Waterproofing Under Green (Garden) Roofs – Part 2 of 2

By Justin Henshell, FAIA, FASTM

Link to Part 1 – https://iibec.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/2005-01-henshell.pdf
Link to Part 2 – https://iibec.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/2005-02-henshell.pdf

This is part two of a two-part series on waterproofing mem­branes under green (garden) roofs. The first part, published last month, traced the history of waterproofing membranes under plazas and earth-covered, below-grade spaces, and discussed the various types of waterproofing systems currently marketed and their advantages and disad­vantages for use under green roof systems. This part covers the attributes of candidate membranes and offers a list of minimum physical properties proposed to satisfy the specific needs for those membranes exposed to continuous moist environments, aggressive chemicals, root invasion, and abusive maintenance. Additionally, it dis­cusses failures and offers case studies to illustrate them.