Gable roof at different levels. Types of gable roofs: options for the purpose of the structure

Types of roofs by design are determined at the design stage of the house. When choosing a configuration, it is worth taking into account the appearance and facade of the building, as well as the climatic conditions in which the building is located, and general architectural requirements.

General information about roofs

Types of roofs of private houses and their names are determined by their technical characteristics. In many ways, the aesthetics and character of a building depend on the roof. It can have one, two or several slopes, be flat or exclusive. Roofs with two or four slopes are more typical for cottages.

Flat structures are used in multi-storey and industrial buildings. These are the most common types of roofs for garages and outbuildings. However, flat ones have a big drawback - they leak quickly and their maintenance costs more than a pitched roof.

The concepts of “roof” and “roofing” should not be confused, since although these elements are related to each other, the essence of their structure is different. The roof is the uppermost element of the structure, performing an enclosing, load-bearing, water- and heat-insulating function. The roof is the part of the roof that protects the building from external atmospheric influences. For its installation, slate, tiles, metal and other roofing materials are used. Types of roofs for a private house will be presented in this article.

Classification by angle of inclination

Based on the angle of inclination of the slopes, roofs are divided into flat and pitched. A roof with a flat slope is considered to be one in which the angle of inclination of opposite edges does not exceed 2.5 degrees. This design has significant drawback- precipitation is retained on it, subsequently leading to wear and leakage.

Fallen leaves and sediments from the sloping roof are removed by hand. This design is not used for the construction of cottages and private houses. Flat roofs crowned with multi-storey and industrial buildings, non-residential buildings and garages.

When building private houses, pitched structures are almost always used. A roof will be considered such if the angle of inclination is equal to or greater than 10 degrees. Snow and moisture do not stagnate on the slopes, which reduces external pressure on the roof.

Types of roofs by design: photos and definition

There are roofs separated from the room, i.e. attic, and combined with the room - without attic. Attics, in turn, can be heated or unheated. Attics are divided into fully or partially ventilated and non-ventilated.

The possibility of using the roof for domestic and other purposes divides them into exploitable and non-exploitable. Technological progress and the imagination of designers have given us the most various types roofs by design. The photos and drawings presented in this article will allow you to visually familiarize yourself with them.

Types and designs of house roofs according to geometric shape

Shed roofs are a single plane lying on rafters installed at different heights, due to which a slope is formed in one direction. Most suitable option roofs for outbuildings - not too expensive and not too labor-intensive. Any coating can be used roofing material. There is no attic space with one slope. However, it is still possible to equip an attic under a pitched roof, but this will require a special additional project.

Gable roofs consist of two planes lying on load-bearing walls at the same level. In another way, such roofs are called gable roofs. A triangular section of the wall, “sandwiched” between two slopes, is called a “gable”. The gable structure is more complex than the shed roof, but at the same time it is much simpler than all other types of roofs.

Gable structures are also divided in a certain way. Types and variety. The attic is characterized by broken lines different angles slope lines and pentagonal pediments. This design provides more free space for organizing the attic. The upper slopes are located at a small angle.

Advantages and disadvantages of a gable roof

The ability to adjust the eaves plumbs gives two slope species roofs of private houses. In this case, there is no need to make drawings and additional projects, since the integrity of the overall roof is not compromised. A gable roof has other noticeable advantages over other configurations:

  • Affordability of construction.
  • Simplicity and efficiency of design.
  • Full height of the building and the possibility of installing windows in the gable area.
  • Simplicity self-construction without the involvement of expensive specialists.

The disadvantages include:

  • Dependence of height and angle of inclination on the area of ​​the house. How bigger house, the more material is required to create a gable roof.
  • The organization of the attic requires an increase in the height and number of load-bearing elements, which increases the cost of construction.

Roof for a house with an attic

Mansard types of gable roofs are built during the construction of dachas and cottages. According to technological standards, the height of the attic roof cannot be less than 2.3 m, since this height is provided for the ceilings of residential premises. Attics can be layered or hanging.

