What is a l-shaped mansard?  It is very similar to a rear mansard conversion but with the added benefit of a lot more space.

Not all properties that can have an l-shaped mansard. Often built on properties either under planning permission or on Victorian properties to match other surrounding L-shape mansards. The property will require a back addition. Often the kitchen and bathroom are located at the back of the property, allowing the mansard to extend over this area.

The additional space over the back could incorporate some of the following:

– An extra bedroom

-A study

– A separate bathroom

– A nursery

– An en-suite

L-shape mansards are a fantastic use of space and if it is possible to carry out one on your property, we would always advise you to build one over a standard rear mansard.

When converting the l-shape at the same time as the rear mansard the additional costs can be very reasonable. Sometimes the increase is only a matter of £5-7 thousand pounds. The price will always depend on the size of the back addition that can be built on your property.

If you are in two minds between converting your loft into an l-shape mansard or just a standard rear dormer. Weigh up in your mind if you would ever decide to complete this is the future.  As the future cost to complete this at a later date could cost you up to 5-10 times the originally quoted price. Things like re-applying for permitted development or planning permission would have to be done. Not to mention completely duplicating structural calculations, re-erecting the scaffolding, re-ordering a new loft staircase and re-making good the connection between the already converted loft and new l-shape section. This option can be very expensive. So make sure that if you can have an l-shape mansard, you consider all options before committing to just a rear mansard conversion.

If you are considering a loft conversion then please contact SkyLofts on 01252 500 872 or email info@skylofts.co.uk for more information.

What is a l-shaped dormer? An l-shaped dormer is very similar to a rear dormer conversion but with the added benefit of slightly more space.

An l-shape dormer can only be carried out on certain properties. Often victorian properties are converted, where the kitchen and bathroom are located at the rear of the property.

The additional space over the back can become a number of rooms, such as:

– An additional bedroom

– A study

-An office

– A separate bathroom

– A nursery

– A dressing room

L-shape dormers are a fantastic use of space. We always advise our customers if they can have an L-shape as well as a rear dormer.

When converting the l-shape back addition at the same time as the rear dormer the additional costs can be very reasonable. Sometimes the increase is only a matter of £3-5 thousand pounds. This price will depend on the size of the back addition that can be built.

If you are in two minds between converting your loft into an L-shape dormer or just a standard rear dormer. Weigh up if you would ever decide to complete this in the future. As the costs to complete this at a later date could be up to 5-10 times the originally quoted price. Things like re-applying for permitted development or planning permission would need doing again.  Not to mention duplicating structural calculations, re-erecting the scaffolding, re-ordering a new loft staircase and re-making good the connection between the already converted loft and new L-shape section. This option can be very expensive. So make sure that if you can have an L-shape dormer, you consider all options before committing to just a rear dormer.

The Construction Process

We always mention the l-shape to have a flat roof. But in fact they are built with a 1:50 fall to the side to prevent any standing water pooling on top of your loft roof.

The bigger the l-shape dormer, the more floor space and headroom you can achieve.

Here at Skylofts, we always recommend that you allow us to build your dormer out as far as possible to gain maximum internal space and head height on the inside.

So once your l-shape is complete, it’s the bedroom space that you will be enjoying and benefiting from. This will completely supersede any fears that you may have regarding the view of your property from your back garden.

To make the l-shape dormer look less bulky and top heavy, we like to step both of the dormer cheeks in slightly. As this tends to soften the sharpness of the dormer structure by creating a small border around the perimeter and helps blend into the existing roof slope.

The construction of the l-Shape dormer is extremely important and fundamental. Not only from a thermal mass (heat) point of view but also from the appearance and style.

The L-Shape Dormer Construction 

When your l-shape rear dormer conversion starts, the first thing installed will be the structural floor including steels and timber floor joists. Including the back addition, so everything will come off (minus the front slope) so the whole l-shape dormer can be installed.

An l-shape dormer, depending on overall size can normally be installed within two weeks. Ready for the insulation to be installed and the tiling to start from the outside.

The insulation is such an important factor when considering to convert your loft.

