How to build a mansard roof with your own hands using a unique construction technology. Step-by-step instructions for building a do-it-yourself sloping attic roof Installation of the rafter system

The attic is the living space under the roof itself. It allows you to significantly increase the square footage of the building area without extensions. It is not necessary to plan an attic in advance in a private house; it can be built on an old building with a regular roof with an existing rafter system.

The budget for such work will be relatively small - after all, the load-bearing elements are already present, perhaps modifications will only be required to insulate and bring the attic into a habitable condition. A do-it-yourself attic is a very realistic project that can be implemented without the involvement of qualified labor, but with an assistant.

Reconstruction of the roof into an attic without replacing rafters

Before you start construction

Do-it-yourself attic construction on a completed building begins with a careful assessment of the situation. First of all, you should make sure that the old structure can successfully withstand the additional load.

The matter also concerns the material of wall structures. Typically, both the foundation and the load-bearing walls contain a sufficient margin of safety, which will make it possible to do without additional reinforcement. However, if in doubt, it is better to distribute the increased load on additional columns, spacers, or strengthen the floor beams between the lower floor and the attic.

The roofing of an attic roof has its own specific requirements. If existing elements do not comply with them, you will have to get rid of them and install new ones that will be designed for new loads.

Popular attic with a sloping roof shape

Mansard roof can be built with your own hands according to various projects. The shape of the under-roof space depends on how the roof will be formed, in particular, its load-bearing elements - rafters and beams. The most successful roof shape requires implementation gable scheme roofs with a broken roof line. That is, the angle of divergence of the slopes from the ridge point in the middle of the run is replaced by a steeper one, and the roof overhangs descend onto the mauerlat of the second floor very steeply.

Although pitched roof has the advantage of a simpler design rafter system, a project of this type has not found frequent use in the construction of attics due to a number of inconsistencies with the tasks of the room. It will not be possible to provide a high ceiling, or the width of the room will be minimal. In addition, the weight of the snow cover in this case is significant and requires an increase in the cross-section of the load-bearing beams, which will lead to an increase in the cost of constructing an attic roof.

For this reason, many prefer to build a sloping gable roof, considering it the most acceptable option for houses with an attic room. The advantage of this attic roof scheme is that the useful volume of space under the roof will be greatest, which brings a properly designed attic closer to a full-fledged room.

House with half-mansard roof

A compromise can be considered the option of a semi-mansard roof, when part of the walls of the attic floor is a continuation of the building frame. At the same time, the gable shape of the semi-attic roof dictates the inclined side parts of the ceiling of the room.

Features of the attic roof rafter system

The broken design of the attic roof is good because it allows you to arrange the overhangs longer and place them at a steeper angle. This type of project gives a distinctive look to the entire home. At the same time, in addition to the aesthetic factor, low-hanging overhangs well protect the joint between the wall and the roof from precipitation. On the other hand, the windage of the roof increases in strong winds, so when developing the attic design, an average solution is found that satisfies all parameters.

Steep overhang of sloping roof

Determining the angles of inclination

When deciding how to make an attic, you need to decide on the angle of inclination of the slopes. To do this, you need to understand two basic factors: weather conditions with the prevailing wind directions in the region where construction is taking place, as well as the materials that make up the floor joists, rafter beams and walls. If in winter there is a lot of snow that lies for a long time and does not melt, then the roof is made steeper.

Thanks to this, snow does not accumulate in a thick layer and does not increase the load on the rafters. Taking into account all climatic factors and the fact that boards of standard sections or beams are widely used as rafters, the angle of the upper part of the roof is made 30 degrees relative to the horizon, and the lower part - 60. The following drawing demonstrates these parameters.

This solution provides a robust design that minimum consumption wood provides maximum ceiling height in the under-roof space. According to building codes, it must be at least 2 m. Anything lower is considered an attic, not an attic, and is not suitable for comfortable living. On the contrary, if possible, the ceiling is raised to 2.2 - 2.3 meters, since tall people will find it uncomfortable to be in a low room.

It should also be remembered that the steeper the slopes, the higher the ridge. This increases the roof's windage, that is, wind resistance.

If the winds in the region blow constantly, at high speeds or with strong gusts, the roof is at risk of failure, which should not be allowed to happen. For this reason, choosing a mansard roof project with the specified angles is the best option.

Choosing the type of rafter system

In the vast majority of cases, pine is used as a material for rafters when building an attic floor with your own hands, due to its cheapness, acceptable weight and ease of processing. The thickness of the beams is usually selected 40 - 50 mm, width - 200 - 250 mm. The more powerful the rafters, the more steps you are allowed to take between them, and vice versa. The exact parameters are determined in accordance with SNiP 2.08.01-89 and TKP 45-5.05-146-2009.

