An attic is an attic space located under the roof of a house, which is equipped and used as a living space. With the light hand of French architects, projects that allow rational management of the under-roof space have become fashionable and remain a popular, as well as economically beneficial, construction solution. In this article we will understand what types of mansard roofs exist, what are the advantages and features of use different types designs.
The best option is to include the attic in the design project of the house before the start of construction work. However, it often happens that the conversion of an attic space occurs after several years of operation, when there is a need to increase the usable living space. Experienced builders claim that any roofing structure can be adapted to an attic, but not every alteration will be rational. The following roof options are suitable for equipping a residential attic space:
Important! When developing the design of a house, you need to decide in advance on the nature of the use of the under-roof space. Since the attic equipment increases the load on the foundation, it requires strengthening the truss structure and the load-bearing capacity of the walls. Experienced craftsmen claim that attic roofing is more expensive than usual, however, the additional square meters more than pay for the investment.
Rafter frame
The main difference between mansard roofs and conventional ones is the change rafter frame, on which the slopes rest. Since a structure of this type is heavy, increased demands are placed on it. The rafter system bears the load from roofing material, falling snow, floor beams and the attic floor, so all frame elements are made of durable wood. The following types of structures are distinguished:
Note! There are design projects with hanging and layered rafter structures. To free up space, the frame elements are shifted to the sides, using them as a basis for wall cladding, and the crossbar for cladding the ceiling. Some architectural styles allow the use of posts and beams as decorative elements that are an integral part of the chosen style.
Design requirements
The attic is an additional living space in the house, and therefore its construction is strictly regulated by building codes, without which it will be called an attic. To use the under-roof space to accommodate an additional bedroom, nursery, office or garden, it must meet the following criteria:
Important! Light weight coatings are used as roofing material for mansard roofs. Metal tiles, ondulin and rolled materials are popular among roofers, the flexibility of which allows them to easily cover broken slopes of attic roofs.
An attic roof adds a “zest” to the design of a house, makes it memorable and original, increasing the living space without major expense.
Video instruction
Construction of a spacious private house often involves the construction of an attic. This allows you to make every square meter of space functional. At the same time, roofs differ in their features, appearance and construction technology.
What is an attic and how did it appear?
In the 17th century, the French architect Francois Mansart began to use high roofs in the development of projects. This made it possible to achieve the necessary visual effects and create a beautiful building design. The room under the high roof turned out to be quite spacious and the architect suggested using it as a room for not too eminent guests or staff. In the 18th century, attics became widespread in Russia, for example, in St. Petersburg, many buildings were equipped with spacious attics and complex-shaped roofs. Subsequently, the advantages of such designs became more popular.
The attic makes the building more functional
The attic is a residential attic space located under high roof. This area most often occupies all the free space under the roof, but options are also possible in which the room is located only in a certain part of the attic. The height of the walls of the sloping ceiling often does not exceed 1.5 m, and then the angle of the roof slope begins. The designs may be different, but the attic always requires a certain arrangement, which involves insulation and equipment for the living area.
When you can’t and when you can make an attic
A furnished and comfortable attic is an additional living space in the house. At the same time, there are situations when it is impossible to make the attic a residential and cozy space. In such cases, significant problems arise and the room may be inconvenient to use.
The attic can be very small, but for the arrangement it is important to take into account certain requirements Creating a living space in the attic is complicated or impossible in the following situations:
- if the ceiling height is at its most high point is less than 2.4 m;
- the location of the horizontal ties of the rafter system is too low, making it difficult to move;
- if the rafter system and ceilings are too light and not suitable for arranging a living space in the attic;
- arrangement of an attic in an already finished house, which requires dismantling the roof.
The best option is to design a house with an attic. This allows you to provide for all the features of the attic living space and make a roof with optimal parameters. If the house has already been built, and the roof is of sufficient height and made of durable materials, then you can make an attic in the finished building. There is no specific arrangement option in this case, since everything depends on individual characteristics finished roof, strength of attic floors and other factors.
Design Features
To build an attic in a house under construction, the roof must be properly equipped. In this case, the attic structure consists of load-bearing elements of the roof and attic floor, and for complete arrangement, insulation, waterproofing and finishing work are carried out.
