The Xero Flor Green Roof System, distributed by Xero Flor America, has been proven on tens of thousands of rooftops that cover hundreds of millions of square feet, according to its U.S. distributor, Xero Flor America. Over the past decade, the company has completed green roof projects in 38 states and has 85 green roof installations in New York City alone

A 9,925-square-foot green roof on top of an apartment complex in the Bronx, is one of the latest additions to New York City's growing number of green roofs.

Maspeth Roofing & Contracting of Maspeth, N.Y., the roofing contractor for the project, recommended the Xero Flor Green Roof System, distributed by Xero Flor America.

The official and exclusive distributor in the U.S. for the roofing system, "is a well established company with a proven system that could be incorporated under the new roof warranty," said John Schenone, owner of the roofing contractor company. "We had worked with them on other projects. They get all the right components to the site at the right time and have a technical representative on site to resolve any questions during an installation."

The new roof is just one of the green building elements at the renovated Findlay Teller Apartments, which provides subsidized, affordable housing for low-income seniors.

"This was my first green roof, so it was especially important to go with a manufacturer with long track record," said Antonio Freda, Freda Design Associates, Ltd., Bronx, N.Y., architect for the building renovation. "Regardless of how long any building system or material has been in use, it has to be installed correctly to be successful.

"The contracting team is first-rate "?u very professional, organized and skilled," said Clayton Rugh, Ph.D., general manager and technical director at the distribution company in Durham, N.C. "They maintain good communication through all stages of green roof projects."

The roof system features lightweight, pre-vegetated mats, delivered with well-developed, mature plants. They roll out like sod for ease of installation. The system is based on a time-tested design originally developed in Germany. In the mats, the plants and a layer of engineered growing medium are grown together on a durable geosynthetic textile carrier. All system components for installations in the U.S. are 100 percent American-made.

"Of all the sustainable features that went into our redevelopment of the building, our green roof is the most visible," said Joe Cicciu, president, Findlay Teller Housing Development Fund Corporation, Bronx, N.Y., which owns and manages the apartments. "It embellishes the property, makes it more attractive, and gives our residents a pleasing view of green space."

"Many green roofs are on top of buildings where no one can see and enjoy them," Freda states. "The Findlay Teller green roof has windows that look out on it. In fact, 90 percent of the apartments have a view of the green roof."

Located in the Morrisania neighborhood in the Bronx, the building was constructed in 1906 and has a long history and rich architectural detail. Converted to subsidized senior housing under HUD's Section 202 program in 1978, it had fallen into disrepair and went into foreclosure.

In 2009, with the support of the tenants and neighborhood leaders, the Belmont Arthur Avenue Local Development Corporation established the Findlay Teller Housing Development Fund Corporation to acquire and rehabilitate the property. Today, after a complete renovation managed by Notias Construction, Inc., Flushing, N.Y., the complex offers affordable 32 one-bedroom units and 131 efficiency units, all completely refurbished.

The building was renovated according to Enterprise Green Communities® Criteria. Required by the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, the criteria define standards for green building practices applicable to affordable housing. Thus, the renovation included a new structural roof with two layers of insulation, high-efficiency boilers, replacement windows, and new energy-efficient lighting, and permeable pavement in the parking area.