Roof Types in the UK: Which Does Your Property Have?

The type of roof on your property affects maintenance requirements, repair costs and lifespan. Understanding what you have helps you make sense of contractor recommendations and plan ahead for future work.

Pitched Roofs

The most common roof type in UK residential properties. A pitched roof has a slope angle of 15 degrees or more. Standard covering materials are concrete or clay tiles, slate (natural or synthetic), or occasionally cedar shingles. A well-maintained slate or clay tile roof can last 80 to 100 years; concrete tiles typically 40 to 60 years. Common issues: cracked or slipped tiles, failed ridge mortar, deteriorated lead valleys and flashings, and felt (sarking) degradation in older roofs.

Flat Roofs

Flat roofs (slope less than 10 degrees) are common on extensions, garages and some post-war properties. Traditional felt flat roofs have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years and require replacement rather than repair once they start failing. Modern flat roof systems — GRP (fibreglass), EPDM rubber, or TPO membrane — last 25 to 50 years with minimal maintenance and are significantly superior to traditional felt.

Hip Roofs

A hip roof slopes on all four sides rather than having gable ends. The additional hip junctions require lead flashing and are a potential weak point for water ingress. Otherwise similar to a standard pitched roof in maintenance requirements.

Mansard Roofs

A mansard roof has two slopes on each side — a steeper lower slope and a shallower upper slope — creating usable space in the roof. Common in Georgian and Victorian properties and frequently used in loft conversion design. The steep lower slope is often covered in slate or zinc. Dormer windows are common.

Green Roofs

Increasingly used on extensions and garages, green (planted) roofs provide insulation, biodiversity and visual interest. They require a waterproof membrane, drainage layer and growing medium. Maintenance involves periodic weeding and inspection of the membrane. Cost to install: £50 to £200 per m2 depending on specification.