Building a Flat Roof Extension? What you need to know

A rising number of UK homeowners have been building a flat roof extension in favour of moving to a new house. Perceptions have changed in recent decades and today, with ever increasing moving costs, this is consistently proving to be the most cost-effective way to bring much needed space into the home.

Some of the latest innovations in both design and material, have opened up a much wider range of options and now flat roof extensions can be both stylish and practical. From the very start of the planning process, we can help guide you through your projects, regardless of size. In this article, we’re going to take a dive into the ins and outs of flat roof extensions; why you might need one, the benefits you might realise and how to get it all started.

What is a flat roof extension?

As the term suggests, a flat roof extension is an often brick-built addition to the home. It is common to find single storey extensions built onto the back or side of a typical property, topped with a flat roof. Historically, flat roof extensions gained a poor reputation for leaking and took a nosedive in popularity, many being demolished in favour of conservatories or carport spaces.

Today, there is a world of difference in the technology, design and construction materials and flat roofing is now a sound and reliable long term option for homeowners needing more space.

The benefits of choosing a flat roof design

When considering your extension, there are a range of benefits offered by a flat roof. Generally a significantly cheaper option, faster to install and easier to waterproof, flat roofing designs they are ideal for today’s budget conscious house renovator.

In support of an environmentally friendlier home extension plan, flat roofing can more easily accommodate roof lights and insulation, or provide the perfect base for a green, bio-diverse living roof. These types of flat roof extensions are becoming more popular among some of the most talented architects and designers due to the additional flexibility the offer.

Skylights and roof pods can transform a space and are one of the most popular choices in flat roof extensions. Installing them allows homeowners to benefit from both aesthetic and energy-saving values offered by natural lighting and heating.

It’s all in the planning

It’s the same with any major project, the key to success lies in the planning and a flat roof extension will require many different phases. Before any work can take place, there may be a few hurdles to leap in terms of meeting regulations.

It is likely that, if brand new and not a conversion, the flat roof extension will significantly impact the external view or aspect of the property. Because of this, there is a very reasonable possibility that planning permission will be needed. The first thing to do is to get in touch with the planning department of your local council to understand the local planning regulations. These may differ from region to region and will be in addition to general building standards requirements.

Homeowners commonly need to include detailed plans with permission submissions. These are likely to include scaled drawings of the extension and how it will incorporate into the existing property design – proximity to neighbours, right of light assessments etc.

In some areas of the UK, councils may be more likely to approve plans if they have some considerable aspects of environmentally friendly materials included in the building plans. Some authorities will offer incentives or grants for these and others may have strict requirements for the inclusion of certain materials, such as insulation, for instance. An enquiry at the local planning department will outline everything needed for the application.

Designing a flat roof extension and choosing the materials

The design and materials planning aspects of the extension may typically go hand-in-hand as your vision unfolds, especially if you’re considering cost and energy-efficiency as high priorities.

Aesthetics and overall kerb appeal will also be a part of the process and flat roofing has been used successfully with great visual impact, particularly when incorporating skylights, parapets or eco roofing systems.

Waterproofing a flat roof extension is where today’s modern materials outshine the traditional and have been a major contributor to the rising popularity of these structures. EPDM membranes, for instance, deliver reliable waterproofing over an exceptional 50-year service life expectancy. Liquid roofing systems are perfect for complex designs and form a reliable, seamless base layer for eco-roofing projects.

Fast and easy to install, EPDM rubber is cold-applied and ideal for DIY. This could contribute further to reducing the cost of building the flat roof extension for handy, cost-conscious homeowners. Supplied in a single sheet, RubberCover EPDM typically requires no joins and has a series of easy to fit accessories to handle extrusions and drains. This makes it one of the most reliable ways to cover a flat roof extension and eliminate the traditional stigma of leaks for good.

Let us help you with your flat roof extension project

With many aspects to consider in the planning of your flat roof extension project. Read more in our handy guide, covering some of the most important parts of the process.

PermaRoof UK is here to help homeowners and trade roofers find the right waterproofing systems for their projects. With award winning sales and support teams offering expert advice, installation guides, free EPDM Kit Builder and a range of some of the most innovative products in the industry, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Further reading:

A DIY Guide: Covering a Flat Roof Extension

This is an updated version of a previously popular post from 2020. Read the original post here.

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