For the installation of an attic rafter system sloping roof Two schemes are used: layered and hanging. In a hanging system, the ridge beam does not rest on the posts in the center, and the rigidity of the structure is ensured by ties that form a triangle with the rafters. This system is not suitable for long rafters due to the long length of the beams. In a layered scheme, load-bearing beams are erected in the center of the floor, on which the ridge girder rests. Thanks to the intermediate support, the roof can withstand heavy loads, but inside the attic there will be supports or a solid partition.

Variant of frame sizes with hanging rafters

Broken two pitched roof is a little more complicated than a straight line. The fact is that the first does not have a rigid triangular structure. For this reason, hanging rafters can only be made if the width of the tie is no more than 4.5 m. This parameter corresponds to the width of the attic room. However, even in the case of a smaller parameter, it will be necessary to install vertical posts connecting the breaking point of the roof with the floor joists.

Rafter system with struts

For additional strength, if the roofing covering is multi-layered and heavy, they make contractions - horizontal braces between the lower inclined joists and vertical posts. Sometimes the design of the rafter system includes a headstock - a stand between the ridge girder and the tie. Its installation makes sense only in the case of a heavy ridge and a wide roof; in all other cases, the rigidity of the upper triangle is sufficient.

An example of a simple rafter system

Basics of calculating a sloping roof of a house

For the roof of a house whose width does not exceed 6 m, you can make an approximate, rough calculation in order to provide an approximate amount of material for construction and the money that will need to be spent on it. IN small houses, where the load on the rafters is small, you can rely on the above experience of arranging a rafter system taking into account the characteristics related materials, for example, insulation and external roofing.

One of the main parameters is the installation step of the rafter beams. If you plan to use mineral wool insulation as thermal insulation, then this size should be selected based on the format of the material. Mineral wool mats are 60 cm wide and do not require fastening at the time of installation if they are inserted tightly and held in place by elastic force. Accordingly, the rafter pitch should be 57 - 58 cm.

The width of the rafter leg should allow the insulation to be laid freely with slight sagging. If we are talking about the Urals, Siberia, and northern regions, then basalt insulation is laid in a checkerboard pattern in two layers of 100 mm each. This means that the beam must be at least 230 mm thick.

There are statements on the Internet that the insulation must be “ventilated”, so the width of the rafter leg should be chosen with a margin. In fact, the insulation itself may not be ventilated, since it is not afraid of moisture, but at the same time, it somewhat loses its thermal insulation properties when moistened. Ventilation, which in reality is needed rather by the wood of the frame, is provided by filling the rafters with sheathing and counter-lattice, if the width of the beams is not enough for this.

The timber for racks and beams must be selected with a thickness of at least 80 mm on the smaller side. It is allowed to use timber 80*80, 80*100, 100*100. The last option is relevant for heavy roofs of large areas.

It is better to entrust the accurate calculation of all elements of the rafter system to a design organization if you do not have experience in construction calculations.

At the same time, a mistake made can make itself felt not only at the stage of purchasing materials and erecting the roof, but also later, when expensive repairs are required.

DIY attic roof installation diagram

Before installing the rafter system for the attic with your own hands, first of all, build a mauerlat - a belt of timber that encircles the building around the perimeter. It is on this that the lower overhangs of the rafter legs are attached. The Mauerlat is absolutely the same for both a broken line and a straight line gable roof. Depending on the wall material, it has installation features.

In houses built from timber or logs, a separate Mauerlat beam is not required - its role is successfully taken over by the upper crown. Eyelets are cut into it at the required pitch, and the ends of the rafter legs are fastened to corners or studs.

Fastening the mauerlat and rafter legs

In houses from cellular concrete Before laying wooden beams around the perimeter, an armored belt is required. Without it, the soft porous material of the walls may be pressed through over time, and the fastening will be torn out of the crumbled gas or foam concrete. It is made of concrete using formwork, reinforced with two to four rods, preferably fiberglass, to make the structure lighter.

Brick and cinder block walls do not require an armored belt. In this case, holes are prepared at the end of the wall using a hammer drill, and the mauerlat beam is pulled in with anchors. The rafters are attached to it using corners, as well as large screws - “capercaillies” with hexagonal caps for a key or a head. It is more convenient to tighten them with a wrench.

Assembling roof fragments on the ground

There are several ways to assemble a mansard roof frame. One of them is the assembly of all elements on the ground, lifting them onto the roof, strengthening them with temporary struts, and then through “finishing” installation, which provides rigidity to the structure. Let's look at the work step by step:

The first step is to assemble the gables. They are the upper and lower parts of the rafters, which are fastened to the posts and ties at the fracture line. All lower ends of the boards and beams rest on the base. Dormer windows are usually provided in the middle of the gables.
The prepared assembly units are lifted and secured from one and the other edge of the building. The bases are fixed with anchors in the wall, plus temporary spacers are added to hold the structure.
The “ribs” of the rafters are sequentially assembled and placed in the cuts of the Mauerlat with the prescribed spacing.
After all the elements are assembled, they are sewn together with longitudinal bridges: ridge beams - the tops of the triangles, connecting beams - at the junction of the posts and tie rods. This way the structure acquires the necessary rigidity.

