Latest Roofing Trends: Is Blue the New Green?
August 10, 2016
At the International Roofing Expo in Orlando earlier this year, we talked with a number of roofing manufacturers about the impact of green roofs and their positive impact on the environment.
According to a blog on the website for PHP Systems/Designs, another environmentally friendly development in the roofing industry is taking root — blue roofs.
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It’s all about stormwater management,” wrote Marion McKnight on the company’s website. PHP produces designs and manufactures roof pipe and equipment support systems. “On a blue roof, a system of detention ponds collects storm water, temporarily stores it, and then releases it slowly when the rain has stopped. It acts as a temporary sponge, mimicking the hydrology of the site before the building was constructed. The water collection can be accomplished through everything from building risers that cause water to dam up in designated areas to installing custom-designed trays for collecting and releasing water.”
The article says that blue roofs are most prevalent in urban areas, with New York City one of the most popular areas to find them. They also can help reduce cooling costs in a building.
As the author reminds, not every facility is capable of installing a blue roof. Maintenance and engineering managers have to consider the roof’s load capacity, costs, and how much standing water each roof can absorb before leaks and other problems may occur before taking the leap.
This quick read was submitted by Dave Lubach, associate editor for Facility Maintenance Decisions. Reach him at dave.lubach@tradepress.com. For more on how to avoid roofing project headaches, click on the link here
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