A modern attic is a room with sloping or partially sloping walls, and sometimes even a ceiling. Thanks to the presence of an attic, heat loss in the house is significantly reduced, and any living space cannot be superfluous. Thus, the attic usually serves as a wonderful guest room, library, workshop, study and spacious dressing room.
Moreover, the design of a gable mansard roof can be either classic, with straight slopes, or its a separate species– broken, more convenient and modern. And each option has its own advantages!
You will be surprised, but the concept of a gable roof can hide amazing discoveries in the form of an offset center, different angles and other architectural tricks. The potential is enormous, while, for example, pitched and hipped roofs are least suitable for furnishing an attic.
Generally speaking, there are only two main types of gable mansard roofs:
Option #1 – attic under a classic gable roof
Here is the simplest example of a mansard roof design. Thus, the lower part of the slope, presented in the form of right triangles, is fixed along the load-bearing walls. They are assembled like layered rafters and additionally tied with contractions. Moreover, one of the sides is the future frame for the walls of the attic room and, at the same time, a support post. And the upper part of the roof is connected by hanging rafters using a tie.
In general, a conventional gable attic roof with gables is also suitable for constructing an attic space. Then what is the structural difference between a regular gable roof and a sloping gable roof, which is also called a mansard roof? The fact is that when calculating and designing a rafter system, it is customary to first take into account the following parameters:
- Weight of roofing material.
- Weight of the rafter system.
- Climatic features of the area.
But when designing an attic roof there are five of these points:
- Weight of roofing material.
- Weight of the rafter system.
- Weight of materials included in the roofing pie: heat, hydro and vapor barrier.
- Weight of all elements interior decoration attics.
“Correct” roof windows
Dormer windows, in turn, add a little complexity - you can’t do without them. In the case of a broken attic roof, everything is simpler; the windows are made straight and do not particularly interfere with construction. But the classic gable roof they will have to be built inclined, which causes a lot of trouble.
Dormer windows are good because the light from them spreads evenly throughout the room and there are no blind side compartments. Depending on the shape of the roof itself, these can be straight, inclined, or in combination.
How to convert a regular roof into a mansard one?
Often an existing gable roof is converted into a mansard roof. This is because even at the construction stage they decided to save money and complete the treasured under-roof dwelling over time. Moreover, many people actually do this and everything works out.
Let's just say: it's still better to design mansard roof even at the foundation design stage, it is both more technologically competent and more reliable, even if you will not be insulating and finishing it this season. But since we decided to remake an already finished gable, this is possible. For example, there is no other option if you purchased a ready-made house.
So, when remodeling, first of all, calculate the weight of the future attic roof and the load-bearing capacity of the existing foundation. In simple terms, you need to make sure that the foundation was built with reserve and is ready to support a little more weight than it currently has.
The second step is to invite a specialist to look at the attic floor. Is it designed for furniture to stand on and people to walk on? And the fact that you step into the attic without fear does not mean anything. Most types of roofing are also designed for the human foot to step on from time to time - repairs need to be done, but not constantly. Is everything calculated and can we start construction work? Then let's move on.
The most important task before you now is to decide whether you will change the shape of the roof. Yes, sometimes you have to raise the slopes and make a broken roof from a classic gable roof. This process is labor-intensive, but everything is feasible. They reinforce a standard pitched roof with the help of triangular trusses, which are convenient to attach both to the roof and as separate elements.
And, the most crucial moment of reconstruction is the redistribution of the load. So, beams and rafters are reinforced with overlays, which are connected by racks. Then tie rods are attached to the struts and reinforced rafters. And if the load from the roof is dispersed on the floor beams (this often happens when the trusses are located with small steps), then all these changes will help change the direction of the load of the entire roof.
Interestingly, in the design of modern mansard roofs there are also open elements: beams, parts of internal rafters and similar elements. All this effectively fits into the chosen interior style, and during construction you don’t need to worry about anything being left in sight after finishing.
What kind of interior? Firstly, we are talking about a style such as French Provence. It welcomes bare wooden beams with a combination of soft white ceiling and walls, natural fabrics with small flowers and the same eco-friendly wooden furniture dark tones. In fashion these days! And even a huge beam in the middle of the attic cannot damage this style. After all, as you remember, it was the French architect who came up with the idea of using the under-roof space as a living space, and therefore such constructive details combine quite harmoniously with the Provençal style, and sometimes also act as the main style accents.
The second no less popular style is high-tech. This is where you can and should safely display any elements of a rafter system made of metal. The main thing is that only the metal itself should be shiny and of high quality, with the same fastening. Additionally, leave the ventilation system pipes and any other engineering elements visible if they look aesthetically pleasing enough. After all, this interior style is technical. Who likes this? For today's teenagers, programmers and any young people who are already disgusted by the cloying classics in interiors or the boring, rough minimalism.
Here's a little excursion into the world modern design. Don’t be surprised, but the attic that is so familiar to us has exactly the same history – initially, creative people and bohemians lived in such rooms. And partly this tradition has been preserved to this day. Therefore, if you are designing a house with an attic roof, and are worried about the presence of additional supports, beams or posts, of course, feel free to leave it, we are not talking about the living room.
But here is something that is often completely forgotten when designing an attic roof. It's a staircase! No matter how funny it may sound, it also happens that during the construction process you have to do double work. Don't miss this moment!
Construction of the attic individual house- a fairly common occurrence. This construction method allows you to reduce the cost per square meter and create a rather interesting room in the under-roof space. To perform the device correctly attic floor, you need to study the basic requirements for it and choose the right type of roof and its slope.