The layered system is permissible only when the distance between two load-bearing walls is no more than 7 meters. Its essence lies in the fact that one end of the rafters enters the load-bearing wall, and the other - into interior wall or a specially erected support structure.

Some types of roofs of private houses with an attic are based on this principle. Hanging rafters are used when the building does not have internal main walls. The support for hanging trusses is the mauerlat (log or very thick timber, located on the top edge external wall). To resist loads, trusses are fastened with staples or wire.

The mansard roof is also divided into several types. This:

  • Symmetrical.
  • Asymmetrical.
  • Broken.
  • Tent.

A symmetrical attic is created with a gable roof. Wherein attic space will have walls same height and width. The symmetrical shape allows you to install full-fledged windows under the roof, and, if necessary, doors if you intend to exit to the balcony.

The asymmetrical shape is ensured by the hip arrangement of the slopes. In this case, the attic space will be of small area. Two of its walls will be in the shape of triangles, and the other two will be trapezoidal.

A broken gable roof is so called because it has external breaks in the edges to expand the attic space. A feature of the broken structure is the low height of the walls in the attic room. Such a roof is often installed in cases where an attic is added to an already built house. The broken structure eliminates the load on the foundation, which was not intended to create another residential floor.

Under a hip roof, the attic can be round, conical, or pyramidal. It is very difficult to arrange window or door openings in such a specific room, since they must be made according to special drawings. Simple rectangular openings will not work in this case.

Read more about hip and hip structures

As mentioned above, hip and hip roofs are suitable for construction.

The hip (four-slope) design is distinguished by the fact that two of its faces have and the other two have isosceles trapezoids.

Triangular slopes are located on the same plane as the pediments, and they are called “hips”. For a hip roof, a double-tied beam structure is used. Sediment from such a roof is removed quite easily. Hip slopes usually tilt at an angle of 45 degrees.

A steep slope implies the need drainage system. Arrange such a structure with my own hands difficult, since it is characteristic of it a complex system rafters, the installation of which requires precision and special skills.

There are also this same hip structure, but its triangular slopes are truncated and installed at a smaller angle relative to the trapezoidal slopes.

A type of hip roof is a hip roof, in which all slopes have the same geometric shape. A hip roof is installed if the base of the house is laid out in the form of a regular quadrangle or other This design it looks like a pyramid, since all the slopes converge at one point at the top.

Advantages and disadvantages of hip and tent structures

The advantages of these types of structures are:

  • The fact that houses with such roofs have an original, unique appearance.
  • Strength, durability and reliability.
  • Stability to loads caused by winds and precipitation.
  • The attic space is evenly heated from all sides, which allows you to equip the attic with comfortable conditions for accommodation.

Tent and hip roofs They also have some disadvantages:

  • The structures are very complex to construct and require special engineering calculations.
  • Due to the large area of ​​the slopes, the structure has a lot of weight.
  • The high cost of constructing an attic, since it requires the construction of additional walls in the attic for its perimeter.

Multi-gable and other rare types of roofs

There are also more complex types of roofs for private houses. Multi-pincer is one of these. This design is used on polygonal buildings, with attics and extensions. It is distinguished by an abundance of internal and external corners.

A large number of ribs and ridges gives the house a unique flair and distinguishes it from others. Multi-gable configurations are the most spectacular types of roofs for private houses with a balcony and other household and decorative extensions.

It implies the presence of a complex and verified rafter system; it is advisable to entrust its construction to experienced workers (since the correction of errors made during self-construction, will cost a lot of money). Multi-gable and hip roofs are the most convenient types of roofs for private houses. With or without an attic, a building with such a roof structure will be reliably protected from the influence of external negative factors.

Conical and domed roofs - rare, but in their own way interesting options. Not every building can be crowned with such a structure. The basis of a structure that claims to have a conical roof or dome must either be a circle, or only individual fragments of the building are covered with it - terraces, towers, verandas. Cone and dome are quite rare types of roofs of private houses with a veranda.

In cottage architecture there are combined, complex combinations that combine elements of hip, dome, gable and hip roof structures. Such original types of roofs crown houses created according to intricate designs, with several residential levels, several balconies, verandas, and terraces.

