At Yorkshire Roofing, we understand that choosing the right roof for your extension is a crucial decision that impacts both the appearance and functionality of your home. Whether you’re looking to create additional living space, improve energy efficiency, or enhance the architectural features of your existing property, the right extension roof type can make all the difference.
From flat roof extensions with a contemporary appeal to pitched roof designs that offer a more traditional aesthetic, each option has its own advantages. The right choice will depend on factors such as your budget, the style of your existing house, and any planning permission requirements.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different roof types available for home extensions, helping you choose the best option for your project.
Roofs for Extensions: An Overview
When planning a home extension, the roof design plays a vital role in both aesthetics and practicality. At Yorkshire Roofing, we offer a range of extension roof types, each with unique benefits depending on your home’s style, budget, and structural requirements.
Broadly speaking, roofs for extensions fall into two main categories: flat roofs and pitched roofs. A flat roof extension is a cost-effective choice that complements modern aesthetic designs, while a pitched roof extension offers a more traditional aesthetic with improved durability and drainage.
Beyond these two main types, there are also variations such as gable roof extensions, hipped roof extensions, and fully glazed roofs, each offering distinct advantages. Factors like natural light, energy efficiency, and how seamlessly the new roof integrates with your existing property should all be considered when making your decision.
Flat Roof Extension
A flat roof extension is one of the most popular choices for homeowners looking to create additional living space in a modern and cost-effective way. At Yorkshire Roofing, we’ve installed countless flat roof extensions across the UK, helping homeowners achieve a sleek, contemporary aesthetic while maximising space.
One of the key advantages of a flat roof is its affordability—typically cheaper than pitched roofs due to lower material costs and simpler construction. A modern flat roof extension can also incorporate roof lanterns or clerestory roof windows to bring in more natural light, making the space feel brighter and more open.
While flat roofs have a slight slope to allow for water drainage, they do require high-quality roof covering materials to ensure they remain weather resistant. Options such as EPDM rubber roofing, GRP fibreglass, or PVC membranes are commonly used to enhance durability and prevent leaks.
Flat roofs work particularly well for single-storey extensions, lean-to side extensions, and flat roof side extensions, blending seamlessly with a main house that has a modern design. However, if you’re considering a roof extension on an upper floor, a pitched roof extension may be a more suitable option for long-term durability and aesthetics.
Pitched Roof Extensions
For homeowners seeking a more traditional aesthetic and enhanced durability, a pitched roof extension is an excellent choice. At Yorkshire Roofing, we frequently install pitched roofs for extensions, as they not only provide a timeless look but also offer practical benefits such as better drainage, improved energy efficiency, and increased vertical space for vaulted ceilings.
A pitched roof consists of two sloping sides that meet at a central ridge, creating a steep angle that allows rainwater to run off easily. This makes it a great option for the UK climate, where heavy rainfall is common. Additionally, the extra height provided by a pitched roof extension allows for features like a vaulted ceiling, which can make the new space feel bigger and more open.
Although a pitched roof can be more expensive than a flat roof extension due to higher material costs and a more complex design, the long-term benefits often outweigh the initial investment. Many homeowners choose this type of extension roof because it seamlessly integrates with the existing building, particularly if the main roof of the house is also pitched.
A variation of this style is the monopitch roof, which features a single sloping plane rather than two, creating a sleek, modern look that works well for contemporary homes.
If you’re considering a pitched roof extension, it’s important to check planning permission requirements, especially if the design significantly alters the existing property or impacts neighbouring properties.
Gable Roof Extensions
A gable roof extension is a classic and highly popular choice for homeowners looking to enhance their existing property with a more traditional aesthetic. At Yorkshire Roofing, we often recommend gable roof extensions for those who want to create a striking, high-ceilinged space with plenty of natural light and architectural appeal.
A gable roof consists of two sloping sides that form a triangular shape at the end of the building, known as the gable end. This design allows for excellent water drainage, making it highly weather resistant—an important factor in the UK’s rainy climate. It also provides extra vertical space, which can be used for a vaulted ceiling or even first-floor windows to introduce more natural light.
A gable roof extension is often used for single-storey extensions, particularly when homeowners want to achieve a sense of openness and height. The extra structural glazing opportunities provided by a gable roof—such as floor windows or a fully glazed roof section—can create a bright and airy new space.
While gable roof extensions offer plenty of benefits, they can sometimes require additional planning permission, particularly if they significantly alter the existing building or exceed permitted development rights. However, when properly planned, they blend beautifully with both modern and traditional homes.
Hipped Roof Extension
A hipped roof extension is an elegant and practical option for homeowners looking to add a seamless, well-balanced extension to their existing house. At Yorkshire Roofing, we often recommend this style for those who prefer a more traditional aesthetic that integrates smoothly with the main roof.
Unlike a gable roof, which has two sloping sides, a hipped roof features slopes on all four sides, meeting at a central ridge. This complex design provides exceptional weather resistance, making it ideal for UK homes exposed to strong winds and heavy rainfall. Additionally, the sloping sides reduce wind pressure, making the structure more stable.
One of the key benefits of a hipped roof extension is its ability to blend harmoniously with the existing building, especially if the main house already has a hipped roof. The design also allows for roof lanterns or clerestory roof windows, which can introduce more natural light into the space while maintaining privacy from neighbouring properties.
