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While there are places like your garden that can almost be like a blank canvas when you’re trying to make changes to spaces that have a lot more in terms of logical limitations, you need to be creative but also make a number of concessions. One of the best examples is a rooftop. A rooftop garden, patio, or terrace can be an amazing way to make the most of this extra space, especially if you live in a place with the most fantastic views, but of course, there’s a lot that you need to bear in mind. So, let’s show you all of the things you need to factor in.
Safety is such an important aspect of any home’s development, and it’s doubly more so when you’ve got a roofing structure that you want to make the most of. From the perspective of you as the homeowner, you want it to be a place where you and friends or family congregate, but you have got to be aware of how you can be safety conscious while also maximising the aesthetics. This boring stuff is more than vital.
Structural requirements need to be met to support the weight of the terrace, the furniture, and the people as per the Building Regulations Part A, but you then need to start thinking about other security requirements which are part of the Building Regulations Part Q. Of course, there’s a lot more that we need to put in place here. Safety measures like adequate lighting, ventilation, non-slip surfaces, and guard rails are needed to prevent any of these impacts as per Building Regulations Part B. Thankfully, there are so many different solutions here, from a key clamp gate to standard handrails.
Also, bear in mind that the roof has to be safe and accessible, potentially using things like roof lights and stairs or even minimising obstructions. Because roofing can be incredibly complex, we need to remember that safety should always be at the top of our priority list. Only once you make sure that your roof terrace is safe and sound should you progress.
When we make changes to our home, we’ve always got to ask ourselves the mortal question: what will it actually achieve? If you are living in a dense urban environment like a city centre, a roof terrace is a logical option because it provides additional living space, can help unlock extra capital (depending on what you do with it), and even extends the lifespan of the existing building. But there are so many different challenges that you need to address.
We’ve already talked about the safety measures as per building regulations, but we also need to bear in mind the legal requirements. For example, depending on the scale of the project, there could be a potential need for planning permission in addition to complying with building regulations. Legal requirements in terms of the structural elements are part of the Building Regulations Part A in the UK, and this is just one element that you will have to bear in mind, depending on the scale of the project itself. Using your roof as an extra living space requires careful planning and compliance, which is why you may benefit from consulting with professionals early on in the process to navigate the legal requirements properly.
A structural engineer can definitely benefit at this stage as they can inspect the existing roof to determine what modifications are needed to support a roof terrace. For example, you may have a flat roof, which can make things far easier to modify, but many people have pitched roofs (defined as a type of roof with a slope greater than ten degrees on all or part of its surface). If you really want to make changes to this type of roofing, there are options available, for example, raising an exterior wall or cutting into the roof to create a flatted area, but this goes back to requiring planning permission.
Planning permission will always be the millstone around your neck, not just because you’ve got to go through the numerous hoops, but you also have to bear in mind the building regulations and the impacts of obtaining planning permission which, if they are required, can add to the overall costs.
A roof terrace on a flat roof is a common solution because the structure can often support the additional weight. We’ve already mentioned a pitched roof conversion, which may require planning permission, and this can provide a whole heap of solutions, for example, dormer conversions and L-shaped dormers as well as hip-to-gable conversions.
However, you may want to look at loft conversions as a compromise. This can be a great solution to maximise the value of your home, but you can also make the most of the indoors rather than the outside. You can make changes to the loft space so that you get some of the benefits of a rooftop conversion without compromising your safety. For example, a window on top of your roof can give your loft conversion a number of benefits, not to mention additional sunlight and the option to pop your head out on occasion.
You may benefit from implementing a structure inside the loft which can give you a lot more peace of mind if you’re attempting to operate within the realms of safety, but also have been able to get planning permission to alter your roofing structure. Ultimately, the best option will depend on various factors like your planning restrictions, roof types, structural requirements, and the dreaded B-word: budget. Consulting with professionals is always crucial to ensure a successful conversion.
Choosing the design will depend on the use of the roof terrace. You need to ensure that you operate with a safety-first mindset, but you can make a number of design considerations upfront when you consider what this roof terrace will be used for. There is a big difference between a rooftop garden and a rooftop terrace because if you want to implement a rooftop garden, you can incorporate a number of landscaping elements, such as planters, hedges, or trees within containers. This will make for a far more relaxing space and will be an excellent option if you are someone who likes time to yourself.
Maximising privacy is one component, but you can also maximise the views. Features such as frosted glass balustrades are one such approach that can straddle the balance between aesthetics and safety. Of course, for so many of us, how something looks is crucial, especially on the roof where it can be seen by neighbours and passersby. Of course, we need to think about the impacts on our neighbours, especially if you are implementing a rooftop garden on your apartment.
There’s a lot more to consider than we realise when using a roof as an extra space. It’s something we all want, and it can certainly provide many amazing benefits to our home, but if we have made changes to our garden and the interiors, it’s time to look at what is above us. A roof space in any form can be an excellent way to make the most of your home; it’s not just the opportunity to add extra benefits to your home, but it can do so much for the look of your home and increase the home’s value. But in order to do this properly you need to consider all of these major factors.
This is a collaborative post.
Welcome to Birds and Lilies! I'm Lou: mother, blogger and freelance writer. This is my lifestyle blog, where I talk about motherhood, infertility and IVF, beauty, my love for food and wine, as well as my thoughts about stuff, and our real-life and travel adventures.
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