Roof Types in the UK

  • 10-Year Workmanship Guarantee
  • FREE Drone Roof Survey
  • Written, Itemised Quotes

A Nottingham Guide to Every Roof Shape — FREE Drone Survey Available

Nottingham's mix of Victorian terraces, 1930s semis, new-build estates and commercial units means the roof over your head could be anything from a simple pitched roof to a flat roof extension, a mansard conversion or a dormer loft addition. Knowing which type you have, and what its particular strengths and weak points are, makes it far easier to plan a repair, an extension or a full replacement.

Trust Roofing Services works on every roof structure covered on this page, across Nottingham and the surrounding area, from a single missing tile on a gable roof to a full re-roof on a hip-to-gable loft conversion. Call 0115-647-3275 today for a free, no-obligation drone survey and quote.

Where Our Roof Type Service Starts and Stops

  • Identification and assessment of your existing roof type via a free drone survey
  • Installation and replacement across all the structures listed above: gable, hip, hip-to-gable, Dutch, mansard, M-shaped, extension, dormer, butterfly, gambrel, garage, flat, shed, green, pitched, conservatory and lean-to roofs
  • Repairs to existing roofs of any of these types, including flashing, valleys and ridge lines specific to the structure
  • Loft conversion roof alterations, such as hip-to-gable or dormer extensions, working alongside any planning requirements
  • Material selection suited to the roof shape, including felt, tile, slate and Firestone EPDM rubber for flat roof sections
  • Guttering and drainage tie-in work where a roof shape (such as a butterfly or M-shaped roof) creates valleys prone to water collection
A close-up of a damaged roof valley with cracked and broken tiles, exposed timber and rubble, and a paintbrush lying on the tiles.

Not Included / Costed Separately

  • Submitting or managing planning permission applications on your behalf (we can advise whether your project is likely to need it)
  • Interior loft conversion fit-out, such as plastering, insulation boarding, electrics or staircases
  • Scaffolding and access equipment, which is costed separately depending on the roof height and shape
  • Structural engineering calculations for complex conversions such as mansard or hip-to-gable projects
  • Solar panel or green roof planting installation itself, though we can prepare and strengthen a flat or green roof structure to receive them
A pitched roof with rows of new reddish-brown tiles replacing older weathered grey tiles, viewed from scaffolding with a skylight visible.

Why Roof Shape Changes What You'll Pay

Cost depends heavily on which roof type you're dealing with. Simpler shapes such as a lean-to, shed or gable roof generally use fewer materials and less labour than complex structures like a mansard, Dutch or butterfly roof, which involve more junctions, valleys and cutting. A repair to a small section costs far less than a full replacement, and material choice matters too: standard felt or tile work out differently to a Firestone EPDM rubber flat roof or a green roof's waterproofing and growing medium. Roof size, pitch, access (scaffolding needs) and any additional work such as re-flashing or guttering also affect the final figure.

Because every roof and every property is different, we don't give firm prices over the phone. A full, accurate quote always follows a site visit or drone survey, and it comes to you in writing, itemised, with no hidden costs added later.

Comparing the Roof Types We Work On

A quick side-by-side comparison of complexity, maintenance and best use for each roof family we install and repair across Nottingham.

Roof Type Typical Complexity Maintenance Needs Best Suited To
Gable / Lean-To / Shed Low — simple sloped design Low, straightforward inspection Standard homes, extensions, outbuildings
Hip / Hip-to-Gable Medium to high — four-sided or converted structure Moderate, dormer windows need checking Detached and semi-detached houses, loft conversions
Mansard / Dutch High — double slope or hybrid design Higher, watch for drainage on shallow upper slopes Loft conversions needing maximum headroom
Flat / Green Roof Medium — depends on membrane and use Regular checks for cracks, blisters or drainage Extensions, garages, modern builds, eco-conscious homes
Dormer / M-Shaped / Butterfly High — valleys and window junctions Higher, valleys need clearing to prevent water pooling Loft conversions and architecturally distinctive homes
Pitched / Conservatory Low to medium — depends on style chosen Low to moderate, material dependent Traditional homes and conservatory extensions
A roofer kneeling to torch-weld a black rubber felt membrane onto a flat roof, surrounded by gas canisters, a blowtorch, and a Makita tool.

When “It's Just a Hip Roof” Turns Out to Be Three Roof Types in One

More than one Nottingham loft conversion enquiry has started with “it's just a hip roof” and turned into something different once the drone footage comes back — a hip-to-gable extension, a dormer, and a flat roof addition, three roof types on one property, each needing its own materials and valley detailing. That's why every enquiry gets a free drone survey before a figure goes on paper. Materials are then matched to the structure: everything we fit is BBA approved, with Firestone EPDM rubber our system of choice for flat sections, backed by warranties up to 20+ years on top of our own 10-year workmanship guarantee.

