About Pent Roof Garden Rooms
Pent Garden Rooms are the definitive choice for modern UK gardens, offering a sleek, contemporary aesthetic that contrasts with traditional Apex Garden Rooms. The single-slope roof design isn't just a style statement; it is a practical engineering solution designed to keep the overall structure height low.
Most of our Pent collection is engineered to stay under 2.5m in height, making them compliant with "Permitted Development" rules even when placed within 2 metres of a boundary. Whether you need a Garden Office or a minimalist home gym, these buildings maximize internal volume without requiring planning permission in most residential areas.
Key Features of Pent Cabins
- Low Profile: Designed to sit unobtrusively against fences or under trees.
- EPDM Compatibility: The flat roof surface is perfect for EPDM rubber roofing, which lasts 50 years.
- Modern Facade: Often features large floor-to-ceiling glass for maximum light.
- Rear Drainage: Water runs off the back, keeping the front entry dry and clean.
Why We Chose This Range
“We highlight the Palmako Pent collection because they solve the biggest issue with flat-roof cabins: Water Pooling. Cheap pent sheds often have roofs that are too flat, causing water to sit and rot the felt. Palmako engineers a precise rearward slope that is invisible from the front but steep enough to shed water rapidly. We also recommend upgrading to EPDM rubber roofing on these models—it's a single sheet of synthetic rubber that can't leak, unlike felt strips.”
— Matt, Founder of Greenhouse Stores🔧 Matt's Installation Tip: The "Gutter Space"
Pent roofs drain all their rainwater to the back wall. If you push your garden room right up against a fence, you leave no room for the guttering.
You must leave a 30cm gap between the back of the building and your fence. This allows space for the gutter downpipe and ensures damp air doesn't get trapped between the wood and the fence, which would rot the rear wall in 2-3 years.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Pent Garden Rooms
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Does the roof drain to the back or front?
Almost all our Pent Garden Rooms slope to the rear. This keeps the front fascia looking clean and modern, with the guttering hidden around the back. However, you must ensure you have access to the rear for maintenance.
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What is EPDM roofing?
EPDM is a synthetic rubber membrane that is glued to the roof deck in one piece. Unlike felt, it does not crack or bubble in the sun and has a life expectancy of 50 years. It is the gold standard for flat or low-pitch roofs.
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Do I need planning permission?
Most of our Pent Garden Rooms are designed to stay under 2.5m high. This typically places them within "Permitted Development" rights, provided they are not in front of your house or covering more than 50% of your garden. Always check local rules.
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Can I insulate a pent roof?
Yes. You can install insulation boards (like Celotex) between the roof joists inside the cabin, then clad over them. Alternatively, some models allow for "warm roof" insulation on top of the boards before the EPDM is laid.