GREEN ROOFS
TECHNICIAN TRAINING
PROGRAM
www.green-roofs.eu
Implementation period: 36 months (01/09/2022-31/08/2025)
Project no. 2022-1-PL01-KA220-HED-000086828
Date:
Partner/Name
Project no. 2022-1-PL01-KA220-HED-000086828
Course 3.1 - Construction Elements
maintenance
Unit 1 - Inspection of irrigation pipes and the inspection boxes
Unit 2 – Thermographic imaging to identify potential leaks in
waterproofing systems
This course will help to formulate maintenance strategies.
A comprehensive maintenance plan delineates performance benchmarks, delineates necessary tasks, and
specifies the resources essential for their accomplishment.
Subsequently, these maintenance plans necessitate regular annual reviews to verify the fulfillment of all
maintenance requisites.
Unit 1 - Inspection of irrigation pipes and the inspection boxes
In this unit will be given information related to the construction elements that are needed to be inspected in
order to have a good maintenece of the Green Roofs created and how plan this maintenece depending on
the elements inpsected
Unit 1
Maintenance operations for construction elements
Inspection of
irrigation pipes ● irrigation pipes maintenance
and the ● inspection boxes maintenance
inspection
boxes Periodicity of the maintenance operations
● Frecvency of maitenance operations
● Planning of the maitenance operations
The provision of safe access for periodic inspection and maintenance visits is
imperative for the roof structure. Ensuring adequate safety measures are in place
Unit 1 to facilitate these visits is paramount. Additionally, it is essential to guarantee the
Inspection of feasibility of transporting materials to and from the roof area.
irrigation pipes
and the
inspection
boxes
Image from: Aerial View Of The Roof Of The Building High-Res Stock Photo - Getty Images
Significant maintenance considerations for green roofs encompass several crucial
Unit 1 factors:
Inspection of → During the design phase, meticulous attention must be given to the
maintenance of green spaces, specifically green roofs. This includes
irrigation pipes considerations such as layer depth, material quality, and the potential for
and the mechanizing maintenance procedures.
inspection → Maintenance operations within green spaces, notably on green roofs, should
align with aesthetic considerations. These operations should remain within
boxes reasonable limits and should not primarily serve production purposes, with the
exception of roofs designated for horticultural use.
→ Employing sustainability principles and resource-conserving strategies is
crucial. This involves minimizing excessive watering, fertilization, and
phytosanitary treatments to promote environmentally conscious maintenance
practices.
→ For larger roofs classified as semi-intensive and intensive, the establishment of
a monitoring system to assess the quality of excess water at its discharge into
the natural environment becomes essential.
Unit 1 Scheduled inspections and maintenance visits are conducted to oversee the
Inspection of favorable state of the roof, supervise vegetation growth, ensure roof integrity,
and maintain proper water drainage.
irrigation pipes These routine visits play a crucial role in the proper conservation of the green
and the roof and in safeguarding the longevity of the waterproofing membrane. It is
inspection advisable to establish a maintenance plan subsequent to the installation of the
green roof, encompassing the maintenance of structural elements and
boxes vegetation upkeep.
Adequate safety measures must be ensured to facilitate safe access for
periodic inspection and maintenance visits to the roof. Provision for
transporting materials to and from the roof should also be guaranteed.
Maintenance of construction components of a Green Roofs refers to scheduled
inspection visit in order to verify, for example, the irrigation pipes and/or inspection
Maintenance boxes. Proper maintenance of irrigation pipes is crucial to ensure the consistent
and adequate watering of vegetation on green roofs, contributing to the health and
operations for vitality of the plants and the overall success of the green roof system.
construction
elements Maintenance of irrigation pipes of a Green Roofs involves several essential
tasks to ensure proper functionality and longevity such as: regular inspections,
clearing blockages, testing irrigation system, repair and replacement, winterization
when is needed, adjustments for growth. Also, it is needed to keep record of the
inspection and to scheduled the maintenance.
1.Regular Inspections means a conduct routine inspections of the irrigation pipes
to check for leaks, blockages, or damages. Inspect fittings, joints, and connections
for any signs of wear or deterioration.
2.Clearing Blockages can be done by removing any debris, sediment, or plant
matter that might obstruct the pipes. Blockages can impede water flow and affect
the efficiency of irrigation.
Maintenance 3.A periodically testing Irrigation System will test the irrigation system to ensure
operations for uniform water distribution across the green roof. The water pressure is checked
and adjust as needed to ensure even watering.
construction
elements 4. Promptly repair or replace damaged or leaking pipes, fittings, or valves will
prevent water wastage and maintain an efficient irrigation system.
