How A Flat Roof Can Suit A Changing Climate

Daniel Bracewell • 17 April 2024

Some may joke about Manchester having a wet climate, but the almost incessant rain around these parts has been less out of the ordinary than in other parts of Britain, while the last 18 months have been the wettest on record across England.

Notwithstanding the El Nino effect currently impacting global weather, which is a regular and natural cycle, the expectation is that this is part of a new normal, especially as the last year has brought record worldwide temperatures every month. In this warmer climate model, winters will be wetter and summers drier.

If you have flat roofing, you may wonder how this may fit with such a change, not least as some might think the lack of a sloping roof for rain to run off is a bad idea to start with.

However, with the right maintenance in place, you may find such a roof is actually suited to a warmer climate.

What you will certainly need is good drainage, with a flat roof drainage system that has the capacity to deal with a lot of rain. Key features should be having two outlets in case one gets blocked.

Not only will this stop large pools of water from forming, but it will also help protect against ice damage in winter (although a warmer climate will mean less freezing and less snow, this will still happen sometimes).

You may also need more regular maintenance because winters will bring more storms, so the dangers of damage caused by flying and falling debris will be greater. This may also increase the risk of drainage system blockages.

However, it is not all about handling bad weather news. There may be some upsides you can enjoy too.

Hotter and drier summers create an opportunity to make your roof into an area you can enjoy spending time out on, rather like an apartment balcony. It will need to be sturdy enough to take your weight and that of the furniture. At the same time, you will need to bear in mind there will be more wear and tear if feet and furnishings are on it regularly.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Can You Install Solar Panels On A Flat Roof?

by Daniel Bracewell • 10 December 2025

If you’re exploring how to lower your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint, you may be looking at the likes of solar panels for your home. But what if your property has a flat roof rather than a pitched roof? Can you still install solar panels on a flat roof? The short answer is yes, you can! In fact, it is often easier to install solar panels on a flat roof than it is to fit them to a sloped roof, which might make this an even more appealing avenue to explore when you’re looking at flat roof ideas . In many cases, you also don’t need planning permission to install solar panels on your flat roof. Of course, there are exceptions if you have a listed building or live in a conservation area, but if you own your house (different rules apply for flats too), you should be free to add solar panels to your home as you choose. There are different kinds of mounting systems for flat roof solar panels and which is most appropriate for your home will depend on the direction it faces. It is worth noting that the cost of installing solar panels is often higher on flat roofs because of the mounting system, but some of this can be offset by the lower labour costs because the installation process is usually more straightforward. One of the main reasons homeowners install solar panels is to reduce their energy bills. Many report savings of hundreds of pounds each year, which means these panels often pay for themselves relatively quickly. What’s more, under the Smart Export Guarantee , you can sell any energy you don’t use back to the National Grid, which can increase the rate at which your investment in solar panels pays for itself. So, if you are exploring ways to make the most of your flat roof, consider solar panels as an option to reduce your energy bills and do good for the environment.