Green Roofing Solutions for Commercial Buildings

Roofing systems that incorporate green or blue require additional considerations beyond standard construction. By combining proven roofing technology with vegetation and engineered growing systems, green roofs have the potential to manage stormwater, reduce rooftop temperatures, protect underlying roof assemblies, and support sustainability goals for commercial buildings.

Reference Guide and Resources

IRMA Brochure Thumbnail
IRMA Brochure Thumbnail
Photovoltaic Guide Thumbnail

Flashing Details and Assembly Plates

Pre-Grown Tray Green Roofing Flashing Details*
PDFDWG
TPG-01 CGT Pre-Grown Green Roof Tray System 1'x2'PDFDWG
TPG-02 CGT Pre-Grown Tray Connection
PDFDWG
TPG-03 CGT Pre-Grown Tray at Ballast RockPDFDWG
TPG-04 CGT Pre-Grown Tray at Concrete Pedestal Set PaverPDFDWG
TPG-05 CGT Pre-Grown Tray at PerimeterPDFDWG
TPG-06 CGT Pre-Grown Tray at Roof DrainPDFDWG

Extensive and Intensive Layered Green Roof Systems Details*PDFDWG
LGR-01 CGT Extensive Layered Green Roof System
PDFDWG
LGR-02 CGT Intensive Layered Green Roof System
PDFDWG
LGR-06 CGT Layered Green Roof System at Perimeter
PDFDWG
LGR-07 CGT Layered Green Roof System at Roof DrainPDFDWG

Planted-in-Place Green Roofing Flashing Details*PDFDWG
TPP-01 CGT Planted-in-Place Green Roof Tray System 1'x2'PDFDWG
TPP-02 CGT Planted-in-Place Green Roof Tray System Connection
PDFDWG
TPP-03 CGT Planted-in-Place Green Roof Tray at Ballast RockPDFDWG
TPP-04 CGT Planted-in-Place Green Roof Tray at Pedestal Set PaverPDFDWG
TPP-05 CGT Planted-in-Place Green Roof Tray at PerimeterPDFDWG
TPP-06 CGT Planted-in-Place Green Roof Tray at Roof DrainPDFDWG

*These flashing details are provided as a courtesy. This complimentary assistance is not to be used or relied upon by anyone as a substitute for professional engineering design and documentation required by building code, contract or applicable law. By accepting these comments, you agree they do not constitute any representations of, endorsements of or an assumption by Johns Manville of any responsibility/liability for the adequacy of the design of any building/roofing system, code compliance, material or any other material not supplied by Johns Manville.

Single Source Options

FAQ

A green roofing system is a vegetative roof assembly that incorporates plants, engineered growing media, drainage components, and waterproofing protection above the roof membrane.

Low slope blue roofing systems are intended to temporarily retain or slow the release of stormwater from the roof surface. Performance of roof drainage retention or blue roof systems is the responsibility of the system designer based on their analysis of the building’s structure, drainage capacity, and design intention. These complicated systems require specialized design and input from a variety of stakeholders including design, engineering, and trade specialists.

Commercial green roofs can support stormwater management, reduce rooftop temperatures, protect roofing assemblies, improve aesthetics while creating a healthier urban environment, and help organizations achieve sustainability goals.

Extensive green roofs typically use 3-5 inches of growing media and low-maintenance vegetation, while intensive green roofs use deeper growing media capable of supporting larger plants, shrubs, and trees.

Designers must verify that the structure can support the total weight of the roof system, including green roof media. Consideration should also be given to the difference between dry weight and saturated weight, particularly for vegetative roof assemblies and materials that retain moisture, as water absorption can significantly increase loads over time. Structural design must also account for live loads, such as routine maintenance traffic, rooftop equipment servicing, and access pathways. In regions with seasonal weather events, snow and drift loads can have a substantial impact on roof design. In addition, rooftop amenities such a green system can introduce concentrated loads that require structural review. Evaluating these factors early in the design process helps ensure the roof structure can safely support all anticipated loads throughout the life of the building.

Maintenance requirements vary by system type. Extensive systems generally require minimal upkeep, while intensive and amenity roofs require regular irrigation, fertilization, and plant care. A preventative maintenance program is recommended.

Yes. Green roofing systems are designed to retain and moderate stormwater runoff, helping reduce strain on municipal infrastructure and supporting regulatory requirements in markets that have adopted this requirement.

Always notify JM prior to any type of modification using the Green Roof Overburden Additions Form.

Recommended Roofing System Products

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Highlighted Product:

ProtectoR® HD

ProtectoR® HD added to an educational facility provides excellent resistance against harsh rooftop conditions including hail, wind uplift, puncture, and moisture.  

Other Resources

Browse below to learn more about other roofing solutions JM offers.