What is an attic
According to regulatory documents, the attic floor is the volume under the roof that is used to accommodate residential and utility rooms. In this case, the height of the external walls should be no more than 1.5 m in the general case, otherwise the space will be considered a full-fledged residential floor.
A do-it-yourself attic is beneficial both during the construction and operation of a private house. In the first case, costs are reduced due to the fact that the height of the vertical enclosing structures is reduced. The roof takes on this function without ceasing to fulfill its original purpose.
An attic is a space under the roof that can be converted into a separate room for living.
During operation, cost reduction may include the following:
- The heated volume of premises is reduced, as a result, there is a reduction in heating costs, which are an impressive item of utility costs.
- After completion of construction, the house must be measured by specialists from BTI, after which a passport of the object is issued. It is on the basis of the area values given in it that taxes are calculated and utilities are paid (subject to connection to centralized systems and the absence of metering devices, which is practically not the case now). The area of the marsard floor is included in the area of the entire house with coefficients of 0.7 or 0.8 depending on the height outer wall and the angle of inclination of the roof, which allows significant savings throughout the entire life of the facility.
Preparatory stage
Construction should begin with the development of a project or diagrams on which the future structure will be drawn. Most often, the roof that is used for the attic floor is a gable roof, but it is also possible to use a four-slope hip roof. The gable design makes it possible to provide full-fledged windows in the gables.
In the case of using a hip to illuminate rooms, it is possible to install only attic window openings. This option may become more labor-intensive in terms of installing roof elements and developing interior interiors. Cost reduction with a hip roof is achieved due to the absence of gables (the savings will be especially noticeable in a brick house, where the cost of materials and the work itself on installing wall fences is quite high).
Do-it-yourself attic construction begins with determining the geometric dimensions and shapes of the roof. We have already talked about choosing the type of rafter system for a house (gable, hip), after which you will need to decide whether the slope will be straight or broken. The broken design has such disadvantages as increased cost and labor intensity. Its use is justified by the need to increase the height of the room by changing the angle of the roof.
At the design stage, the optimal roof slope is determined. Its choice depends on ergonomic considerations and the roofing material used, which imposes restrictions.
Before making an attic, it is also necessary to calculate all its load-bearing elements for strength and bending, select the composition of the roof pie, perform thermal calculations and decide on materials. More on this below.
Main load-bearing elements
The design includes the following components:
- Rafter legs, which transfer the load from the weight of the roofing and the wall to the walls of the house. The section is selected depending on the angle of inclination, span, pitch and design load. A professional can perform detailed calculations correctly. For private construction, you can use approximate values, but it is best to provide a small margin.
- Narozhniki- these are rafter legs that rest on mows on one or both sides. The cross section is calculated in the same way as for rafters.
- Sloping legs- a design that is used in hip roof. This element serves as a support for the narodniks. The cross-section is taken depending on the load and span; in any case, it should be larger than that of the rafter legs.
- Mauerlat- an element that serves as a support for the footrails and transfers the load from the roof to the walls, distributing it evenly. It would be correct to choose a section with dimensions of 100 by 100 or 150 by 150, depending on the complexity of the object. Installation of the Mauerlat is not carried out during the construction of frame and wooden houses, since in this case its role is played by the upper crown of the walls or trim.
- Rigel- a beam, which also serves as a support for the rafters, but in the upper part. The crossbar is installed at the ridge of the roof or at a break in the slope, in the case of a broken structure. The cross-section should be taken depending on the conditions; the recommended value is 200 by 200 mm.
- Struts, racks, contractions– additional elements for securing elements. They are used to reduce the cross-section of load-bearing structures. Their cross section is most often chosen constructively. It is important to consider the convenience of making connections.
A do-it-yourself attic roof must be erected starting with the selection of sections of all elements of the roof frame. The material for manufacturing is selected taking into account the following conditions:
- the wood must be coniferous (pine, spruce, larch);
- material grade – first or second;
- humidity no more than 15%.
Be sure to treat all boards and bars with antiseptic compounds before starting construction.
Thermal calculations
To keep the house warm, you will need to select the thickness of the insulation. Most often, mineral wool is used for attic spaces (more often in slabs than in mats). It is also possible to use polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, extruded polystyrene foam and ecowool. Having determined what to make the thermal insulation layer from, select its thickness. It is important to consider the height of the rafters. It should always be equal to or greater than the thickness of the thermal insulation. For mineral wool, you will also need to provide a 50 mm thick ventilation gap between the top surface of the thermal insulation and the roofing. If the cross-section of the rafters is small, then in order to fulfill this requirement, a counter-lattice is installed.
Before you build an attic roof with your own hands, you can calculate it using heating engineering manually, guided by the joint venture “Thermal protection of buildings.” But it’s better to ask for help special programs. To correctly calculate the thickness in the Teremok program (freely available on the Internet), you need to know the thermal conductivity of the insulation and the area where the house is being built, the program will find the rest itself.
A do-it-yourself mansard roof differs from a conventional pitched roof only in the presence of thermal insulation. More layers are also added to the cake to protect the insulation. Below step by step instructions will allow you to correctly install the elements of the attic roof.
The procedure is as follows:
- fastening the Mauerlat to the wall;
- installation of rafters and systems of struts and racks;
- installation of waterproofing and wind protection;
- sheathing;
- roofing;
- insulation;
- bottom trim.
Assembling the roof frame
Installation begins with the Mauerlat. It is laid on the inner grant of the outer wall. Fastening depends on the material of the load-bearing walls, but in general it can be done in several ways:
- on staples;
- on stiletto heels;
- on the anchor.
