Wouldn’t have a Flat Roof Extension? Time to Change your Mind

If you’re turned off by the idea of a flat roof extension, it might be time to change your mind. They’ve earned a bit of a bad reputation over the years, but they’ve come a long way since the 1960s and 70s.

So why should you consider a flat roof extension for your property? There are plenty of reasons to use a flat roof, and one of those is price. Find out why we think it’s time to end flat roof stigma.

They don’t leak

The number 1 reason that people discount flat roof extensions is because they think they have a tendency to leak. But that’s not true these days. Back in the 60s and 70s when the roofs were three-layer felt and had no ventilation gaps this was true, but now they’re as reliable as pitched roofs.

Choose from EPDM rubber or GRP fibreglass, which are both strong, durable and will not leak. That also helps remove the possibility of damp and rot, along with the use of warm deck insulation.

They’re not actually flat

It’s true. Flat roofs actually have a slope, which makes sense as it lets the rain drain off them. You’ll probably find that your roof has a slope of 1.5°, but any roof with a slope of less than 15° is technically a flat roof.

You can give your flat roof extension multiple uses

Other than solar panels, you can’t really use a pitched roof for anything else. But you can use a flat roof for a balcony, terrace or even a garden! If you’ve not got much garden space, or would like to slightly offset the impact of you building on land, a garden roof is a great idea. As long as you get planning permission, you shouldn’t notice a difference in cost.

There are ways to modernise the look

flat roof extension with parapet
Image via Pinterest

One of the reasons why a lot of people are put off by the idea of a flat roof extension is because the eaves are overlooked. You could ask your roofer to create a deep overhang, which makes it look more modern and stylish.

A parapet is another way to add a modern look to a flat roof extension. A parapet is just a posh way of saying that you hang the roof inside the wall which you build slightly higher. This hides the edge from view, similar to the way the Victorians and Georgians used parapets.

Get creative with light

Glass is another great way to style up your flat roof extension. You can make glass form a lot of the roof, which gives you extensive natural light. Like a conservatory though, you’ll have to work with your builder to ensure that your extension won’t get too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter.

Another option is to add high-level windows, called clerestory windows, to the extension. It’ll add lots of light, and paired with an overhanging roof, can add an interesting look to the building.

It’s a good idea to take inspiration from orangeries when considering light in your flat roof extension. Roof lanterns work well as you can sit them inside the flat roof, so you still get lots of natural light without constructing a conservatory or orangery.

So a flat roof extension is well worth considering. Not only are they one of the cheapest ways to build an extension, but gone are the days where they were unreliable and unstylish.

Got a great flat roof extension you want to share with us? Tweet us a picture @Quotatis.