Flat Roof Garden

[nathangunn]

Hi,

I live in a link detahced house built in the 1970s. Our front room was built with a floot roof extension so our back bedroom over looks the flat roof. The view from the roof is wonderful so I would like to create a simple roof top garden on the flat surface by adding some patio doors and some decking and chairs etc to the roof. I was wondering how much work has to be done to the flat roof before I can do this?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Firstly you may well need additional joists etc to take the extra weight as a floor (which you are proposing) needs to be stronger than a roof as it is at the moment. You'll also need to add a handrail to the edge which can be challenging from a structural and aesthetic point of view to say the least. Lastly and arguably the most important factor you'll also need planning permission. Without that your dreams are going nowhere. Is this on the front or the back of your house and if it went ahead would you be able to see into your neighbours gardens? If so its probably a no-no.