Green Roof Systems
Extensive System
The Prairie Designs Extensive System is targeted at green roof projects requiring minimal weight. Ideal for low cost retrofits, the Extensive System utilizes 4 inches or less of soil and a succulent based plant palette.
Saturated weights of 35 lbs/sq foot can be accomplished with this system; even lighter systems may be possible with special accommodations.
Semi-Intensive
The Prairie Designs Semi-Intensive System is our recommended system to extract the most benefits from your green roof with the least amount of soil. 5 to 6 inches of soil can support a wider palette of plant types from prickly pear cactus to wild flowers and short grasses. This deeper soil and wider selection of plants accelerates energy savings and ecological benefits.
Saturated weights from 45 to 65 lbs/sq foot should be expected for this system.
Intensive System
The Prairie Designs Intensive System features soils 8 inches or deeper, able to support a mid-grass prairie community. Species such as little bluestem, sideoats grama and Texas wintergrass can mix with wildflowers and sub-shrubs to provide the ultimate in habitat restoration on your roof.
Energy savings, storm water volume reductions and plant palette size are all maximized with this system.
Along with the significant benefits to a deeper system come heavier soil loads. Designers should plan for at least 70 to 80 lbs/sq foot or higher.