For fragile house wall materials, such as aerated concrete and foam concrete, a monolithic belt is made along the edge, which will prevent the destruction of the walls. For wooden and frame houses Mauerlat is not provided.
Next, you need to install the crossbars, if provided. After the supporting structures are laid, the rafter legs are laid out. The fastening of the rafters to the mauerlat can be rigid and hinged. It is better to do it using a notch and fixing it with metal corners on both sides.
This is a fairly old album, so all the drawings in it use nails as fasteners. It is better to replace them with studs. The design of the roof of the house in this regulatory document is shown in great detail, so it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with it before starting work.
Before you begin installing insulation in the house, it is necessary to ensure its protection from negative impacts environment. To do this, spread a moisture- and wind-proof membrane over the surface and secure the sheathing. After this, the roofing covering is installed, taking into account the recommendations for the selected material. For example, bituminous shingles require a continuous sheathing, which is most often made of moisture-resistant plywood.
Installation of thermal insulation
To insulate a house, you need to install insulation without gaps or cracks. For mineral wool, it will be easier to install if the clear distance between the rafters is 580 or 1180 mm. This will allow the material to be laid with a slight spacer, which will prevent cracks from occurring.
When using expanded polystyrene, the distance between the slabs and rafters is filled with sealant or polyurethane foam.
After laying the insulation, you need to attach a vapor barrier to it from below. After this, the lower sheathing and ceiling sheathing are installed. For an attic, it is best to cover the frame with two layers of 12.5 mm thick plasterboard followed by finishing.
- This is not a very ordinary design.
Such a structure must not only complete the entire structure of the building and perform protection functions.
But also conducive to a comfortable life in the room located underneath it.
In order for the living space to be suitable for use, it is necessary to understand the essence of the design of such a structure and the nuances of its installation processes.
Such a design has a number of elements that make up a complete roof system.
The structure of the attic roof looks like this:
- Roof. Roofing is necessary for providing reliable protection from the influence of atmospheric conditions both the entire house and the entire roof system.
- . The supporting part of the attachment system is most often constructed from wooden boards.
- Ridge run. The very top of the entire system.
- Rafters. Supporting ribs that create rigidity for the structure. They have two varieties - hanging and layered.
- Mauerlat. The element is represented by beams that used for fastening the rafter system. The element repeats the location of the perimeter of the house and is fastened to each wall using fasteners.
- Diagonal piles. For that, so that the roof structure system has a high level of reliability, the rafters are connected to each other by beams located longitudinally and by vertical posts, which are connected together by diagonal braces or bevels.
- Internal supports. An element that is located under each rafter leg and provides it with stability.
- Insulation layer. This layer unites the entire roof system into a single whole, while creating reliable sealing, vapor and sound insulation. This layer has its own structure and is multi-layered. All materials that are used to equip this layer are necessary to provide all kinds of properties that ensure comfortable living in the attic.
What components and parts does the attic roof consist of, you will see in this drawing:
Drawing of a mansard roof structure
Roofing pie
Each type of roof has its own individual structure.
It is presented in several layers various materials, which necessary to protect the attic space from cold air masses and high humidity levels.
The roofing pie of the attic roof includes:
- Lathing;
- Vapor barrier layer;
- Counter grille;
- Thermal insulation layer;
- Waterproofing;
- Ventilation systems;
- Roofing material.
Each layer is designed to perform specific functions that are necessary for the proper functioning of the entire roof system.
If you make mistakes during installation or neglect any of the layers, then this may lead to the need to redo the entire structure.
- . The simplest type of roof over an attic, but not very popular. Represents one inclined plane, which is supported on load-bearing walls of various heights.
- . This kind represented by two slopes, which are located opposite each other.
- Broken. This type of roof has other names - half-hip. This type of design allows you to make the attic space optimal. This design has four ramps. It is quite convenient to live in an attic with this type of roof.
- Conical. The most complex look structures represented by a cone. Suitable for buildings which have round or polygonal outlines.
Types of roofs
If we talk about the types of rafter systems, they come in 3 types:
- The hanging type of rafters ensures the transfer of load in a horizontal position to load-bearing walls. Such rafters are the basis of the entire system. There is no need for intermediate supports; wooden or metal ties are used to connect the beams.
- The layered variety of rafters is used if the load-bearing wall is located in the center of the building or if there are intermediate supports. This type of rafters is installed on external walls, while their middle part is supported by interior walls. Such a structure can only be built if the distance from the load-bearing wall to another is up to 6.5 m.
- The hanging and layered version of the rafter system is represented by triangles having a right angle. Additionally, this design is equipped with contractions at the bottom and top of the system. To suspend the ceiling, use the tightening of hanging rafters.
Mansard roof: gable structure of a wooden house
Tilt angle
A very important parameter in roof construction is determining the angle of inclination of the roof. This value is determined not only by the design of the building, the features of the facade, but also by the selected roofing material and local climatic conditions.
If the precipitation falling in the area where the house is located has great value, That The roof angle ranges from 45 to 60 degrees.
This value of the slope will ensure better snow removal from the surface, and, accordingly, a decrease in the load level. In addition to precipitation, this angle parameter protects the roof from icing.
If the house is located in an area where strong winds are a frequent occurrence, then the value of the slope angle should be minimal. Otherwise, the structure may be destroyed due to weather conditions. Under such conditions, variations in this parameter range from 9 to 20 degrees.
However, the most common and optimal roof angle is 20-35 degrees.. This value is suitable for arranging a roof with almost any type of material.
CAREFULLY!
The angle of inclination largely determines the durability and reliability of the structure.