Arrangement of the attic as an attic requires care In order for the attic space to become a comfortable living room, it is important to ensure that the roof structure contains all the necessary layers. When constructing a roof, the following layers must be placed:
- vapor barrier, which is necessary to remove excess moisture from the room to the outside. For this, a special film is used, which is attached to the sheathing fixed to the rafter system;
- insulation that ensures heat retention inside the room. The material must be non-flammable, durable and practical to use;
- waterproofing, which performs the function of protecting the room and load-bearing elements from moisture coming from outside;
- a ventilation gap is necessary to preserve the roof and prevent rotting. The height of the ventilation gap is 45–50 mm, and this ventilation space is located between the waterproofing and the external roofing material.
Before building a house with a residential attic space, a project is created that contains all the important information about the future structure. The project requires a detailed drawing of the entire house and the attic in particular. Additional information contains data on the materials used and room parameters.
For any attic you need a detailed project plan Many factors are taken into account during design. For example, the option of heating the attic space, climatic conditions, purpose of the room. This allows you to create an attic that best suits operating conditions and meets modern comfort requirements.
Advantages and disadvantages of a mansard roof
Arranging an attic space for living space is a complex process that requires knowledge of all the features of the house. To do this, it is worth finding out the advantages and disadvantages of the attic that characterize this design.
The attic is characterized by a set of features that should be taken into account during construction The main advantage of arranging an attic space is the maximum rational use of the space under the roof. The attic also has the following advantages:
- aesthetics appearance houses outside;
- the possibility of creating an original interior inside the attic;
- reducing heat loss through the roof;
- possibility of arranging an additional functional room.
Even a small attic can be used rationally The disadvantages of the attic are expressed in the complexity of arranging the room. To create optimal living conditions in the attic, thermal and waterproofing materials of the highest quality and safety are required. It is especially important to properly design the roof, install special windows and ensure high-quality ventilation of the under-roof space.
Attic options
Since the introduction of attics into architecture, many variants of such structures have appeared. They all differ in appearance, construction technology, and operating features, but they always allow for rational use of the attic area.
Different types attics allow you to create a variety of interiors Multi-gable roofing is one of the most complex roofing design options. On the outside, the roof is a complex of angular projections, and on the inside, the ceiling has a complex shape.
Many protrusions make the design original Multi-gable roofing has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of this design are expressed as follows:
- unusual appearance of the roof;
- rapid precipitation;
- reliability of the rafter system;
- stability under significant loads.
Flaws mansard roof expressed in the complexity of design and the mandatory careful calculation of the parameters of the structure. Therefore, before construction, a professional project is created, taking into account all the design features. Otherwise, the roof may be unreliable or uneven, which will negatively affect the performance of the building.
Multi-gable roofing can be quite simple, but reliable An attic can be made under an asymmetrical roof. This design differs in that it has sides with different parameters. The asymmetrical type roof is a triangle, the refraction of which occurs not at the top corner, but at the base. As a result, different angles and sides are formed, the area of one slope is larger than the area of the other.
The asymmetrical roof has an interesting appearance The main advantage of an asymmetrical roof is that the windows will be vertical rather than slanted. This helps prevent moisture from entering the room. The attic under such a roof is more spacious and provides comfortable living. When constructing an asymmetrical roof, it is important to correctly calculate the load on each side, because the reliability of the roof and the comfort inside the attic depend on this.
Roof load calculations are carried out by professional specialists For a residential building with a perimeter with equal sides, a hip roof is suitable. The design assumes the presence of slopes with the same parameters and therefore the shape of the building should be square. A hip roof can be domed, conical or pyramidal. The latter option is more practical and often decorates residential buildings.
The hip roof has a fairly simple design The hip roof provides ample attic space. The design has 4 slopes, 2 of which often have large sizes than 2 surfaces located at the end of the building. A hip roof allows you to get a spacious attic room, the area of which is larger than with a pitched roof.
The attic under the hip roof has a large area A cuckoo roof is a roof that has a small triangular or other shaped projection in which a dormer window is often located. The shape of such structures can be hip, arched, single- or gable. The ledge has its own rafter system, connected to the main one. Cuckoo roofing allows you to get an attic larger area than a simple pitched roof. Several cuckoos may be present on the surface.
The cuckoo roof allows you to get a spacious attic Shed roofs
To create a simple and large attic, shed roofs are often constructed. In the attic there is one full wall, and the other is an inclined surface. In this case, the windows are often located obliquely, but it is possible to install a cuckoo or place the windows on the main wall of the attic.
A pitched roof is easy to install, but requires precise calculation of parameters The most convenient angle is 40°, which allows you to create an attic in the attic. During installation, the ramp is placed on the leeward side. The presence of one corner of the roof helps to increase the usable area of the attic, above which you can place a small attic space for storing things.