5.Preparing for winter of the irrigation system means draining the pipes to
prevent freezing and potential damage during cold weather.
6.Adjustments for Growth is made as plants on the green roof grow, make
necessary adjustments to the irrigation system to accommodate changing watering
needs.
Maintenance 7.Scheduled Maintenance: Establish a regular maintenance schedule for the
irrigation pipes, including periodic checks and preventive maintenance to address
operations for potential issues before they escalate.
construction
8.Record-Keeping: Maintain records of maintenance activities, inspections,
elements repairs, and replacements performed on the irrigation pipes for future reference
and to track system performance over time.
Maintaining inspection boxes involves several steps to ensure they remain
functional, accessible. That means these boxes are created to ensure regular
Maintenance inspection, easy acces to the other construction elements, and to have secure
covers or barriers around them.
operations for
construction
elements
Image from:
Green Roof In Toronto High-Res Stock Photo - Getty Imag
es
Image from:
Green Roofs: Restoring Urban Landscapes One
Roof at a Time, Brian Taylor, P.E., March 2010,
WSU, LID Workshop, Puyallup, pag. 19
Maintenance By following the maintenance practices, inspection boxes on green roofs can be
effectively preserved, ensuring they remain accessible and functional for
operations for inspections, monitoring, and maintenance activities. Regular upkeep helps maintain
construction the integrity of the green roof system and supports efficient management of its
elements components. Therefore, the following activities can be made for maintaining
operational the inspection boxes:
1.Schedule routine inspections of the inspection boxes to check their condition.
Verify that the covers or access points are secure, hinges are functional, and seals
are intact to prevent water ingress or debris accumulation.
2.Ensure that the area around the inspection boxes remains clear and
accessible. Remove any debris, vegetation, or obstructions that might hinder
access or compromise functionality.
3.Check the seals or gaskets around the inspection boxes to ensure they are in
good condition. Replace or repair any damaged seals to prevent water infiltration,
which could lead to leaks or damage inside the green roof structure.
4.Verify that the components within the inspection boxes, such as irrigation
system connections, drainage outlets, or monitoring devices, are in working order.
Maintenance Clean or replace any clogged or malfunctioning components as needed.
operations for 5.Ensure that safety measures, such as secure covers or barriers around the
construction inspection boxes, are in place to prevent accidental falls or injuries to personnel
accessing the boxes.
elements 6.Maintain records of inspection box maintenance, including dates of inspections,
repairs performed, and any issues identified. This documentation helps track
maintenance history and facilitates future maintenance planning.
7.For complex maintenance tasks or repairs, engage qualified professionals
familiar with green roof systems and inspection box components to ensure proper
maintenance and functionality.
8.Consider seasonal maintenance adjustments, such as checking for ice or snow
accumulation around the inspection boxes during colder months, to ensure
continued accessibility.
9.Implement a regular monitoring schedule to routinely assess the condition of
the inspection boxes, allowing for proactive maintenance and early identification of
potential issues.
A critical aspect that ensures the longevity, health, and optimal performance of the
green roof system is periodicity of the maintenance operations. The frequency
Periodicity of and timing of maintenance activities can significantly impact the overall effectiveness
the of the green roof. The periodicity of maintenance operations should be tailored to the
specific characteristics of each green roof, considering factors such as climate,
maintenance vegetation, design, and local environmental conditions. A well-planned and executed
operations maintenance schedule helps prolong the lifespan of the green roof, preserves its
functionality, and contributes to its sustainability and effectiveness.
Key points of the periodicity of maintenance operations are:
1.Scheduled Routine Maintenance: Green roofs require regular, scheduled
maintenance to ensure their functionality. This includes tasks such as removing
debris, inspecting vegetation, checking irrigation systems, and assessing drainage
functionality. The frequency of these routine maintenance tasks may vary depending
on factors such as climate, vegetation type, and the specific design of the green roof.
2.Seasonal Maintenance: Certain maintenance operations may be tied to specific
seasons. For instance, regular inspections before and after winter might involve
assessing drainage to prevent water accumulation or checking for damage caused
by freezing temperatures. In warmer seasons, tasks like pruning vegetation or
adjusting irrigation may be more prevalent.
