Working with GreenGrid

1How do I get help or information about GreenGrid?
888-404-4743 info@greengridroofs.com
2What if I want a total system warranty including both the waterproofing and green roof system?
The GreenGrid warranty is available whether you buy direct from GreenGrid or through a waterproofing contractor. If you also want overburden removal as part of the warranty, then you’ll want to purchase a total system warranty from a waterproofing manufacturer such as the Carlisle GreenGrid system. If you don’t need overburden removal, you can purchase GreenGrid direct, or with most waterproofing systems.
3What lead time is required for ordering or pre-growing the GreenGrid system before delivery?
As quick as a couple of weeks if we have inventory available. Our next quickest option for fully rooted, full coverage incorporates sedum mats. Order those with 4-6 weeks lead time. Custom growing requires 12-16 weeks. All during the growing season – we don’t grow indoors.
4Can you ship to remote locations?
Yes. We have completed projects in Hawaii, Alaska and rural areas on the mainland US.
5I don’t want to hunt for website information, can we talk?
We’ll answer or return your call within 24 hours
6Where do you pre-grow the GreenGrid system?
Regional nurseries

Features for Using the GreenGrid System

1Why buy GreenGrid?

Each project has its own objectives. A few common buying decision we hear often:

  • Simple, fast and easy to install
  • High quality, ‘instant green’ when installed
  • Cost effective
  • Truly modular features allow post-installation changes
  • Mixing and matching depths and plantings creates great spaces at relatively low added cost
  • We offer a full line of coordinated accessories
  • We can custom grow and have lots of options
  • Trust in 6M square feet already installed and more than a 15 year history
2What are the GreenGrid modules manufactured from?
100% pre-consumer linear low density or medium density polyethylene
3What is the roof waterproofing has a leak or requires changes after installation?
Locate the general area of the leak as best you can, then temporarily relocate trays until repairs can be made. Put the modules back, and the system remains undisturbed. You may want to consider an Electronic Leak Detection system as well.
4Will the GreenGrid system extend the longevity of the waterproofing surface?
Because the waterproofing system is not exposed to extreme thermal temperature changes and UV rays, the lifespan may be extended by 2-times or longer.
5Does GreenGrid help with attaining LEED certification?
A green roof can help achieve a few specific LEED credits. With our high percentage of recycled content and regional supply chain, we can also contribute towards reaching your recycled content and local/regional materials credits. Our system-specific energy data can also be incorporated into your energy model, helping improve those calculations and awarded credits as well.
6Does a GreenGrid system help to reduce energy demand or save costs?

Absolutely!  The benefit is primarily during the summer months when the green roof is actively cooling the roof surface. It is equivalent to about an R-100 insulative value.  In the winter, the soil adds some thermal mass, with about an R-7 equivalent. The percent coverage, building height and other aspects of the project will determine how much those green roof benefits impact overall energy use.

In areas where incentive programs are available, be sure to include those in your evaluation.  Also keep in mind that a properly designed green roof should extend the life of the roof system, improving lifecycle costs.

Lastly, if you can view or access your green roof, there can be a substantial increase in the value of your building that may provide for an immediate return on investment that can be multiple times greater than the cost.

7What can we expect for storm water management benefits?
A GreenGrid system can help retain and slow down runoff from a roof surface. Typically upwards of 70% of a 1-inch rainfall over one hour will be retained. Over a year, 40 to 60% reduction has been observed. See the design guides and references on website.
8Do the modules interlock or fasten together?
Alignment notches help ensure a good installation. Where called for by the design team, modules can be fastened to one another as they are installed. See the system details on the website.

