Roof types in the UK go beyond just pitched and flat roofs.
From their functional benefits to aesthetic features, it’s worth knowing about the different roof systems and materials. That way, you can ensure your roof is the best option for your home and its location.
Learn your dormers from your Dutch gables with this guide to common (and not-so-common) roof types in the UK.
Why are there so many different roof types in the UK?
The UK’s long-standing history, rich with innovations and influences from different cultures, royal eras, societies and regions, has clearly impacted our architecture.
Roofing materials and building techniques have developed throughout the centuries, and the architectural influences of each era can be easily identified.
Thatched roofs on Tudor houses progressed into clay roofs (which became a legal requirement under King John of England in the 12th century). Eventually, Georgian-style homes were built to reflect a new middle-class society, followed by pitched Victorian roofs and then a resurgence in gable roofs.
Although a tiny snippet of the development of roofs in the UK, this gives us an idea of exactly why there are so many different roof types.
Each one tells a story of the era and the people who influenced its shape, build, and materials.
Gable roof
A gable roof is one of the most common roof types in the UK. A classic roof shape you see just about everywhere, it consists of two equally sized sloping roof faces that meet at the top.
This pitch-style roof is often used in new-build homes and is best suited to cold, wet weather conditions (like those we find in the UK).
You might come across a few different types of gable roofs:
Double gable roof: A roof with two gables that connect, creating an M-shaped roof profile. This style became popular in the Georgian era when builders couldn’t access enough large timber to span the whole roof. Today, some new-build homes feature this roof style purely for aesthetic reasons.
Open gable: The most common and recognisable type of gable roof, the walls of the pitch visibly reach the top of the roof in a triangular form.
Box gable: Box gable roofs are triangular structures, where the roof section is boxed at the end, making the triangular section more distinguishable.
Crossed gable: Two or more separate gable roofs are raised at 90 degrees from the property. From a bird’s eye view, this creates an X, T or L-shaped house.
Flat roof
While flat roofs used to be the domain of commercial buildings, they’re now becoming more popular for residential properties in the UK.
A flat roof is defined as a roof that’s almost level. Technically, they’re not completely flat, as a slope is needed for water running and drainage purposes.
Flat roofs are some of the cheapest roof styles, so are commonly used in modern urban apartments and houses.
They can, however, be prone to leaking, so solid sealing and regular roof maintenance are important.
Saltbox roof
This is another pitched roof, but a saltbox roof has two faces of different sizes.
It looks like a gable roof (one pitch and two sides) but saltbox roofs are asymmetrical, with one long side and a shorter side with a steeper slope that creates more headroom.
A Colonial style of architecture that originated in New England, saltbox roofs are popular today thanks to their ability to help create an extra floor. The floor can only be half the size of other storeys in the house, since the roof is lower on one side.
A-frame roof
An A-frame roof is also similar to a gable roof, except an A-frame reaches all the way (or close) to the ground.
The shape of the roof helps to distribute space evenly and enables a spacious interior with high ceilings.
Hip roof
One of the most common roof types in the UK, a hip roof (or hipped roof) slopes down towards all four walls at a gentle angle.
This differs from a gable roof because a gable roof has a flat, triangular end while a hipped roof has four sloping sides and no flat face.
This roof style suits both modern and historical architectural buildings. It requires more materials, so is a more expensive type of roof. However, its sturdiness means it can hold its own in areas with strong winds or snowy weather, like Scotland.
There are multiple types of hip roofs to know about:
Crossed hip: Similar to a crossed gable, this is the roof shape created in X, T or L-shaped properties. This time there are no gable ends - all roof faces slope up towards the ridge.
Pyramid hip: This exists on square buildings. All triangular roof faces meet at a single apex point in the middle, rather than a ridge.
Corrugated roof
You can spot a corrugated roof thanks to repeated wave-like patterns, which can be round or square-edged.
These “corrugations” are vertically aligned for better water run-off and are usually made of PVC or galvanised metal.
Corrugated roofs are relatively low-cost, durable and easy to install. They’re often used for garages, sheds, carports and agricultural buildings.
Sedum roof
Sedum roofs have been used for centuries but have had a modern update.
These are “living roofs”, meaning they have a layer of soil and vegetation on top. Contemporary sedum roofs contain a waterproof layer. Rain passes through them but they absorb a lot of it, so plants can thrive.
This is a greener roof system. Sedum roofs attract insects for pollination and maintain a stable temperature all year round.
Dormer roof
Not exactly its own roof type, a dormer is like a small gable roof that sits within a main roof. It has a window to provide light and space to attic rooms.
Dormers are versatile roof options for homeowners in the UK which can increase property value.
Dutch gable roof
A hybrid of the hipped and gable roofs. In a Dutch gable roof, the ridge extends further along the edges, ending with a small vertical triangular gable (or a “gablet”) that joins the hip roof.
It works in a similar way to a dormer but is a continuation of the ridge, not a separate roof that juts out. You’ll often see ornamental gablets with panelling, cross-hatching or other impressive finishes.
T-shaped roof
Unsurprisingly, this is a roof shaped like a T, thanks to two areas that meet at a perpendicular angle.
A T-shaped roof is an example of a pitched roof, which prioritises water run-off and weatherproofing.
Skillion roof
What started as a shed roof has developed into a roof type for modern, minimalist homes.
A skillion has become a more popular flat roof type in the UK, consisting of a single flat surface with a steep pitch towards one side. It’s also known as a mono-pitched roof.
South-facing skillion roofs are ideal for solar power generation.
Gambrel roof
A gambrel roof is like a gable roof, but doesn’t feature a perfect triangular shape. Instead, gambrel roofs pitch at two different angles that are steep at the bottom and gentler towards the top.
This opens up more space compared to a gable roof. Just keep in mind that gambrel roofs are usually less sturdy because the extra weight can push the sides outwards.
FAQs about roof types
What is the most common roof type in the UK? The most common roof type in the UK is the pitched roof. Pitched roofs are suitable for a range of residential and commercial properties, offering extra storage or living space. They’re also super versatile with all sorts of pitched roofs available, from gambrel to gable, mansard, hip roofs and more.
What is the cheapest roof design in the UK? The cheapest roof design generally comes down to the materials used. So, the cheapest material for a pitched roof is bitumen roofing sheets, though concrete roof tiles are more durable and deliver more value for money. EPDM membranes are the cheapest option for flat roofs. As a general guide, asphalt shingles are popular in the UK for homeowners looking for cheap roof design.
Which type of roofing material is best? The “best” roofing material depends on factors like climate, location and desired aesthetics. To answer the question here, we’ll cover some of the most durable roofing materials. Slate has the longest estimated lifespan, lasting up to 100 years or more. Clay and cement can last anywhere between 50 and 100 years, with standing-seam metal lasting 30-50 years. Of course, tough environments (from heavy rain to high temperatures) can impact a roof’s lifespan.
Contact Furlong Group for roof repair and maintenance in London
Protect your investment with roof repair, maintenance and restoration.
We specialise in all roof types in the UK, so you know your property is in good hands.
Call 020 7459 4838 or book online.
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