Planning a Flat Roof Extension? Here’s what you need to know

Many UK homeowners have for years added a flat roof extension rather than move house. This often adds the vital additional space needed for growing families without the expense and upheaval of relocating. Adding an extension isn’t always an easy or cheap option, however and still involves disruption while works are taking place. Planning is key from the very start of the project, especially if you’re opting to do some of the work yourself.

Let’s take a look at some of the key points to consider when you’re planning a flat roof extension.

Planning permission

If planning permission is required for a new build flat roof extension, this needs to be sorted out straightaway. It can take time and paperwork will need to be prepared and filed in the right order.

Contact the local planning authority for initial guidelines and take it from there. Many projects won’t need complex planning permission but building control guidelines vary according to project scope and location.

Design considerations

Flat roof extensions can give homes a new lease of life and the possibilities are far reaching. Today, there are regulations and guidelines for energy ratings and many people take this into account when putting the plans together.

Some design ideas to consider from an energy perspective could be:

Skylights – installing skylights makes use of the natural light and heat beating down on a flat roof. This can reduce the need for artificial lighting and heating at certain times of the day.

Insulation – using some of the latest in PIR insulation is ideal for a flat roof extension, especially if you’re planning on doing some of the work yourself. Fast and easy to install and offers a high-performance approach.

EPDM membrane – adding a high-performance rubber roof to your extension can benefit the project in several ways, such as:

• Single piece membranes simplify installation and increase reliability – no vulnerable joins
• Long service life expectancy – reduces waste and improves cost vs. value
• Ozone resistant and UV-stable (does not degrade in the same way as other types of traditional covering)
• Ideal system to cover PIR insulation boards

Find skylights, PIR insulation and EPDM roofing to buy online in the PermaRoof Store.

Green roof – green roof systems can bring flat roof extensions to life, quite literally. They can improve aesthetics, provide a haven for wildlife and help with any local surface water issues.

DIY or professional installation?

If you’re a confident, competent DIYer, then installing the EPDM should be fast and straightforward. As with any DIY project, it is important to realise your limits and know where your skills are best placed within the scope of the project.

PermaRoof offers a wide range of support for all our customers. We can help you quantify your materials and provide a range of flat roof kits to make this part of the project simple.

Read more about covering a flat roof extension yourself in our blog post here.

For more complex projects, try the PermaRoof EPDM Kit Builder app – it’s free to use and calculates your kit list from basic project details, taking some of the stress out of getting it wrong.

We can also connect you with a recommended professional installer, should DIY not be for you. The PermaRoof Installer Network is a free service to offer peace of mind in these vital projects. Find an installer near you or contact us and we’ll find the right tradesperson for you.

This is an updated version of a popular blog post from 2018. Read the original article here.

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