A Green Roof Provides Residents of a Senior Housing Complex with an Improved View

“When we source a green-roof system, one of the basic issues we address is compatibility with the existing or newly installed roofing assembly,” says John Schenone, owner of Maspeth Roofing & Contracting, Maspeth, N.Y., the roofing contractor for the project. “Because any green roof adds overburden to the roofing system, it is imperative for the client that the green roof be incorporated under the terms of their roofing warranty.”

Maspeth Roofing & Contracting recommended an extensive green roof assembly featuring lightweight, prevegetated mats, delivered with mature Sedum plants for an instant green roof. The mats roll out onto the roof like sod for easy installation. The system is based on a time-tested design originally developed in Germany more than 40 years ago. The regionally grown plants are cultivated in an engineered growing medium on a permanent geotextile carrier, reinforced with a stitched-on layer of non-woven fleece.

“We had worked with the green-roof manufacturer on other projects,” Schenone adds. “They get all the right components to the site at the right time. This is imperative for projects in an urban setting. Staging materials typically requires a crane and a street-closure permit, so we must have 100 percent of the materials in place when we are ready to start an installation. Otherwise, we run into costly delays.”

“This was my first green roof, so it was important to go with a manufacturer with a long track record,” Freda states. “Regardless of how long any building system or material has been in use, it has to be installed correctly to be successful. Maspeth’s experience with the product was reassuring.”

GREEN ROOF RESULTS

“Of all the sustainable features that went into our redevelopment of the building, our green roof is the most visible,” Cicciu observes. “It embellishes the property, makes it more attractive and gives our residents a pleasing view of green space.”

“Whether wealthy or poor, living in an upscale condo or a subsidized apartment, everyone appreciates and deserves green space,” Freda adds. “Green is for everyone.”

TEAM

Owner: Findlay Teller Housing Development Fund Corp., Bronx, N.Y.
Architect: Freda Design Associates Ltd., Bronx, (718) 364-8200
General contractor: Notias Construction Inc., Flushing, N.Y.
Roofing contractor: Maspeth Roofing & Contracting, Maspeth, N.Y.
Green-roof designer: Xero Flor America, Durham, N.C.

ROOF MATERIALS

Xero Flor XF301 + .75XT extensive green roof: Xero Flor America

• XF301 Pre-vegetated Sedum Mat (1 1/4 inch)
• Supplemental XeroTerr Growing Medium (3/4 inch)
• XF157 Water Retention and Filter Fleece (1/4 inch)
• XF108H Drain Mat (3/4 inch)
• XF112 Root Barrier (20 mil)
• Two layers of 1/2-inch polyisocyanurate insulation board

Fully adhered 1/2-inch Isoguard protection board, MBSA base sheet and SBS Granular Cap Sheet (torch applied): Firestone Building Products
20-year Red Shield Warranty: Firestone Building Products

PHOTOS: XERO FLOR AMERICA