Effect of Roof Surface Type on Storm-Water Runoff from Full-Scale Roofs in a Temperate Climate

rebecca.killalea@canberra.edu.au on 16 Feb 2022
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Author(s)
Carpenter, D. D., & Kaluvakolanu, P.
Year
2011
Title
Effect of Roof Surface Type on Storm-Water Runoff from Full-Scale Roofs in a Temperate Climate
Source
Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
DOI
10.1061/(ASCE)IR.1943-4774.0000185
Volume
137
Issue
3
Pages
161-169
ISSN/ISBN
0733-9437,1943-4774
Abstract

Roof surfaces represent a significant portion of the impervious area associated with urban development. Storm-water runoff from those surfaces causes stream degradation in receiving waters attributable to excess volume of water runoff. This paper investigates the influence of roof surface type on storm-water runoff and specifically considers the benefits of a vegetated roof, or green roof, as a storm-water best management practice (BMP). Runoff data were collected over a 6-month period from three full-scale roofs, which were retrofitted with flow meters and automated water-quality samplers. The roof surfaces included an asphalt roof (for control purposes), a vegetated extensive green roof, and a stone ballasted roof. Both the green roof and stone roof were effective at reducing runoff volume and attenuating peak discharge, with the green roof being more efficient for rainfall events less than 2.54 cm. Overall, the green roof retained 68.25% of rainfall volume and reduced peak discharge by an average of 88.86%. Water-quality results were inconclusive, but did provide some indication that green roof systems could reduce nutrient loadings.

Evidence

Cause Effect Response measure type Habitat Country Modified
Land use/land cover - urban
Green roof
Water quality - suspended material/sediment (Increase)
The green roof resulted in higher total solids concentration in the runoff collected.
Mean difference Artificial United States 16-Feb-2022
Land use/land cover - urban
Green roof
Water quality - nutrients (nitrogen) (Increase)
The nitrogen concentrations from the runoff collected from the green roof were lower than the stone roof, but slightly higher than the control asphalt roof.
Mean difference Artificial United States 16-Feb-2022
Land use/land cover - urban
Green roof
Water quality - nutrients (phosphorus) (Decrease)
The total phosphate concentrations from the runoff collected from the green roof were lower than the asphalt and stone roofs
Mean difference Artificial United States 16-Feb-2022
Land use/land cover - urban
Green roof
Hydrology - surface flow (volume) (Decrease)
Retention of stormwater at source. Study found that both a green roof and stone roof were effective in reducing runoff volume through the attenuation of flow. The green roof achieved a 68.25% rainfall volume reduction throughout the study.
Mean difference Artificial United States 16-Feb-2022