Gable roof with attic
A roof with two slopes allows you to create an attic with a uniform rise in the ceiling. On both sides the roof is located at the same angle to the walls. Where the ceiling meets the walls, an area is formed whose functionality is minimal. To create a spacious attic space, it is enough to make a roof with an angle of 45°, which is optimal for houses whose width is no more than 6 m.
The attic can be built immediately after the construction of the walls Arranging an attic under a gable roof is popular and effective option rational use of attic space. Often the attic is equipped with a balcony located at the end of the building. When designing, it is necessary to calculate all parameters and determine the location of windows.
Broken roof
One of the varieties of gable roofing is a broken shape. This design has two slopes, but each of them is constructed in such a way that it consists of two parts. This feature allows you to reduce the angle of the roof and increase the height of the attic walls. As a result, the attic space becomes more functional and is used much more efficiently.
The broken shape allows you to create a spacious attic The broken shape requires the correct construction of the roof truss system. The load on the roof is low, since the presence of double slopes facilitates the rapid removal of precipitation.
Hip roofs with attic
The peculiarity of the attic, equipped under a hipped roof, is that all 4 walls are small in height. The ceiling rises obliquely on all 4 sides and therefore the usable area of the attic under such a roof is quite small. A simple hip roof is practical to use, since precipitation quickly flows down the roof.
The hip roof is convenient and practical Hip roof designs can be more complex. For example, multi-level options, including several inclined surfaces located at different levels.
Attic roof options
Roof designs that allow you to create an attic in the attic space are varied. When designing, special attention should be paid to the roofing material, which is selected depending on climatic conditions, design features, personal preferences and building design.
Metal tiles
Steel or aluminum metal tiles are in demand as roof coverings with an attic. Materials can be of any color, but when choosing, you should pay attention to the following features:
- geometry and depth of the insole;
- type of color coating;
- material thickness;
- specifications.
Metal tiles can be different colors, but an important selection factor is the characteristics of the material Metal tiles are reliable and provide comfort in the attic. For arranging under the attic roof, it is worth choosing strong, durable structures that are resistant to climatic influences.
Attic with glass roof
Glass is rarely used for roofing and is especially unsuitable for harsh climates. In very warm climates, it is possible to make an attic with a glass roof, using especially durable materials and developing an accurate design design.
The glass roof is suitable for mild climates and requires careful maintenance When designing an attic with a transparent roof, it is important to carefully calculate the load on the roof, determine the parameters of the walls, and the angle of inclination. To create the roof, durable materials are used that are resistant to temperature changes and mechanical stress.
SIP panels for roof
Special construction panels made from pressed wood chips and expanded polystyrene can be used to create an attic roof. This material has the following features:
- high thermal insulation effect;
- accessibility and low cost;
- fire resistance and non-toxicity;
- simple installation;
When using SIP panels for roofing, it is important to ensure good waterproofing of the structure to protect the material from moisture.
SIP panels are practical to use and provide sound insulation Corrugated sheeting for attic roofing
To equip a roof with an attic, you can use any roofing materials that provide reliable protection for the load-bearing structural elements. Corrugated sheeting is one of the popular and affordable options. Metal sheets with a polymer coating can be of any color, and when choosing, it is important to pay attention to the fact that the material must be intended for roofing.
It is quite easy to cover a roof with an attic with corrugated sheets How to make a mansard roof
Construction of a roof with an attic involves determining a design option. Only after this does the design stage begin, during which materials, parameters, and architectural features of the structure are selected. The main stages of construction are:
A separate stage of the work is the creation and installation of roof windows. Plastic modern designs are a common and practical option. The production of small or complexly shaped windows is carried out to order. The structures are mounted in a special opening, which should be provided when installing the roof truss system. Windows can be located at the ends of the roof, cuckoo or obliquely on the roof.
Photo gallery: interior options for attics
In a spacious attic it is easy to create a cozy atmosphere with a minimum amount of furniture Large windows provide good lighting It is easy to arrange a cozy office in the attic In a small space you need to properly delimit zones Windows for the attic can be quite large and tall Small space requires minimum quantity furniture
Video: features of attic finishing
The attic space can perform any function, but it is always important at the stage of construction and design of the house to determine the type of construction, parameters and materials for the construction of the attic.
High-quality attic roof designs are designed for the construction of additional living space in the attic if the roof of the house has a sloping or broken shape. Building codes are designed for the location of the intersection of the roof and facade at a height of up to 1.5 meters. Otherwise, there will be no attic; you will end up with an ordinary attic, unsuitable for normal living.
A professional design for the attic roof of a private house requires a wall height of 1.4 meters, so that you can sit comfortably against a vertical wall.
