What Is The Best Covering For A Flat Roof?

Particularly popular on commercial buildings, flat roofs have been a primary form of shelter from the elements for centuries, and with the endless benefits they continue to provide, they are now becoming increasingly popular for homes too.

From withstanding extreme weather conditions, to fantastic energy efficiency, in this article we provide you with the best covering options for your flat roof and how they can be a fantastic choice for a single storey extension in particular.

Flat Roof Materials

Flat roofs typically consist of either concrete slabs or metal sheets which cover an entire building’s surface area.

In both cases, these surfaces offer excellent protection against water damage, rain, snow and even hail as well as providing some insulation properties. However, when it comes to choosing what covering material would work best for your home, there is more than one option available, so let's take a look at them all -

EPDM Rubber Tiles, EPDM Membranes and PVC Coating

All three of these products are used to effectively protect a flat roof from potential damage and wear.

They can be applied in several ways including as an overlay or by spraying directly onto the existing surface. All three types will provide protection for 10 years or more depending on exposure conditions. Making them a fantastic long-term choice to keep your flat roof protected.

Flat roofs are becoming an incredibly popular single storey choice, especially for homeowners who are looking to include a garage extension, or additional ground floor extension.

Your Single Storey Queries, Answered

How Much Does A Single Storey Extension Cost?

As you can imagine, there are a range of contributing factors that can differentiate the cost of your single storey extension, including the size, choice and even location.

Typically, your local builders merchant should be able to help you out here. They'll usually know exactly what type of extensions you're talking about and whether any planning permission may need to be obtained before starting construction.

If you do require planning consent however, don't worry; most councils are happy to grant approval provided the project meets certain criteria.

What About Planning Permission?

When adding a single storey extension to your home, it is more than likely you will not need to enquire planning permission -

As stated by POA:

"An addition or extension to your house is generally considered to be permitted development. So you won't need to go through the additional hassle of getting planning permission as long as: ... Side extensions are single storey with maximum height of four metres and width no more than half that of the original house."

This means that if you want to extend your property beyond the current footprint then you wont have to seek prior approval.

However, if you plan to build something larger than 4m wide, such as a double storey extension, then you might need planning permission. In this case, make sure you speak to your builder first to see what their plans are.

Why Should I Have A Single Storey Extension?

Single storey extensions offer an abundance of benefits that range much further than simply offering more space for your home, these include -

1 - If you live in a flood prone region, having a single storey extension can prove beneficial. It can provide better access to emergency services during floods, which is ideal when fitted with an emergency fire escape roof window.

2 - You may wish to add extra living space to your property. Having a single storey extension allows you to create more usable space at ground level.

3 - Some people find a single storey extension offers greater flexibility when it comes to designing and decorating your new room. With fewer walls and windows to consider, you can focus solely on how things look rather than worrying about where they sit.

How We Can Help Enhance Your Single Storey Extension

Here at YARD Direct, we offer a range of flat roof window options that can help further compliment your new additional space.

Each of our individual flat roof window and roof dome options are all tried and tested to offer the very best, including a variation of budgets and types to choose from.

To find out more about finding your ideal flat roof option, simply get in touch with one of our experts today - 01786 357252