The Different Types of Roofs on UK Properties

When considering a new roof or repairs, understanding the fundamental roof types found across the UK is essential. At Julian Roofing Services Ltd, we work with a diverse range of structures, each requiring specific expertise, materials, and maintenance. While the choice of roof covering—whether slate, tile, or membrane—is important, the underlying structure and pitch define its type and performance characteristics.

Pitched Roofs: The Traditional Favourite

The vast majority of residential properties in the UK, from Victorian terraces to modern housing estates, feature pitched roofs. These are characterised by their sloping surfaces, designed to efficiently shed rainwater. Pitched roofs offer excellent durability and a wide scope for material choice.

1. Gable Roof

The most common and simplest type, a Gable Roof (often referred to as a ridged roof), has two sloping sides that meet in the middle at a ridge, creating a triangular wall (the gable) at each end. They are straightforward to construct, provide good ventilation, and allow for maximum use of attic space, often being converted into loft rooms.

2. Hip Roof

A Hip Roof has slopes on all four sides. The sides meet at the corners, forming a sloping line called a "hip." These roofs are structurally very stable and offer a more consistent roofline appearance, making them popular on detached and semi-detached properties. They tend to perform better in high winds than gable roofs because of their lower profile.

3. Mansard Roof

Originating in 17th-century France, the Mansard Roof is a style of hipped roof where each side has two slopes: the lower slope is very steep (often near-vertical) and the upper slope is much shallower. The steep lower section often contains dormer windows, effectively creating an extra floor of living space without requiring a full extra storey, which is particularly common in central London properties.

4. Gambrel Roof

Similar in concept to the Mansard, a Gambrel Roof is defined by having two different pitches on two sides, whereas the Mansard has them on all four sides. In the UK, this style is less common on primary homes but is frequently seen on extensions, barns, and outbuildings, providing extra headroom in the loft area.

Flat Roofs: The Modern Solution

Despite their name, flat roofs are never perfectly flat. They incorporate a very slight gradient (minimum 1:80 pitch) to ensure water drains effectively to designated outlets. Often found on large extensions, garages, and commercial buildings, flat roofs have undergone significant evolution in terms of materials and construction.

Modern flat roofs typically utilise high-performance materials like EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) rubber membranes, GRP (Glass Reinforced Polyester) fibreglass, or high-quality felt systems. These materials offer excellent longevity and are virtually seamless, providing robust waterproofing. Flat roofs are an excellent choice where head height restrictions apply or where the roof area is intended to be used as a green roof or a terrace. While historically associated with maintenance issues, modern flat roof systems, when installed by professionals like Julian Roofing Services Ltd, are extremely reliable and durable.

Specialist and Hybrid Roofs

The UK also features several hybrid and specialised roof structures:

• Dormer Roofs: These are not a roof type themselves but are projections built out of a main pitched roof to create vertical windows and usable space in the loft area.

• Lean-to Roofs: These are single-pitch roofs that slope down from a taller wall, most commonly used for extensions, porches, and conservatories.

• Butterfly Roofs: A less common, modern design, this roof comprises two surfaces sloping downwards towards the centre, forming a V-shape. It is highly contemporary but requires very careful drainage planning.

Choosing the right type of roof for a new build or extension is a critical decision that impacts appearance, performance, and cost. We ensure that every installation, whether a simple gable or a complex Mansard, adheres to the highest standards of safety and weatherproofing.

If you are looking for new roof installation in Bromley, get in touch.