Roofing Crossroads: Pitched Roof or Flat Roof for Your Home Extension?

MM Planning and Architecture Roofing Crossroads: Pitched Roof or Flat Roof for Your Home Extension? Pitched or Flat Roof for Your Home Extension | MM Planning

When it comes to extending your home, one of the most spoken topics with all our clients is ‘What works best for me, pitched or flat?’.  Your choice of the roof can significantly impact the look and feel of your home extension & design. Now since this is a crucial part of the design process, I thought best to write a short post to educate on the advantages and disadvantages of both roof types in order to help answer questions and make the process of choosing between the two, a little easier.

Pitched Roofs in Home Extensions

MM Planning and Architecture Roofing Crossroads: Pitched Roof or Flat Roof for Your Home Extension? Pitched or Flat Roof for Your Home Extension | MM Planning

Advantages:

  • Pitched roofs are seen as the more durable roof type as they are great for allowing water and other debris to run off quickly, does not allow water to pool up and hence preventing leaks and damage to the roof as the erosion process is a lot slower.

  • Increased natural light due to the above point.

  • Pitched roofs are also seen to be better in insulation, making them more energy efficient as they have the ability to contain a lot more space internally compared to flat roofs to store an abundant amount of insulation if needed.

  • Better aesthetically (this one is debatable) but this is a general consensus.

Cons:

    • Pitched roofs are generally more expensive than flat roofs, due to the complexity of the design, the materials used and the labour expertise needed.

    • They can take a lot longer to install than flat roofs to install

  • Pitched roofs can be less flexible when it comes to the design of your home extension. I.e. certain depths of extensions cannot have a pitched roof as the degree needed for installation of tiles will not be met. Get in touch with our consultants to figure if pitched roof is feasible for your build.

Flat Roofs in Home Extensions

MM Planning and Architecture Roofing Crossroads: Pitched Roof or Flat Roof for Your Home Extension? Pitched or Flat Roof for Your Home Extension | MM Planning

Advantages:

    • Flat roofs are generally less expensive than pitched roofs, due to their simple design and the lower cost of materials

    • They can be quicker to install than pitched roofs

    • Flat roofs can be more flexible in terms of design, allowing for greater creativity and innovation. Flat roofs are used commonly in contemporary designs.

    • They can be durable with the right type of material and workmanship is used.

  • Flat roofs tend to provide much higher head heights overall compared to pitched roofs, this may be crucial to you and a deciding factor if you are looking for that extra volume-feeling.

Disadvantages:

    • Flat roofs are more prone to leaks than pitched roofs, especially if not installed correctly. There is usually a build-up of water and debris which exacerbates the corrosion process.  (Although with recent advances, this is not so much of a con as they are becoming more and more durable). Remember the Key here is to ensure proper installation!

  • They can be more difficult to maintain, as any debris or water can accumulate on the roof and cause damage over time, hence more frequent inspections are needed in comparison to pitched roofs.

There is a misconception I feel that you may have heard that ‘Flat roofs provide less insulation’. This is not entirely true. Yes, pitched roofs allows for a greater roof cavity that can accommodate more insulation as you naturally have more space compared to flat roofs. However, with proper design, good insulation material and proper workmanship, flat roofs can provide more than adequate insulation.

Pricing

In simple terms, pitched roofs are generally more expensive than flat roofs, as they require more materials and time to construct. It is important to note that the cost will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of your home extension, the materials used, and the complexity of the design.

Flat roofs are generally less expensive than pitched roofs, but the cost will depend on the type of materials used. For example, GRP is more expensive than > EPDM which is more expensive than > PVC.

Design Considerations

When designing a home extension, it’s important to consider the type of roof that will work best with the overall design. For pitched roofs, the design will depend on the pitch of the roof and the materials used. Flat roofs can be more flexible, allowing for greater creativity and innovation in the design.

