Extensions Roofs – What To Consider

Extensions 101

Having an extension built is a great investment for your home, it adds value and more importantly provides an extra room and more space for your family. The most popular choice is a single storey extension, this can be used as office, new kitchen or family room. Having good architect will help you with the full design and functionality of your new extension, so getting your drawings done and cad design will help you to visualise and further develop your dream space. Your builder will be able sketch out the design of the extension if you do not want the additional cost of architectural drawings to save money and time.
A reputable builder who specialises in extensions can show previous work they have done this will give you features to include in your new extension. Most single storey extensions have a good amount natural light this can be achieved by sky pods, skylights or even a lantern roof. The roof and its design will not only make the room lighter, but also make the room look much bigger.

The first thing to do is to discuss your ideas and what you want from your extension for with your builder, they can then produce drawings and CAD designs to show you your extension in 3D. Many builders will offer free consultation on extension projects, make the most of this so you can absorb all the information you need to get the ball rolling.

Planning permission may be needed dependant on amount space you require. Once the plans are approved, the work can start.
Phase one will be the groundworks, this will be built to exact measurements of site survey and architectural drawings. Once the footings and foundations are in and in place and have been check by the required authorities, the brick part of extension can start in phase two.

Different Types of Roofs for Your Extension

Choosing the right roof for your extension is important, you need to decide if you want more natural light or elevated ceiling height. Velux glass frames are a beautiful feature for your pitched roof. The glass can go across length of roof and down as large glazed section to bring in light. This allowance for maximum naturally light not only looks stunning but will create an illusion of much more space within the room.
flat roofs are more resilient to extreme weather. If installed with high quality GRP waterproof resins.

Pitched roofs or lantern orangery roofs will provide you with more natural light, which can include skylights, sky pods or even an orangery lantern roof. Your roofing choice can have a big impact on the overall cost of your extension. Your builder can further advise you on the benefits and drawbacks of each option.

FLAT ROOFS – FOR YOUR NEW EXTENSION

Flat roofs are great as they can have orangery roof lanterns installed. This will allow a lot of natural light and they look beautiful from the outside as well as inside, giving your extension additional character.

You can add a lantern or a sky pod on a flat roof.

Flat roofs are much easier to maintain and are sealed with protective layer to keep water and bad weather conditions out.

The types of material for roof flat roofs are EPDM membranes, this is very resilient and water resistant for any kind winter weather. this membrane does not crack or change in ultraviolet light conditions. The thickness of the membrane can be 1.2mm or 2. 5mm. This membrane is much easier to fit and ideal for extensions, garden rooms and garages. this membrane does not crack or change in ultraviolet light conditions. Easy to maintain, if well looked after your new roof could last up to 50 years. 

SKY PODS & ROOF LANTERNS

Sky pods can be installed into a flat roof, to let in natural sunlight, it will bring elegance and character to your development. Made in aluminium, you will be able to choose between a wide variety of frame colours. The usual length of a sky pod will range between 1-2 Meters.

A roof lantern covers the middle part of your flat roof, this can be used on structural steel and timber frames. A roof lantern will make your extension resemble and orangery, offering a unique aesthetic which is ideal for the larger more open space. The length of a roof lantern can be between 1 – 2 metres. Larger roof surface areas can hold multiple roof lanterns.

PITCHED ROOFS

A pitched roof gives your new extension a large amount of floor to ceiling height, they blend with style of your home, and offer a more traditional look and feel to your extension. Planning authorities prefer pitched roofs when you are applying for planning permission.

Additionally, a pitched roof can accommodate for more glass and more slope across your new building. Pitched roofs give you a lot of choice when it come to aesthetics. Various colours of slate or clay tiles can blend into your main roof structure of your home. Pitched roofs whether they be slate, or clay tiles will easily outlast any flat roof alternative.

VELUX GLASS FRAMES

Adding Velux glass frames onto a pitched roof not only allows for more light, but also fresh air into your extension, your builder can advise on what the best positions should be for your Velux windows. Becoming more popular is Velux framed glass, this can provide glass across a whole side of a pitched roof. The Velux range is one most popular options in UK for sloping pitched roofs and can be accessed via smart device to be can be opened and closed via remote control or your android phone. The triple glazing reduces noise from outside and is manufactured to highest standards. The glass is quiet, safe and changes how your extension will look aesthetically.

Staying Within Budget

When getting a new extension there are many factors to consider from roofs to glazing and door options. While an extension will often add value to your home it is important to not spend more on your extension than the value it will add. Remaining within budget will help make your next extension journey a pleasant one. You should be upfront with your builders about the budget you have available so they can accommodate the design to your needs and offer some cost saving solutions.