Water retention roofs

The consequences of climate change are and will remain the challenge for our own and next generations. On the one hand, we are dealing with a rise in temperatures and on the other hand, we are dealing with heavy and unforeseen rainfall. This has caused flooding and serious sewage overload in cities. This combined with the trend towards urbanization and the increasing desire for “green, more biodiverse living space” to meet our basic needs, poses a challenge for our society.

Nophadrain has developed water retention systems for extensive green roofs, bio-solar roofs, intensive green roofs and even trafficable roofs. The basis of the systems are the various ND WSE Water Retention Elements in combination with the so-called ND AFC-100 Adjustable Flow Control. The water storage capacity of these elements varies between 48 and 143 liters per m². The water storage capacity of these elements varies between 48 and 143 liters per m².

Click on the blocks below for more information about our water retention systems for extensive green roofs, intensive green roofs and trafficable roofs.

Systems for Water retention roofs

Walkable roofs

Trafficable roofs – cars

Trafficable roofs – heavy goods vehicles

Systems for Water retention roofs

Extensive green roofs

Intensive green roofs

Systems for Water retention roofs

Water retention systems | trafficable roofs

Water retention systems | intensive green roofs

Water retention systems | extensive green roofs

Systems for Water retention roofs

Solar | bio-solar roof

Solar | solar-water retention roof

Solar | solar roof

Water retention and water buffering: a smart combination

We offer a suitable water retention element for each application, which includes suitable compressive strength and temporary and/or long-term water storage. To relieve the storm water system, water retention systems are designed to store a certain water capacity (l/m²) in combination with a calculated water discharge rate to temporarily retain water under the top layer of the roof (paving or vegetation), so that the storm water system is relieved during (drain) )showers. To make the water on green roofs also available for vegetation, Nophadrain recommends combining all water retention systems for green roofs with our ND SM Substrate Panels or ND WSM Water Reservoir Panels. Both products are installed above the water retention layer and do buffer water up to their saturation point. Both products are installed above the water retention layer and do buffer water up to their saturation point.

The benefits of the Nophadrain Water Retention Roof Systems:

Available for extensive or intensive green roofs and trafficable roof constructions.
Water discharge as per storm water simulation with adjustable flow control.
Relieves the storm water system during heavy rain fall events with project individual flow rates.
Compatible with weight reducing substrate replacements as long term water buffer (up to 40 l/m²).
Can be designed for temporary or permanent water retention on the roof.

FAQ for Water retention roofs

Pure water retention means that rainwater is temporarily stored on the roof and then gradually discharged to the sewer system or the surrounding area. The goal is to relieve pressure on the sewer network during heavy rainfall. The water can also be directed to a long-term storage solution, such as a retention basin (wadi).

At Nophadrain, we prefer a combination of water retention for green roofs and water buffering. Rainwater is first held in the substrate or in specialized substrate and water-buffering panels. This allows the vegetation to use the water or for it to return to the atmosphere through evaporation, creating a cooling effect on the surroundings.

Only when the substrate or water-buffering panels are fully saturated is excess water discharged to the retention elements. From there, the water is controlled and gradually released to the sewer system or another water storage facility. This creates a sustainable and climate-adaptive water management system on the roof.
Water retention roofs temporarily hold rainwater and release it slowly, significantly reducing the pressure on the sewer system during heavy rainfall. Green roofs go a step further: the collected water is used by the plants, which allows evaporation to occur and cools the surrounding environment. In this way, an ordinary roof becomes a smart, active contributor to a climate resilient city.
In Nophadrain systems, rainwater is first captured in the substrate and, optionally, in the ND SM Substrate Panels. These panels can store up to 30 l/m², making the water fully available to the vegetation. The installation of the substrate panels is optional.

Only when this capacity is exceeded does the excess water flow into the ND WSE Water Retention Element. The delayed discharge is controlled via the ND AFC-100 Adjustable Flow Control, for example, directing the water to a retention basin.
In Nophadrain systems, rainwater is first captured in the substrate and, optionally, in the ND WSM-50 Water Reservoir Panels. These panels can store up to 40 l/m², making the water fully available to the vegetation. The installation of the water reservoir panels is optional.

Only when this capacity is exceeded does the excess water flow into the ND WSE Water Retention Element. The delayed discharge is controlled via the ND AFC-100 Adjustable Flow Control, for example, directing the water to a retention basin (wadi).

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Curious about the possibilities of our innovative Nophadrain solutions for your project? Don’t wait any longer and make an appointment with one of our experts today!