ZinCo green roof system combines 4 layers in 1 for large roof areas

by Brianna Crandall — August 8, 2016 — The larger the roof area, the greater the pressure on the budget. For this reason, Germany-based green roof innovator ZinCo has created a single product that incorporates a number of the functional layers found in a green roof build-up.

Supplied in rolls and with the filter sheet already attached, Fixodrain XD 20 offers a protective, drainage, water retaining and ventilation layer in one. The system build-up with Fixodrain XD 20 is particularly suitable for the expansive area of an extensive green roof — and even for inverted roofs, says ZinCo.

Fixodrain XD 20 green roof system

With Fixodrain XD 20, the protection, drainage and water retention layers are installed all in one go — including European Technical Approval.

The Fixodrain XD 20 rolls can be applied directly onto the roof membrane without the need for an additional protective mat, thanks to the large installation area and the large contact area. The elements are attached to each other lengthwise with interlocking studs, providing an unbroken protection layer for the roof membrane.

The 2 cm high Fixodrain elements made of deep-draw polyolefin have integrated troughs on the upper side that ensure that sufficient water is retained there so it does not build up in the substrate. At the same time, a network of channels between the water retention troughs guarantees a drainage flow certified to DIN EN ISO 12958 standard. And, thanks to the diffusion openings and the small channels on the underside, the Fixodrain elements can also be used on inverted roofs.

Green roof system combined with solar power

Fixodrain XD 20 delivers a suitable foundation for combining green and solar, and it provides for drainage across the entire area beneath the solar energy system.

The filter sheet, already attached and overlapping along the side and top edges, creates a sealed surface. This prevents fine particle penetration from the overlying substrate layer and provides the ventilation necessary in the root area.

Given this sophisticated multi-layer design, a substrate depth of only 6 cm is required, meaning that the overall system build-up is only 8 cm in depth but has a water retention capacity of 20 l/m². The concluding vegetation layer with drought-resistant sedum species can consist of plants, or dry or wet seeding. The substrate depth can, of course, be increased either in part or right across the area if a more lush vegetation is required.

The system build-up “Sedum Carpet“ with Fixodrain XD 20 is known for its very efficient and time-saving installation — a cost-effective and permanently reliable alternative for roof areas, for example combined with solar energy systems. This has already been proven with many buildings, says ZinCo .

For further information on the Fixodrain XD 20 system, see the product data sheet on the ZinCo Web site.