A Complete Guide To Different Types of Roof in the UK
Posted by John Price October 28th, 2025
Across the UK, a handful of classic roof styles dominate our skylines. From traditional gables and hips to sleek flat roofs and contemporary green designs, the roof is one of the most essential elements to get right when designing or renovating a home.
It affects not only the look of your property, but also how well it performs in the UK’s varying weather. The type of roof you choose will influence energy efficiency, maintenance needs, available attic space, and even planning permissions.
Below, we break down the main roof types used in residential construction, their features and what makes each one unique.
Pitched Roofs
These are the most common types of roof seen in the UK, used for their sloped shape to shed rainwater and for the usable attic space they provide. There are several variations.
Gable Roof
The gable roof features two sloping sides meeting at a ridge, with triangular gable walls at each end. It’s simple, cost-effective and creates excellent attic space for storage or conversion.
It is often used with standard detached or semi-detached homes with rectangular layouts. Variations to consider include the box gable for rectangular properties and the cross gable for more complex designs.
Hip Roof
A hipped roof has slopes on all four sides that meet at the top. There are two trapezoid-shaped roof faces on the long sides of the house and two triangle-shaped planes on the shorter sides. Variations include a pyramid hip for use on square-shaped buildings and a crossed hip roof for ‘L’ and ‘T’ shaped buildings.
It’s slightly more complex to build than a gable, but more stable in high winds. This makes it ideal for exposed sites or coastal areas and is commonly found on detached houses and bungalows.
Mansard Roof
The mansard roof has a distinctive two-slope design on each of its four sides, a steep lower slope and a shallower upper one. Originating in France, it adds character to a building with its shape maximising the amount of space under the roof, making it ideal for adding extra storeys or loft conversions without increasing the footprint of the house.
The mansard roof looks great on period homes and is good for loft conversion projects.
Pent Roof
Pent roofs are also commonly called a lean-to, skillion or mono-pitch roof. It is a simple structure comprising a single sloping pane attached to a taller wall at one end. It offers a clean and contemporary look and is considered very suitable for solar panels. They are often seen in mountainous areas with significant snowfall, as well as on modern buildings in urban areas.
Flat Roofs
Not entirely without slope because some slope is required for water drainage, flat roofs have become increasingly popular for extensions, modern homes and minimalist designs.
Standard Flat Roof
Various materials can be used to construct a flat roof, including a single-ply membrane, making them easy to maintain. Because no slope is required, the surface area they occupy is the same as the building they cover, and so they are cheaper than sloping roofs. They are often used for extensions, porches and modern homes.
Parapet Roof
The parapet roof is often found on Georgian and Georgian-style homes. It is a flat roof with walls that extend above the roof edge. This gives the appearance of a clean, hidden roofline, which explains its popularity. With this type of roof, it is important to prevent water ingress.
Green Roof
The green roof is an increasingly popular, sustainable choice in which plants grow over a waterproof membrane. It improves insulation, reduces rainwater run-off and adds biodiversity. Because of the additional weight relative to a standard flat roof, structural support must be adequate. A green roof is usually found on eco-builds and urban homes as a relaxing contrast to a built-up landscape.
Clerestory Roof
Another contemporary choice is the clerestory roof, which features two sloping sides with a vertical wall sitting between. To open the interior to more light and air, clerestory windows can be installed in the wall that divides the two roofs.
Dormer Roof
You will see a dormer roof project from a sloping roof, commonly where attic conversions have been carried out and on dormer bungalows. They offer extra space and light compared to rooflights alone. With the addition of extra junctions, proper waterproofing is essential.
Hip and Valley Roof
When two pitched roofs intersect like those in an L-shaped or T-shaped home, you get a hip and valley roof. It looks impressive and suits more complex layouts. Hip and valley roofs are commonly used in multi-winged layouts.
Curved Roof
A curved roof uses an arched form instead of straight slopes, most often used on contemporary self-builds and barn conversions. It is a modern alternative and is striking in appearance, but requires specialist construction.
Choosing the Right Roof
There are various considerations to keep in mind when choosing a roof type, and it is often advisable to consult expert roof installation professionals for advice. In the UK, we experience four seasons with precipitation all year round. With rain and wind never being far away, a pitched roof is always a consideration.
For many, the roof’s aesthetics are a priority, and it should suit the building. With today’s materials and engineering, choices exist, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Gable and mansard roofs offer the greatest storage space but cost more than a simple flat roof.
Further, the more complex the design, such as hip and valley or curved roofs, the more expensive the installation and maintenance. Sustainability is also important today, more so than before, and therefore, material choice as well as the types of roofs available are important.
Planning permission may be required for roof alterations, particularly dormers and changes in height.
Whatever your budget and style preferences, factors such as location, construction advancements and technical skill of the roof installers will affect your choice.
John Price, the owner of JP Roofing Services, is an experienced roofing expert with deep roots in Nottinghamshire. Leading a family-owned business, John has built a reputation for excellence in the local roofing industry. JP Roofing Services offers a comprehensive range of services, including new roof installations, repairs, and maintenance, with specialisations in flat roofs, guttering, fascias, soffits, and chimney work. John’s commitment to reliability, punctuality, and affordable pricing without compromising on quality has made JP Roofing Services a trusted name in the community. With a focus on safety and customer satisfaction, John ensures that every project meets the highest standards, combining traditional values with modern expertise.