Sequential installation on site

In the second case, all parts of the rafter system are gradually assembled in their places on the roof. At the end, the finished design comes out. This option is easier when individual fragments weigh a lot and cannot be lifted without special equipment. In this case, the step-by-step assembly instructions are as follows:

They start by installing racks on the floor joists of the second floor. The pitch is the same as that of the rafters. The upper ends are connected by a tie - a horizontal beam. At this stage, you should get a rectangular box from the ribs of the posts and puffs.
After this, the lower parts of the beams are mounted. They should form a triangle with the posts and base - a rigid structure.
Behind them you can install the upper sections of the rafters. For the required rigidity, they are fixed with bevels to the puffs. For wide roofs, additional crossbars may be provided. Also, if the span of the tie is too long, install a beam that fastens the ridge beam with the tie - this will prevent it from sagging.

A sloping roof is not characterized by the problem of a lack of standard length of lumber - 6 m. Let us recall that the rafter consists of two parts. If, however, such an inconvenience does arise, the beams can be extended by placing patches on both sides of the same thickness as the beam, and tightening the joints with bolts and nuts through the through holes.

Drawings of important components

The most critical places, the implementation of which may require schematic visualization, are the connections of several planes, as well as places that bear a large load. The photo shows drawings of such connections

For fastening wooden beams and racks use different fasteners. In order of strength and preference, you can arrange them in descending order: bolts with nuts and washers - screws and caps - nails. Nails are bad because after years of wood drying and deformation, they tend to come out of the holes. The structure will not completely fall apart, but unwanted play will appear.

The rafters are attached to the mauerlat using powerful steel corners. For convenience, a stop strip is placed on the lower part of the rafter leg, which prevents the end of the board from slipping and allows all fasteners to be carefully tightened.

Options for attic windows

The attic, being a living space, should be well lit. SNiPs recommend 10% glazing area of the floor area in the room.

The easiest way to let light under the roof is to provide windows in the gables. If you have provided supporting posts, then installing such a window will not be difficult. No special waterproofing or reinforcement of the attic roof structure is required. If the window is only on one side, this side should be west or south, so it will let in more light during the day.

The next popular and attractive solution is inclined windows. They do not require changes to the roof structure. Their advantage is also the large amount of light they provide. However, when installing inclined windows, good waterproofing of the frame is necessary. In regions with snowy winters, it is recommended to install reinforced windows, since in the presence of a thick layer of snow they will have to experience additional stress.

Sloping windows from the inside

The steeper the angle of the roof slope, the smaller the window height can be made. On flat areas, the height, on the contrary, should be greater. Typically, inclined windows are not made wider than the inter-rafter pitch, as this would require serious reinforcement of the adjacent rafter legs, onto which the weight of the roof would be redistributed. It makes more sense to do two narrow windows- as much light will penetrate through them as needed, but there will be no influence on the structural elements.

Dormer and inclined windows

Sometimes dormer windows are made in the attic, for which a special ledge is arranged. The advantage is the vertical position of the frame and the ability to stand in front of a full-height window. The downside is the need to change the roof configuration. On a continuous surface, two valleys appear at once - the meeting points of two planes, where the greatest danger of leakage arises.

A window similar to a dormer, but only inverted, that is, recessed into the attic, is made if they want to provide access to the balcony. This solution has no other advantages, since in this case less light enters the premises than through standard inclined windows.

Installation of sheathing and roofing

The next stage of do-it-yourself attic construction will be the installation of the final roofing covering. First of all, a waterproofing membrane is stuffed onto the floor joists. It should not allow water to pass through to the insulation, but steam should escape through it. Slats are placed on top of the waterproofing along the joists. Then a load-bearing sheathing is attached across the joists. This can be a board of any width and thickness of 15 - 20 mm. Thanks to the presence of these multidirectional layers, ventilation of the reverse side of the roofing is ensured.

This scheme is suitable for hard roofing materials: slate, metal tiles, seam roofing, corrugated sheets. For flexible roofing You need a solid solid base. To do this, OSB boards or plywood sheets are used, a screen is made on top, and soft roof elements are fused on top.

Step-by-step instructions for insulating an attic

Most often, when installing an attic roof in a private house, it is assumed that it will be insulated. In this case, it is more convenient to nail the waterproofing membrane to the outside of the roof. However, if you have not done this, you can always mount it from the inside. To do this, rolls of membrane are rolled out along the roof and tacked to the joists with a construction stapler. In this case, you need to leave deflections for the insulation. The joints are taped with special double-sided tape.

(3 rated at 4,33 from 5 )

The attic is that room in your home that can carry a wide variety of functional loads: from a workshop and office, to a bedroom and living room. Arranging an attic will cost you much less than full second floors. And the technology for its construction is more accessible.
In this article we will look at the types of attics, as well as the stages of constructing an attic with your own hands.