3.Biannual or Annual Inspections: Some maintenance tasks, such as inspections
of structural elements, waterproofing membranes, and overall system integrity, may
Periodicity of occur on a biannual or annual basis. These inspections help identify potential issues
the early on and prevent larger problems from arising.
maintenance 4.Adjustments Based on Growth: As vegetation on green roofs grows and
changes throughout the year, maintenance may be required to accommodate this
operations growth. Adjustments in irrigation, pruning, or plant replacement might be needed to
maintain the health and aesthetics of the green roof.
5.Irrigation and Watering Schedule: The frequency of irrigation and watering
cycles may vary according to weather conditions, plant requirements, and seasonal
changes. Regular monitoring and adjustment of irrigation schedules are crucial to
ensure optimal plant health without waterlogging or drying out.
6.Gutter and Drain Cleaning: Cleaning gutters, downspouts, and drainage systems
may need to be performed periodically to prevent blockages and ensure proper
water flow off the roof.
7.Record-Keeping and Documentation: Maintaining detailed records of
maintenance activities, observations, and any issues discovered during inspections
is crucial. This documentation assists in planning future maintenance, tracking
trends, and ensuring consistency in maintenance practices.
Within the realm of green roofs,
maintenance of construction
Periodicity of components involves scheduled
Technical Guide for Green Roofs 2023, pg. 118
periodic inspections, conducted a
the minimum of two times annually, wherein
maintenance the maintenance tasks delineated in
operations table 14 of Technical Guide for Green
Roofs 2023 at pg. 118 are executed.
In the event of damage to the
waterproofing system leading to leaks,
prompt rectification of the underlying
issues becomes imperative. Addressing
problems necessitates the expertise of
specialized personnel for repairing the
waterproofing membrane. Preserving
the integrity of the irrigation installation
against potential frost-induced damage
is essential to mitigate potential harm.
Unit 2 – Thermographic imaging to identify potential leaks in
waterproofing systems
In this unit will be presented the principle of thermographic imaging and haow moisture Intrusion and Leaks identify
3
Unit 2 –
Thermographic Thermographic Imaging
imaging to
identify • Principle of Thermographic Imaging
• Case studies
potential leaks
in
Moisture Intrusion and Leaks Identification
waterproofing
systems • Identifying the moisture and leaks intrusion
• Case studies
Infrared thermal imaging stands as a valuable non-destructive methodology
employed in the inspection of various roof types and architectural constructions.
Thermographic Diverse methodologies exist for the application of thermography in scrutinizing
Imaging roof systems, with certain approaches being more suitable contingent upon the
specific construction, seasonal variations, and prevailing weather conditions.
For the detection of water ingress in flat roofs, the conventional infrared
methodology involves conducting roof surface scans from an elevated position,
typically around sunset subsequent to a sunny day. This technique yields
noteworthy outcomes across multiple roof constructions and materials,
encompassing single-ply membranes, bitumen felt, EPDM, GRP, hot melt, and
cold applied liquids situated atop insulation or boarding. A prominent advantage of
thermal imaging in roof inspections, compared to electronic leak detection
methods, is its capability to scan even conductive materials like EPDM.
Additionally, due to its non-contact nature, thermographic scanning enables
inspection of inaccessible or hazardous roofs from a safe distance.
To facilitate the elevation of a thermal camera above the roof under optimal
conditions, a mast, UAV/drone, or higher roof vantage point may be employed.
These methods enable the capture of thermal imaging data at the opportune
moment and in favorable conditions for accurate roof assessment.
Thermographic imaging involves using an infrared camera to capture the heat
radiation emitted by objects. It detects temperature variations on the surface,
Thermographic allowing identification of potential issues not visible to the naked eye.
Imaging
Image from:
Thermographic Roof Surveys | Book Your Roof Survey (s
Image from: cantherm.co.uk)
FLIR T660 IR Camera 640 x 480 Resolution / 30Hz with Standard
25° Lens and Optional 15° Lens (15°, f=41.3mm) with Case - 559
04-8524 (jjstech.com)
A thermal imaging camera operates by converting the thermal energy emitted by
an object into visible light, or light perceptible to the human eye, thereby capturing
Thermographic and generating a thermal image known as a thermogram through a process
termed thermography. This thermogram displays the temperature of the object
Imaging being observed.
Initially developed for tactical military applications, the origins of thermal camera
technology trace back to the invention of the first infrared-sensitive camera in 1929
by Hungarian physicist Kalman Tihanyi. During the First World War, thermal imaging
was utilized as a form of night vision in British anti-aircraft defense and later
incorporated into early German night vision technology during the Second World
War to identify adversaries.