Head Height

With all loft conversions, a minimum of 2.2 meters is required. This is to achieve a rear dormer without the need to explore alternative options like lowering ceilings and rebuilding the whole of your roof.

If you are considering a loft conversion then please contact SkyLofts on 01252 500 872 or email info@skylofts.co.uk for more information.

What is a rear mansard? Rear mansards are a great way of converting your loft. Especially when certain planning restrictions prevent you from doing a rear dormer. Or if you simply just prefer the look of a rear mansard over a rear dormer.

Shown in this diagram is the basic shape of a rear mansard. They have square, vertical sides often built in either brickwork or tile-hung. They have a slopped facing side that slopes bottom in (normally angled inwards between 70˚ and 74˚) to soften the look. We always mention that both dormers and mansards have flat roofs on their tops. But they are always built with a 1:50 fall to the side to prevent any standing water pooling on top of your flat roof.

Mansards can be built in all different shapes and sizes. From small mansard windows, right through to full-width mansards that are built right across the back of the property.

The bigger the mansard is built, the more floor space and headroom is achieved on the inside. The only difference with a mansard is that the slope across the face of the mansard will make the construction look softer from the outside. It will, however, sacrifice some head height compared to a dormer that is built vertical off of the back wall.

Even though we always try and promote a dormer over a mansard, there are circumstances when a mansard is the only feasible option. Situations such as planning permissions, conservation areas, listed buildings and/or your local authority simply not liking dormer conversions in their council policy. We take care of all of this for you and advise you accordingly depending on where your property is situated.

On the plus side, mansards can be built to look amazing and there are many options to choose from. Like the sides can be built in brickwork to match the existing property. Skylofts offer both old London Stock bricks as well as new London Stock bricks depending on your choice and budget. Or you could have tiled sides, stepped in slightly to make the Mansard look less obtrusive.

Mansards are often seen to be built up in brick sides to match the existing bricks on the parapet walls. But this can only be achieved through planning permission as you will be building on the party wall.

Other options include choosing to have small dormer windows, or french doors built within the face of the mansard.

The options are endless and Mansards really suite the original properties of the Victorian era.

The Mansard Construction 

When your rear mansard conversion starts, the first thing installed will be the structural floor including steels and timber floor joists. Once completed, the old roof at the back will start to be dismantled and removed so the mansard can be installed. The mansard, depending on the size can normally be installed within a few days ready for the insulation and weathering from the outside. The insulation is a very important factor when considering a to convert your loft conversion.

Every loft company will spec there own insulation details. Some will be in excess of building control requirements. Whilst others will be right on the breadline between a pass or fail.

Lofts Can Use Many Types Of Insulation: 

Soft Insulation – Rockwool and EcoTherem to name a few. Great for internal walls and floor insulation as they have an impressive sound barrier between habitable rooms.

Ridged Insulation – Recticel and Kingspan have great U-values and come in many different thicknesses for different parts of the loft surfaces.

Head Height

With all loft conversions, a minimum of 2.2 meters is required to achieve a rear mansard. This is to avoid the need to explore alternative options like lowering ceilings and rebuilding the whole of your roof.

If you are considering a loft conversion then please contact SkyLofts on 01252 500 872 or email info@skylofts.co.uk for more information.

What is a rear dormer? A Rear Dormer loft conversion is the most common type of loft conversion that we carry out. This is because so many houses can incorporate them, including a terrace, detached and semi-detached.

What Is A Rear Dormer Loft Conversion?

Shown below in the diagram is the basic shape of a rear dormer. They have square, vertical sides and normally have box-like, flat roof. We always mention a flat roof but in-fact they are built with a 1:50 fall to the side to prevent any standing water pooling on top.

Rear dormer loft conversions can be built to all different shapes and sizes. From small box dormers that are discreet and stepped in, to large dormers that are built right to the back and sides of the property.The bigger the rear dormer, the more floor space and headroom is achieved on the inside.

Here at Skylofts, we always recommend for you to allow us to build your rear dormer loft conversion out as far as possible. This is to gain maximum internal space and head height inside. So once complete, it’s the bedroom space that you will be enjoying and love.

