The Frame

Greentop planter frames are constructed from structurally insulated panels, or SIPs, which are light in weight, yet very strong and durable. Our planter frames provide an insulation value of R20 and weigh only 3.5 lbs./sq.ft.*

The core of our panels is expandable polystyrene (EPS), which has proven to be the most cost-effective pane core insulation available. This EPS core gives tremendous shear strength while compression and tensel strength tests have demonstrated very high values with our aluminum and cement board skins.

EPS is a fire resistant product that is inert and a recyclable material. It will not rot, is resistant to mildew, and provides no food value to animals. Another advantage of EPS insulation is that the R value actually increases as the temperature decreases!

Ecolite Planters

Ecolite planter frames are ultra-lite aluminum-skin SIPs that are perfect for plantings under 8' in height such as shrubs, ornamental grasses or small trees. Ecolite planters have our standard two-hole drainage system.

The Ecolite Greenroof  planter is designed and engineered for integration of root invasive plants with traditional green roof drainage membranes and plant materials. Our RootStop drainage system keeps invasive roots in the planter while water slowly percolates onto the roof membrane.

The anodized aluminum skin on the Ecolite planters allows for direct burial in the soli medium on the green roof. We recommend that 4" of our Greenroof planter be left above grade in order to maintain root separation. An on-grade inspection portal allows visible access to the drainage outlets. The Ecolite Greenroof can be ordered in a variety of colors and textures.

Terrafirm Planters

The Terrafirm planter frames are constructed from cement board SIPs that are designed to provide the extra weight needed for ballast when using taller plants under 20', such as deciduous trees, evergreen, or bamboo. The weight of a Terrafirm frame is still only 7.5 lbs./sq. ft. The selection of cement board SIPs as based on the recommendations of HUD, a U.S. Government Agency that has done extensive research on cement SIP building systems.

During their testing 6/16" cement board sandwiched around a 4" thick core of polystyrene foam deflected less than 1/8" under a 1,000 lb. ft. load. Their case study demonstrated the incredibly high strength of the cement board SIPs:

• Axial compression = 500 lbs./ft.

• Bending movement = 1,180 ft ● lbs. ft

• Shear = 636 lbs./ft.

Fiber-cement board SIPs are very durable. They will not rot, burn or corrode and resist mildew. Cement board SIPs will not support black mold growth and have a high resistance to moisture absorption and water vapor. Cement board SIPs do not provide food for any animal including rodents. They can be ordered in a variety of colors and textures

*ECOLITE frame
 

Greentop LLC  ●  5 Granite Street, Rockport, MA 01966  ●  978-546-3110  ●  info@greentopllc.com