Why Choose A Flat Roof Over A Pitched Roof?

Daniel Bracewell • 21 September 2023

When designing your extension, do not forget to give a lot of consideration to the type of roof you choose.

There are many reasons why a flat roof extension could be the best option for you. To find out more, read on.

They are cheaper

Most people have to stick to a budget during renovations, and it can be very hard to keep costs down. However, one way you could save money is having a flat roof instead of a pitched one, as they are cheaper.

The reason for this is they require fewer materials. Therefore, labourers do not need as long to fit it. The less time they have to spend, therefore, the less they charge.

You don’t need planning permission

Generally speaking, you do not need to apply for planning permission for a flat roof extension, so long as it is not taller than four metres, not longer than three metres and does not protrude over 15 cm from the current roof.

However, as pitched roofs are taller and extend from the existing structure further, they are more likely to require planning permission from the local planning office.

Quicker to install

Flat roofs are quicker to fit, which not only means they are cheaper than pitched roofs, but this causes less inconvenience to the household.

Having any home improvement work done is very disruptive, so the quicker it can be completed, the better.

This way you can get back to pre-renovation life sooner, and enjoy your extension long before you would with a pitched roof.

Better for neighbours

If you want to encourage a positive relationship with your neighbours, it might be better to install a flat roof extension rather than a pitched roof one.

As they are not as tall, they are less likely to bother the houses next to, and facing, yours.

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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.