UK Roof Types & Popular Design Styles For Your Home

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There are so many different roof types that choosing the correct style can be tricky. It often depends on weather conditions and how you would like your home to look in the future.

Throughout this page we provide information about the most popular roof designs in the UK. We also look at what advantages each roof type has and when you may opt for that style.

UK Roof Types & Popular Design

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Common UK Roof Types: Gable

The gable roof is perhaps the most popular roof type for domestic properties. This roof design involves two sloping faces meeting at the centre point. The result of this style is the formation of two triangles at each end of the house.

Gable roofs are also quite simple in design in comparison to other roof types. Some of the more complex styles can result in design problems and material wastage. This roof design is more common in colder and wetter climates, hence the popularity in the UK.

There are many types of gable roofs which include Dutch gable, box gable, front gable and several more.

Pitched Roof Types & Styles

Pitched Roof Types

A pitched roof is a design which slopes downwards at an angle from the centre point. The slope of this roof type is usually between 12.5 to 85 degrees. Some of the most common roof types belong in the category of pitched roofs. A gable roof, hip roof, gambrel roof and dormer are among them.

A steep pitch for your roof is a good option if you live in an area with heavy rainfall. Some bigger homes have different pitch styles such as double pitches depending on the design. Adding a steep pitch could also be an advantage if you plan of having a loft conversion in the future. The steeper the pitch, the more space you will have for your loft.

Dormer Roof Styles

Dormers are the most common roof types for loft conversions. This roof style usually contains a vertical window that projects from a pitched roof. Adding the dormer structure is often one of the steps before you begin to convert your loft.

This option is becoming more popular as people seek to make use of all available space in their home. Having a dormer window is also a great way to add natural light your loft.

Types Of Flat Roofs

Flat roofs are also a popular roof type in the UK and one of the most simple styles. There is a growing range of flat roofing materials and systems that are cost effective. Usually a flat roof will only have a small incline to fit into this category. The angle to classify as a flat roof tends to be under 10 degrees.

The most common reason for a small incline is for the water to run off. This is not such a popular style for domestic properties for obvious reasons. You tend to find flat roofs in use for warehouses and commercial buildings more. The top suppliers offer different single ply systems such as Bauder and Langley which are popular for commercial flat roofs. Some domestic uses could be for a roof-top garden or shed.

Hip Roof

A hip or hipped roof as it’s sometimes called is another interesting design. This style involves all four sides of your home sloping to the ridge. The best reason to opt for this roof type is it’s much more stable and durable than gable roofs. This style could be worth considering if you live in an area with high winds.

One disadvantage of a hip roof is that you need more materials than a gable roof. The design is also more complex than other roof styles. There is a bigger chance of minor design flaws turning into major problems later.

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    Cross Hipped Roof

    A cross hipped roof comes from the hip roof that usually forms an “L” or “T” shape. This roof type is more common for bigger houses where the design is more complex. To install a cross hipped roof is also complex in comparison to other roof types.

    This roof design enjoys all the benefits of the standard hip roof. The cross hipped roof is one of the most stable in windy conditions. This design is also excellent for other weather conditions such as heavy rain and snow.

    If a stable and durable structure is more important than saving money this is the design for you.

    Metal Roofs
    Metal roofing is now all the rage with the importance of green materials for the environment. Most metal materials now have a 100% recycle rate which make them among the greenest materials to use.

    Zinc is one of the leading alternatives to domestic roofing and offers up to 100 years of longevity. Although not as cheap, it´s still one of the most cost effective solutions around now. in fact, many domestic properties are turning to Zinc and other metal as their roof surface of choice.