The whole world is on a green drive with buildings across many countries integrating green roofs, walls and facades into their design. Australians are also realising the potential of these living systems in improving the quality of their building environment and enhancing social, visual, environmental and financial benefits.
While several buildings are incorporating green roofs to create recreational spaces and architectural features, many others do so to add value to the property or achieve specific environmental benefits such as carbon capture, heat island effect reduction and energy efficiency.
A green roof can deliver maximum benefits to the building if there is extra insulation. Soil and plants that make up green roofs provide very little insulation on their own, especially when wet. Additional insulation is therefore needed to achieve greater energy efficiency.
Foamular extruded polystyrene is a closed cell board with minimal water absorption and high R-values for thickness. Placed below the soil but above the concrete roof, Foamular creates a continuous thermal barrier, protecting the expensive waterproofing membrane. With its high load bearing properties including a compressive strength range of 300kpa to 650kpa, Foamular extruded polystyrene can support pavers, decking and decorative pebble ballast in walkways and recreation areas.
Foamular extruded polystyrene is available from Austech External Building Products.
