Loft Types

Here we explain the primary categories of loft conversions, which include Velux conversions, dormer conversions, Mansard conversions, hip-to-gable conversions and L-shaped. Deciding which type of loft conversion is suited to you and your home depends on a number of factors such as the height and shape of your roof, whether your home is detached, semi-detached or terraced, your budget, and any relevant local planning regulations.

Velux

A Velux conversion is a roof conversion that uses the current roof slope with the installation of Velux roof lights on the outside. Bungalows and other detached houses with a high existing head height are ideal for this sort of loft conversion.
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Rear Dormer

A rear dormer loft conversion is a roof expansion that adds additional floor area and head height to an existing roof.
A Rear Dormer is characterised by square, vertical sides and, in most cases, a flat roof. This type of loft conversion can be stepped in from each side or built to the full width of the house, depending on the size and nature of the property and any planning limitations that may come with it.
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Mansard

The exterior shape of a Mansard loft conversion is similar to a Dormer Conversion, however the face of a Mansarsd is slanted by 70 degrees. The sides of the Mansard are generally bricked, but they can also be tiled.
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Side Dormer

The form of a Side Dormer is similar to that of a Rear Dormer, except it is located on the side of the house. You may be able to have two side dormers if your property is detached. Side Dormers typically have flat roofs. However, they may have pitched or crown roofs depending on local building regulations.
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Piggyback

Piggyback loft conversions are created by elevating the original perimeter walls in brickwork and pitching a new roof that is set back from the building's main elevation. A great deal of head height and living space is obtained by elevating the brickwork and pitching a new roof. In most cases, these loft conversions can accommodate two bedrooms and a bathroom.
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Hip To Gable Rear Dormer

Hip to gable loft conversions are most common on semi-detached homes that already have a hipped roof. A gable is made by extending the hip vertically from the ridgeline and a Rear Dormer is formed at the back of the property. This is one of the most frequent forms of loft conversion since it maximises floor area and head height.
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L-Shape Dormer

An L-Shape Dormer is built similarly to a Rear Dormer, but with a back addition outrigger at the back of the house. This generally extends over a current bathroom or bedroom on the first level. This sort of loft conversion is not feasible in all types of homes, although it is frequent in Romanesque and Gothic homes. The outrigger at the back provides a lot of living space. Due to local development restrictions, the head height is either the same as the main dormer or somewhat lower.
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