Basic roof elements

The final step in building a house is the installation of a roof, designed to protect the home from rain, wind, cold and other weather “troubles”. The durability of the building itself depends on how professionally the roof is erected.

Despite the fact that the choice of materials and design solutions for roof construction is very diverse, the principles and general elements will be the same in any case.

Roofing pie is a structure consisting of several layers that creates a protective barrier against the penetration of moisture, thermal condensation, temperature losses and other negative circumstances associated with the operation of the roof. The layers of the cake are assembled in a strictly defined sequence, and each one is interconnected with the previous one.

Frame - a system of rafters (load-bearing elements) on which the roofing pie is laid.

Roofing is a special material designed to protect a building from climatic influences.

Ceiling is a structural element made of reinforced concrete slabs or lighter building materials, “lying” on load-bearing walls and serving as a ceiling for rooms on the top floor of a building.

Types of roofing materials

The following types exist roofing, and when choosing them it is not necessary to take into account the types of roofs by design. Each of the following types is suitable for any frame shape.

  • Slate is a “budget” roofing material, but is in great demand among developers. Recently, slate production has decreased due to the appearance of new profile coatings on the market.
  • Rolled (soft) materials are made on a bitumen basis and are also affordable. However, they have a significant drawback - poor resistance to temperature changes. Bituminous materials easily soften in extreme heat and are damaged in severe frost. Fragments of the coating are glued together with mastic, which also loses its elasticity when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. It is believed that the service life roll covering does not exceed 7 years.
  • The following type of coatings include polymer mastics. They are used both to create a new roof covering using seamless technology, and to repair old roofs of any type. Mastics are applied to the surface in liquid form and, after hardening, create a smooth, seamless thermal insulation monolithic coating. Their important property is plasticity, which preserves the integrity of the roof in the event of temperature deformations.
  • Mastics are stable to sun exposure and low temperatures, have a light weight and very durable. Their service life is 25-28 years. Coatings based on rubber mastic the best way suitable for any type of roof of private houses with an attic.
  • Iron or galvanized sheets coated with an anti-corrosion alloy of copper, titanium or zinc are always popular with customers. They are sold in rolls or sheets. Galvanized coating guarantees the safety of the roof for almost 90 years.
  • created by cold stamping of steel, imitating the texture of tiles. The thickness of the sheet is 0.5 mm, its surface is treated with an anti-corrosion substance. The disadvantage of profiled steel is that it is not designed to bend and is absolutely not ductile. It is believed that this material is most suitable for simple pitched roofs of country houses and individual cottages.
  • The next, no less common and well-known roofing covering is ceramic and cement tiles. This material is very heavy, so it can only be used on slopes with an inclination angle of at least 25 degrees, otherwise a powerful rafter holding system will be required. The durability of the tiles is high - 90 years or more.

Insulation and waterproofing of the roof

Whatever the types of roofs in design, they all need additional insulation and protection from moisture penetration. This is especially true for roofs under which attic spaces are located.

Insulation is an important step in creating reliable and high-quality roofing pie. In order to live comfortably in the attic at any time of the year, it is necessary to choose the right thermal insulation material and have it professionally installed.

Insulation, carried out in compliance with all technological rules, ensures a normal microclimate in the room. In winter, the attic will be warm, and in hot weather it will stay cool.

Thermal insulation of an attic roof is carried out according to the same principles as that of a conventional roofing structure, but with increased requirements due to the characteristics of the attic space. Its walls are formed by the roof slopes and gables, which is why the sun overheats them in summer, and in winter such walls quickly freeze.

The attic roofing pie consists of several layers, the sequence of which must not be disturbed. This:

  • Vapor barrier layer.
  • Direct insulation material.
  • Ventilation gap.
  • Waterproofing.
  • Roofing covering.

When choosing insulation for an attic roof, it is important to consider its thermal conductivity. This characteristic shows the ability of the material to transmit heat inside or outside the room. The lower the thermal conductivity, the better the insulation, and the better it will protect the attic from cooling. During the cold season, any types of roofs of private houses with an attic and a garage lose heat because warm air, according to physical laws, rises upward.