The attic is a room limited from below by an interfloor ceiling, and from above and on the sides by roof slopes. Depending on the shape of the attic slopes, there can be:

single-level symmetrical with a gable roof (a, b);
single-level symmetrical with a sloping roof (c);
single-level asymmetrical (d);
two-level asymmetrical (d).

Rafter structures for mansard roofs

If it is not there, or the distance of the wall from the edge of the attic is more than 7 m, hanging rafters are installed. They are made up of the upper part of the roof slope, and at the bottom are limited by the ceiling beams of the attic.
Installation of the rafter system is the first stage in the construction of the attic. Therefore, before starting its installation, you should calculate and take into account all the subtleties of this construction. For example, the possibility of arranging an attic floor to replace the existing one attic space, will depend on the quality of the underlying surface, the type of foundation and its bearing capacity, as well as on the condition of the entire building as a whole.

However, first you need to familiarize yourself with the terminology presented on construction drawings.

Stages of construction of a rafter frame

First, the top beam is laid, which can have a cross-section of 0.1x0.1 m, or better yet 0.15x0.15 m. It is attached to the racks with special nails, iron staples or self-tapping screws. This block is a rafter frame.

We install the Mauerlat. It is this element that is the “foundation” of the entire roof. It prevents the roof from tipping over in strong gusty winds, and also transfers the load from the attic to the load-bearing walls of the house. To install the Mauerlat, use: boards (thickness of at least 5 cm) and beams (with a minimum cross-section of 10x15 cm). The beams are laid out along the perimeter of the entire roof and attached to the wall with long self-tapping screws or metal brackets (or better yet, both at the same time). Another method of attaching the Mauerlat to the wall would not be out of place - using thick wire, which is mounted in advance into the top row of the brickwork of the wall. Remember that the stronger you tie the mauerlat and the wall, the stronger the entire attic structure will be. And one more thing: it is necessary to lay a layer of waterproofing under the Mauerlat bars, and treat the boards or bars themselves with an antiseptic and waterproofing impregnation.
, which are most often purchased ready-made (although you can make them yourself if you wish). Before installing these structural elements, it is necessary to put marks on the Mauerlat that will indicate the location of the leg attachment (the accepted distance between the legs is 15 cm). Applying marks will simplify and speed up this stage.
We lay the edge rafters to the gable. Special attention attention should be paid to the fact that the edge of the front and the top of the rafters should be in one line. In addition, pay attention to the quality of the board used for the rafters: it should be without any defects (normally no more than 3 flaws per 1 m), thickness - about 4 cm, width - about 15 cm. After the edge rafters are installed, they are connected by a level rope along which all other rafter legs are mounted.
It's time to unite all the strops together. This is done at the top point of all rafters using a purlin. Then the ridge beam is installed, which, in principle, is not a mandatory element of the frame (it is erected when the roof is longer than 7 m).
Do not forget that during the construction stage truss structure need to be mortgaged window frames under the attic windows.
If the roof is below 7 m, then guy wires are installed in the upper part of the rafters, which perform a dual function: they serve as ceiling beams for the future attic and strengthen the frame of the attic roof.

The rafter system is ready. All that remains is to make the lathing, secure the hydrobarrier material, lay a layer of insulating material, as well as roofing. The mansard roof is ready. Let's get started with the internal work, which we'll talk about below.

The importance of insulating attic roofs is undeniable, because... the walls of the attic space are integral with the attic roof, or are as close to it as possible. Because of this, the attic room freezes faster in winter and heats up significantly in summer.

Mineral wool is laid in the space between the rafters. In this regard, the base sheets of insulation are cut to fit the size of the gaps between the rafters. Sheets of mineral wool are laid on a pre-laid layer of vapor barrier, and a layer of hydro-vapor barrier is attached on top of the sheets. In this multi-layer structure, air gaps are formed, located between the layers of vapor barrier-mineral wool and mineral wool - hydro-vapor barrier. These air channels subsequently they will contribute to the ventilation of the entire structure, and therefore they must be brought out open in the ridge area. This will improve the quality of insulation.

When insulating an attic, remember that the microclimate of the attic space and the comfort of your stay there will depend on the quality of insulation and the presence of ventilation.

Creating an attic - a popular type of room - with your own hands today is not difficult. Let's look at all the stages of construction, as well as the pros and cons of this design.

Peculiarities

Home is a place where we would like to surround ourselves with comfort, have the opportunity to relax with our family and work. Sometimes this becomes impossible due to a lack of square meters. How to make your home spacious and comfortable? Construction technologies have stepped far forward - resources have appeared that allow you to expand the occupied space with your own hands through extensions. But if there is not enough land, then the attic would be the most successful option!

Currently, this is a fashionable design for private homes. Back in the 17th century, the attic was conceived as a way to expand housing for the poor. And thanks to the French architect Mansard, converting roofs into residential apartments has become very popular among the rich. This, by the way, is where the name came from - attic.

Many people ask the question: “Attic or additional floor?” It’s worth clarifying right away that these are two different things. Before choosing one option or another, weigh all the pros and cons, pros and cons, consider the purpose of your home (dacha or permanent residence), your marital status, and budget. It will be much more economical to build an attic than a full second floor.

