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Design Dilemma
sophieuremartin

How to disguise this flat roof?

sophieuremartin
8 years ago

We have built an extension. The flat roof now dominates the view from this sash window and blocks most of the view of the garden.


How do I improve it? Should I have window boxes outside or plants on the inside window? Or should I clad the roof with something or cover with decorative pebbles/gravel? Or another idea?

Thanks


Featured Answer
  • helenehope
    8 years ago

    Maybe worthwhile finding out, whether you can create a living roof. From what I understand it's easy enough to instal, but not sure what it means in terms of weight and whether it's suitable for your roof covering/construction. Just googled it and lot's of suppliers popped up.


    Comments (15)

    • embzop
      8 years ago

      Artificial grass is so much better than it used to be and you really can't tell the difference between that and the real thing. It would look much more appealing to look out of the window and see some greenery. It would also be very light and depending on the construction of the roof, it may not be able to take anything heavy.

    • alant1000
      8 years ago
      Artificial grass is a good idea if it won't add too much weight and allows the roof to breathe and dry out after rainfall. I've not seen it done before but it seems like a good idea potentially. Alternatively you could add some planters around the edges maybe?
    • PRO
      JMC Decorators
      8 years ago

      Hi you have to be really careful what you do on a flat felt roof. Adding any kind of stone my puncture the felt and cause on end of problems. Also keep any planters close to the edge of the roof

    • M J
      8 years ago

      Be careful with planters on the edge, you don't want to kill someone below if it gets windy!

    • sophieuremartin
      Original Author
      8 years ago
      Thank you all for your comments. I hadn't even thought of AstroTurf!
      Could planters damage the felt through either weight or damp?
      Could I put decking over the felt? I just think it looks so dark and harsh.
    • Marina
      8 years ago

      I´ve has artificial grass. Not on a roof, but it looked fabulous and given the budget I would go for it any time over the real thing. It would look great on your roof, but would suggest having i professionally fitted to get the edges just right.

    • Jonathan
      8 years ago
      Put some window film on the lower part of the window to Fran your view upwards
    • Jonathan
      8 years ago
      *frame your view........ Just seeing the top of trees and sky will be lovely
    • PRO
      Shutterly Fabulous
      8 years ago

      The suggestion about covering the lower-half of the windows is great - it really does focus your view up and out to the lightest part of the sky. We have just completed this shutter project on a similar style of window - the bottom and top shutters open independently and of course, unlike window film, you can open them right up to look out when you want. A nicely tended window box on the sill would screen things too - but maybe not all year round. Good luck!

      Before and after shutter installation · More Info


    • Catherine Hounslow
      8 years ago

      It sounds as if you would have to be careful not to damage the roof so maybe some lovely plants on the sill to draw your eye away from it . Could a trailing plant like clematis cover some of it ,without doing too much damage?Perhaps trained around the edges?


    • Natalie Patton
      8 years ago
      Is it accessible? Could you make it accessible? I'd add a railing for safely and have a terrace area with some plants and outdoor furniture
    • rach1922
      8 years ago

      I was going to suggest a living roof, I think there is one on here somewhere in the latest edition

    • sophieuremartin
      Original Author
      8 years ago
      Thank you all! I will investigate a living roof and window boxes, as well as fake grass. Sadly, it's a listed building so we can't convert into a terrace otherwise I'd be right on to that.
    • PRO
      Property by Design
      8 years ago

      A living roof is a fantastic idea. Not only does it look appealing, by it helps with the environment and wildlife.

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