What Different Uses Are There For Your Roof?

Daniel Bracewell • 18 August 2023

When you think of usable space within your home, you may not consider that your roof can actually be utilised. Roofs cover the entire square footage of your home and therefore provide a lot of additional space.

While not all roof space is usable, if you have a flat roof extension you can make use of a whole lot of additional space. Flat roofs can be utilised for many different functions, making them a great way to expand your home without having to actually expand it.

A flat roof is the perfect place to put a roof terrace. Chairs, a table and several decorative plants can create a beautiful haven for you to enjoy. This can be a fantastic way to gain some additional outdoor space especially if you do not already have a garden to use.

You may wish to have your roof surveyed and checked beforehand to ensure it is strong enough to use as an outdoor terrace, if not you may have to do some minor work to reinforce it and make sure that it is suitable.

If you do not wish to use your roof space as a terrace, you can use it in more functional ways. Many people choose to use their roof space to grow their own fruits, vegetables and herbs. This is an excellent way to make use of your roof and is the perfect space to grow produce due to the uninterrupted sunlight and rainfall.

If you want to push the boat out, you may wish to consider having a rooftop pool area. This will not work for every roof as it requires a very sturdy structure and lots of reinforcement and additional construction work to ensure it is safe, secure and sturdy.

However, if you do have the means to make this happen it can be a fantastic way to create a unique and special space in your home and you’re guaranteed to be the only one of your friends and family with a private rooftop swimming pool!

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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.