Page 18 - Landscape-Issue141

FIBERTEX EDITORIAL
GREENER ROOFTOPS
As cities embrace the value of sustainable development by focusing on
environmental protection and uplifting the aesthetics of urban living, green roofs
are becoming increasingly important components of modern urban landscapes.
Fbased materials – plays an important role in providing
Fibertex SA – specialists in the
development of a wide range of
nonwovens, geosynthetics and
performance-based materials –
plays an important role in providing
environmentally-friendly geosynthetic
solutions that are critical in the success of
rooftop gardens.
16 Landscape SA • Issue 141 2024
ibertex – specialists in the development of a wide
range of nonwovens, geosynthetics and performance-
geosynthetic solutions that are critical in the success of
rooftop gardens.
“The Fibertex team works closely with specialists –
including landscape architects, local planning authorities
and horticulture experts – to provide rooftop gardening
solutions that meet exact requirements in virtually any type
of roof structure in domestic and commercial buildings,” says
Brian Potgieter, Technical Sales Engineer, Fibertex South
Africa. “Fibertex geosynthetic products are suitable for new
buildings and retro-fit projects, providing numerous benefits,
including higher property values, aesthetic charm, rainwater
management and temperature regulation. Rooftop gardens
also reduce air pollutants that cause smog and when planted
with indigenous flora, roof gardens provide important
habitats for birds and insects.”
Fibertex offers a range of solutions tailored to specific needs
and preferences. Popular low-maintenance, extensive green
roofs are built for ecological benefits. While they don’t offer
a usable space, they improve air quality, soften the building’s
appearance and help manage rainwater by capturing and
potentially even storing it. Green roofs also contribute to
better sound insulation and temperature control. Extensive
green roof systems are characteristically lightweight, with
saturated loadings ranging from 80 – 120 kg per m².
Unlike extensive systems, intensive roofs can be designed
much like a ground level garden, complete with trees, lawns,
flowers and walking paths. The main limitation is how much
weight the building can support. These types of roofs are
becoming more popular in modern buildings, especially on
top of basements and parking garages – often called podium
decks. These landscaped areas create valuable extra usable
space in urban environments.
Fibertex drainage solutions encompass geosynthetic
materials that play a crucial role in the success of green roofs
by providing reliable separation, filtration, and drainage
functionalities, ensuring optimal performance in diverse
environmental conditions. Effective drainage is critical to
the success of every rooftop garden by ensuring optimal soil
moisture levels and preventing waterlogging.
Through the local Fibertex team’s flexible geosynthetic
solutions, cities around Africa are achieving green roof
gardens that will contribute to greener, more sustainable
cities for generations to come.
Fibertex geotextile products are manufactured using
virgin polypropylene fibres, ensuring durability, strength
and resistance to environmental factors. The company’s
commitment to environmental responsibility by minimising
harmful effects on the environment is evidenced by ISO
14001 certification.
For further information contact Brian Potgieter, Technical Sales
Engineer, Fibertex South Africa (Pty) Ltd
16 van Eck Avenue, Hammarsdale 3700, KwaZulu Natal, South
Africa
Mobile: +27 082 838 8383
Email: brpo@fibertex.com
Website: www.fibertex.com
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