Tilt angle
Installation process
In order to install an attic roof, you must follow a certain sequence of actions:
- Initially, the upper beam is attached, which has section parameters of 10x10 or 15x15 cm. Fastening is carried out using nails, metal staples or self-tapping screws. At the same time, the first beam provides the function of a rafter frame.
- The following is installation of the Mauerlat, which is necessary to take most of the load. To install it, you will need a board with a thickness of at least 5 cm and a beam with cross-sectional parameters of 5x10 cm. Before laying the board, lay a layer that is necessary to retain moisture and not destroy structural elements. The Mauerlat is attached with nails or staples and additionally tied to the walls using metal wire. The wire is installed at the stage of wall construction.
- Next, install the rafters, choosing for this step from 0.6 to 2 m.
- The gable rafters are installed first., after which they tighten the level and begin to mount the remaining elements.
- After the rafter legs are all installed, provide additional structural reinforcement, connecting the rafters to each other in their upper part.
- If the roof length exceeds 7 m, then installing ridge beams. Otherwise, equipping the rafter system with a similar element is not necessary.
- Once installed move on to equipping the layers of the roofing pie, having previously installed the sheathing.
- The last stage in roof construction is laying roofing.
Installation of sheathing
Installation of rafters
The attic roof makes it possible to significantly increase the total living space, while the financial investment will be minimal. The most common option is a gable broken structure, which is easy to build yourself.
How to make a mansard roof yourself
Living rooms can be arranged under the attic roof. The shape of the building can be different, but in most cases the attic is built under a roof with two slopes. The optimal solution, which allows you to obtain a significant area of living space, is a broken structure.
Broken roof is the best option for arranging an attic
Drawings and calculations of a mansard roof
The first step is to decide on the frame diagram. Rafters can be layered or hanging type. Layered ones rest on the walls of the building. They are mounted in structures where the distance between the walls is less than 6.5 m. Hanging rafters are placed on fillets and a mauerlat. If the width of the spans is large, then the rafter system will need to be reinforced with auxiliary ties.
The main condition for the comfortable construction of an attic is the ceiling level - it must be higher than 2.5 m. To ensure a similar height, the break line must be placed at a height of more than 2.8 m, taking into account the thickness of the layer of material for insulation and cladding of the structure. It is also important to consider the thickness of the floor.
An example of a drawing can be seen in the image:
Minimum height the ceiling of the attic roof is 2.5 m To calculate the expected snow loads, you will need to apply this formula: S = Sg x µ, where S is the snow load, Sg is the weight of the snow cover per 1 m 2 area, µ is the value that depends on the roof slope (1.0 - for a flat structure with a slope of 25°, 0.7 for a structure with a slope of 25–60°).
Parameters Sg and Wo can be found in the relevant SNiP, in the “Rafter systems” section. If the roof has a steep slope, then the snow load can be ignored.
Roof structure
The frame structure includes the following parts:
- Mauerlat - a support bar that transfers the load from the rafters to the walls of the building;
- racks - supporting parts that support the rafter system in a vertical position;
- floor beams - planks that form half of the attic and the ceiling of the lower floor;
- rafters - slats that form the main contour of the roof;
- purlins - horizontal supporting parts for rafters;
- sheathing - slats or plywood sheets that are intended for laying roofing material;
- fillies - strips that are attached along the axis at the bottom of the rafter legs.
The frame consists of a mauerlat, racks, purlins, floor beams and other elements A sloping roof differs from an ordinary structure with two slopes. The difference is that the slopes, which are placed opposite each other, have special shape: they do not form a straight line, but consist of several slopes, which are fastened to one another at an obtuse angle. The design is also symmetrical.
The extreme part of the rafters is generally set at an angle of about 60°. The support posts that support the rafters form the frame structure of the interior walls. The upper part of the rafters is mounted at a small angle, it can be from 15 to 45°. This makes it possible to reduce material consumption while maintaining the functional properties of the roof and resistance to loads from snow.
Vertical posts that rest against the floor planks, purlins and crossbars that fasten them form a parallelepiped. The design limits the dimensions of the attic from the inside. To give the product additional rigidity, struts should be installed between the floor slats and the lower rafters.
If the roof span is more than 8 m, then you will need to install struts After installing the upper elements, to fix the truss and prevent sagging of the crossbars, you should install hanging support elements - headstocks. For auxiliary fixation of the lower rafter legs, they must be pulled together with the uprights using tacks. The parts are fastened using nails and bolts.
Stages of self-construction of an attic
If you decide to make such a structure yourself, it is important to provide for the use of the following materials in the project:
- roofing material;
- vapor barrier;
- waterproofing;
- insulation material.
The choice of insulation affects such a parameter as the pitch of the rafters. To reduce the amount of insulation, it is best to place the rafters so that the slab or mat fits tightly between them. The type of sheathing and its pitch will depend on the choice of material for roofing. You need to pay attention not only to choosing high-quality material for insulation, but also to creating an effective ventilation system.
Ventilation is arranged by preparing technological gaps The construction of the rafter system must be carried out using fireproof materials. All parts should be treated with fire retardants. You will need to prepare the following elements:
- wooden blocks with a cross section of 100x50 mm;
- slats 50x150 mm;
- unedged boards;
- building level;
- self-tapping screws;
- nails;
- steel wire with a diameter of 4–5 mm;
- plumb line;
- roulette;
- hacksaw;
- axe;
- hammer;
- sharp knife.
Drafting
One of the most important parts of the work is drafting the project. It is very important to analyze the layout features of a private house. It is necessary to determine the dimensions and shape of the structure being built, and also provide for the placement of windows and a balcony.
