LiveRoof Green Roof Planting System Green Roof System
System Specifications

CAD Drawings

Size Module: 1’ x 2’ x 3”
(soil height approximately 4”)
Soil fills soil elevators, plants and soil obscure container edges when soil elevators are removed
Material 100% post-industrial recycled polypropylene
100 mil. thick walls
Drainage Clearance
Above Roof
1/2"
Color Black or gray
Weight Vegetated
(fully saturated)
approx. 26-29 lbs./sq. ft.
Drainage Positive drain holes, placed at lowest point in container.  Avoids root rot associated with water reservoirs.
Soil Media LiveRoof® specified engineered soil, based upon German FLL granulometric distribution and 95+% by dry weight (92% in BC Canada) inorganic content for minimal shrinkage/decomposition.
Acceptable Protective
Underlying Materials
Modules are typically placed directly upon a heavy duty (typically roofing grade HDPE, polypropylene, TPO, PVC, or EPDM) slip sheet/root barrier of 45-60 mil. thickness with effectively bonded seams. This is placed as an additional protective barrier above roof waterproofing membranes. Alternatively low profile drain boards work well and manufacturers of cold fluid applied reinforced urethane membranes and polyurea systems typically warrant their systems for use in conjunction the LiveRoof® system.
Irrigation System Recommended for backup during prolonged hot dry windy weather patterns.  Simple overhead system with spray heads, or spigot/hose/sprinkler systems are inexpensive and effective.  Irrigation requirements are dependent on plant selection.
Edge Treatments Coengineered Permaloc® non-fastened aluminum L-shaped edging recommended.
Plants See individual grower recommendations for regional selections.
Max Stackable
Height
When empty, LiveRoof® modules are designed to be stacked on their sides so as to protect the Soil Elevator™ holders.

PART 1: GENERAL

1.1.  SCOPE
Furnish all equipment, materials, tools, and labor to install LiveRoof® modules provided by LiveRoof®, Inc., or other grower. LiveRoof® modules to include growth media and plants as specified on drawings or directed by Project Engineer. This work shall also include edge treatments, custom shaping LiveRoof® modules, and installing paver stones or ballast, slip sheet/root barrier and irrigation system, if specified.

1.2  RELATED WORK SPECIFIED ELSEWHERE

  1. Roofing Systems
  2. Pavers/Ballast
  3. Drainage
1.3  QUALITY ASSURANCE
  1. No deviation should be made from this specification.  Installer assumes liability for any deviations from specifications.
  2. Competent personnel shall complete all work.
  3. Prior to installing LiveRoof® modules, the following procedures are to be conducted:
    1. The building Owner, Architect, or Engineer shall verify that the roof is properly designed and constructed to adequately support the load of the LiveRoof® system.
    2. The roof is to be flood tested for water tightness for 24 hours. Water testing shall be witnessed and confirmed in writing by Owner’s Representative and/or Design Professional, Waterproofing Contractor, Membrane Manufacturer, and Installation Contractor.
    3. Slipsheet/root barrier to be properly installed, seams overlapped and bonded.
    4. The roof is to be inspected and determined ready to accept the LiveRoof® modules by a Technical Representative of the Installer.
  4. Once the LiveRoof® installation is completed, an inspection is to be conducted by a Technical Representative of the installer to verify that the LiveRoof® modules have been installed tight against each other, in straight rows, properly oriented, and tight against the edging.

1.4  OPTIONAL MATERIALS
Irrigation System
  1. LiveRoof® recommends the installation of an overhead type irrigation system (similar to that used on athletic turf).  System to be used only to keep LiveRoof® in optimal condition during unusual prolonged periods of intensive heat and drought. Such a system also provides the means to optimize the evaporative cooling effect of LiveRoof® during such weather events.
Pavers/Ballast
  1. To be of compatible size, design, and appropriate weight.
Edging
  1. LiveRoof® Permaloc® non-fastened co-engineered edging recommended.
PART 2: PRODUCTS

2.1  LiveRoof® MODULES
  1. LiveRoof® modules are formed of 100 mil. thick (sidewall) recycled polypropylene and colored black. LiveRoof® modules measure 1 foot x 2 feet outside diameter, 3 inches tall. The LiveRoof® Soil Elevator™, the insert collar that allows for growing soil above the container edge, is approximately 3 ½ inches tall, 18 mil. thick, and composed of gray recycled polypropylene or suitable biodegradable material. Each module is to be filled to the top of the Soil Elevator™. Height from container bottom is approximately 4 inches, although normal settling is to be expected and will reduce this height somewhat.
  2. Saturated weight with mature vegetation: approximately 26-29 lb. per square ft.
  3. Module clearance above roof deck: ½ inch.
  4. When prevegetated at a Nursery, the Nursery is to execute the following:
    1. LiveRoof® Soil Elevator™ is to be properly inserted into fasteners inside LiveRoof® module.
    2. LiveRoof® module is to be filled with LiveRoof® soil and appropriately settled either by mechanical vibration or flooding with water. Any settled soil is to be replaced so that LiveRoof® soil extends to top of Soil Elevator™ at time of planting.
    3. LiveRoof® module is to be filled with LiveRoof® plants, selected by purchaser. Plants are to be grown to maturity (approx. 95%+ soil coverage).
2.2  GROWING MEDIA
LiveRoof® media is an engineered blend of inorganic and organic components based upon German FLL granulometric guidelines modified so as to contain ecologically sustainable levels of organic content.

2.3  PLANTS
LiveRoof® is an “extensive” green roof system. LiveRoof® recommended plant mixes are composed of highly drought resistant ground covers. Local Horticulturists should be consulted for specific recommendations.

