Summer House Roof Styles and Materials

No matter your aesthetic preferences, longevity requirements or eco-friendliness needs, there is sure to be a roof solution available that suits them all. Here’s an overview of your choices available to you.

Felt roofing is a popular choice, yet not ideal for summer houses with irregular shapes such as an octagon and hexagon shape. It does not allow enough overlap and leakage is often an issue.

Lead-Effect Glass Fibre Roof

Consideration of roof covering is often neglected when designing a summer house, yet its presence can have a significant impact on its interior and exterior design. You have several roofing material choices available to you that could enhance the aesthetics of your space.

Lead is an ideal material to use for new and replacement roofs due to its longevity, environmental credentials and corrosion-resistance – qualities which allow guttering and downpipes to fit seamlessly with its structure without damage or disruption. Furthermore, its non-combustibility provides another added bonus – particularly useful in areas with extreme summer heat or high humidity levels.

Scotts offers an economical lead-effect roof solution, perfect for older buildings or those restoring them where lead roofs have been removed and replaced with other materials. Scotts’ realistic imitation can even keep their aesthetic while helping reduce insurance claim payouts, with its realistic lead roof simulation option installed over existing structures. This is ideal when renovating older structures or listing buildings where lead has been removed but another material used instead – ideal if wanting to keep the aesthetic appeal but cannot afford sheet lead roofing which has seen increased claims payments recently.

Cedar shingle roofs add a natural element to the interior of your summer house while complementing its surroundings. Cedar is an eco-friendly wood that naturally weathers over time into its classic silvery grey hue, and we provide this option as standard on our 3m Burghley and 3.6m Newhaven corner summer houses. However, you may also request it as an individual customisation request.

Brava Old World Slate tiles add an elegant, contemporary touch to your roof with their wide range of colors that range from warm hues that reflect sunlight to cooler gray hues which help regulate temperatures inside summer houses. This home located by a canal features stunning Terra Cotta Brown tiles which complement both its brick siding and natural landscape color scheme beautifully.

Cedar Shingle Roof

Cedar is a highly popular roofing material due to its durability and aesthetic beauty. Its natural, rustic aesthetic fits beautifully into numerous architectural styles while adding character and warmth to your summer house. Furthermore, cedar is one of the strongest roofing materials available and highly resistant to rot and decay – not to mention it comes from renewable resources with minimal maintenance requirements!

Cedar shakes and shingles can withstand even extreme weather conditions, from hail to heavy rain, high winds, and snowstorms. Cedar wood naturally resists fire damage; thus reducing risk.

Quality cedar shingles can last 30 years with proper care and maintenance, staining or being left to age naturally to a beautiful brown or gray hue. Furthermore, cedar is highly insulating which saves money on energy bills by keeping buildings cool in summer and warm in winter.

Cedar shingle roofs provide long-term beauty and value to properties looking to increase both their value and curb appeal. Their timeless beauty makes cedar an excellent choice.

Though cedar shingle roofs may be more costly than other options, they can add significant resale value to your home. Buyers want quality homes with rustic charm; thus this type of roof could set your property apart from competitors.

Cedar shingles can be professionally treated to increase their lifespan and protect them against fungi, mold, mildew and moisture-related problems such as fungus growth. Professional treatment also protects cedar shingles against the harmful effects of UV rays which cause visible aging and cracking in wood surfaces over time. Regular inspections help keep cedar shingles looking their best during their entire lifespan.

Green Roof

Green Roofs (often referred to as garden roofs or eco-roofs) are areas of planted land on top of buildings, often housing grass, herbs, sedums or trees and shrubs. Popular among urban buildings, these roofs can bring both environmental and economic advantages.

Provide shelter to plants and insects to decrease rainwater runoff into gutters and drains and thus help lower air pollution levels. Furthermore, green roofs can absorb heat to slow the rate at which temperature increases – an effect known as UHI that occurs in cities due to high density heat-absorbing concrete structures like asphalt roads.

Green roofs provide additional insulation to buildings, helping reduce energy bills by serving as an energy barrier with plants and soil serving as natural buffers to noise pollution.

Another reason a green roof is such an effective idea is its ability to provide an escape from city life. Studies have demonstrated how being immersed in nature can reduce stress and depression. Greenery provides a natural soothing effect which modern cities lack; green roofs and external green walls allow people to experience it, increasing productivity and wellbeing in turn.

All types of green roofs require some degree of upkeep and upkeep. Therefore, when designing and planning their construction and layout it is crucial that provisions for maintenance access be made such as hatches, ladder points or full roof containment systems.

Drainage layers on green roofs must also be carefully considered, since any excess water must be dealt with efficiently in order to reduce risk and protect plant roots from flooding or saturation. Our PermaSEAL PRO 11 Geodrain membrane has been specifically designed for this task with its stud profile allowing water to drain freely without pooling on the surface and pressure build-up resulting in slow draining times or blockages preventing over saturation and saturation of plant roots.

Underlining

Roofs are the keystone of summer houses and must look attractive, keep rain and weather at bay, and be durable. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to balance all these considerations; with hipped, hexagonal and octagonal roof shapes it may prove even harder. Finding an optimal system that looks great while simultaneously protecting against rain and sun while being long-lasting may present particular obstacles to overcome.

Cedar shingle roofing may be the right choice for some; offering a natural look in keeping with the rest of the garden and eventually turning silver-grey over time, it adds a premium touch that gives summer houses an elegant touch while being relatively inexpensive to maintain. Unfortunately, though it requires regular upkeep in order to stay secure.

EPDM rubber roofs offer another cost-effective option. While their aesthetic may not appeal to all, their long lifespan (up to 50 years!) and total water tightness make this choice especially appealing. However, installation requires skilled labor in order to properly secure and seal off the membrane membrane.

Metal box profile roofing systems represent the ideal combination of price and performance for summerhouses. While not to everyone’s taste aesthetically, steel sheeting is highly durable and can last many years before needing replacing or repairs. Furthermore, hexagonal or pentagonal structures benefit greatly from using steel sheets due to its ease of attachment onto complex angled ridges of these buildings.

Are You Looking to Add Some Flair to Your Summer House in the Garden? Consider Installing a Decorative Weathervane (there are hundreds available, from traditional shapes drawn from nature to bespoke creations tailored specifically for you and reflecting your hobbies or passions.)