However, due to its complex construction, a hipped roof extension can come with higher costs compared to a gable roof or flat roof extension. The additional materials and labour required make it a typically more expensive choice, but the durability and visual appeal often make it a worthwhile investment.
Fully Glazed and Green Roofs
For homeowners looking to create a wow factor with their home extension, fully glazed roofs and green roofs offer stunning and practical solutions. At Yorkshire Roofing, we’ve installed these modern roof extension types for clients who want to maximise natural light, enhance energy efficiency, and introduce striking architectural features into their living spaces.
A fully glazed roof is ideal for those who want to flood their new space with more natural light. Using structural glazing, this type of extension roof is perfect for contemporary designs and works well with flat roof extensions or pitched roof extensions. A fully glazed roof can include roof lanterns, clerestory roof windows, or large floor-to-ceiling windows, creating an open and airy feel. However, it’s important to use high-performance glass to prevent excessive heat loss in winter and overheating in summer.
A green roof, also known as a living roof, is a fantastic eco-friendly option that enhances energy efficiency while contributing to biodiversity. This roof type features a layer of vegetation that helps insulate the existing house, reducing heating and cooling costs. Green roofs work particularly well on flat roof extensions, adding an attractive natural aesthetic while also improving drainage and air quality.
Both fully glazed roofs and green roofs may require planning permission, particularly if they affect neighbouring properties or significantly alter the existing property. However, with the right design and materials, these roof types can create a beautiful, modern, and sustainable home extension.
Roof Lanterns, Clerestory Roofs, and Other Features
Incorporating architectural features such as roof lanterns, clerestory roofs, and structural glazing can transform a home extension, making it feel more spacious and filled with natural light. At Yorkshire Roofing, we help homeowners integrate these design elements to enhance both aesthetics and functionality.
A roof lantern is a raised, glazed structure positioned on a flat roof extension or a crown roof. It allows more natural light to enter the space below while adding a stylish focal point. Roof lanterns are particularly beneficial in single-storey extensions or flat roof side extensions, as they create the illusion of vertical space while maintaining privacy from neighbouring properties.
A clerestory roof features a row of high-level windows positioned above eye level, often in combination with a flat ceiling or sloping plane. This design floods the interior with daylight while minimising glare and maintaining wall space for storage or décor. Clerestory windows work well with both flat roofs and pitched roof extensions, offering a balance between modern aesthetic and practicality.
Other architectural features that can enhance a roof extension include:
- Floor-to-ceiling windows – Perfect for maximising natural light in a lean-to side extension or a fully glazed roof.
- Structural glazing – Creates seamless indoor-outdoor transitions, particularly in modern flat roof extensions.
- Vaulted ceilings – Adds height and openness, particularly in gable roof extensions or hipped roof extensions.
While these design elements can add a wow factor to your new space, they may also require additional planning permission and structural support, increasing material costs and complex design considerations.
Cost Considerations
The cost of a roof extension depends on several factors, including:
- Roof type – A flat roof extension is typically cheaper due to its cost-effective materials and simpler construction, while a pitched roof extension or hipped roof extension tends to have a higher cost due to additional materials and labour.
- Materials – Traditional tiles and slate offer a more traditional aesthetic, while contemporary materials like metal or structural glass create a modern aesthetic but may come with increased costs.
- Size and complexity – A complex design, such as a crown roof or a fully glazed roof, will require more structural support, increasing labour and material costs.
Planning Permission
Many extension roof types can be built under permitted development rights, meaning no formal planning permission is required. However, there are certain restrictions:
- Extensions must not be higher than the main roof of the existing house.
- If adding a gable roof extension or hipped roof extension, the design should not significantly alter the existing building or impact neighbouring properties.
- Features such as roof lanterns, clerestory roofs, or fully glazed roofs may require approval if they affect privacy or first-floor windows.
For homeowners in conservation areas or listed buildings, additional restrictions may apply. It’s always best to check with local planning authorities before starting work.
Choosing the Right Roof for Your Home
Selecting the perfect roof for your extension depends on your budget, design preferences, and how well it complements your existing property. At Yorkshire Roofing, we help homeowners make informed choices by considering factors such as energy efficiency, aesthetics, and structural compatibility.
Key Factors to Consider:
- Architectural Style – A pitched roof extension suits homes with a more traditional aesthetic, while a modern flat roof extension offers a sleek, contemporary appeal.
- Budget – If you’re looking for a cost-effective option, a flat roof extension is generally cheaper than pitched roof extensions due to lower material costs and a simpler construction.
- Natural Light – If maximising more natural light is a priority, consider roof lanterns, a fully glazed roof, or clerestory roof windows to brighten the space.
- Energy Efficiency – A green roof improves insulation and lowers heating costs, while adding solar panels to any roof type can enhance sustainability.
- Planning Restrictions – Some designs, such as hipped roof extensions or gable roof extensions, may require planning permission, especially if they impact neighbouring properties.
Making the Right Choice
If you want a simply extend approach for a single-storey extension, a flat roof side extension with roof lanterns is a great option. For those looking for a more traditional aesthetic, a gable roof extension or hipped roof extension can blend beautifully with the existing house. Meanwhile, for a wow factor, a fully glazed roof or crown roof creates a striking, modern look.
At Yorkshire Roofing, we work closely with homeowners to design and install high-quality extension roof types that enhance both function and style. Whether you’re adding a lean-to side extension, a home extension with structural glazing, or an entirely new roof extension, our team ensures that every project is built to the highest standards.
