How To Create A Roof Terrace

Daniel Bracewell • 5 April 2022

If you own a top-floor apartment, or a house with no garden, you may be intrigued by the idea of installing a roof terrace. This will provide you with outdoor space to enjoy over the warmer months, and will potentially add value to your home, should you wish to sell it. Here are the main steps to getting started.

What is the existing roof type?

Obviously, if you have an existing flat roof then this is the easiest starting point. Pitched roofs are more of a challenge, but in some cases, they can be modified by building up the external wall, or cut into to create a flat area.

Obtain planning permission

Planning permission is likely to be necessary in most cases. Planners will consider factors such as the impact on the skyline, the disruption caused by extra noise and pollution, and if the terrace will overlook neighbouring properties.

Appoint a structural engineer

Even if you have access to a flat roof, the building will need to be assessed by a structural engineer to determine the strength of the roof. It may need some reinforcement put in place before it is strong enough to withstand extra weight.

Drainage

It’s important that the roof drains well. This is usually achieved by incorporating a slight pitch on the roof, and connecting it up with a downpipe. The materials used should also be waterproof and fireproof to conform with building regulations.

How will the roof be used?

This will determine the landscaping and features of the roof. If you want to build a garden roof, for example, this will require a growing medium which is installed over a waterproof membrane. Many people simply add pots and planters to the terrace to create a mini-garden, which can be enjoyed for eating out and socialising.

If you are looking for a flat roof specialist in Stockport, talk to us today.

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Can You Install Solar Panels On A Flat Roof?

by Daniel Bracewell • 10 December 2025

If you’re exploring how to lower your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint, you may be looking at the likes of solar panels for your home. But what if your property has a flat roof rather than a pitched roof? Can you still install solar panels on a flat roof? The short answer is yes, you can! In fact, it is often easier to install solar panels on a flat roof than it is to fit them to a sloped roof, which might make this an even more appealing avenue to explore when you’re looking at flat roof ideas . In many cases, you also don’t need planning permission to install solar panels on your flat roof. Of course, there are exceptions if you have a listed building or live in a conservation area, but if you own your house (different rules apply for flats too), you should be free to add solar panels to your home as you choose. There are different kinds of mounting systems for flat roof solar panels and which is most appropriate for your home will depend on the direction it faces. It is worth noting that the cost of installing solar panels is often higher on flat roofs because of the mounting system, but some of this can be offset by the lower labour costs because the installation process is usually more straightforward. One of the main reasons homeowners install solar panels is to reduce their energy bills. Many report savings of hundreds of pounds each year, which means these panels often pay for themselves relatively quickly. What’s more, under the Smart Export Guarantee , you can sell any energy you don’t use back to the National Grid, which can increase the rate at which your investment in solar panels pays for itself. So, if you are exploring ways to make the most of your flat roof, consider solar panels as an option to reduce your energy bills and do good for the environment.