Covering Every Roof Shape From Hucknall to Long Eaton

We cover all the roof types listed on this page across Nottingham and the surrounding towns and villages, working out from our base in Hucknall. That includes Nottinghamshire, Arnold, Sherwood, Bestwood, Bulwell, Nottingham City Centre, Forest Fields, Hyson Green, Radford, Lenton, Carlton, Beeston and West Bridgford.

Further out we cover Mapperley, Gedling, Netherfield, Long Eaton, Stapleford, Clifton, Ruddington, Kirkby in Ashfield, Sutton in Ashfield, Mansfield, Newark-on-Trent, Eastwood and Ilkeston across the Derbyshire border. Wherever you're based across this area, get in touch to arrange your free drone survey.

A flat grey felt roof section built between two pitched tile roofs on a residential street.

Frequently Asked Questions — Roof Types in Nottingham

How do I know which type of roof I have?

Most UK homes have a pitched, gable or hip roof, but many properties combine more than one type, for example a hip roof with a dormer extension, or a gable end with a flat-roofed rear extension. If you're not sure, describe your roof or send us a few photos when you get in touch, and we can usually identify it. For a definite answer, our free drone survey gives you HD footage of the whole structure.

Which roof type is cheapest to build or replace?

Simple single-slope structures such as lean-to, shed and gable roofs generally use fewer materials and less labour than complex shapes like a mansard, Dutch gable or butterfly roof, so they tend to cost less overall. The exact figure still depends on size, access and material choice, which is why we always follow up with a written, itemised quote after a site visit.

Do I need planning permission to change my roof type?

It depends on the alteration and your local planning rules. Changes such as a hip-to-gable conversion, a Dutch or mansard roof, or adding a dormer often require planning permission, while like-for-like repairs and replacements usually fall under permitted development. We can flag likely requirements during your survey, though the formal application itself sits outside our roofing service.

Which roof types are best for a loft conversion?

Hip-to-gable, dormer, mansard and Dutch roofs are the most common choices for loft conversions, since each one is designed to maximise headroom and usable floor space under the roofline. The right option depends on your existing roof shape, your budget and how much extra space you need.

Is a flat roof less durable than a pitched roof?

A well-installed and properly maintained flat roof, particularly one using a modern system like Firestone EPDM rubber, can last for decades. Flat roofs do need more frequent visual checks than pitched roofs because standing water and membrane wear are easier to miss, which is part of why we recommend regular inspections regardless of roof type.

Can you match a new roof section to my existing roof type?

Yes. When we're working on an extension or a repair to part of a roof, we match materials and, where practical, the roofline style to your existing structure, so a new section ties in rather than looking like an obvious add-on.

Do all these roof types need the same amount of maintenance?

No. Simpler shapes like gable, lean-to and shed roofs are generally easier to maintain, while roofs with valleys, such as M-shaped, butterfly and dormer roofs, need more regular clearing to stop water and debris building up. Flat and green roofs also need their own specific checks around drainage and membrane condition.

What happens after my free drone survey?

You receive a jargon-free written or verbal report explaining exactly what the footage shows and which roof type or types you have, followed by a written, itemised quote if any work is needed. There's no obligation to proceed after the survey.

Get Your Roof Type Identified, Free

Whether you're planning a loft conversion, dealing with a leak, or simply want to know what type of roof you actually have before winter weather tests it, a free drone survey is the quickest way to find out. There's no obligation, just HD footage, a clear written report and, if any work is needed, a written quote with no hidden costs.

Here is what we offer every customer:

  • Free drone roof survey — pinpoints your exact roof type and condition
  • Written, itemised quote — no obligation to proceed
  • Fully insured — public liability and employer's liability as standard
  • Materials matched to your roof type, all BBA approved
  • CSCS-certified roofers working to NFRC roofing standards
  • 10-year workmanship guarantee on completed work

Location: Harrow Rd, Hucknall, Nottingham NG15 6JD

Phone: 0115-647-3275

Call Trust Roofing Services now on 0115-647-3275, or use our contact form to request a callback.

Get in Touch

Trust Roofing Services — Hucknall
Harrow Rd, Hucknall, Nottingham NG15 6JD
Phone: 0115-647-3275
Email: [email protected]

🏠 Trust Roofing Services

Roof Types in the UK · Contact Us Now

  • FREE Drone Survey
  • Free Quote
  • BBA-Approved Materials.

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