The heat passes through the roofing pie and reaches the covering, which is covered with snow in winter. If the air temperature is not lower than -2.5 degrees, snow, due to its porous structure, acts as an external heat insulator.

If heat loss is too active, the snow on the roof begins to melt, resulting in a crust of ice. It increases the load on the roof and, unlike snow, allows heat to pass through. If the roof insulation is installed according to the rules, the snow on the surface will not melt and, accordingly, an ice crust will not form.

In the summer, when it is too hot, excess heat penetrates into the attic. The air heats up so much that even with an air conditioner it is impossible to maintain a normal microclimate in the room. To avoid such problems, the attic roof is also thermally insulated from the inside.

Before installing the roofing pie for the attic, choose a thermal insulating material. The number of layers and the thickness of the insulating segment depend on the correct choice. The most common and accessible materials are:

  • Extruded polystyrene.
  • Polyurethane foam.
  • Mineral and slag wool.
  • Glass wool.
  • Foam glass.

Insulation based on natural materials: reed mats, wood shavings, straw, slag.

Constructing a gable roof with your own hands is a relatively simple process. Having understood the structure and technology of working with the standard parameters of a classic gable roof, based on this knowledge, as well as the information contained in this article, you can, with just a little effort, decorate your home with a beautiful roof made with your own hands.

Features of gable roofs

The structural basis of a gable roof is the most simplified of all possible options structures with many slopes. The concept of a gable roof is the formation, through slopes, of two inclined planes and gables on the opposite side.

Moreover, the equivalence of the slopes is not at all necessary. This allows you to not be too strictly tied to the equivalence of the lengths of these slopes, so the length indicators can also be completely different. By the way, it was this feature that made it possible to build roofs with non-identical slopes in terms of parameters and opened up more possibilities in the design of house structures, which led to such popularity of these roofs.

As a rule, the intersection of the slopes is located at the location of the ridge; it forms a parallel with the long side of the building. The simplicity of this design determines traditional form building.

The advantageous aspect of gable roofs is their excellent protective functions. The building will not be at risk of damage caused by bad weather conditions, since the absence of creases in the slopes allows rainfall to flow freely from the roof surface, and the absence of concave corners (also called ends), which are formed in the place where the slopes intersect, solves the problem accumulation of snow in these areas.

The symmetrical parameters of a gable roof form a triangle with equal hips in the upper part. However, those who do not want to take a standard and common approach to roofing their home should consider more interesting and sophisticated options for gable roofs.

The broken structure that it has gable roof with different slopes gives residents of future construction the advantage of increasing the living space inside the house. It could be like arranging additional area under a large attic or attic construction.

Another approach is the lack of symmetry in the design of a gable roof. From the outside, this solution has a rather unusual and original look, however, the space created in the attic is much smaller.

Moreover, there are other types of roofs with two slopes. The multi-level arrangement of slopes ending at different heights does not converge at the location of the ridge. This causes the broken roof structure. Of course, only a specialist in this matter can do this option, however, the funds invested in the construction of such a plan are fully justified by the excellent result.

How to determine the angle of inclination

The range of inclination angles of gable roofs covers a run from 11° to 45° and even more.


If you set out to build a multi-level roof with two slopes, keep in mind that the angle of inclination depends on many factors:

  • Types and qualities of materials to be used in the roofing;
  • Climatic conditions;
  • Architectural design of the building itself.

The region's warmer, drier climates do not require very sharp angles from roof structures, so the surface can be made less steep. If, on the contrary, climatic conditions require a large amount of precipitation, the angle of inclination should be steeper so as not to accumulate snow deposits and reduce their load on the roof surface.

There is also an angle of inclination at which the snow cover exerts virtually no pressure. This is an angle of 45°; using it in design reduces the possibility of a strong miscalculation.

Planning the roofing process must also include data on the load exerted by wind force. An increased slope increases the force of wind pressure on the surface, so it would be a good idea to strengthen the sheathing and rafters. For example, a jump in tilt from 11 to 45 degrees increases the wind pressure fivefold. Based on this, if your building is located in a riot zone strong winds, the roof you are designing should have a gentler slope.

