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Blue roofs (view source)

Revision as of 19:55, 4 October 2022

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→‎Inspection and Maintenance
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[[File:Blue roof concept.jpg|thumb|Conceptual diagram of flow control drain cover type blue roof/ rooftop detention]]
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[[File:Blue roof concept.jpg|thumb|500px|Conceptual diagram of flow control drain cover type blue roof/ rooftop detention]]
 
Blue roofs can be a very economical and low maintenance way to manage undesirable rainwater on a flat roof. For rooftop retention on moderately sloped roofs, a [[green roof]] is going to be a better choice. On steeply sloped roofs, [[rainwater harvesting]], or diverting roof leaders to a landscape integrated LID is a more appropriate alternative.   
 
Blue roofs can be a very economical and low maintenance way to manage undesirable rainwater on a flat roof. For rooftop retention on moderately sloped roofs, a [[green roof]] is going to be a better choice. On steeply sloped roofs, [[rainwater harvesting]], or diverting roof leaders to a landscape integrated LID is a more appropriate alternative.   
    
==Overview==
 
==Overview==
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Blue roofs, or rooftop detention, is a popular stormwater management option for flat roof buildings, particularly within the industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) sector. The appeal is the relatively low cost and simplicity of modelling and forecasting performance.  
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Preceded by green roof and flow control roof drain systems, blue roof systems are an innovative green technology for flood and drought resilience and adaptation. Blue roof systems temporarily capture rainwater using the roof as storage and allow it to evaporate and/or to be used for non-potable requirements (i.e. irrigation, toilet flushing, truck washing) and ultimately offset potable water demands. Any remaining water can be gradually released into the municipal stormwater system reducing peak flow rates. Additionally, during the summer season, rainwater ponded on a flat roof can cool the interior of a building and reduce air conditioning pressures through evaporative cooling. As such, smart blue roof systems are advantageous to both the private and public sector.
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Blue roof systems regulate rooftop runoff by storing and controlling the release of rainwater, thereby reducing the potential of overflow in the municipal sewer system and thus, the potential for localized flooding. Combining a blue roof system with rainwater harvesting (RWH) allows for rainwater reuse and provides additional benefits. Blue roof systems are a popular stormwater management option for flat roof buildings, particularly within the industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) sector (which make up 23 - 30% of most urbanized areas) <ref>Credit Valley Conservation. 2020. Automated Real-time IoT Smart Blue Roof Systems for the IC&I Sector for Flood and Drought Resilience and Adaptation Technical and Financial Feasibility Study. Credit Valley Conservation, Mississauga, Ontario. https://sustainabletechnologies.ca/app/uploads/2019/02/Smart-Blue-Roof-Lit-Review-Feb-2019.pdf. The appeal is the relatively low cost and simplicity of modelling and forecasting performance,</ref>.  
    
{{textbox|Blue roofs are ideal for:
 
{{textbox|Blue roofs are ideal for:
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Blue roofs can also be fitted with smart controls and electrically operated valves to regulate water discharging from the roof. The electrically operated valves can be tied to predictive weather algorithms to forecast incoming rain or snow events as well as extreme heat days. Based on the weather forecast, valves may be opened and closed to accommodate additional rain or snow loads. When coupled with a rainwater harvesting system, blue roofs increase rainwater storage capacity to meet non-potable water demand (i.e. toilet flushing or irrigation) without the need to oversize tanks. Rainwater harvesting tanks with smart controls are able to coordinate with blue roofs to draw water from the roof when the tank water level is low to meet demand and offset municipal potable water use. <ref>Credit Valley Conservation. 2018. Smart Blue Roof Project Literature Review Report. Credit Valley Conservation, Mississauga, Ontario.</ref>
 