Modern house designs with a mansard roof are very economical and do not involve the construction of a complex, expensive foundation.
Advice! You should pay attention to the hydro- and vapor barrier of the house so that the building “breathes”.
Design options
You can select ready-made house designs with a mansard roof and a garage, taking into account the option of the future roof:
- triangular;
- asymmetrical;
- broken line
A typical house design with a sloping mansard roof is suitable for gable, single-pitch, sloping, gable, domed, pyramidal, and semi-oval roofs.
- The simplest design is a single-slope system. The structure is represented by an inclined plane fixed to load-bearing walls of different heights. This type is rarely used when arranging attics.
- The standard design of a gable mansard roof is assembled from two slopes, which are directed in opposite directions.
- Hip and half-hip designs involve four slopes. Comfortable rooms are created inside such systems.
- Broken roofs are suitable for small structures.
- Pyramid, dome, conical structures are suitable for houses with a round shape.
Choosing the type of attic
During the construction process, you can use a single-level attic together with a gable or sloping roof. A one-level attic goes well with two-level supports and external consoles.
Attention ! When choosing a design for a gable mansard roof, take into account the loads that the building will exert on the foundation.
In the video you can see how an attic is being built over a garage:
Gable roofs are characterized by the following parameters:
- different sizes of cornice overhang;
- tilt angle;
- rafter design (hanging, inclined).
This do-it-yourself attic roof project allows you to make a bathroom and several bedrooms. This attic “apartment” is equipped with two balconies, which can be accessed from the bedroom. The material for the frame can be plasterboard. Decorating facades is possible using plaster or clinker bricks.
Gable roofs are suitable for the following structures:
- garages;
- low-rise buildings;
- utility structures.
Algorithm of actions
When building an attic, use the following algorithm:
- First, we choose a design option for the future gable roof; you can select ready-made mansard roof designs by searching for them on the Internet.
- We calculate the cost of constructing an attic.
- We purchase materials and put the mansard roof project into practice.
Characteristics of a gable semi-hip roof
This roofing option is recognized as a functional and original design. Under the roof you can build an attic in which you can live comfortably. The most popular materials for such a roof are metal tiles and corrugated sheets.
Characteristics of a hip roof
This design is supposed to have four slopes, two of them are triangular in shape, two are made in the shape of a trapezoid. The layers of the roof resemble a layer cake:
- metal tiles;
- waterproofing layer;
- counter-lattice;
- sheathing;
- insulation layer;
- initial sheathing;
- cornice;
- vapor barrier layer;
- rafter.
Gable roof design
When building a new house or replacing an old roof, consider external characteristics roofs. Projects of houses with a mansard roof (pictured above) are common for the following reasons:
- reasonable cost;
- aesthetic appearance;
- easy installation;
- snow and water do not accumulate.
The slopes are fastened together at a certain angle, and the house itself acts as a support. Fastening from above is carried out to the ridge of the house, to the side walls. The rafter system for the rafter system project for the attic roof of a 9x9 house involves the use of dry, high-quality timber.
Before construction begins, the timber is processed chemicals for protection against high humidity and fungal diseases. It is advisable to cover the beams with an antiseptic and fireproof composition.
Components of a gable roof
An attic gable roof requires the presence of the following components: rafters, beams, Mauerlat, ridge, purlins, struts, tie-downs, supports.
If you wish, you can find the following mansard roof designs for free:
- symmetrical, the basis of which is a triangle;
- broken lines, allowing maximum use of free space for housing;
- asymmetrical, giving the building original look, thereby reducing the area in the attic.
Advice ! When choosing a simple sloping mansard roof project, you can carry out construction on your own, but it is advisable to entrust serious projects to professional builders.
Drawing of a gable roof
If your plans include independent implementation of a garage project with a mansard roof, follow the sequence of actions:
- start with a sketch;
- think over a plan for the future roof;
- complete all calculations;
- purchase materials for rafters and coverings.
Drawings of mansard roofs can be downloaded from a variety of construction sites or purchased from professional engineers.
Advice ! Do not skimp on drawings; the reliability of the design and its durability depend on their quality.
The video will show the stages of constructing an attic roof over a garage:
Calculation of the future gable roof
- Carrying out calculations is a critical step; it involves taking into account the maximum weight of the roof, taking into account possible wind, snow, and rain loads. Roofing projects for different regions of the country have significant technical differences related to the climatic characteristics of the region.
Attention! For regions where there is a significant amount of precipitation in winter, a roof with a significant angle of inclination is needed.
