Roofs don’t just fall into two categories of flat and pitched. Instead, there are many styles and shapes of pitched roof in the UK inspired by royal eras, global influences and societal trends. So whether you’re embarking on a new build, extension or garage, let’s take a look at your options.
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Different types of Roofs
Gable Roof
A gable roof is the type you will see most often in the UK and around the world. It is a pitched roof where both sides have equal slopes and meet at the highest point of the roof, the ridge. This type of roof is popular as it is structurally strong, provides good internal space in the loft and the shape ensures rain and snow run off each surface effectively.
Hipped Roof
Hipped roofs are also very common in the UK. Rather than two sloping sides, they have four pitched surfaces which meet at the ridge, at a more gradual angle than a gable roof. The gable ends of the roof are pitched inward to form a ‘hip’, hence its name. These roofs are more weather resistant and suitable for areas where high rainfall, snow or strong winds are common.
Flat Roof
The term flat roof is a slight misnomer as it can’t really be completely flat, it has to havecsome pitch to allow rain runoff. However, the pitch is so slight that the roof appears flat. You are more likely to use a flat roof on an extension, garage or other outbuilding rather than on your home although they are common on blocks of flats. This type of roof is prone to leaks if not well maintained and needs to be inspected regularly.
Mansard roof
A mansard Roof is a double pitched roof. This means each of the two sides of the roof have a very steep pitch, more than 70 degrees, from the top of the walls which then becomes a more gentle angle as it goes toward the ridge. Due to the extra living space it provides at the top of the house, mansard roofs can be added to existing properties or during a loft conversion. These will typically require planning permission.
Mono-pitch Roof
As the name suggests, a mono-pitch roof has only one angled side. It is most commonly used for extensions to an existing property and is also sometimes referred to as a lean-to roof. The highest point of the roof abuts the main dwelling and slopes downward. It is a very simple and inexpensive design but is not practical for large scale buildings and more suited to porches, conservatories or side extensions.
Dormer Roof
A dormer roof is not really a separate category of roof but rather a roof within a roof. These are used in loft conversions where the pitched side of a roof has been fitted with a box-like structure or dormer. This gives more headroom in the loft space allowing a bedroom or similar to be added. The roof on the dormer can vary depending on the design of the loft conversion so it could be a flat or mansard roof for large dormers, gable or hipped for smaller dormers.
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