Blue roofs can also be fitted with smart controls and electrically operated valves to regulate water discharging from the roof. The electrically operated valves can be tied to predictive weather algorithms to forecast incoming rain or snow events as well as extreme heat days. Based on the weather forecast, valves may be opened and closed to accommodate additional rain or snow loads. When coupled with a rainwater harvesting system, blue roofs increase rainwater storage capacity to meet non-potable water demand (i.e. toilet flushing or irrigation) without the need to oversize tanks. Rainwater harvesting tanks with smart controls are able to coordinate with blue roofs to draw water from the roof when the tank water level is low to meet demand and offset municipal potable water use. <ref>Credit Valley Conservation. 2018. Smart Blue Roof Project Literature Review Report. Credit Valley Conservation, Mississauga, Ontario.</ref>
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==Inspection and Maintenance==
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An inspection and maintenance plan is crucial to the success of a [[blue roof]] system and should be updated based on the results of the first-year post-construction monitoring. The plan should include a maintenance schedule developed for the entire life of the rooftop system. Aspects that need to be included:
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#Maintenance activities required to be completed per week/month/season/year;
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#Frequency or maintenance and inspection activities;
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#Timing of said activities; and,
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#Assigning the appropriate person/consultant (entity) responsible for completing the activity should be included (Credit Valley Conservation, 2018)<ref>Credit Valley Conservation. 2018. Smart Blue Roof Project Literature Review Report. Credit Valley Conservation, Mississauga, Ontario. Retrieved from: https://cvc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/STEP-CVC-Smart-Blue-Roof-Project-Literature-Review-Final.pdf</ref>
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Inspections will need to occur within 24 hours of significant rain events (>25 mm) to ensure the specified ponding depths and drain times are being achieved as per design specifications, standing water does not persist for more than 24 hours, and there are no leaks occurring due to damage to the roof membrane or as a result of other underlying roof conditions (NYCDEP, 2012a).<ref> New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP). 2012. NYC Green Infrastructure Plan: 2012 Green Infrastructure Pilot Monitoring Report. Retrieved from: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dep/downloads/pdf/water/stormwater/green-infrastructure/2012-green-infrastructure-pilot-monitoring-report.pdf</ref>.
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{| class="wikitable"
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|+ '''Recommended Inspection Activities for Blue Roofs''' (NYCDEP, 2012b)<ref> New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP). 2012. Guidelines for the Design and Construction of storm water Management Systems. Retrieved from:
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https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dep/downloads/pdf/water/stormwater/stormwater-design-construction-guidelines-2012-final.pdf.</ref>
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!Schedule
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!Activity
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|-
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|style="text-align:left;"|
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Semi-annually under dry conditions
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|style="text-align:left;"|
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*Inspect roof drain inlets to ensure in good condition.
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*Inspect drain inlet screens/covers and scuppers to ensure in good condition.
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*Inspect roof membrane to check for signs of deterioration.
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|-
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|style="text-align:left;"|
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Quarterly and after rain events
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|style="text-align:left;"|
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*Inspect roof to verify achievement of water depth and drain time requirements.
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*Inspect secondary drainage inlets for blockage or debris. 
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|-
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After snow/icing events
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|style="text-align:left;"|
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*Check roof drain inlets for blockage caused by buildup of snow or ice.
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|}
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Maintenance activities for blue roofs should focus on preventing [[clogging]] of drainage [[inlets]] and deterioration of the roof membrane (NYCDEP, 2012b)<ref> New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP). 2012. Guidelines for the Design and Construction of storm water Management Systems. Retrieved from:
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https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dep/downloads/pdf/water/stormwater/stormwater-design-construction-guidelines-2012-final.pdf.</ref>. In addition, adequate maintenance of the secondary drainage system is essential to ensure its performance in the event of a failure of the roofing system. The rooftop system and membrane should be evaluated every 20 years to assess the need for replacement. Maintenance access points should be clearly identified in the plan for the system. Special training required to perform specific tasks is required for the appropriate person/consultant (entity) responsible for completing the specific maintenance activity.
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{| class="wikitable"
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|+ '''Recommended Maintenance Activities for Blue Roofs''' (NYCDEP, 2012b)<ref> New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP). 2012. Guidelines for the Design and Construction of storm water Management Systems. Retrieved from:
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https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dep/downloads/pdf/water/stormwater/stormwater-design-construction-guidelines-2012-final.pdf.</ref>
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|-
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!Schedule
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!Activity
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!Equipment Needed
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|-
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|style="text-align:left;"|
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During inspections or as needed to ensure performance
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|style="text-align:left;"|
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*Remove debris from drainage inlets and inlet screens to prevent clogging.
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*Remove debris from secondary drainage inlets/scuppers.
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*Shovel
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|-
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|style="text-align:left;"|
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Winter considerations 
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|style="text-align:left;"|
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*Break up ice formations around inlets
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|style="text-align:left;"|
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*Ice pick, small pick-axe, or other equivalent/relevant tool
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|}<br>
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Take a look at the [[Inspection and Maintenance: Green Roofs]] page by clicking below for further details about proper inspection and maintenance practices:
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{{Clickable button|[[File:Green roofs cover page.PNG|150 px|link=https://wiki.sustainabletechnologies.ca/wiki/Inspection_and_Maintenance:_Green_Roofs]]}}
    
==Blue roofs in the treatment train==
 
==Blue roofs in the treatment train==
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*[https://www.hydrotechusa.com/assemblies/roofing/blue-roofs Hydrotech]
 
*[https://www.hydrotechusa.com/assemblies/roofing/blue-roofs Hydrotech]
 
*[http://www.liveroof.com/roofblue/ Livegreen]
 
*[http://www.liveroof.com/roofblue/ Livegreen]
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==References==
Retrieved from "https://wiki.sustainabletechnologies.ca/wiki/Special:MobileDiff/9718...14372"

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