All structural elements should be marked on the project In the process of drawing up a project, the following requirements must be taken into account:
- It is important to decide in advance what the height of the attic should be. It should be remembered that the distance from the floor base to the highest point of the structure must be at least 0.5 m.
- It is recommended to take into account the heating area and the main interior elements.
- The attic layout should be expanded. If you plan to install windows, they must be indicated on the drawing.
Drawing up a drawing must begin with choosing a shape, determining the cross-section of the rafter legs and the step of their placement. To determine the size of the rafters, you need to take into account the following parameters:
- slope;
- roof roofing material;
- climate features in the construction region.
It is also important to provide the required number of rafters in the project. They can be layered or hanging type.
Rafters can be hanging or layered At the end, you should determine the number of parts to fix. In the figure below you can see some of the data needed for the calculation, but drawing up a project is a complex process. This work It is recommended to entrust it to qualified specialists.
Mauerlat installation
The design of the attic roof rafter system should be selected based on the type of roof, as well as the prepared attic design. A simple option is a design with two slopes.
The main details of a roof rafter system with two slopes are:
- linear elements (column, rod system, beam);
- flat parts (slab, flooring, panel);
- spatial elements (vault, shell, volumetric part).
Before carrying out work, you will need to thoroughly dry the wood. The first step is to mark and install the Mauerlat. It is fixed to the walls of the building. The part can be made from a block or a powerful lath. If you plan to build a roof with two slopes, then the Mauerlat is laid on the long walls of the building. The element is necessary not only for reliable fixation of the lower part of the rafters, but also for the correct distribution of the load on the walls and the main part of the building.
To fix the Mauerlat, you should use metal pins that are attached to a beam made of monolithic concrete.
To fix the Mauerlat, you need to install metal pins The beam should be placed at the top of the wall. It is also possible to use steel wire embedded in brickwork.
To secure the Mauerlat to the upper rim of the wooden wall, you need to use wooden dowels. Auerlat requires high-quality waterproofing of timber timber. Therefore, it is necessary to use roofing felt or other material with water-repellent properties.
Before installing the Mauerlat, the base must be covered with roofing felt. The installation of a Mauerlat is required if it is planned to construct a roof frame, the rafters of which rest against the upper part of the wall with beveled ends or prepared cutouts.
If you plan to make an attic, the width of which corresponds to the width of the building, the rafter legs should rest with their lower ends against the external supporting parts. It is possible to use powerful beams laid across long walls as supports. The number of supporting elements corresponds to the number of rafters. The beams must be secured to the walls in the same way as the Mauerlat.
Sequence of actions:
Frame construction
The frame of the attic roof consists of floor beams, rafters, purlins and racks The material used is often 200x100 mm softwood bars. The floor slats are placed on top of the mauerlat with an indentation of 30–50 cm beyond the surface of the walls or into prepared grooves in the masonry. In the first case, the parts are fixed using angles and self-tapping screws.
Fixing the timber to the mauerlat can be done using steel corners To make an even floor, the planks should be installed in this sequence:
- First of all, the outer parts are placed level.
- Next, you should tighten the cord and install intermediate elements along it.
- The pitch of the beams should be from 60 to 100 cm. A distance of 60 cm makes it possible to install insulation boards without cutting.
- To level the beams in height, they can be trimmed. Another option is to use plank underlays.
- If beams are inserted into prepared pockets, their outer parts must be treated with liquid waterproofing and wrapped in roofing felt.
You need to place the racks on the outer planks:
After installing the racks, crossbars and purlins, you can get a reliable structure that will limit the interior rooms of the attic. To increase its strength, it should be secured in the future with struts and tacks.
Installation of rafters
At this stage, the installation of the lower rafters is carried out:
After this, the upper elements are installed:
- The first step is to mark the central part of the roof. This can be done using a stand that was previously attached to the Mauerlat and a tie from the end of the roof. The outermost part of the board should run along the center of the roof. The rafter legs need to be aligned along this board.
- Next, you need to prepare a template from a 150x25 mm slats. It should be applied to the extreme part of the mounted batten at the required level and to the purlin on which the lower rafter legs will rest.
- You should mark the upper and lower cuts and cut out a template. The device is applied in turn to two sides of the roof. This will make it possible to check the accuracy of the marking of the central part. If the rows of racks are placed in parallel, then there will be no difficulties in securing the upper elements - they will have identical dimensions.
- According to the preparation, you need to prepare the required number of rafters. The parts are placed on purlins and tied together in the upper parts using iron plates or trim strips. In the latter case, self-tapping screws are used as fasteners. In the purlin, the rafter strips rest against the cuts and are grabbed with iron corners. To ensure that the parts stand straight, they are secured using struts, mounted with the lower part on ties. All rafters are installed using this method.
- The hanging racks are fixed - pieces of 150x25 mm planks. The upper part of the batten is attached to the place where the rafters are fixed, the lower part is attached to the tie.
Video: mansard roof rafter system
Installation of struts and gables
Sequence of actions:
Sheathing of the structure
The sheathing is needed for:
- distribution and transfer of the weight of the roofing material to the rafters;
- performing additional fastening of the rafter system;
- bases for fixing roofing material.
The sheathing can be made in one or two layers, continuous or with vacuum.
The sheathing can be solid or with relief The installation method depends on what material is planned to be used to cover the structure. If a roof is being built from slate or metal tiles, the sheathing should be made of slats that are attached to the rafters with nails. In this case, the installation step of adjacent planks can be 27–30 cm.
Continuous lathing is used when fastening soft material in rolls.
