Pavers and Deck Support Systems
Green roofs have become increasingly popular in recent years, and in some locations have become mandatory, with rooftop plantings reducing energy costs, improving air quality, increasing biodiversity and reducing storm water runoff. One of the easiest methods of creating an instant green roof is to use plastic planter trays filled with growing medium and plants.
We supply unfilled modular plastic trays which you can then fill on site with around 4 inches of growing media and small, low-growing plant species such as succulents that require minimal maintenance and relatively low water needs. Although trays may often be placed directly on the rood surface, in many cases, there's a need to elevate the trays to avoid service pipes, electrical conduits and surface irregularities, or raise the plantings to match the height of paved areas, or to correct for the slope on the roof space.
Fiberglass grating panels supported by adjustable height pedestals undoubtedly offer the most effective and versatile means of supporting raised planter trays. The fiberglass panels not only provide a solid base for the planter trays but can provide support for pavers set among the plantings – porcelain, stone or concrete. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam is combustible and labor-intensive to install while concrete pavers are extremely heavy and may exceed roof loadings with filled planter trays.
Some of the other benefits of using fiberglass grating panels to elevate and support an extensive green roof tray system include:
less pedestals needed c.f. concrete pavers
large panel size (typically 4′ x 8′) ensures much faster installation
superior wind uplift protection – interconnected panels create a continuous surface
allows space for irrigation pipes under the plantings
water drains freely via the open grid structure
minimizes weight loading – just 2.5 – 4 lb/sq.ft. (depending on panel thickness)
