What Kind Of Roof Does Your Extension Need?

Daniel Bracewell • 2 March 2022

Many people have been looking to extend their homes and make better use of the space they have. But one important aspect of designing your extension is to decide what kind of roof you want.

While looking at roof options is not as exciting as choosing the type of extension you want, it’s quite an important decision to make, in terms of both aesthetics and functionality. We have a look at why you should consider a flat roof.

You will typically have to decide between a pitched roof for your extension or a flat roof. One of the biggest considerations is cost, and pitch roofs generally cost more because they take longer to build and use more materials.

Often, the style, shape, and size of some houses mean that a pitched roof will not be suitable for an extension.

However, for single-storey extensions, many homeowners opt for a flat roof, mainly because it will be quicker to install and cheaper, involving fewer materials, labour, and time.

Flat roofs are able to easily accommodate roof lights or elegant roof lanterns, meaning you can reap the benefits of natural light coming through the glazing.

Flat roofs have a more contemporary feel than their pitched counterparts. This makes them a great choice if you’re aiming for a certain look.

Despite the name, flat roofs do have a slight incline to allow rainwater to run off, mitigating the pooling of water on the roof and the risk of leaks.

Occasionally, a taller pitched roof extension might adversely affect the quality of life of people living next door. Typically, this is where their view or the amount of daylight they enjoy is impacted.

If you’re looking for a flat roof specialist in Stockport for your new extension, talk to us today.

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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.