For their aesthetic and environmental benefits, green walls are becoming an increasingly popular way to personalize a space. Green walls, also known as living walls, can be used in both interior and exterior applications and are effective in commercial, industrial, educational, governmental and residential settings. There are a number of manufacturers that provide green wall systems in their entirety for contractors to install.
Green walls have a number of benefits, including noise reduction and building insulation. Studies have shown that people surrounded by plants are happier and healthier and more creative, productive and relaxed. Green walls also provide fresh oxygen and moisture to the environment and help clean the air by removing toxins.
Contractors need to consider a few factors before beginning a green wall installation. The first is the type of watering system that will be installed to irrigate the wall. Lighting is another consideration. Many indoor green walls will require supplemental lighting to ensure the proper intensity and spectrum for plant growth. Plant selection is also important. A broad variety of plant types are suitable for green walls including annuals, perennials, edibles, succulents and tropical plants.
Follow these basic steps to properly install a green wall system.
Step 1
Fasten vertical railing tracks to the wall to provide a level mounting surface and to allow air to circulate between the green wall and the building. Then install the horizontal railing tracks. These will later be used as mounts for the wall planters.
Step 2
Hook up the irrigation feed and test it to ensure even water flow. Next, install brackets along the irrigation feed, then attach facing material (typically aluminum or wood) to conceal the irrigation feed.
Step 3
Install wall planter modules into the slots of the horizontal rails and then install plants. Water thoroughly.
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Source: LiveWall
illustrations: David Preiss
