Intensive vs extensive a green roof comes in two varieties.
Extensive green roof v intensive green roof.
An extensive green roof is characterized by a thinner layer of soil and smaller plants.
A 2006 study by the university of michigan comparing costs of conventional and green roofs showed that on average installing a green roof costs about 22 00 sq.
For a conventional roof.
The green roof as a habitat.
Planted roofs create living space for animal species.
Almost always used for new construction intensive green roofs can be anything from a public garden to an entire park as is the case with the world s largest green roof millennium park in chicago which is 24 5 acres of landscaping on top of two subterranean parking garages.
The distinction is based on the kind of plant involved.
15 to 50 per square foot.
There are two ways of planting a roof.
Typically these roofs will have more soil and some small shrubs as well as the low growing wildflowers and sedums found on an extensive roof.
Intensive includes a thick layer of soil that can support large vegetation such as small trees.
It also allows for a formal garden to be installed with paths grass lawn and flowers or pot plants.
8 to 20 per square foot.
A semi intensive green roof can give rise to a richer ecology with more diverse plant and animal species.
These systems range in thickness from 2 6 94 and weigh approximately 15 30lbs per sq ft.