Glossary
Disconnecting rainwater, draining, capillary irrigation, the Urban Heat Island effect, green roofs, blue-green roofs; many terms are related to (rain) water management and nature in the city. To give you some guidance, we have listed the most common terms for you.
The load-bearing capacity of a roof is important because it indicates the capacity of a roof to support the weight of all the elements resting on it. This includes not only the roofing material itself, but also any snow loads, rainwater, roof installations (such as air conditioning systems), and any persons moving on the roof. If a roof does not have sufficient load-bearing capacity, it can lead to structural damage, leaks, collapses or other dangerous situations. Assessing the load-bearing capacity of a roof is a complex task and requires expertise in structural engineering and architecture. It is important to consult a professional engineer or architect to assess a roof's load-bearing capacity and recommend possible modifications if needed. Especially if you are considering a water-storing green roof. Rainup does not advise on the load-bearing capacity of a specific roof, as this depends on many factors, such as the construction, materials and design of the roof. It is essential to leave this to qualified professionals who can perform a thorough on-site assessment if required.
Plants need adequate water. That's why green roofs have evolved into blue-green roofs. By storing at least 60mm of rainwater in the water storage system under the plants, peak rainfall is captured where and when it falls. The rainwater is then naturally returned to the planting via capillary columns. This allows plants to develop optimally, providing us with purified air, cooling and shade.
Capillary irrigation, also known as capillary watering, is a method of irrigation in which (rain) water is drawn up from a water-storing foundation by capillary action and made available to plant roots. In Rainup solutions with capillary irrigation, water is stored in a water-storing Permavoid foundation in which specially developed capillary columns of rock wool are implemented to naturally channel the water from the reservoir into the soil/soil. The capillary action causes the water to rise, after which it is automatically absorbed by the roots of plants. This results in a constant supply of water directly to the root zone. Plants are efficiently watered and develop optimally.
Circular water management or water management is an approach aimed at closing the water cycle through the efficient use of water resources. It aims to promote sustainability and resilience when dealing with water. Consider (rain) water reuse and rainwater harvesting; capturing and utilizing rainwater as a valuable resource. Rainwater can be collected on roofs and in gardens, among other things, in Rainup water systems and then used for plant irrigation.
Detention refers to slowing the flow of (rain) water through storage on a temporary basis. It refers to holding water in a system before it is released (delayed). Detention is often associated with retention; both terms are used in the context of water management and water storage. However, they differ in meaning.
Stormwater infiltration refers to the process by which water penetrates the ground and "sinks" or, infiltrates into soil layers. Water infiltration occurs when rainwater hits the ground and seeps into the soil, or when water from streams, rivers or lakes enters the soil. The infiltration of rainwater into the soil is an important part of the water cycle and helps to nourish aquifers and maintain the water balance in an area.
Stormwater disconnection refers to the separation of stormwater that falls on roofs, patios, driveways or other paved surfaces from wastewater that comes from household activities. Instead of releasing stormwater to the sewer system, it is diverted to other water management systems. The purpose of disconnecting stormwater is to reduce the load on the sewer system and promote sustainable water management.
Stormwater infiltration refers to the process by which water penetrates the ground and "sinks" or, infiltrates into soil layers. Water infiltration occurs when rainwater hits the ground and seeps into the soil, or when water from streams, rivers or lakes enters the soil. The infiltration of rainwater into the soil is an important part of the water cycle and helps to nourish aquifers and maintain the water balance in an area.
The term retention refers to the storage/retention of (rain) water at a particular location. The purpose of retention is usually to store water for future use, such as irrigation. In doing so, it can help reduce flood risks by retaining rainwater during periods of heavy precipitation. Retention is often associated with detention; both terms are used in the context of water management and water storage. However, they differ in meaning.
The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, refers to the phenomenon where urban areas are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas. The UHI effect occurs as a result of urban characteristics. Contributing factors include; urbanization, limited vegetation/nature, and increased water emissions.