Designing with GreenGrid

1What sizes are available?
Module size is 2’x2’. Tray depths are 2.75”, 4”, 6”, and 8”.
2What is the product warranty?
The GreenGrid modules are warranted for a 20-year period. Plants carry 90 day/1yr/2yr standard warranty options.
3Is irrigation required?
Extensive green roofs typically do not require irrigation for central and northern climates in the US. Many semi-intensive and intensive roof gardens do need irrigation given the different plant varieties used.
4What about wind, fire or other code issues?
See the design guides and references on website
5What type of substrate or growing media is used?
Growing media is an engineered lightweight blend consisting of inorganic and organic components. The mix blends are based on the German FLL guidelines for planning, execution and upkeep of green roof sites. The actual components used vary between regions, depending on availability of resources.
6What types of plants are used?
Typically for extensive (shallow) green roof systems, varieties of sedums or other ground covers are selected. Decorative roof gardens may opt to include perennials or ornamental grasses.
7Can you use native plants?
Most varieties of sedums are considered adaptive, however, native plants can be selected by regional climate. Keep in mind that the rooftop environment is often very different from the native condition, so native plants often are not well suited to green roof applications.
8What is the warranty on plants?
A standard plant warranty is typically 1-year after installation and with documentation of maintenance. Extended plant warranties are also available.
9Do the plant roots need to move between trays?
In short, “no”. The plants with proven track records in the GreenGrid system are not particularly root aggressive. Sedum is a shallow rooted plant that normally grows in rocky outcrops with very little space. The ornamental grasses and flowering perennials incorporated into intensive systems do not need that lateral space either. Remember, the roots follow water and nutrients, and in a green roof mix (gravely and well drained), both are moving vertically much more so than moving horizontally, and the roots will follow.
10Is an underlayment required to be placed beneath the GreenGrid modules?
This depends on the waterproofing system and manufacturer recommendations. Often the waterproofing manufacturer will request that a thin, 4 to 12-ounce fabric be used to protect the membrane during installation.
11Is perimeter edging required to contain the system?
The GreenGrid modules have rigid sidewalls and therefore do not need perimeter edging to retain the growing media. If the layout requires cutting the modules to fit, then edging can be used to retain soil media within the cut trays.
12How best can hardscape features be included with the GreenGrid system?
The 2’x2’ standard dimension of the GreenGrid system is designed to work seamlessly with hardscape options like concrete, wood and other materials that are typically installed using 2’x2’ units as well. Ask us for details on the interface between hard and softscapes.
13Can GreenGrid be placed on sloped roof surfaces?
Standard modules are designed for flat or slightly pitched roof installation up to 1:12. With engineering controls up to a 2:12 pitch is appropriate for the standard modules. Custom modules are available for steeper slopes.

Installing GreenGrid

1What type of equipment is needed to off-load and install the GreenGrid modules?
The hoisting equipment will depend on the type of building and associated height of roof. Please see the installation guide for detailed descriptions.
2How fast can the pre-grown GreenGrid system be installed?
A crew of 4-8 workers can typically install the extensive modules at a rate of 2,500-5,000 SF/day depending on logistics and hoisting requirements. The deeper trays often ship on racks that require more handling, averaging 1,200 to 3,000sf per day.
3How are the modules shipped?
Extensive modules ship on pallets, shrink wrapped, ready to unload, hoist and install quickly, much like other standard building materials. Deeper modules or taller plantings typically ship on metal racks or on modified pallets with lots of room for plants to breathe.
4Do we need a certified installer?
GreenGrid is typically installed by roofing contractors and landscape companies. We do not require installers to be certified. An installation guide is available on the website.
5Are pre-grown modules full coverage on delivery?
With adequate lead time or upgrades to sedum mats or higher density plantings, absolutely. Pre-grown modules will attain 80-95% plant coverage or better before shipping. Keep in mind that we grow outdoors, so in most regions, a spring delivery, for example, with standard plantings, needs to be planted and grown out the summer prior.
6Can hardscape pavers or other accessories be used?
GreenGrid offers a full line of coordinated accessories as well.

Maintaining GreenGrid

1Can you walk on top of the GreenGrid system?
Yes. We suggest limiting foot traffic to maintaining the green roof. They are not designed for recreational access, and repeated foot traffic will trample the plants.
2What level of maintenance is required?
See the GreenGrid maintenance guide on website
3How do we document our maintenance program to adhere with plant warranty?
Your best bet is to contract with us to provide cost-effective ongoing maintenance services. Where that is not possible, be sure to submit your maintenance logs and photos for each maintenance event, as it is completed, to maintain your plant warranty.
4Does GreenGrid offer maintenance services?
Yes, depending on your location. Where we do not offer that service, we can coordinate with your local providers to be sure they understand what is required.
5What kind of fertilizer is used to maintain plant health?
Commercially-available fertilizers need to be applied periodically to sustain healthy plant growth. Your plant selections, climate, and project-specific goals will determine the best product for a project.