Roof terraces can make excellent use of otherwise inaccessible external space.
However, creating one often involves more than simply installing decking and a balustrade.
Structural alterations to roofs, walls and floors can potentially raise Party Wall considerations.
Does a roof terrace automatically need a Party Wall Notice?
No.
A Party Wall Notice is not required simply because you are creating an external terrace.
The key question is what building work is necessary.
Structural work may trigger the Act
A new roof terrace could require:
- strengthening the roof;
- installing steel beams;
- altering a party wall;
- raising parapet walls;
- forming new openings; or
- changing existing party structures.
If structural members need to be cut into a party wall, the Party Wall Act may apply.
Our Section 2 Party Wall guide explains the types of alterations that can fall within the Act.
Parapet walls
Existing parapets frequently sit between attached buildings.
If the terrace proposal requires a party wall or parapet to be raised, reduced or structurally altered, this should be reviewed before works begin.
Our article explaining what counts as a Party Wall provides useful background.
Privacy and overlooking are separate issues
Neighbours often associate roof terraces with privacy, overlooking and noise concerns.
These can be legitimate planning or neighbour-relations issues, but they are not necessarily matters for Party Wall surveyors.
Waterproofing needs careful design
A terrace is exposed to the weather while also potentially forming the roof over accommodation below.
Drainage and waterproofing are therefore critical.
Leaseholders need additional consent
For flats and leasehold houses, a roof terrace will commonly require landlord consent under the lease as well as planning and Building Regulations consideration.
Simple Survey can review the structural works
Send us the drawings through our Party Wall Surveyor page and we can identify any Party Wall requirements before construction starts.