The design of a gable roof with different slopes opens up the possibility of arranging a veranda under the roof or organizing a canopy covering the terrace.

Installation of roof slings with two different slopes


The sling system is the basic foundation on which the entire structure will rest. When starting a project for a gable roof with different slopes, you need to figure out how a symmetrical rafter system differs from the one that you will build when building a roof where the slopes do not have the same parameters.

The symmetry of slopes is based on triangles with equal sides, this determines the equivalence of the opposite slopes in all geometric parameters and angle slopes.

As for the design of the roof, taking into account the different parameters of the slopes, the design of each side must be thought out separately. Accordingly, the triangle will have unequal thigh sides.


It will take a little more time to develop the project and bring it to life. But this design is more attractive and unusual, and looks much more impressive from the outside.

Rafter systems can be inclined or hanging. The outer supports of buildings, as a rule, have hanging rafters, because the legs of these rafters are designed for bending and compression functions.

This design solution has a bursting effect that extends horizontally, being transmitted to the walls. To reduce it, it is recommended to use a wooden or metal tie; it is placed at the very bottom of the rafter base.

The beam will serve as a ceiling. This option is good for roofs with attics. In order to make the fastening of the rafters more powerful and increase its strength, it is necessary to arrange the screed high enough.

The use of a layered rafter system is beneficial when roofing structures with an average load-bearing wall or in the presence of intermediate columnar supports.

The edges of the rafters transfer their weight, resting against the walls of the structure. In part, they can support internal walls and supports, therefore, it is possible to use their elements as bending beams. This roof ultimately has a lighter structure.

The construction of the structure takes place by alternating suspended and layered rafter trusses located on top of several spans:

  • Hanging rafters are best installed where there are no intermediate supports. If there are layered rafters, installation is possible only with an intersupport distance not exceeding 6.5 meters.
  • To increase the width of the rafters, additional support is added. It must be covered with layered rafters, the size of which does not exceed 12 meters, and with two supports - 15 meters.
  • Structures made using timber as a material, the rafters have an emphasis on the crowns at the top. You can achieve greater strength of the fastenings by securing the legs of the rafters with nigels, bolts or staples.

In order to assemble all the component parts, bolts, teeth and metal plates are used. As protection from the harmful effects of climatic weather conditions, it is recommended to use a cornice overhang of at least 5.5 cm in length, which is used as an upper trim.

Calculation is a responsible matter. An incorrect section can cause destruction of the rafters. This problem can be seen in violations of the location of the joints, and in this case, the operation of the roof simply becomes impossible. Therefore, if you go through all the stages of the work yourself, it is still safer to entrust the calculations to a professional.

Mounting the Mauerlat


A beam with cross-sectional parameters of 15x15 cm is the Mauerlat. It performs a supporting function for inclined rafters, distributing the total load evenly, and also acts as a foundation. The Mauerlat serves as a base under the rafter foot; it is placed along the entire length of the structure. With a small section width, sagging is possible after some time.

To avoid such sagging, a grid made up of racks, crossbars and struts is used. In this case, boards with measurements of 25x150 mm are used; in addition, you can put plates that were obtained from logs with a diameter of 13 cm.


Calculation of roof area

  • Small parts such as the chimney pipe, dormer window or roofing, ventilation holes do not need to be calculated;
  • The size of the installed slope must be extremely accurate; the calculation must be carried out from the edge line of the eaves directly to the very bottom of the ridge;
  • Firewall walls, overhangs and parapets are also included in the accounting;
  • A lot depends on the roofing material; you need to pay attention to this point.

An important point: when using roll materials or tiles, it is necessary to reduce the length of the slopes by 70 centimeters.

Video - gable roof with different slopes

31.07.2014

Choosing a private house project or country house, a large number of factors have to be taken into account. A special issue is the choice of roof shape. It is both the main protection of the house and its decoration. It can have a wide variety of appearance and shape. There are so many of them that it will not be so easy for a person who has to deal with house building for the first time to navigate.