In this article we will tell you how to significantly transform usable area at minimum investment. And you can handle all the necessary activities on your own.

Installation and arrangement of an attic, the facade of which is completely or partially formed by the surface of a sloping roof, is a vast scope for imagination and creativity. So much space shouldn't be wasted! This would be a great studio, office or place to store unnecessary things. But isn't it too wasteful to turn precious meters of space into a warehouse?

Typically, attic spaces are provided for children who like to be located at high levels, and besides, low beams often cause some inconvenience for adults. This is the very last floor, and the higher, the better the view, without a doubt. Presence of pipes, proximity to the roof, remote balcony, flat ceiling - all this will become a stylish aid for creating architectural design.

An objective assessment of the specifics and knowledge of the constructive qualities of this type of superstructure give a chance that everything will work out as well as possible, no damage will be caused to the load-bearing walls and foundation of the house, and the home will last a long time. Believe me, the attic is very useful thing!

The most successful solution is a frame attic. Before you begin designing plans for the addition, you must ensure that the floor below can support the additional load. After all, every person who comes across a building knows that the main building is located on load-bearing structure, which is calculated based on the entire mass of the structure. Therefore, at the beginning of construction it is necessary to do necessary calculations, and also check the foundation to see if there are cracks or any damage on it. If necessary, the base will need to be strengthened. At this stage, it is best to turn to professionals.

Based on how the roof is constructed, appearance attic can be different. As a rule, the attic occupies the entire top floor, although sometimes there are options located on one side of the longitudinal axis of the building. It is not often that you see attics extending beyond the lower structures.

Most often, the roof is gable or sloping. A more complex type of gable configuration is popular: the roof consists of two planes. But we will discuss each of them in more detail a little later. Windows, large or small, located on the ceiling, let in many times more light than ordinary windows in rooms on the lower floors.

When choosing a roofing covering, maintain harmony so as not to disturb the combination of the shape of the attic floor and the roof.

You can also immediately insulate the room with SIP panels. As a result, you will get a lightweight structure that consists of more than 50% lightweight polystyrene foam, therefore, it does not create a load on the walls and ceilings.

There are several design considerations that cannot be ignored.

take thermal insulation seriously, which should be strengthened, because it is the roof that often “suffers” from frequent and sometimes severe temperature changes;
it is important to carry out waterproofing conscientiously so that over time the insulation does not get wet;
Proper ventilation must be provided between the thermal insulation layer and the roof.

The parameters of the rafter structure must be determined by the further construction of thermal insulation, which is placed between the timber rafters and has a thickness of at least 20 cm. The rafters must be at least 25 by 25 cm.

The main indicators of wood that are important for the design of the system are resistance to bending and compression, the required density and humidity.

Wooden rafters, in turn, require treatment with antiseptics or fire-bioprotective structures and must have fire resistance limits.

Designers advise leaving the attic space intact. However, if there is a need to separate rooms, then it is better to build partitions using plasterboard.

Let's also consider the disadvantages of this type of adjustment:

due to the sloping roof, unlike a regular floor, the size of the attic area will be smaller;
the height must be optimal, otherwise there will be problems with closing/opening doors;
psychological factor: sometimes it seems to people that there is not enough air, every time they want to bend down, a person may feel discomfort;
regardless of the type of roof covering and even the correct installation of sound insulation, sounds from rain will penetrate into the room;
it is important to properly think through the heating system;
the stairs leading to the attic may be too steep and therefore unsafe.

Design options and materials

Using the advice of experts, carefully develop the future design of the attic space. After this, prepare the design of the attic, since it is not just a certain number of square meters, but the individuality of the facade - the pride of the building. The appearance and interior depend on the coating methods and materials for the roof.

There are several types of roofing.

Single-pitch

The simplest option, which is a sloping area mounted on load-bearing walls. Advantages: simplicity of calculations and installation work, due to its low weight it is suitable for buildings on simplified foundations. Disadvantages: not the most attractive appearance, sensitivity to loads (snow).

Gable

One of the most common options. This structure consists of two opposite slopes, resting on the walls of the building that serve as support and connecting at the top with a ridge. Material investments in a gable roof are quite small, but it looks aesthetically attractive. The construction of a gable roof includes: rafters, sheathing, inclined planes, Mauerlat, horizontal ribs, ridge, valleys, overhangs.

Broken

The broken roof structure is a subtype of the gable roof, but with a more complex configuration. Because of the shape and the presence of broken lines, this name came about. Such a roof gives the house solidity and solidity.

Hip or hip

One of the strongest and most resistant to strong winds and leaks during precipitation, roofing systems, where instead of gables, two triangular slopes are installed. Complex installation is a disadvantage of this design: it requires precision when calculating the rafter system and installing the frame. For this reason, design is usually left to professionals.