To make the rear dormer look less top heavy but without losing any internal living space, we like to step the dormer cheeks and the face of the dormer in very slightly. This softens the broadness of the dormer structure by creating a small revel around the perimeter. So when you do stand in the back garden and look up at your dormer, you will be looking at a dormer that looks and feels as part of the original house as possible.

What To Consider When Having A Rear Dormer Loft Conversion

Slate/Tile Match

We pride ourselves on our tile matching service. This is provided with every loft conversion. We invite specialists to your site to analyse the existing tiles if required. Once visited, we can provide you with different samples so we can discuss the options available together to make the right choice. We can even offer you specialty tiles for an extra price should they still be available for us to purchase. We include concrete tiles or slates as standard and can offer you a whole range to select from that are available (subject to lead times).

Gutters and Downpipes

Sometimes overlooked are the gutters and downpipes with regards to colour and size. Therefore once the dormer is completed, it never really feels like it was ever part of the existing rainwater system. At Skylofts we carry out a full survey on the rainwater system and the external components of your roof in great detail. This ensures that once completed your dormer, it blends in as closely as possible to the existing property and style. Colours available are white, black and grey.

Facias and Soffit

 Facias and soffits can be overlooked and once the scaffolding comes down, it can feel like it hasn’t been blended with the existing property. We try our utmost to match the size of the facias and soffits with the original house (where possible). Blending in the dormer with the original property. Although the shape and size are important to us, the appearance will always come second compared to the technicalities and complexity of the dormer roof/s in order to make the roof work correctly and professionally. Facias and soffit colours are available in white, black and rosewood (brown).

Soil Pipe Colour

We finish all of our soil pipes in 100mm UPVC and matched with the colour of the existing waste system on the property. The colours available are white, black and grey. Some properties may already have an multi-colour system on the property. In this circumstance, we will match the most dominant colour to blend in the new pipework. Or offer you a separate quotation to change the soil system to match the new.

The Dormer Construction

When your rear dormer conversion starts, the first thing installed will be the structural floor. This includes steels and timber floor joists. Once completed the old roof will start to be dismantled and removed so the dormer can be installed.

Head Height

2.2 meters is required as a minimum for all loft conversions. This is to achieve a rear dormer without the need to explore alternative options like lowering ceilings.

What is a side dormer? A side dormer is when the hipped roof on the side of the property is built off the side wall to incorporate additional head height.

The side dormer can be built with a flat or pitched roof. This normally depends on the height of the loft and the style that you prefer. A side dormer loft conversion is a great way of utilising space. Especially when the property has a side facing slope.

The best-built dormers, whether you require a side or rear dormer are when they are built to be kept in the original surroundings. This means that the new dormer is matched to the original property as best as possible. You need to take into consideration the style of gutters, tiles, windows etc.

The quality of roofing materials used on dormers can vary considerably. You only have to look at other side dormer conversion to see who has used a lesser company. And who has paid slightly more to have a professional loft carried out. Side dormers are a great way of achieving additional space when your ridge is running from the front to the back of your property.

Hip To Gable or Side Dormer?

Some customers decide to go with a side dormer instead of a hip to gable because they feel that the hip to gable can be too top heavy, or not look in keeping with the original property. This can be true in some cases, but normally a hip to gable would be recommended. SkyLofts will offer to design both options for you. Should you be undecided about the two options, as part of our service with our design and build service.

When the side dormer is facing a public highway or if you have a neighbour’s garden next to your property, under the permitted development rules you will need to adhere to the regulations. This means installing obscure windows, fixed up to 1.7meters high. So you can have an opening window but this design will usually be a top fan light. This is to allow some air into the room and prevent you from looking into your neighbours garden.  This also applies to roof lights as well. Obscure roof lights are a special order so once your designs signed off, we will order the size of roof light for you.

Please check out this video of a side dormer SkyLofts completed in Eastleigh, Hampshire. 

To find out more contact SkyLofts via our contact page or email info@skylofts.co.uk