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Tips For Planning A Roof Terrace
Daniel Bracewell • 11 August 2021
If you live in a town or city during the summertime, you may long for an outside space of your own, where you can relax with a G&T after a hard day’s work. A place to catch some beneficial rays of sunshine can significantly improve your mental wellbeing, and also add to the value of your home.
If your dwelling has a flat roof, then it may be possible to build a roof terrace or garden. Firstly, it is advisable to have a roof survey carried out to check if it is currently strong enough to take the extra weight. If your roof is in poor condition, you could have it repaired or replaced by a team of flat roof specialists.
The next step is to apply for planning permission, which will almost certainly be necessary as you will be altering the appearance of the house. When making your application, you could emphasise any features which will improve the urban landscape, such as providing a habitat for bees, insects, and birds, and adding greenery.
If the roof terrace is going to overlook a neighbour’s property, it is good practice to discuss your plans with them first. You may also need to issue a party wall notice, depending on how close the properties are.
Consider how you will access the roof terrace. A common solution is to install a hinged opening rooflight which is combined with a flight of stairs from the room below. Not only will this allow access to the rooftop, but it will also add more natural light to your home.
You will also need to make sure the roof is adequately drained and has a downpipe in good repair, to avoid sitting in puddles after wet weather. Also remember that rooftops are windier places than regular gardens, so windbreaks in areas where you plan to sit and grow plants are advisable.
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