- When making calculations, remember that as the steepness of the roof and its height increase, the consumption of materials for the implementation of the planned project will also increase.
- Building a new gable roof on your own is an excellent option for saving money (provided you have construction skills).
- There are many high quality roofing materials available on the construction market. If the house is being built from wooden beams, it is better to purchase metal roofing.
Advantages of metal tiles: reasonable cost, long service life, aesthetic appearance.
Calculation and installation of the rafter system is the most difficult and time-consuming stage of installing a new roof. The construction of a gable structure involves taking into account many nuances; neglecting them can be “expensive” for the owner of the house. Do not skimp on calculations, because in the end you will be able to save financial resources, since the service life of the gable roof will be significantly increased.
During the operation of a private house, country cottage or country house, the question of increasing living space often arises. It is usually solved through an extension or superstructure.
Adding an extension to a house is a troublesome task. In addition, a residential extension has one significant drawback - it “steals” the usable area of the site.
That's why, popular way to expand the living space of an individual house is to install a second floor or attic, i.e. attic roof. The design of the attic roof allows you to use the resulting space as a living space.
What is better: attic or second floor
The following facts speak in favor of the attic: lower construction costs, better insulation living space, less load on the foundation. In general, the attic is the highlight of the house and gives it a certain flavor.
Essentially, a full 2nd floor is more practical and easier to implement than an attic floor. It all depends on the situation; if a house is being designed, then it is better to immediately provide a second floor, because... installing an attic is a more troublesome task. And if the house is residential and has an attic roof, then it would be reasonable to equip it with a living room instead of an attic “for the necessary things.”
Types of attic roof
The optimal tilt angle is 40°. The ramp should be located on the leeward side. Allows you to equip a small attic above the attic. Due to only one acute angle, the usable area of the room increases.
Gable mansard roof
A simple gable (pitched or gable) consists of two slopes connected under certain angle. The advantage of a gable roof is the ease of manufacturing the rafters and finishing. The disadvantage is the appearance of a “blank” area (at the junction of the roof and the wall), which is usually not used. Often, attics with a gable roof are erected along with walls. A roof with a 45° pitch is ideal for houses no more than 6 m wide.
Asymmetrical gable mansard roof. A private house with such a roof it will be distinguished by originality and functionality at the same time.
The difficulty in building a roof with asymmetrical slopes lies in the calculations.
Broken mansard roof. Its difference is that each slope has two components. The device of a sloping roof allows you to get a higher attic space. And also reduce unused area. Such roofs are the most common due to the ability to attach a garage or summer kitchen under one roof.
Hip sloping mansard roof
Hip mansard roof. In this design, the roof slopes play the role of walls.
One of the varieties of hip mansard roofing is the Danish hip roof. Its construction is distinguished by the presence of pediments, which allow the installation of ordinary, rather than roof windows (dormers).
Semi-hipped mansard roof (gable, hipped). Complex design, low slopes protect the gables of the house from precipitation.
Pitched roofs can be single or multi-level.
Non-standard solutions are also quite possible for an attic roof. Their design requires careful calculation of loads, stability, etc. Without special education Installation is difficult, so the cost of work is higher compared to classical designs.
Some examples of the original mansard roof are in the photo.
Having decided on the types, the question remains of how to make an attic roof with your own hands.
The brief instructions contain the main stages of work and will draw your attention to some of the nuances of their implementation.
Stage 1 - Design and calculation
The choice of the appearance of the attic roof and the calculation of its parameters is made taking into account such factors as:
SNiP 2.01.07-85 “Loads and impacts” will be a reliable assistant in calculations.
Nuance. The greater the angle of inclination, the smaller the height of the attic room will be (the minimum ceiling height of a room on the attic floor is 2.2 m). Accordingly, the smaller the angle of inclination of the attic roof, the larger the area of the room. If the slope is insufficient, precipitation can accumulate on the roof, which will lead to additional loads on it.
More careful attention is paid to calculations if a non-standard mansard roof is being erected. For example, an asymmetrical gable mansard roof has a shifted center of gravity. This affects the uniformity of load transfer to load-bearing walls and foundations.
At this stage, the issue of how to access the attic floor is also resolved. Choosing where to install the stairs to the attic is an important decision. The internal location allows it to be used at any time of the year. The exterior allows you to save useful space on the lower floor.
Advice. A ceiling folding staircase for the attic floor is the most economical option, but the least practical.
Mansard roof rafter system
The choice of rafter system is influenced by:
- attic dimensions;
- parameters of the overlapped span;
- roof shape;
- first floor construction;
- location of load-bearing walls and additional supports;
- weight of roofing material.