However, the historical roots of thermal imaging can be associated with the 1800s
discovery of infrared radiation by Sir Frederick William Herschel, an astronomer,
and the creation of the first bolometer, an apparatus capable of detecting subtle
temperature variations, by Samuel P. Langley.
Contemporary thermal cameras predominantly exist in handheld forms, although
larger configurations are also prevalent, often mounted on tripods, particularly in
settings like airports and laboratories. These devices continue to evolve in size and
functionality, serving various industries and applications for thermal imaging
technology.
Thermographic
Imaging Image from:
Thermographic Roof S
urveys | Book Your Ro
of Survey (scantherm.
co.uk)
Image from: Thermographic Roof Surveys | Book Your Roof Survey (scantherm.co.uk)
Moisture intrusion or leaks often result in temperature differences compared to
surrounding dry areas.
Moisture Identifying Leaks can be done by using the infrared camera to scan the surface of
Intrusion and the green roof systematically. Areas showing temperature variations or anomalies
that might indicate potential leaks or moisture beneath the waterproofing layer are
Leaks identified. The captured thermal images are analyzed by professionals trained in
Identification thermography to interpret the data accurately.
Image from:
16 Thermal Camera Uses You Should
Know About (smartscouter.com)
Moisture intrusion or leaks often result in temperature differences compared to
surrounding dry areas.
Moisture Identifying Leaks can be done by using the infrared camera to scan the surface of
Intrusion and the green roof systematically. Areas showing temperature variations or anomalies
that might indicate potential leaks or moisture beneath the waterproofing layer are
Leaks identified. The captured thermal images are analyzed by professionals trained in
Identification thermography to interpret the data accurately.
Image from: Infrared Roof Inspection Roof Moisture Survey, Detect Flat Roof Moisture - Albany, NY | Infrared Imaging Services
There are some limitations and considerations in moisture intrusion
Moisture identification.
Intrusion and - Difficulty to obtain accurate data from models that have less thermophysical and
radiometric properties.
Leaks - Retrieving accurate data can require infrared-transmitting optics that are not
Identification always available.
- Cameras are not suited for very low temperatures below -50 degrees C.
- Most cameras have ±2% accuracy or worse in measurement of temperature and
are not as accurate as contact methods.
- Methods and instruments are limited to directly detecting surface temperatures.
- Weather conditions and environmental factors like sunlight or ambient
temperature can affect the accuracy of thermographic imaging.
- The type of materials used in the green roof construction can impact the
effectiveness of the imaging. For instance, certain materials might not allow heat
transfer, affecting the detection of leaks.
- The depth at which the infrared camera can detect moisture may vary, so it might
not identify leaks deep within the structure.
Moisture 1.Benefits:
Intrusion and 1. Early Detection: Thermographic imaging can detect potential leaks at an early
Leaks stage, allowing for proactive maintenance to prevent extensive damage.
Identification 2. Non-Destructive Evaluation: It is a non-invasive and non-destructive method,
reducing the need for invasive inspections or exploratory work.
Therefore, thermographic imaging serves as a valuable tool in identifying potential
leaks or moisture intrusion in waterproofing systems of green roofs. While it offers
benefits in early leak detection, its accuracy might be influenced by various
external factors and the specific construction materials used in the green roof
system. Therefore, it is often used in conjunction with other inspection methods for
a comprehensive assessment.
References
1. Palha, P; Franca, José Vila (2020). Guia Técnico para Coberturas Verdes. ANCV / Palha, P; Franca,
José Vila (2020). Technical Guide for Green Roofs. ANCV.
2. Green Roofs: Restoring Urban Landscapes One Roof at a Time, Brian Taylor, P.E., March 2010, WSU,
LID Workshop, Puyallup, pag. 10, 19, 118
3. Green Roof In Toronto High-Res Stock Photo - Getty Images
4. Aerial View Of The Roof Of The Building High-Res Stock Photo - Getty Images
5. Thermographic Roof Surveys | Book Your Roof Survey (scantherm.co.uk)
6. 16 Thermal Camera Uses You Should Know About (smartscouter.com)
7. ,,,
THANK YOU!
GREEN ROOFS
TECHNICIAN TRAINING
PROGRAM
www.green-roofs.eu
Implementation period: 36 months (01/09/2022-31/08/2025)
Project no. 2022-1-PL01-KA220-HED-000086828
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the
author(s) only and do not necessarily reflectthose of the European Union or the
European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European
Union norEACEA can be held responsible for them.
