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This on buildings with plants (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 year ago by Lilnino@lemmy.world to c/solarpunk

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I have worked in building maintenance and repair. One thing that is extremely hazardous to a concrete building is too much water. I have seen many concrete planters that crack and result in water leaks for lower levels. Standing water in concrete structures is a huge no no. I do not have a lot of experience in engineering on this matter, but whenever I see a solar punk sky scraper with vegetation on its exterior, I think "cool, but maintenance and inspection must be horrible! Repairs must cost a fortune when those roots and moisture degree the concrete."

What engineering controls does one need to create a durable structure while exposed to constant moisture needed for vegetation, and the vegetation itself? I know there are green sky scrapers with gardens all over. What is the maintenance of those structures? Do they hold up\last as long as bare concrete structures?

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[–] mercurly 3 points 1 year ago

Standing water in concrete structures is a huge no no.

Isn't this one of the big reasons why the Florida apartment complex collapsed?

What engineering controls does one need to create a durable structure while exposed to constant moisture needed for vegetation, and the vegetation itself?

I started thinking about this yesterday too, after watching the Ask This Old House guys remove moss from a roof, explaining that it will retain water and shorten the life of the shingles. As some houses are prone to moss, you'd think we'd just figure out how to make a bio-roof. That seems like your step one to a veg-roof.