The design of the attic roof truss system
There are two types of roof truss system with attic:
- hanging rafters. The walls of the house serve as the basis for the rafter legs. When constructing hanging trusses, a Mauerlat is not always installed (depending on the wall material);
- layered rafters. In this case, it is necessary to construct additional support. The type used is a ridge girder or an attic wall reinforced with reinforced concrete. The installation of a layered rafter system is allowed at a distance between load-bearing walls of up to 7 meters.
The structural difference between a roof structure with hanging and layered rafters is shown in the diagram.
When constructing an attic roof, a combined type is often used - hanging rafters on top of the system, and layered rafters on the sides.
In this case, drawings must be made indicating the location of individual elements and the distance between them. An example is shown in the figure.
Material prepared for the website www.site
Calculation of rafter legs for an attic roof
Choosing the type of wood and justifying its optimal thickness.
The amount of material required for the rafter system depends on its type and all the factors listed above.
Nuance. The gap between the rafter legs depends on the lumber used.
The pitch of the rafter legs under the attic roof will be 60-90 cm.
The material can be laminated timber (80x80, 100x100 mm), board (section 50x150 for slate and metal tiles, section 50-200 for ondulin).
Nuance. The length of the spans increases the diameter (section) of the rafters or reduces the gap between them.
As for the species, it is recommended to use pine. Its wood is characterized by high strength, flexibility, ease of processing, and the absence of knots. Industrial wood must be at least grade 2. Solid beams can be replaced with glued beams; it has higher quality characteristics.
The thickness of the board for making rafters (section of the rafter leg) must be at least 50 mm. The width of the board for the rafter leg is from 150 mm (if the length of the rafters is up to 6 meters, if more, then 180-200 mm). On the one hand, this requirement is due to the fact that the load bears on it, on the other hand, insulation is placed between the rafter legs.
Advice - any construction or reconstruction must be legalized by the relevant authorities.
Stage 2 - Installation of the Mauerlat
Mauerlat is an additional wooden frame along the upper perimeter of the building.
The purpose of the Mauerlat is to create conditions for reliable fastening of the lower part of the rafters. As well as the redistribution of the load that is created from the pressure of the roof on the load-bearing walls and foundation of the building.
Installation of a simple gable mansard roof requires installation of a mauerlat only on those walls on which the rafter legs will rest. A hip roof requires its installation along the entire perimeter of the building.
Advice. In a wooden frame, the role of the mauerlat is played by the upper crown. This can be done, but only if the rafter legs are installed on sliding fasteners. Because Due to the load on the rafter system (wind, snow), horizontal pressure is created and the upper logs can move outward. In addition, if the material for the rafter system is not dried properly, then over time, if it is rigidly fastened, the roof will become deformed.
Nuance. A stone cottage and house requires the installation of a mauerlat along the entire perimeter of the external walls. In brick, you can install its links only under the rafters.
The parameters of the Mauerlat for logs are diameter 150 mm, for timber - 100x100 mm.
The species is pine, but larch is better.
The fastening of the Mauerlat must be reliable, because this is the basis for the entire rafter system.
There are several ways to fasten the Mauerlat: with anchor bolts, studs or reinforcement (fixed in the base load-bearing wall);
Advice. If the structure is built from foam concrete or other porous material, you can use only long bolts or reinforcement, the length of which is 3 times the width of the mauerlat beam. This is due to the fact that any other fasteners are pulled out very easily from a porous material.
- annealed wire (embedded in brickwork);
- wooden dowel (used when installing a mauerlat in a log house).
Nuance. To prevent the destruction of the Mauerlat, it is necessary to provide proper waterproofing, for example, put roofing felt, and treat the timber itself with antiseptic solutions.
If the width of the attic matches the width of the house, the rafter legs rest on the base of the load-bearing wall. But, it’s better to install a Mauerlat.
Stage 3 - Construction of the attic roof
Construction of the attic roof frame
Floor beams. Installed on the Mauerlat. In the future, they will serve as the basis for installing the floor in the attic.
Arrangement of the rafter system of the attic roof
For a simple roof, making rafter legs involves forming simple triangles. They can be assembled on the ground and installed in the form of ready-made triangles.
For a gable sloping roof, first a U-shaped frame is attached, and the rafter part is already fixed on it in a hanging (for the top) and inclined (for the sides) way. The diagrams below show this more clearly.
The lower ends of the rafter leg must be sawed down and attached to the mauerlat using nails or metal brackets (movable fastening).