It is important to understand that in some situations, typical for Victorian properties with outriggers to the rear, you may need to use a combination of flat roof and pitched roof in order to solve other parameters like the impacts to light levels to adjoining owners. What exactly works best requires the experts to assess a number of options and then come up with one that would work best. Feel free to get in touch with us to find out which roof design may work best for your project, all information is provided for free!

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision between a pitched roof and a flat roof will depend on your specific needs and preferences, site constraints and general planning laws. If you’re looking for a traditional, energy-efficient option and have a higher budget, a pitched roof might be the best choice. If you’re looking for a more modern and affordable option that offers greater.

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Brick or Block? Which to choose for your extension?

MM Planning and Architecture Brick or Block? Which to choose for your extension? Advantages & Disadvantages of Brick or Block | MM Planning

If you’re planning a Rear extension planning, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is what material to use. Two of the most popular choices are brick and block, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between brick and block, so you can make an informed decision.

It’s a tough one, I will tell you that…but let’s get right into it.

Advantages of Brick

  • Durability – Brick is extremely durable and long-lasting, able to withstand harsh weather conditions and extreme temperatures.
  • Low Maintenance – Brick is virtually maintenance-free, and only requires occasional cleaning.
  • Energy Efficiency – Brick is an excellent insulator, helping to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
  • Aesthetics – Brick offers a wide range of colors, textures, and patterns, making it a versatile and attractive option for any home.

MM Planning and Architecture Brick or Block? Which to choose for your extension? Advantages & Disadvantages of Brick or Block | MM Planning

Disadvantages of Brick:

  • Cost – Brick can be more expensive than block, especially if you want to achieve a certain design or finish.
  • Installation Time – Brick requires skilled labor and can take longer to install than block, which can lead to higher labor costs.
  • Let us now quickly explore the pros and cons of block

Advantages of Block:

Block is a more modern building material and is often used for commercial buildings and modern homes. It has many benefits, such as:

    • Cost – Block is generally less expensive than brick, making it a popular choice for those on a budget.

    • Speed of Installation – Blocks can be installed quickly, which can save you time and money on labor costs.

  • Flexibility – Block can be used to achieve a wide range of designs and finishes, making it a versatile option.

MM Planning and Architecture Brick or Block? Which to choose for your extension? Advantages & Disadvantages of Brick or Block | MM Planning

Disadvantages of Brick:

    • Aesthetics – Block is not as attractive as brick, and may not be the best option if you want a certain look or style for your extension.

  • Insulation – Block is not as good an insulator as brick, which could result in higher energy costs.

Differences Between Brick and Block

One of the biggest differences between brick and block is their appearance. Brick has a traditional, classic look, which can give your extension a timeless feel. Block, on the other hand, has a more modern look, which may be more suitable for contemporary homes.

Another difference is their insulation properties. While both materials are good at retaining heat, brick is better at regulating temperature, which means it can help keep your extension cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Block, on the other hand, may require additional insulation to achieve the same level of thermal mass.

Finally, it’s worth considering the cost. Brick is generally more expensive than block, both in terms of material and labor costs. However, it may be a worthwhile investment if you’re looking for a material that will last for decades and add value to your home.

So what do you choose?  Brick or Block? Or Both?

So, which material should you choose for your rear extension? Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences and budget. If you’re looking for a traditional, timeless look and don’t mind spending a bit more, brick may be the way to go. If you prefer a more modern look and want to save some money, block may be the better choice. Whichever you choose, working with us as at MM Planning & Architecture,  we can help guide you through the process and ensure that your extension is built to last.

In Summary you need to evaluate the following factors;

    • Budget – If you have a limited budget, block may be the better option due to its lower cost.

    • Design – If you want a certain design or finish for your extension, brick may be the better option, as it offers a wider range of possibilities.

    • Energy Efficiency – If you want your extension to be energy efficient, brick may be the better option due to its superior insulation properties.

  • Aesthetics – If you want an attractive finish for your extension, brick may be the better option, as it offers a more traditional and classic look.

It’s always a good idea to consult with us. We can help guide you through the decision-making process and ensure that your extension meets your needs and preferences.



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