Multi-forceps

Among all the structures, the most complex, but at the same time the most interesting, is considered to be the multi-pincer one. It is characterized by the presence of several pediments (3 or more). A big plus is the ability to cover several rooms with one level. But in general, this type of attic works mainly on architectural style and design.

The attic part is divided into two types. It could be:

single-level- enough practical option in execution, which does not require complex development and serious calculations;
two-level- This is a complex building to construct, the design of which is created immediately together with the house.

Current construction technologies allow you to make different types of balconies in the attic. To choose the right design, you should consider the design features of the lower floor. And it doesn’t matter whether the balcony was included in the plan in advance, it can be done at the end of all stages of construction.

Most good option location - from the end. In this case, the balcony will resemble a loggia. It is erected together with the attic, which allows you to use part of the roof as a canopy, and the ceiling of the floor as a floor.

Another type of construction is the option when the balcony is located in the roof part. At the stage of covering the roof, part of the building is left without covering so that a balcony can be arranged there.

Drawings and calculations

The main parameter when planning an attic floor is the ceiling level, the optimal height of which should be at least 2.5 m. Make a drawing before actual construction, evaluate everything and indicate accurate calculations so that everything can be built accurately. The most ideal option is a sloping gable roof, but then as many load-bearing supports as possible should be installed for sufficient reliability, since this type of roof increases the pressure on the walls.

Don’t forget to include the ventilation system, as well as windows and pipes in your calculations. stove heating, if any are expected.

The height of the superstructure itself has no limit, but the lower ends must be at least 90 cm.

The plan must contain all the information about the features of the form, geometric dimensions and slope angles.

After an accurate calculation of the rafter system of the attic roof has been completed, all necessary materials should be purchased and the roof prepared. Only after this can construction begin.

Stages of making an attic with your own hands

It is very important to choose the design and style of the interior at the initial stage, as well as decide on finishing materials. You should listen to the opinion professional designers who advise using only high-quality raw materials. We will tell you step by step about all stages of construction.

Roof

So, the first stage is the development of a project for a new future roof in the old premises. It doesn’t matter whether it is single-pitch, gable or broken, without a doubt, the appearance of the result will directly depend on the structural properties of the roof, as well as the raw materials used. Make a diagram from different perspectives to better understand how to place the elements of the rafter system. It is most important to accurately calculate the height of the roof ridge, because the size of the area under it depends on it.

We take the height of the ridge to be approximately 3.5 m - with the independent construction of the frame, which allows you to straighten up to your full height.

It is important to remember that in order to build a frame with your own hands, you must know about the existence of two types of rafter systems: inclined and hanging. They differ from each other in the method of attaching the units to the walls.

In houses where there is no load-bearing wall, the mechanism of hanging rafters will be used, which will be supported only on the walls of the house and connected to each other with nails or screws using corner plates. In this case, the width of a single-span building, where this type of rafters is assumed, cannot exceed 6 m. If the parameters of the house are larger, for example, when the span width exceeds 9 m, then more struts have to be made.

In two-span houses, where there is only a middle supporting wall, layered rafters are made. In this case, three foundation points (two on the outer walls of the house and one on the inner) depend on the width of the building: more than 10 m - one support, and with a width of about 15 m, two supports will be needed. The rafters are attached to each other using corner pads. The sheathing itself is made of slats or boards.

Steam and thermal insulation are key stages in creating an attic. A membrane-type film is laid on top of the sheathing, which will protect against moisture penetration, and with inside Glass wool is laid for insulation.

The next stage is the installation of the roof, internal processing and design of walls and partitions, as well as installation of windows.

As we have already said above, the most successful would be to use metal tiles or corrugated sheets as a roofing material.

Floors

First, take care of sound and thermal insulation from the floor below. This task can be accomplished in several ways: backfilling expanded clay or laying mineral wool slabs. Both methods require protection from moisture with hydrofilms. Also pay attention to wooden interfloor ceiling. Here, insulation is performed by bandaging the seams of the insulation and beams.

Choose flooring to suit your taste. It can be ceramics, parquet or laminate.

Windows

Loft windows are a fairly labor-intensive process, although worth it, so consider whether you can do it yourself. In fact, they are not particularly different from facade ones, but there is one serious difference - a special type of opening. In addition, during installation you will have to disassemble the metal tiles, while trying to maintain waterproofing. But this is not scary, because it is thanks to the windows that the room becomes much lighter and more spacious!

It is very important to know that if snow and ice are not regularly cleared, the window may be subject to temperature changes, so it is important to select models in accordance with the climate in which you live.

Heating selection

For comfortable living and use of the premises, you also need to take care of heating the attic. It should not only maintain and retain heat inside, but also be safe and economical.

All details must be taken into account at the initial stages of design. We bring to your attention several methods of heating the attic floor.

Fireplace. An effective, comfortable and completely safe way.
If your home already has a heating system downstairs, then you only need to install additional pipes and a battery.

