A very popular alternative to traditional roofing materials is
a rooftop garden or green roof. A
green roof consists of vegetation and soil planted over a waterproofing
membrane. Additional layers such as a root barrier, drainage,
as well as irrigation and electrical systems may also be included.
Green roofs are not only an attractive roofing option but they
provide many benefits as well, which is why they are being used
on commercial and residential buildings, government buildings,
office buildings, industrial buildings and even residences.
Our white paper focuses on waterproofing penetrations of
green roof systems. Like any other type of roof, penetrations through
the waterproofing system and its associated components have to
be waterproofed. Our case study involves a four-building condominium
in Chicago. In this case, the four buildings look down on a central
lower building, a lobby, which has a green roof. This provides
the residents with an inviting landscape and helps to beautify
the environment.
The architect specified the 3" Retro-Split Collar for
the sprinkler lines and the electrical conduits.
The company installing the sprinkler system debated with the architect
over the value of the Collars, because he thought he could jerry-rig
his own. He was going to mechanically attach the roof system to
the penetration. However, we explained that due to the expansion
and contraction of a roof, the resulting stress points resulting
from a permanently attached penetration, would eventually cause
a leak. Additionally, when a roof is mechanically attached to the
penetration, it creates a trap for the moisture under the roof's
membrane, not giving the moisture a way to escape .
All buildings have moisture inside, and in order to eliminate
the mold, moisture and the off-gases, the moisture must be able
to escape out of the building. Our waterproof Collars allow the
moisture to escape from the building (venting) while still keeping
water from entering into the building. Once the sprinkler contractor
understood these mechanics of roofing, he agreed to install them
according to the specifications, ensuring a watertight roof assembly.
A
green roof consists of vegetation and soil planted over a waterproofing
membrane. Additional layers such as a root barrier, drainage,
as well as irrigation and electrical systems may also be included.
Green roofs are not only an attractive roofing option but they
provide many benefits as well, which is why they are being used
on commercial and residential buildings, government buildings,
office buildings, industrial buildings and even residences. 
.
All buildings have moisture inside, and in order to eliminate
the mold, moisture and the off-gases, the moisture must be able
to escape out of the building. Our waterproof Collars allow the
moisture to escape from the building (venting) while still keeping
water from entering into the building. Once the sprinkler contractor
understood these mechanics of roofing, he agreed to install them
according to the specifications, ensuring a watertight roof assembly. 
