a base, and an engineered growth media acts as the soil. Vegetation is then planted within that lightweight material, Joy Kuebler said.
A roof that can handle a heavy load is key to creating a green roof, Scott Kuebler said. About four to five inches of the engineered soil will be placed on the roof, in addition to plant life. The soil will become saturated with water, and snow will pile on top during the winter, making for a heavy roof.
“A large load needs to be taken into consideration,” Scott Kuebler said. “Make sure you’re not going to get into any problems throwing these bags of soil onto your roof.”
There are also many financial benefits to installing a green roof, Joy Kuebler said. The lifespan of the roof can be tripled, because it’s not exposed to the sun. A green roof can also reduce energy costs and increase the property value of a home.
“The benefits are real, and they can be real to us,” Joy Kuebler said.
The roof is being installed by Lichtenfels Nursery of Johnstown, Pa, a company that specializes in installing green roofs. The company has installed green roofs in many locations across the country, including an academic building at Niagara University.
Green roofs are expensive, but prices are coming down, Lichtenfels Nursery Vice President Gary Lichtenfels said. The typical cost for installing a residential green roof is between $11 and $16 per square-foot.
Despite the cost, people recognize the environmental and long-term financial benefits of green roofs, and they’re becoming more popular, Lichtenfels said.
“Right now, I could probably bid one to three jobs a week,” he said.
Looking up at the roof during construction, Scott Kuebler was pleased the green roof phase of the project had finally started.
“As much research and time as it’s been, I don’t regret it,” he said.
Contact reporter Phil Dzikiy at 693-1000, ext. 114.
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Photos
Crews install panels that will hold soil in place on the roof of a garage on Zimmerman Street. The green roof provides better insulation and cooling while also controlling stormwater runoff. Greater Niagara Newspapers