Are there different types of green roof systems?
There are two types of systems. These green roof types are known as extensive and intensive systems. An extensive system features low-lying plants such as succulents, mosses, and grasses. They require relatively thin layers of soil (1-6 inches), and plants usually produce a few inches of foliage. Extensive systems have less of an impact on the roof structure, weighing 10-50 pounds per square foot on average, and are generally accessible only for routine maintenance. Most residential applications are composed of extensive green roof systems. Intensive systems feature deeper soil and can support larger plants including crops, shrubs, and trees. Intensive systems can be harder to maintain, depending on the plants used, and are much heavier than extensive systems-they range from 80 to more than 120 pounds per square foot. There is a wide variety of materials used for each component of the green roof system, depending on the chosen plants, type of system employed, climate, and underlying st