The most popular type of roof in private construction is the gable roof. Judging even by just one name - “double-slope”, then it is not difficult to guess that it should consist of two planes-slopes. Usually, they rest on load-bearing walls of the same height. The space between the slopes, which, by the way, can be considered their distinctive feature, has a clearly defined triangle shape. Apparently, due to their external resemblance to tongs, they are also called gable. The types of gable roofs are very diverse. They vary in shape, rafter design, presence of attic space, etc.

The most popular types of gable roofs

Half-hip: advantages and disadvantages

In areas where strong winds constantly blow, as a rule, preference is given to houses with a half-hip roof - one of the types of hip roofs. A half-hip roof is basically the same as a regular gable roof, but with small overhangs on the end sides. The cut slopes on the sides have a shorter length along the slope line than the main slopes. It is due to this structure that the half-hip structure is able to withstand high wind loads. At the same time, its attic space has a convenient enough shape and size to arrange a residential or utility room there. The gables of the house are also perfectly protected from any atmospheric precipitation. In addition, it gives the house a fabulous, unusual look.

Its truss structure is much more complex than that of, due to various stops, struts, sprigs, trusses, a large number of ribs, valleys, intermediate rafters and other structural elements. It requires not only competent mathematical calculations, but also competent manufacturing. Of course, it will most likely not be possible to save on materials during construction, but the walls of the house will be guaranteed to be protected from precipitation and wind.

Mansard roof: simple in design but effective

Another variety. It is formed by two gentle slopes, closed at the top, and two steep slopes, which are their continuation. This form, which allows for fuller use of attic space, is in great consumer demand today. The design of the attic roof rafter system consists of hanging rafters, which ensures the void in the middle part of the room.

Broken line is the best option for the attic

A broken roof differs from a standard gable roof by the presence of kinks on the sides, which provide high ceilings in interior spaces. It may be higher than an ordinary gable roof, which, due to its too steep slope, will not be able to withstand wind loads. Thanks to the fracture in the slope, the most vulnerable part of the roof, the upper one, which during operation takes up the wind load, receives a slight slope, while the lower one is directed very sharply downward. At great importance has compliance with the proportions of its elements.

The most common options for gable roofs are:

  • with a slope of 45° with a classic rafter system, It is especially often used in the middle zone of the country; by the way, its ideal option is a width of 6 meters, up to a maximum of 8.
  • gable mansard roof, the slope angle of which is 60° - the so-called pointed one. This is a fairly expensive option; it is used for houses more than 6 meters wide.
  • sloping roof with an attic with two slopes having different slopes (often 30° and 60°). This is the most suitable and most economical option for houses whose width does not exceed 6 meters.

Types of gable roofs according to the purpose of the structure

Country cabins are great option for those who dream of a large country house, but have not yet had time to build it, or for those who like to spend theirs in a small and comfortable dacha. In this case, a gable roof in combination with a porch and wooden windows will look like an ideal small, cute country house.

Rafters perform a number of significant roofing functions. They set the configuration of the future roof, absorb atmospheric loads, and hold the material. Among the rafter's duties are the formation of smooth planes for laying the covering and providing space for the components of the roofing pie.

In order for such a valuable part of the roof to flawlessly cope with the listed tasks, information is needed about the rules and principles of its design. The information is useful both for those who are constructing a gable roof truss system with their own hands, and for those who decide to resort to the services of a hired team of builders.

Wooden and metal beams are used to construct the rafter frame for pitched roofs. The starting material for the first option is a board, log, timber.

The second is constructed from rolled metal: channel, profile pipe, I-beam, corner. There are combined structures with the most heavily loaded steel parts and wood elements in less critical areas.

In addition to its “iron” strength, metal has many disadvantages. These include thermal qualities that are unsatisfactory to the owners of residential buildings. The need to use welded joints is disappointing. Most often, industrial buildings are equipped with steel rafters, and less often, private cabins assembled from metal modules.

In the matter of independent construction of rafter structures for private houses, wood is a priority. It is not difficult to work with, it is lighter, “warmer”, and more attractive in terms of environmental criteria. In addition, to perform nodal connections you will not need welding machine and welding skills.