Nuance. The filing of the leg must be very precise to ensure a tight fit to the Mauerlat.
The rafter legs are installed at the same distance from each other. Otherwise, the load on the system will be distributed unevenly.
Installation begins with the outer legs. Then you need to stretch the rope between them. This way the horizontal position will be maintained when installing the intermediate legs.
After all the rafters are installed, they are connected to each other. The sheathing pitch depends on the selected roofing material.
Advice. The places intended for the installation of roof windows are reinforced with transverse beams. This way the window will be securely fixed.
If the attic roof is significantly wide, you need to install a ridge beam. It will serve as additional support. And part of the load (from the weight of the roof and snow) will be redistributed onto it.
With a significant length, the ridge beam is supplemented with support.
Waterproofing attic roof
A hydrobarrier film is attached to the sheathing. The peculiarity of its fastening is to make an overlap of 100 mm. Most manufacturers mark the overlap area with a bright stripe.
The waterproofing film is fastened with a construction stapler. And in case of rain, it will reliably protect the structure even in the absence of roofing material.
Insulation of the attic roof
The insulation is laid under the waterproofing. Professionals recommend using flexible insulation for these purposes - mineral and basalt wool. Their advantage is flexibility, the ability to fill any voids.
Laying a vapor barrier
The vapor barrier film protects the roof insulation from steam penetrating into it from the attic living space.
Advice. It is important to provide the necessary gaps between the roofing material and the insulation. Their presence and parameters are determined by the type of insulation, the class of films used and the roofing material.
Construction of an attic roof - video
Stage 4 - Installation of roof windows
The window area, for sufficient daylight, must be at least 12.5%.
Due to the design features of the mansard-type roof, special roof windows are used for glazing. The installation technology involves installing windows before finishing work. In this case, the windows must open to provide access fresh air. In bad weather, they should naturally be closed.
Stage 5 - Roofing the attic roof
Today in the article we will look at the topic - types of mansard roofs. Let us tell you how this roofing structure differs from others, and why it received such a name. What elements are the roof constructed from, what materials are used for this, what design to choose, if certain ones already exist. We will also outline the main operations of the installation process related to the construction of a roof of one type or another. Once you understand the information presented, you will feel confident when talking with representatives of the contracting company and architects who were entrusted with creating a project for a house with an attic and its construction.
What is a mansard roof
First of all, it is necessary to indicate that the attic of a private house is a room located under the roof. That is, its space is not divided by a ceiling into a room and an attic. The result is a common space, which is protected from the street only by the roof.
This means that any roofing structure corresponding to this structural content can be considered attic.
Types of mansard roofs
It should probably be noted that an attic space can be created under any roofing structure. And this regardless of its shape and size. Therefore, any roof structure can be used as a mansard roof. Therefore, we will consider them separately.
Shed roof
Purely structurally, this is a slope, which rests its edges on the walls of the house, built at different heights. It is the difference in height that determines the angle of inclination of the slope. The structure itself consists of two mauerlat beams located on different walls, on which the rafter legs rest. If the house is built from logs or beams, then the upper crown of the structure is used as a mauerlat.
A pitched roof is not the best the best option, although the simplest and least expensive. Much will depend on the angle of inclination. For example, the top photo shows an option with a very steep roof. Below it, the internal space of the attic narrows towards the lower edge of the system. And in many cases it is difficult to use. And although designers suggest different variants, but solving the problem can be expensive.
Therefore, if you decide to build a single-slope attic roof, you must first consider the efficiency of using the attic space. The photo below shows how to properly build a pitched roof so that there is a lot of space under it, which would be enough to use the room to its fullest.
The construction of a mansard-type pitched roof is quite simple. This requires only a few rafters, which are laid on the walls in increments of 1.0-1.2 m. Between them is laid a thermal insulation cake made of insulation, vapor and waterproofing layers. If you properly insulate the roof, this is a guarantee of reducing heat losses to a minimum. And these are not only comfortable living conditions in the attic, but also significant savings in energy consumption spent on heating the house.
Gable
Another traditional variety, the construction of which does not require much difficulty and significant costs. These are two slopes joined by the upper edges at the ridge. The lower edges of the rafter system rest against the Mauerlat.
This option is better than the previous one if only for one reason - the ability to maximize the space under the roof. Especially if you extend the walls of the house to at least half the second floor. And then install the roof structure itself on them.
But not all houses with an attic are built like the building in the photo above. Often architects propose classic designs. That is, the roof, using a rafter system, rests against walls erected to the upper level of the first floor. And here you will have to face the same problems as with a steep pitched roof, where it meets the ceiling of the building. Narrow areas are difficult to exploit. Therefore, designers often suggest installing storage areas there. But even this option sometimes doesn’t help.
