Slate is the most expensive common roofing material in the UK, and also potentially the last roof a house ever needs. Whether that trade-off makes sense depends heavily on which type of slate you are actually comparing, since “slate roof” covers a much wider price range than most people expect. Not all slate is the … Read more
Gable, gable end, gable wall. These terms get used almost interchangeably, and if you have ever felt unsure whether they mean the same thing, you are not alone. This guide clears up exactly what each one refers to, along with the related terms that come up when discussing gable roofs. What is a gable A … Read more
A skylight is one of the simplest ways to transform a dark loft, kitchen, or landing without extending the building. It brings in natural light from above rather than from the side, which can make a real difference in rooms that a normal window cannot reach. Skylight, roof window, or rooflight: what’s the difference These … Read more
Roof battens do not get much attention, since they are completely hidden once tiles or slates go on top. But they carry the entire weight of the roof covering and hold every tile in place, which makes them one of the most important components a homeowner never actually sees. What roof battens are Battens are … Read more
Eaves are one of those roof parts everyone has seen but few people can actually name. They are the edges of a roof that overhang the walls of a house, and despite looking like a simple design detail, they do several important jobs at once. What eaves actually are Eaves are the lower edges of … Read more
A pitched roof is any roof built with a noticeable slope, and it covers the vast majority of homes across the UK. But “pitched” hides a lot of detail. The exact angle affects which materials you can legally use, how well the roof sheds water, and even whether planning permission comes into play. What roof … Read more
Walk down almost any UK street and you will see several different roof tile types without realising it. The material your roof is covered in affects far more than looks. It changes cost, weight, lifespan, and even whether you need planning permission in some areas. Here is how the main options compare. Concrete roof tiles … Read more
The phrase “gable roof” covers a lot more variety than most homeowners realise. Once you start looking closely at roofs on the street, you will notice small but meaningful differences in how the gable end is built and how the roof planes meet. Here are the seven styles you are most likely to come across … Read more
If you are choosing a roof shape for a new build, an extension, or deciding whether to change your roofline during a replacement, the two options that come up again and again are gable and hip roofs. Both are common across the UK, but they behave very differently when it comes to cost, wind resistance, … Read more