The benefits of a green roof
Green on the roof
Green roofs, often planted with sedum, are gaining popularity in urban areas. They offer numerous benefits, both for the environment and for building owners. Green roofs help cool cities, reduce the urban heat island effect and help improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and filtering air pollution. They also provide habitat for birds, insects and other animals, promoting biodiversity in urban areas.
Extending the life of the roof
In addition, green roofs improve water management by capturing and retarding rainwater, reducing pressure on the sewer system during heavy rainfall. This can help prevent flooding and contributes to more sustainable water management. For building owners, green roofs can extend the life of the roof by providing protection from UV rays and extreme temperatures. They also provide additional thermal insulation, which can lead to lower energy costs by reducing the need for heating in winter and cooling in summer.
But also some risks
Not inspectable
While green roofs offer many benefits, there are also some risks to consider. One major risk is that the vegetation and substrate add extra weight to the roof, which can affect the structural integrity of the building. If the roof is not properly designed to support this extra weight, structural damage may result. In addition, a green roof can be more difficult to inspect because of the vegetation, often consisting of sedum, which can make it difficult to notice problems such as leaks or roofing damage.
Leaks and mold
Another risk is that the roots of the plants, including sedum, can damage the waterproofing layers if adequate root barriers are not installed. This can lead to leaks and water damage to the building. In addition, standing water on a poorly designed or maintained green roof can lead to flooding and the growth of unwanted algae or fungi
Roof grip sensor
Roof sensors and data
Fortunately, modern technologies such as sensors can help manage and reduce these risks. By using sensors that monitor the condition of the roof, owners can detect potential problems early. For example, these sensors can measure moisture levels, temperature differences and the presence of standing water, alerting owners immediately to any abnormalities that may indicate problems.
Just-in-TIme roof maintenance
With real-time monitoring, owners can proactively respond to potential risks and take preventive measures before they lead to greater damage. This not only helps maintain the integrity of the roof, but can also help optimize the performance of the green roof, often covered with sedum, and minimize long-term maintenance costs. So by using sensors, owners can not only take full advantage of the benefits of green roofs, but also effectively manage and minimize risks.
- Roof innovation
A healthy green roof without risk
Leak detection: prevent damage
We see from the data whether moisture is accumulating in the roof, whether the roof on top is dirty but also what the thermal resistance is in the roof. Based on that data, we alert our customers to risks before damage occurs. We enable our customers to intervene before things go wrong.
Real-time insight
Inscio provides a software suite, completely web-based so can be used anywhere, to look at the condition of the roof in real time. Does that mean someone always has to log in to look at the problems? No! We have smart signaling based on roof algorithms, automatically Inscio users are informed about possible anomalies and risks.
Keep greenery healthy
Sensors in green roofs provide detailed insight into substrate and ambient temperature, as well as moisture levels. This data is essential for understanding the health and performance of the green roof system. By providing real-time measurements, these sensors allow owners and managers to proactively respond to changes in environmental conditions, such as droughts or excessive rainfall.
Just-in-time maintenance
Property owners, as well as roofers and manufacturers, obviously do not want leaks and damage during the warranty period. Yet differences in temperature and humidity can lead to surprises after only a few years. Inscio ensures that you can intervene exactly in time, neither too early nor too late, through virtually real-time sensor data and signaling on deviations and problems
Fewer inspections, fewer movements, fewer emissions
Property owners perform condition measurements to determine the condition of maintenance-sensitive elements. So too for the roof. This inspection process is time-consuming, labor-intensive and only marginally objective.
Inscio sensors provide objective readings, i.e. an actual picture, of the roof remotely. There is no, or much less, need to inspect roofs and therefore delivers a huge reduction in movements and thus emissions.
Our customers tell
"Until last fall, we informed clients and partners about expected roof behavior based on practical experience. Now we provide objective measurement data"
Laurens van Wylick - Isomix insulating mortars
"The data we collect and analyze with Inscio Roofs' sensors helps us get all stakeholders to look at construction in a more sustainable way. But also better calculate the life-cycle costs of alternative roof structures for clients and consultants."
Eduard Beekhuizen - Babylon roofs