We must pay tribute to the classics of the genre; preference is increasingly being given to them. That is, for many, the appearance of the building is preferable to using the full space of the attic space. The photo below shows a house with an attic under a classic gable roof. Pay attention to how openings can be formed: window and door openings. Particular attention is paid to the pediment, where windows are often installed. But if you approach the original appearance of the gable mansard roof, you can organize a covered balcony nearby. This is where the pediment plays its role, where the front door is installed.
Let us add that mansard roofs with two slopes can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. The latter option is rarely found in the vastness of Russia. But such roof models are very attractive in terms of organizing the space underneath them, and you can choose almost any one for them. Especially if a gentle slope is erected on the wall of the second floor. The floor and roof structure creates an almost complete room with a large comfortable volume.
hip
This variety is one of the most beautiful roofs houses with an attic. It is primarily ergonomic and fits well into any type of landscape design. At the same time, the structure itself, although complex in construction, creates a large space under it. Especially in this regard, the half-hip version should be noted.
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Dormer windows are usually installed on such roofs. For many structures, this is the only option to organize daylighting in the attic. Although today a variety of window openings, retractable type, is becoming more and more popular. They are convenient because the window is purely structural, but if you open it, you get a kind of balcony.
Video description
In the video you can see the attic under the hip roof:
Half-hip roofs, of course, look more presentable than all the others. There is room for experimentation in these designs. For example, organize a small balcony as a relaxation area. Or make an open terrace. There are many options, the main thing is to correctly formulate your plan in terms of aesthetic appearance, plus the functionality of the additional part. That is, the balcony should not be just an element of architecture. It should become a full-fledged exploitable zone.
Multi-forceps
It is probably difficult to say about the popularity of this type of roofing structure. The roof itself is difficult to construct. It requires a large amount of building materials, and the waste is significant. Especially roofing. But this roof has one big advantage - with its tongs it divides the room into several zones that can be organized for different purposes. And although this is also easy to do with other roofs, multi-gable roofing is easier in this regard.
It should be added that each zone will have its own opening in the form of a door or window. This means there will be no need to install skylights, which are expensive.
Tent
This is another hip roof with an attic. It consists of four identical slopes with the shape of an isosceles triangle. These types of roofs are rare. It's all about the complexity of organizing the space underneath. On all sides, slopes form zones near the ceiling that are practically impossible to use. That is, there is little usable area under such a roof.
But, as practice shows, if it is possible to use the under-roof space for living space, then even under a hip roof it will be organized. After all, the main thing is to carry out insulation roofing structure and create conditions for living. One of them is natural light. The photo below shows just such an attic. Notice how well the balcony fits into the architecture of the house, which mainly serves as a window opening.
Dome and arched
Along with the mansard hip roof, the domed roof is one of the most original. But it is also one of the most difficult to construct, because rafter legs are not solid lumber in the form of a board or beam. This is a prefabricated element made of several pieces and parts that forms a rounded roof structure. Therefore, craftsmen carefully select the material itself according to quality, and then also carefully combine it into the rafters.
It should be noted that arched roofs can be classified as domed roofs. They, of course, differ from each other in shape. But in terms of the method of making rafters, they are the same. Often in private housing construction, metal rafters made from angle steel are used to construct roofs of this type. This is a simpler option for making rafter legs, but it is more expensive, plus the weight of the roof itself increases, which requires strengthening the walls and foundation of the house.
It should be added that arched mansard roofs create more space underneath them than domed roofs. But the latter have a more presentable and unusual appearance.
Broken
So, having dealt with all types of attic roofs of private houses, we move on to the classic model - the broken one. This is what is most often called the attic. It has four slopes, located in pairs opposite each other. The upper slopes are steep, the lower slopes are gentle. It is the boundary between them that determines the usable area of the room. Therefore, the higher the border is located, the greater the useful volume.
Video description
A video will help you understand this type of roofing structure, which describes the step-by-step technology for constructing a mansard roof (broken):
Conclusion on the topic
So, we told you about all the roofs that are built over attic spaces. They have very simple Constructive decisions, there are quite complex ones. Each of the models has certain advantages, but they also have their disadvantages. A professional architect can advise you which one to choose. But one thing can be said for sure: the main selection criterion is the shape and size of the house. And also your financial capabilities. With small investments, the attic is organized under lean-to structures. If the budget allows, then a multi-gable version can be erected.
