Home Improvement Ideas- Flat Roof Extensions

Not only are flat roof builds generally cheaper to construct than pitched roof extensions,

 

the possibilities of what you can do with your roof to enhance the look and purpose of it

 

are even greater.

By Larry Bohan on 21

 

May 2018

 

Despite being considered outdated by some thanks to a supposed susceptibility to water leaks, flat roof extensions are still

 

the most popular form

 

of home extension in the UK and for good reason.

Sceptics point to this apparent inability

 

to effectively cope with the worst of the weather as reason enough to shun

 

flat roof extension designs. However, It

 

is this

 

belief, not flat roof extensions, that is outdated.

 

Before we look at some examples of what is possible

 

and show you a selection of inspirational flat roof extension products

 

to get your renovation pulses racing, let’s once and for all put an end to the belief that flat roof extension

 

means leaky roof.

The Flat Roof Theory

 

The belief that home extensions built with a flat roof are too vulnerable to water seeping

 

into the home is about archaic and misinformed as another famous flat theory.

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is leagues ahead of some older traditional flat roof materials, such a felt. Rubber roofing is one of the most durable and reliable roof coverings, with EPDM roofs able to last between 30 and 50 years thanks to a strong

 

resistance

 

to even the most extreme weather conditions.

A slightly more expensive

 

flat roof system is GRP (Glass Reinforced Polyester). GRP is one of the most advanced roofing systems in the world and one of the most attractive too. Both GRP and EPDM roofing systems are available at Sterlingbuild for the best prices online.

Flat Roof Extension Ideas

Korniche Roof Lanterns

Roof lanterns are a great way of

 

filling the home with an abundance of natural light. Once installed in

 

a flat roof, glass lanterns can give your room the appearance of a higher ceiling and

 

make a

 

world of difference.

Once considered a bit of a risk given the ability of glass to make rooms too hot or cold, roof lanterns are no longer a gamble when it comes to insulation, evidenced by

 

Korniche lanterns carrying U-values as low as 1.2 W/m²K to ensure your room’s temperature will stay comfortable all year round with tints available to reduce glare.

The thermal efficiency and attractiveness of roof lanterns is matched by the views they provide

 

of the outdoors. The large, clear panes of glass allow you to watch the clouds go by during

 

the day or gaze up at the stars at night. Korniche

 

designs its roof lanterns in an extremely strong yet slimline design which means less

 

frame

 

on show and

 

superior

 

views.

Korniche

 

roof lanterns can be purchased in a standard size

 

or designed made to measure to any dimensions.

 

Numerous colour, glazing and other spec options are available on our bespoke lanterns.

Shop All Roof Lanterns

Flat Glass Rooflights from ECO+ & Signature

An effective way of bringing an abundance of sunlight into the home is through installing one or a combination of flat glass rooflights. Flat glass rooflights are a cost effective way of brightening up a new extension with the potential to save you serious money on

 

energy bills.

 

Although pitched roof window market leaders VELUX and FAKRO are also heavily invested in the production of flat rooflights, if you are looking for a contemporary and stylish roof window that will not blow your budget, consider the options available from UK brand ECO+.

The incredible energy efficiency

 

(1.1 W/m²K U-values)

 

ECO+ produces flat glass rooflights in a number of sizes, including the ever popular 45x85cm rooflight that is now available at Sterlingbuild for its cheapest price to date while stocks last. The size of these rooflights makes them perfect to install in combination to ensure daylight reaches all corners of your flat roof extension.

Visit the ECO+ brand page to find out more and discover some of the industry's most innovate flat roof window designs.

Alternatively, shop our range of Signature flat glass rooflights available in standard sizes or custom made. The Signature range includes fixed units, electric rooflights, access windows, walk on rooflights and more. Here is everything you need to know about Signature rooflights.

REAL Aluminium Bifold Doors

Where roof lanterns and flat glass rooflights enhance the look and feel of a flat roof extension from above, bifold doors bring new spaces to life at ground level with ceiling to roof doors creating a seamless link between home and garden.

 

Bifold doors and sliding doors

 

are a perfect choice

 

if your flat roof extension is part of an open-plan living space. Fitting a kitchen extension with glass doors to the outside

 

allows you keep the kids or grandchildren in full view while cooking up a storm in the kitchen. This home improvement design seems to grow in popularity with every passing year and is rightly regarded as one of the most modern flat roof extension designs.

Bifold doors

 

and sliding doors are all available from REAL Aluminium, made to measure if required.

Bring Your Roof To Life

 

Your

 

roof does not have to be limited to exclusive

 

use as a

 

shelter from the weather. Building a flat roof extension comes with a plethora of opportunities that would just not be possible with pitched roofs. The flat surface means you can turn your roof space into a valuable outdoor space, such as a balcony or roof garden, the latter of which is very affordable thanks to

 

green roof kits

 

from Grufekit.

 

 

Roof gardens add value to your home as well as making it healthier, more colourful, more interesting and more environmentally friendly.

According to an article in the Daily Telegraph, flat roof extensions with

 

roof gardens can add anywhere between 10 and 15% to the value of a

 

home, a smart investment to make should you ever decide to sell up.

Flat Roof Extension Cost

 

Another appeal of flat roof extensions lay in their cost. You will usually find flat roof extension cost is a lot less than that of pitched extensions.

Naturally, costs will vary depending on whereabouts in the country you are building and how large your roof is going to be. Outgoings will also be affected by whether you need to hire an architect and/or builder to assist you on the project or whether you or a reliable friend can tackle it.

Typically, flat roofs require less structural engineering and can be designed with more affordable material than pitched roofs.

 

For a basic quality extension, you might be looking at a figure between £1,300 and £1,900 while for an excellent quality design, this sum could rise by £400 or so.