Installation of an independent heating system only for the attic - the most the right decision. It is possible to install absolutely any heating boilers, while observing the necessary safety measures. But more comfortable - turbocharged ones gas boilers, which do not require a separate room. They are wall mounted and very easy to use.
"Warm floors". To create a comfortable indoor microclimate, you can install heated floors. This can be done either with your own hands or with the help of specialists. In any case, this is a fairly economical option.

Important point– proper arrangement of ventilation. This is the only way the attic heating will work well.

Insulation and ventilation

Since the attic has the largest area of contact with the street compared to the lower floors, its insulation should be treated very carefully. Today the market offers a variety of insulating materials. However, when solving this problem regarding complete thermal insulation and vapor barrier for a home, do not forget about the main conditions, and then this will reduce not only heat loss and heating costs for the house, but also protect the ceiling and walls from dampness, rot and wetness, and the formation of ice on the roof . The choice of materials for the “roofing cake” must be carried out in accordance with the requirements of SNiP.

When you choose finishing in a store, focus primarily on the characteristics of your home. For example, where it is hot in summer and frosty in winter, the insulation must be resistant to external circumstances. Therefore, one of the main conditions will be thickness. The colder it is, the denser it should be, and, conversely, if you live in the south, where in winter the temperature practically never drops below zero, you can choose a thinner material.

The most versatile and most budget-friendly is based on mineral wool; expanded polystyrene is less commonly used. Sometimes an insulation layer can be used, consisting of modern backfill agents or materials in the form of a liquid that is sprayed onto the walls and hardens into a durable form. In all these cases, the roof will be no less stable.

With the correct assembly of the “roofing cake”, the structure of which consists of metal tiles or corrugated sheets, sheathing, waterproofing membrane, rafter system, properly equipped ventilation of the under-roof space is sure to extend the life of your roof. Never play the “whether it will blow or not” lottery, but take the advice of experts on your toes.

To create a beautiful and cozy living space, you can use wood as a finishing material from the inside, various types composite panels, NPL panels (or in Russian LVD - laminate high pressure). No less popular is the attic, decorated with your own hands using plasterboard sheets (GKL).

The roofing should be made of lightweight materials: corrugated sheets, metal tiles and similar materials that can lighten the weight of the mechanism, taking into account the load that will be transferred to the existing building.

To begin with, before remodeling the attic, you need to make drawings and draw up an estimate. This way you will see in advance what difficulties you will have to face.

It is quite difficult to develop a plan for an attic roof alone: certain knowledge and skills in design and carrying out specific calculations are important here. You cannot make mistakes: then the structure of the building will be unreliable, and it can also damage common building. Although if the idea is not too complicated, then you can do it yourself.

Everything must be included in the estimate: from the start of construction to the decoration of the premises.

Partitions

One of the simplest tasks that you can definitely handle with your own hands is the device interior partitions. Typically, plasterboard and metal profiles are used for these purposes. Everything is done quite quickly and at minimal cost.

The design is simple: a frame, and plasterboard slabs are attached to it. At the end, the partition is sheathed. To do this, you can use clapboard, block house, imitation timber or even plywood with wallpaper - a matter of taste.

Finishing work

After insulating the attic, you should think about finishing. Of course, it all depends on how you will use this room. The unique geometry provides excellent prospects for creative design solutions. Let us immediately note that the finishing process is a complex of tasks, each of which has its own function. Let's take a closer look at finishing materials.

The most popular material is plastic lining . Advantages: unique, budget-friendly, environmentally friendly. The installation of the board can be different: diagonally or in a circle, horizontal or vertical. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting fragility and, perhaps, weak resistance to negative factors.

Not the most expensive material - plywood sheet. It is quite easy to cover walls with it. It also has excellent sound and thermal insulation properties, no preliminary leveling of the surface is required before installation.
Finishing the attic with plasterboard will allow you to realize the most original design solutions: you can use it to create suspended ceilings, arches and even columns. Moreover, this material easily absorbs moisture, which is its negative side. But if you choose a special type that is resistant to moisture, then this finish will last you a very long time.

So, let's summarize and summarize the above.

To design a beautiful and high-quality attic you will need:

careful design of the future extension;
strengthening load-bearing walls and foundations;
roof removal;
erecting a frame (it will be quite easy for you to assemble it with your own hands);
roof insulation, waterproofing;
window installation;
interior finishing and insulation.

If you save too much, as practice shows, the house may end up being of poor quality and unattractive. Therefore, choose materials wisely, take into account the recommendations of experts, consult with relatives and friends, as well as with those who already have similar experience.

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 living space, but also gives the building a colorful appearance.

The attic turns a country house into a fabulous 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: can the attic floor and new roof existing foundation and walls. 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 their lower edge, and connected with the armored belt of the first floor with their 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 space;
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 - complex design, allowing 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

Remodeling the roof into an attic - comparatively cheap way increasing 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;
Attic with low ceilings under a gable roof it is most convenient to arrange 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 to insulate and soundproof the ceiling and a new roof, install several double-glazed windows;
the difficulty of installing additional heating and lighting in the upper part of the old house - you will have to combine it with home wiring or use an autonomous 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, whereas for attic superstructure All you need is roof 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 diagrams of single-level attics with different types of roof, 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.

