The Birth of a Green Roof

We’ve done quite a few green roofs in our business but something just seemed “special” about this particular roof. Maybe it was the fact that the roof was oddly at street level or maybe it was because the roof was actually the businesses front entrance way or maybe it was just because of what the business receiving the roof does for our area. Yeah, that’s definitely it!

Langer Roofing received plans to bid on a Green Roof for a business called WRTP/BIG STEP, whom I’ve been vaguely familiar with. WRTP/BIG STEP has operated as an effective industry-led workforce intermediary since inception. Together, WRTP/BIG STEP has the following major units: Field work and employer/industry services, Training, Partner Coordination, and Consulting Services. WRTP/BIG STEP coordinates with area technical colleges and schools, workforce investment boards, community- and faith-based organizations, and employers and unions. They assist our community in getting the word out about the great careers that are available in the skilled trades. They have helped numerous businesses train and certify candidates so they are job-ready for Milwaukee businesses to hire.

I toured their facility and met their dedicated staff and while I was there, they discussed an effort to assist in the green construction industry and WRTP/BIG STEP planned to drive the green roof initiative within the building trades. In a timely manner, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) introduced the Regional Green Roof Initiative.

In selecting a primary contractor, WRTP/BIG STEP asked for typical bidder responses related to cost, safety, quality and timeliness. WRTP/BIG STEP also considered the ability for the primary contractor to adhere to MMSD workforce requirements. WRTP/BIG STEP said that Langer Roofing clearly stood out from the pack for a number of reasons.

To quote them “WRTP/BIG STEP used a socially responsible contractor selection process—identifying Langer Roofing as a company with a diverse workforce and local hires working on the job, some of which included WRTP/BIG STEP graduates. Additionally, Langer Roofing has demonstrated their commitment to the State of Wisconsin Apprenticeship Program which aligns well with the continued efforts of WRTP/BIG STEP.”   Needless to say, we were excited to be awarded the job!

Construction started with the vacuuming of stones to expose the old roof. Then the tearing off of the existing roof which was ballasted rubber over parking lot asphalt (see pictures). After that was complete, the process of the green roof installation began. It started with 2 layers of a torched down polymer modified asphalt membrane; this was installed directly over the existing concrete deck. The purpose of this membrane is to keep the roof water tight. Then there was a drainage mat installed on top of the membrane to allow the water to flow to the roof drains throughout the roof. On top of the drainage mat a layer of 2” insulation was installed followed by the “Live Roof” trays. The tray plants consist of many different species of sedums as they are hardy enough to take different climate changes. We had to install a paver walkway for access into their building entrance and also a patio area.

As you can see from the pictures, the roof turned out great and WRTP/BIG STEP will have a wonderful Green Roof to admire for years to come. All the skilled trades candidates who walk into their front doors will be able to see what a Green Roof looks like. Langer Roofing is extremely grateful for the opportunity!

*Sal Langer is an mrW Tradesmen.