Solid sheathing is necessary for a soft roof
In this case, you can use moisture-resistant plywood sheets or particle boards. It is allowed to use pine wood material- trim strips.
It is important to take into account the fact that when installing such a sheathing, the material that will be laid must follow the contours of the external base. Therefore, the frame structure must be strong and level.
When laying out the material, you should use a cord, with which the slats or slabs will lie flat. The parts must be placed parallel to each other. Before fixing, the material must be treated with an antiseptic composition to protect it from rotting, fungus and dampness. The workpieces must be smooth and of high quality. It is recommended to give preference to wood grades 1 and 2. There should be no knots on it. To prevent the boards from warping, they must first be dried.
Sequence of actions for installing the sheathing:
Waterproofing a mansard roof
The roofing material does not have thermal insulation properties, so you will need to prepare quality material, which will be environmentally safe for human health. Quite often mineral wool or glass wool is used. Both materials have excellent sound and heat insulation parameters. It is also important to take into account that if the roof is made of metal, if the insulation gets wet, all its qualities can be reduced to zero. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the design.
It will not be possible to insulate an attic without laying waterproofing material, so the process should be considered in its entirety. Step-by-step guide to waterproofing a structure:
Practice has shown that it is better to protect insulation with modern materials, for example, Tyvek or Izospan. The use of ordinary polyethylene film gives poor results, as condensation may appear. Experienced craftsmen They believe that the structure should not be waterproofed with roofing felt.
Before proceeding with the work, you need to decide on the thermal insulation material.
Mineral wool is a fairly popular material used for roof insulation. The most commonly used heat insulators are:
- glass wool;
- mineral wool;
- foam;
- foam glass;
- wood shavings;
- straw.
The material must be selected taking into account four parameters.
- Thermal conductivity index. For roof insulation, 0.05 W/m*K or lower is optimal.
- Water resistance. The higher the score, the better.
- Fire resistance.
- Environmental safety.
The insulating qualities of mineral wool deteriorate significantly after some time. The material can also be damaged under the influence of mechanical loads. However, mineral wool has a low cost, so the material is used quite often. Polyfoam is not afraid of water and has excellent thermal insulation characteristics. If you plan to build a house only from environmentally friendly materials, then you can use foam glass or straw.
Step-by-step guide to roof insulation:
Laying roofing materials and installing window openings
As an example, we will consider the installation of metal tiles, since this material is used quite often:
The number of windows is determined by the ratio of the useful glazing area to the base of the floor of 1:10. For example, if the attic area is 100 m2, then the glazing should be approximately 10 m2. When installing windows, you need to consider the following nuances:
Attic finishing
The interior decoration of the attic can be done using wood or plasterboard sheets. If the latter option is used, then after installation the sheets must be wallpapered or painted water-based paint. In some cases, the attic is divided into several rooms. This can be done using plasterboard partitions.
If you plan to use the attic frequently, then the floor and walls can be additionally insulated. This can be done using, for example, mineral wool.
Interesting attic room design options
The attic can be made cozy by symmetrically placing sofas on both sides. In the attic you can place a long sofa. In the attic you can create a place to relax by hanging a hammock. In the attic you can make not only a living space, but also a bathroom. On the attic floor you can even make a kitchen. If on the territory it is not possible to place a hammock, then this can be done on the attic floor. One of the parts of the attic can be completely glazed. The attic can be an excellent place to create a home library. The walls of the attic can be lined with brick. In the attic you can arrange a full-fledged living room. On the attic floor you can arrange a relaxation room. If the house is located in a beautiful area, the roof can be made panoramic. The bed can be placed facing the window. In the attic, you can make a bedroom with high ceilings. In the attic, you can place a hanging chair. This will make the roof more comfortable
Video: making a mansard roof
Recently, the mansard-type roof has become quite popular among owners of private houses. To experience all the positive aspects of living in a building of this type, you need to pay due attention to the insulation of the building.
Modern people try to make the most of the space in their home. Therefore, the proposal to arrange additional space under the roof is always met with enthusiasm. It is much easier to plan the construction of an attic at the stage of building a house, but you can make an additional superstructure over an old building.
How to make an attic on an old house
The presence of an attic not only increases the living space, but also gives the building a colorful look.
Attic turns country house to a fairytale building
An old house can be updated by building an extension in accordance with existing codes.
The attic addition begins with calculating the strength of the old house
First you need to decide whether the existing foundation and walls can withstand the load of the attic floor and the new roof. If they have a sufficient margin of safety, then you can begin to remodel the house. Otherwise, they should be strengthened.
Old brick walls sometimes they seem durable, but with additional load over time, cracks may appear in the solution. Therefore, it is necessary to immediately examine their condition, and, if necessary, tie them with a rigid belt. This is done as follows:
- metal pillars with a cross section of 10x10 cm are inserted into the foundation with the lower edge, and connected with the armored belt of the first floor with the upper edge. Installed around the perimeter of the house every 2 meters;
- metal reinforcement with a cross-section of 12 mm is laid in grooves and tied around the walls of the house: from the bottom of the window every 2 meters upward;
- A metal mesh with a mesh size of 2x2 cm is laid over the reinforcement, which is covered with plaster after all work is completed.
The foundation is strengthened by tying it with a reinforcing belt on all sides.
If the old foundation cannot support the attic, then it must be sheathed with reinforcement
Having decided on the strengthening of the building, you can proceed to choosing a project for the future superstructure. It should look harmonious against the background of other buildings and match the style of the entire house.
