Don’t Get Caught Out By Planning Law

Is planning permission needed to repair or replace a flat roof

The details of planning law can prove a headache to many homeowners who want to carry out repairs to their home. Failure to do so can prove very costly, especially if the work needs ripping down and re-doing.

Here at High Tech Membrane Roofing Ltd, Basildon’s leading flat roof specialist, we are often asked whether planning permission is needed to repair or replace a flat roof. In general, you do not need to apply for planning permission to re-roof your house as long as it is no more than 150mm from the existing roof plane and that the changes are no higher than the highest part of the existing roof.

You will need approval, however, if:

• You carry our structural alterations

• The performance of the new covering will be significantly different to that of the existing covering in the event of a fire

• You are replacing/repairing more than 25 per cent of the roof area, in which case, the roof thermal insulation would normally have to be improved.

Flat roof repairs or replacement should always be carried out by a qualified professional to ensure that no damage occurs to the roof structure and that the material is fitted correctly so it offers the protection needed. It’s also very dangerous to work at height which is why it’s best left to the experts.
Regulations state new flat roofs should have adequate ventilation to protect from condensation and should usually have a 50mm gap between any insulation and the underside of the roof. They are also required to protect against the elements, resist the spread of fire from one property to another, be energy efficient (protect against heat loss) and have a sufficient drainage system.

High Tech Membrane Roofing Ltd’s PVC single-ply flat roofing system is regarded as an industry leader and delivers performance way above what is necessary – so much so that we offer a lifetime 20-year guarantee. The single-ply system has a much longer life span than more traditional materials such as felt and offers a greater degree of protection against the elements. High-tech PVC membranes are engineered to form a stable waterproof covering to your flat roof and its performance is unaffected by expansion and contraction. It is also fully protected against damaging solar rays and the very worst of British weather.

Our experienced and highly-skilled tradesmen here at High-Tech Membrane Ltd know the details of planning law inside and out and will take care of all permission matters on your behalf, giving you complete peace of mind.

If you would like more information about repairing or replacing your existing flat roof, please contact us here at High Tech Membrane Roofing.