With the increase in flooding and rain events and the decrease of the water tables it has become clear that ecology of water cycles are now severely impaired due to significant climate changes along with increases in soil sealing levels. One of the latest solutions to areas that are prone to flooding from across the globe come in the form of green roofs, which provide an increase in green spaces in the spaces that are densely populated and developed. Every green roof will store a certain level of storm water, which will then run-off or evaporate from the roof.
Recent statistics from the German Federal Ministry for the Environment released information that 69 hectares of land has been rezoned for infrastructure development and settlement in the year 2015. The effects of this type of sustained levels associated with soil sealing results in storm water that is no longer able to penetrate into public sewerage systems and the ground, which usually become overwhelmed quickly during rain events that are severe which results in flooding.
The Effects Of Stormwater Retention
The aim behind storm water retention involves suppressing precipitation peaks and to then extend these stages temporarily. Opting for a green roof for example, will mean that your roof can store as much as 20 to 40 l/m² in the green-roof build up or for the intensive green roofs, they are able to store 50 and 100 l/m² or even more. When it comes to flood zone areas, the green roof that you decide on should be able to store high levels of water.
How Does It Work
In the latest stormwater management roofs, the element known as a “spacer” is used, which is installed under the green-roof build-up. The actual height for these spacers will vary according to area that you live in. For example, a spacer that is 10 cm high will allow for storing around 80 l/m² of rain, on a flat zero-pitch roof along with a required load-bearing capacity. Retention capacities of the green roofs are in this way increased. Over a pre-defined time, frame which is usually over 24 hours or a few days, any retained storm water will slowly run off through the throttle element which is inserted inside the gully into a sewage system.
Rooftop plants which includes the roof gardens and green roofs combined with a rainwater collector are aimed at slowing down the effects of a flood. They are also designed to spread the impact of heavier rains over longer periods. These ideas are also based on replacing a few of the grass, plants and trees which are missing in the concrete environments.
Reducing Flooding With Metal Roofs
Flooding has occurred more recently in the Houston area, yet is more of a continuous issue in areas like New Jersey, New York City, among others. These flood zones stem from rainfall in unusually large volumes, which is the more obvious reason, yet flooding is also the result of environments that are built-up that do not have the ability to handle rainfall due to the impermeable surfaces which are common in cities.
Metal roofs are also regarded as a solution for flooding when combined with storage devices which capture water and then delays the water when it flows from the roof into the stormwater system in the city. Captured water can later be reused for the non-potable purposes such as toilet flushing or landscaping.
The Benefits Of Reusing Rainwater
Advantages associated with capturing along with delaying release of rainfall, not only assists cities to manage rainfall for either flooding or drought conditions but can also assist the checkbook of a building owner.
The activities involved in reusing rainwater will mean paying a lot less for your water that local water utilities would usually have to treat before sending it to the different buildings. Owners are offered with the opportunity to pay less when it comes to their water bills, while at the same time easing a bit of the stress placed on the utility companies.
Roofing Maintenance Can Help To Prevent Home Flooding
Storms have the potential to cause havoc to homes. Over and above resulting in damages to the roof, sidings and the home exterior, heavy rains and high winds also contribute to flooding. Water that infiltrates into your home can potentially destroy your valuables and also cause damages to the foundations, interior walls and your finishes as well as encourage dangerous mold growth. A roof is classified as the primary barrier to water infiltrating the home, which also makes sure your home stays dry. Regular maintenance can assist your roof in performing at its very best and to keep the water out.
In addition to a professional roof inspection conducted by an experienced roofing contractor you should also ensure your roof is clear from algae, moss and debris. Trim any overhanging branches along with foliage to avoid the impacts from blowing or falling debris. If you find algae or moss remove it safely without causing more damages to your roof. If you allow these types of conditions to build-up this can undermine or penetrate your shingles, which can result in granule loss if you have asphalt shingles which results in leakage, structural damages, water infiltration and mold.
If you have plans to replace the roof, it is a good idea to invest in rubber-roof underlayment. This is an inexpensive addition which creates a barrier that is more waterproof between the roof decking and the shingles, which will ultimately extend the life-span of the roof as well as protect your home and attic from water that infiltrates your home. The option to replace asphalt-shingles with architectural shingles, duration shingles or stone-coated modern steel materials which can assist in protecting the house from moisture over the years.
Avoid the risks of allowing your home to become flooded, by investing in the right roofing materials or replacing the roof with either a metal or green roof solution. Regular maintenance is also the key to preventing unnecessary flooding.
