Live Loads Of A Sedum Roof

As noted in the draft astm standard standard guide for selection of roofing waterproofing membrane systems for vegetative green roof systems the introduction of a vegetative roof system to a new or existing structure has an effect on both the live and dead loads.

Live loads of a sedum roof.

Where snow isn t a problem the live load can come from people working on the roof and any equipment they take on to the. An extensive green roof or sedum roof is a roof with vegetation that is more or less self perpetuating and that can further develop and maintain itself. Roughly speaking extensive green roofs have a substrate thickness of between 4 and 15 cm and a weight of 30 to 220 kilo per m2. Ground snow load might seem somewhat confusing until you read the basic premise that is identified in irc section r301 6 which states.

The venny green roof has shallow substrates on two types of roof the first roof is on shipping containers and is designed for a dead load of 250kg m 2 and live load of 100kg m 2. This issue of live load vs. The addition of materials over the roofing waterproofing membrane system. The roof shall be designed for the live load indicated in table r301 6 or the snow load indicated.

Victor staley a building official in the town of brewster mass responds. This lightness means most buildings have a comfortable load bearing capacity that is sufficient and architects can even plan green roofs where it had not been possible before such as on lightweight metal constructions.