Superstructure with a sloping roof, decorated in light colors, visually increases the space, and color spots 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 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

If the attic height is sufficient, there is no need to alter the rafter system. 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. Usually used as insulation mineral wool, polystyrene foam or spray polyurethane foam.

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 wavy sheets, then the thickness of the gap should be 25 mm, but if it is a 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 can be of 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, and 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 designed as decorative elements and even use it as a horizontal bar for hanging a hammock, swing, chandelier and other devices.

Decorating the visible parts of the rafters in the interior of the attic is 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 interior decoration 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 needed specific gravity multiply one square meter of coverage 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) x 1.1 = 30.8 kg/m 2.

By existing standards the floor load in a residential building should not exceed 50 kg/m2.

Determining the roof area

To calculate the surface of a sloping roof, you need to divide it into simple figures(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. Typically the angle is 45–60 degrees, but when determining it, one must take into account climate zone, in which the house is located, type of attic construction, snow, wind loads, architectural design Houses.

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 calculating independently, errors are obtained during the determination required quantity insulation. If the climatic conditions are harsh, then its volume will have to be increased, otherwise it will not be possible to create in the attic comfortable conditions accommodation. 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.

It is difficult to imagine a building without a reliable roof over it. Any roof is the basis, the main guarantor of the inviolability of things in the house and the safety of property. It is the main protector from rain, snow and wind. After its construction, you can move on to the next stage, which involves interior work. Having made this part unreliable, there is no need to talk about a full-fledged home. A do-it-yourself gable roof is the simplest and most functional option among other types of roofing.

There are several roof options, one of which is gable. Construction does not require a lot of talent, since this type of roof is the simplest. The housing element consists of the parts shown in the figure:

The structure consists of the following parts:
Horse. The upper part that will connect the 2 slopes.
Rack. An installation used to redistribute weight from the top to the bottom of the roof. It must be done from quality materials.
Sill. A beam located horizontally. Connects the rack and the load-bearing wall.

Struts. These boards are fixed at a slight angle. Serve to redistribute weight from rafters to load-bearing elements down.

Rafter leg. These elements form a visible outline in the shape of a triangle. Serve to hold the roofing covering. The heavier it is, the more often it is necessary to lay the rafters.
Fillies. Boards that extend the rafters. Necessary for creating an overhang from a gable roof, which according to building codes must be at least 0.5 m.

Difference between rafters
gable roof and it is quite possible to complete the drawing on your own. All elements can be constructed in several ways. The difference is the rafter system used for construction. There are the following types of rafters:

The systems are used in many homes, and both are of sufficient quality for comfortable use. When constructing an attic roof, they are used together. In this case, hanging and inclined types of rafters are combined. It is worth creating rafter drawings that will show the location of each element of the roof, built with your own hands, so that there are no incomprehensible moments. It will help you calculate the amount of materials needed.
Any element of the house must be created, understanding how it will all look as a result. For clarity, a drawing is created, and so that everything fits perfectly, it is calculated in advance. The plan takes into account the length of the roof along the ridge, the length of the slopes, and the length of the plumb lines is shown separately. The angle of inclination of the roof is determined. The angle is determined taking into account the following points:

At strong winds in the construction zone, the angle is made about 10-12o so that the roof is not torn off.
With significant winter precipitation, the slope is within 30-40o. the snow will easily slide off the surface. There are no difficulties in the calculations, but if the roof is made with complex shape, this will make it difficult to calculate the required values.

Roof construction

After making calculations and purchasing the necessary parts, the Mauerlat is installed. After this, the sheathing is created. The element is the basis for a roof, built with your own hands, made from pine or other coniferous wood. The material is durable and lightweight, capable of distributing the weight of all elements over the entire plane. Placed along roof slopes, between rafter legs, top of the walls.

In order for the element to last longer, an insulating layer is necessary between the wall and it. Roofing material is suitable for this. The Mauerlat can be secured using any fasteners that are convenient.
To erect a roof, you must follow the plan:

Fastening the rafters. If hanging ones are used, they must be assembled in advance, using fasteners to stiffen this part. First, the outer elements are made, then the inner ones. With a layered system, a bed is first created where the supports will be installed. If the length of the elements is insufficient, you can add it by installing fillies.

Installation of sheathing. You can use any materials for construction, but it is important to get rid of the bark from the boards in order to increase the service life of the elements. If you plan to use a soft roof, the sheathing is made continuous. A rigid base is required here so that there is no deformation during operation. Lattice system

Roofing. There are many coating materials, each of them involves the use different methods coverings. Do not neglect the recommendations of the material manufacturer. It is important to make a slight overlap between the elements. The structure must not be disturbed to prevent leaks.
Don't forget that reliable roof built with your own hands is a guarantee of the safety of property in the house. You should not neglect its construction, so that later you do not have to make complex repairs.