The calculation of the dimensions of the internal upper room and necessary materials for construction
There are several types of attics:
- single-level with a gable roof - low ceilings with a small living area;
A single-level attic with a gable roof is the simplest type of superstructure for small buildings
- single-level with a sloping gable roof - increased internal space, but serious costs of money and time for construction;
A one-level attic with a sloping gable roof is usually built on a brick house
- single-level with cantilever extensions - a complex design that allows you to get even more space, since the attic frame extends beyond the building and the windows are installed vertically;
A single-level attic with cantilevered extensions allows you to get a lot of internal space by increasing the upper structure
- multi-level with mixed roof support - used in the construction of a new house, built only by specialists.
A multi-level attic with mixed roof support is usually not installed on old houses due to the complexity and large volume of work
Video: converting half of an old roof into an attic - an easy way
Converting the roof into an attic is a relatively cheap way to increase living space. A private house usually has a pitched roof, so you can make an additional spacious and bright room with your own hands.
Internal wood lining makes the attic warm and bright
And if the house is large enough in length, then the attic can turn into a real floor: with several rooms and even a balcony.
A large attic allows you to divide the area into different living areas
Advantages of creating an attic:
- the possibility of installing one or more new living rooms;
It is most convenient to furnish an attic with low ceilings under a gable roof with low sun loungers
- low costs compared to the construction of a full floor or side extension to the house;
- updating the external appearance of the building;
A house with an attic under construction always attracts the attention of passers-by and makes them interested in the final result.
- opportunity to observe beautiful view from the attic window.
A lot of sunlight comes through the windows in the attic, illuminating the room all day long.
However, this solution also has certain disadvantages that must also be taken into account:
- the need for insulation and soundproofing of the ceiling and a new roof, installation of several double-glazed windows;
- the difficulty of providing additional heating and lighting to the upper part of the old house - will have to be combined with home wiring or use an offline connection;
To heat the attic with access to the balcony, you can use a stove-stove
- planning part of the home space for a staircase leading to the attic;
The staircase leading to the attic must be fenced for safety
- the need to purchase special furniture for a sloping roof or purchase squat models: low cabinets, sofas and tables.
Low furniture is best suited for attic interiors
The presence of sloping walls makes the room unusual and romantic, but with this decision you will have to take a more responsible approach to design development. You can make furniture for the inclined superstructure yourself or assemble a single set from existing multi-level models, painting everything in the same color.
You can make furniture that follows the slope of the attic yourself
So, the main disadvantage of converting an attic space into a loft is that it requires an investment, but it is worth it.
Building an attic will cost much less than creating an additional floor, regardless of what materials are used to build the walls. After all, to create them you will need basic material, insulation and finishing, while for an attic superstructure you only need roofing insulation and a new rafter system.
The superstructure is made of symmetrical or asymmetrical shape. Internal walls are designed both inclined and vertical.
Having studied the schemes of single-level attics with different types roofs, it is easier to make a choice when planning
Converting an attic into an attic does not require dismantling all existing structures. But you need to make sure that the ceiling is reliable: check its condition, reinforce it with wooden or metal beams, and cover it with new boards. Then it will be able to withstand the weight of furniture and people.
To frequently go up to the attic, you will need to make a convenient staircase, provide for the installation of ventilation, natural and artificial lighting, and carry out interior decoration - all this will allow you to create a cozy and comfortable room.
A superstructure with a sloping roof, decorated in light colors, visually enlarges the space, and splashes of color add brightness to the interior
When constructing an attic floor, the following conditions must be met:
- the rafters are made of laminated timber with a thickness of at least 250 mm, so that the required amount of insulation can be laid;
- Foamed polystyrene is used for insulation due to its low weight and high thermal insulation characteristics;
- a gap is left between the thermal insulation and the roofing material to ensure natural ventilation;
- A hydro- and sound-proofing layer must be laid.
Converting the roof into an attic with your own hands
During the construction of a house there is usually a lack of funds, so many people refuse to build a second floor. Or another situation may arise when an old one-story small house is purchased along with the plot. In both cases, there is an affordable option for increasing living space - rebuilding the attic space into an attic with your own hands.
Creating a Project
Before starting work, you need to draw up a plan and develop a project with accurate drawings. Correct calculation will allow you to get a cozy, durable and reliable room. You can perform all the calculations yourself or entrust it to specialists.
You can draw a plan and develop a preliminary design yourself by studying different options on the Internet
Strengthening the walls and foundation may be necessary if the rafters are completely replaced. If the roof is partially redone, then reinforcement may be needed only for the ceiling. You also need to immediately decide what types of windows will be used in the attic: the reinforcement in the rafter system will depend on this.
The location of all windows in the attic roof must be thought out in advance and this data must be included in the project plan
Rafter system
Rafters can be layered or hanging. The former rest on the internal walls of the house or additional supports, and the latter on the external walls.
In attics, layered and hanging rafters are used
Hanging rafters are best suited for the attic.
An attic with hanging rafters looks more beautiful and benefits in the size of the internal area
The attic usually occupies the entire space of the attic, and its walls are combined with the external ones.
The best option for creating an attic is a layered rafter system
The rafter system consists of different load-bearing bars. To understand the structure of the entire structure and build it correctly, you need to understand the purpose and operation of its individual elements.
An image of individual elements of the rafter system helps to understand the structure of the entire structure
Refurbishment of premises
With sufficient attic height rafter system no need to redo it. It is enough to inspect the old rafters, identify possible flaws and eliminate them.
If the rafter system is in good condition, you can begin arranging the floor. Insulation is first laid between the joists, after which the surface is sheathed with ordinary boards or sheets of OSB or chipboard.