PART 3: EXECUTION

3.1 PRE-INSTALLATION MEETING
  1. Convene one week before starting work of this section.
3.2  INSTALLATION SEASON
Module Installation to be conducted when plants are:
  1. Properly adapted and acclimatized to local weather conditions.
  2. When weather is above 35° F and there is no ice on the roof.
3.3  DELIVERY, STORAGE, HANDLING, PROTECTION
  1. LiveRoof® modules are to be delivered in good condition free from shipping damage.
  2. To be efficient LiveRoof® modules are to be installed on the roof top immediately upon delivery.  Any plastic wrapping should be removed to prevent overheating in the sun.  Alternatively, place in the shade.
  3. On the job site, LiveRoof® modules are to be handled to prevent damage to the modules themselves and all roofing components.
  4. LiveRoof® modules are to be conveyed to roof surface with equipment that is designed to carry the collective load of the LiveRoof® modules and transport vehicle or Hoppit®. Account for decreasing load limits when boom (of crane or fork lift) is extended. Use crane stabilizers and take all necessary precautions to protect building and personnel.
  5. Never exceed the load capacity of the roof deck when placing LiveRoof® modules on the roof.
  6. When suspending LiveRoof® modules and conveyance vehicle above deck, take precautions to stabilize vehicle and prevent twisting of conveyance vehicle. A four inch thick sheet of styrofoam is recommended.
  7. Surround area below conveyance vehicle and/or crane with caution/stay clear tape to prevent potential injury.
  8. During installation, protect the roof deck and membranes with appropriate material such as plywood sheeting. Never scrape or puncture slip sheet or membranes. Keep roof surfaces free of soil, grit, or debris at all times with a household broom. Designate one person as the dedicated sweeper. Never set LiveRoof® modules on top of soil, dirt or grit.
  9. Transport carts to have pneumatic tires, to be wheeled about only upon protective plywood sheeting, and to be loaded so as not to exceed weight capacity of roof deck.
3.4  SAFEGUARDING SYSTEM INTEGRITY
Before working on roof, all Installers and Laborers to be:
  1. Properly instructed in safety procedures.
  2. Instructed to keep all work surfaces clean and debris free.
  3. To report immediately any damage to membranes, protective sheeting, or drain elements to supervisor, and to make appropriate repairs before proceeding.
  4. Instructed in proper methods of LiveRoof® installation.
3.5  PREPARATION OF ROOF SURFACE
  1. Install roof membranes and slip sheet/root barrier in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
  2. All surfaces to be smooth, free of debris, soil, and grit prior to placing modules. All materials to be tested water tight and free draining prior to module placement.
  3. All surfaces to be maintained clean and free of debris, soil, and grit during installation process via use of blower or broom. Never walk upon such materials as they may damage membranes.
3.6  LAYING (PLACING) MODULES
  1. LiveRoof® module installation to follow behind installation of irrigation system, pavers, ballast, and edging.
  2. LiveRoof® installation to be conducted in strict accordance with LiveRoof® installation guidelines. Rows to be straight, modules to be tight against each other, arranged in proper directional orientation, and LiveRoof® Soil Elevators™ removed only when individual modules are completely surrounded by edging or other LiveRoof® modules, so as to prevent soil spillage. NOTE: If biodegradable Soil Elevator™ is used, then Soil Elevator™ is left in place.
  3. LiveRoof® module installation to be conducted in accordance with landscape design.
  4. LiveRoof® modules to be placed directly on top of appropriate slip sheet/root barrier.
  5. Any custom fitting and cutting against edging or parapet to include the underlayment of the LiveRoof® module with appropriate drainage fabric/media filter and the placement of such drain cloth completely under the altered module and tight across the face of the module up to the top of module tight against the surrounding parapet or edge treatment.
  6. After installing modules, they should be immediately watered so as to thoroughly moisten the media from top to bottom. Water shall be of suitable quality for plant growth and irrigation system or hoses and sprinklers may be used for such purpose.  Note: it takes approximately 1 inch of water, or 1½ gallons per module to moisten each module thoroughly.
3.7  MAINTENANCE
  1. Thereafter, water modules only during extend hot, dry weather when plants actually show signs of wilting.
  2. Check system every two weeks for weed intrusion, and immediately pull all weeds. Never allow weeds to flower and set seed.
  3. To limit the appearance of foot steps on plants, one may fashion plywood “snowshoes” and attach them by bungee straps to ones boots. A size of 6” x 14” is suitable for many people.  These may make walking slower and awkward; take appropriate precautions, and as always when working on a roof tether oneself when working near roof edge to prevent falling. Follow OSHA guidelines.
  4. Apply suitable biocontrols, fungicides, or insecticides only as required to control diseases and insects. Comply with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations and label instructions when applying these materials.  Avoid runoff into sensitive areas.
  5. Apply slow release fertilizer as needed in accord with manufacturer’s directions.  Avoid runoff into sensitive areas.
3.8  ACCEPTANCE
  1. Inspection to determine acceptance of modules to be made by General Contractor’s Representative or by Owner’s Representative upon General Contractor’s request; five working days notice required.
  2. Upon acceptance, Owner assumes responsibility for module/plant maintenance.
3.9  CLEAN UP
  1. During installation, keep all work surfaces clean and free of grit, dirt, or debris. Following installation, remove all excess materials and tools from job site. Ensure that any damage that occurs as a result of installation is appropriately and immediately repaired.
LiveRoof, LLC
Subsidiary of Hortech, Inc.
P.O. Box 533
Spring Lake, MI 49456
(800) 875-1392
fax (616) 842-3273