The floor in the attic is insulated and covered with boards
Before laying the insulation, all necessary communications are installed between the rafters, and places are cut in the roof for installing windows. carried out before insulation.
All wires and pipes of communications must be placed in special corrugations
Care must be taken to create natural ventilation under-roof space through vents so that moisture does not accumulate inside the room.
Roof insulation
The roof must be insulated correctly and efficiently - the microclimate under the roof will depend on this. Typically, mineral wool, polystyrene foam or sprayed polyurethane foam are used as insulation.
A thick layer of heat insulation is tightly laid and fixed between the rafters so that there are no cracks or gaps left anywhere. Waterproofing is installed along the top of the roof - between the roof and the insulation - and then laid thermal insulation material from the side of the room. Then the inside of the insulation is covered with a vapor barrier film.
For better ventilation, a small distance is left between the roofing material and the insulation: this way air circulates through the holes in the eaves and ridge. If the roof is covered with corrugated sheets, then the gap thickness should be 25 mm, but if it is covered with flat material, then it should be increased to 50 mm.
When creating thermal insulation for an attic, the sequence of layers must be strictly observed.
When planning to climb to the attic, you need to take care of the convenience and safety of movement. Therefore, the staircase is usually installed inside the house. It is constructed from wood or metal: it can be either a screw or a marching structure.
The staircase to the attic may be different types and designs, which allows it to fit into any interior
An opening is cut in the ceiling of the first floor, which is reinforced along the perimeter with metal or wooden strapping.
The design of the stairs to the attic must be strong, reliable, safe and beautiful
Interior decoration
In most cases, plasterboard slabs are used for wall cladding; the seams between them are plastered. Wallpaper is pasted on top or applied decorative plaster. An alternative option is lining or natural wood.
If some rafters protrude through the walls into the attic, then they can be decorated as decorative elements and even used in the form of a horizontal bar for hanging a hammock, swing, chandelier and other devices.
Registration visible parts rafters in the interior of the attic - an interesting and creative matter
Use heavy ones finishing materials in the attic is not recommended, as they increase the load on the walls, ceiling and foundation of the building.
There are many options for interior decoration of the attic, but it is advisable to use only lightweight materials
To cover the floor, you can use laminate or linoleum, but it is better to avoid tiles or porcelain stoneware.
Installation of the roof of the attic floor
The roof of a residential superstructure must consist of the following layers (the order of arrangement is from the street to the internal space):
Video: why and how to properly lay layers on the attic roof
Calculations of an attic roof for a house
Determining the total weight of the roof
To calculate total weight roofing materials, the specific gravity of one square meter of coverage must be multiplied by the total area of the attic roof. To obtain the weight of one square meter, you need to add up the specific gravity of all the materials that make up the roofing pie and multiply it by the safety factor (1.1).
If the thickness of the lathing is 25 mm, then its specific weight is 15 kg/m2, insulation 10 cm thick has a specific weight of 10 kg/m2, and the roofing material ondulin has a weight of 3 kg/m2. It turns out: (15+10+3)x1.1= 30.8 kg/m2.
According to existing standards, the load on the floor in a residential building should not exceed 50 kg/m2.
Determining the roof area
To calculate the surface sloping roof, you need to break it down into simple shapes (square, rectangle, trapezoid, etc.) and determine their area, and then add everything up. To determine the surface of a gable roof, you need to multiply the length by the width, and multiply the resulting value by two.
Table: determining the area of the attic roof
When calculating the angle of inclination, the climatic zone in which the house is located is taken into account, and that it is convenient to move in the attic at full height
It is also necessary to calculate the roof slope. Usually the angle is 45–60 degrees, but when determining it, it is necessary to take into account the climatic zone in which the house is located, the type of attic construction, snow and wind loads, and the architectural design of the house.
The greater the angle of inclination of the roof, the less will be the load on the rafter system, but the consumption of materials will increase.
Calculation of the rafter system
When choosing a rafter system, you can choose the following options:
- hanging rafters;
- inclined type;
- ridge run;
- combined design.
If the roof length is more than 4.5 m, then support purlins and struts can be used for reinforcement. If the length is more than 7 meters, a ridge beam is installed.
For wooden rafters, timber with a thickness of at least 70 mm is used. Their installation step should be 50 cm.
Over a large area, it is better to attach a metal rafter system: due to the increase in the distance between the rafters, the absence of spacers and struts, the weight of such a structure will be less than that of a wooden one, and the strength will increase significantly.
If the attic area is large, then it is better to install metal rafters
Calculation of the required amount of materials
To carry out the calculation you need to know the following parameters:
- width, thickness and pitch of rafters;
- distance from the edge of the roof to the rafters;
- the size of the sheathing boards and the spacing between them;
- size, type of roofing material and overlap between its sheets;
- type of steam, hydro and heat insulating material.
The roof is divided into simple shapes and the required amount of each material is determined. Simple mathematical formulas are used for this.
The results obtained are converted into standard values: for wood - in cubic meters, for roofing materials, steam, hydro and thermal insulation - in square meters. And you can go to the store.
Common mistakes
Most often when independent calculation errors occur when determining the required amount of insulation. If the climatic conditions are harsh, then its volume will have to be increased, otherwise it will not be possible to create comfortable living conditions in the attic. The insulation is installed on the floor of the house, gable walls and roof slopes. But the thickness of the insulation can be different everywhere.
Video: calculation of a mansard roof with diagrams and load
The attic floor allows for additional living space and gives a private home a modern, attractive appearance. It’s not difficult to create an attic with your own hands, you just need to correctly draw up a project, perform calculations and carry out high-quality installation of all materials. And the result will please the owners for a long time.