Rafters - a fundamental element

The main “player” of the frame for constructing a roof is the rafter, which among roofers is called a rafter leg. Beams, braces, headstocks, purlins, ties, even a Mauerlat may or may not be used depending on the architectural complexity and dimensions of the roof.

Rafters used in the construction of gable roof frames are divided into:

  • Layered rafter legs, both heels of which have reliable structural supports under them. The lower edge of the layered rafter rests against the mauerlat or the ceiling crown of the log house. The support for the upper edge can be a mirror analogue of the adjacent rafter or a purlin, which is a beam laid horizontally under the ridge. In the first case, the rafter system is called spacer, in the second, non-spacer.
  • Hanging rafters, the top of which rests against each other, and the bottom is based on an additional beam - a tie. The latter connects the two lower heels of adjacent rafter legs, the result is a triangular module called a truss. Tightening dampens the tensile processes, so that only vertically directed load acts on the walls. Although a structure with hanging rafters is braced, the bracing itself does not transmit to the walls.

In accordance with the technological specifics of rafter legs, the structures constructed from them are divided into layered and hanging. For stability, the structures are equipped with struts and additional racks.

To support the top of the layered rafters, planks and purlins are installed. In reality, the rafter structure is much more complex than the elementary templates described.

Note that the formation of the frame of a gable roof can generally be done without a rafter structure. In such situations, the supposed planes of the slopes are formed by slabs - beams laid directly on the load-bearing gables.

However, what interests us now is specifically the structure of the rafter system of a gable roof, and it can involve either hanging or layered rafters, or a combination of both types.

Subtleties of fastening rafter legs

Fastening the rafter system to brick, foam concrete, aerated concrete walls is carried out through the Mauerlat, which in turn is fixed with anchors.

Between the Mauerlat, which is wooden frame, and walls made of the specified materials must be laid with a waterproofing layer of roofing material, waterproofing material, etc.

The top of brick walls is sometimes specially laid out so that along the outer perimeter there is something like a low parapet. This is so that the mauerlat placed inside the parapet and the walls do not push apart the rafter legs.

Roof frame rafters wooden houses rest on the upper crown or on ceiling beams. The connection in all cases is made by notches and is duplicated with nails, bolts, metal or wooden plates.

How to do without mind-boggling calculations?

It is highly desirable that the cross-section and linear dimensions of wooden beams be determined by the project. The designer will provide clear calculation justification for the geometric parameters of the board or beam, taking into account the entire range of loads and weather conditions. If available home handyman there is no design development, its path lies on the construction site of a house with a similar roofing structure.

You don’t have to pay attention to the number of floors of the building being constructed. It is easier and more correct to find out the required dimensions from the foreman than to find out them from the owners of a shaky self-built building. After all, in the hands of the foreman is documentation with a clear calculation of the loads per 1 m² of roof in a specific region.

The installation pitch of the rafters determines the type and weight of the roofing. The heavier it is, the smaller the distance between the rafter legs should be. For laying clay tiles, for example, the optimal distance between the rafters will be 0.6-0.7 m, and for corrugated sheets 1.5-2.0 m is acceptable.

However, even if the pitch required for proper installation of the roof is exceeded, there is a way out. This is a reinforcing counter-lattice device. True, it will increase both the weight of the roof and the construction budget. Therefore, it is better to understand the pitch of the rafters before constructing the rafter system.

Craftsmen calculate the rafter pitch according to design features buildings, simply dividing the length of the slope into equal distances. For insulated roofs, the pitch between the rafters is selected based on the width of the insulation slabs.

You can find it on our website, which may also help you a lot during construction.

Rafter structures of layered type

Layered rafter structures are much simpler to construct than their hanging counterparts. A reasonable advantage of the layered scheme is to ensure adequate ventilation, which is directly related to long-term service.

Distinctive design features:

  • It is mandatory to have support under the ridge heel of the rafter leg. The role of support can be played by a purlin - a wooden beam resting on racks or on interior wall building, or the upper end of the adjacent rafter.
  • Using a Mauerlat to erect a truss structure on walls made of brick or artificial stone.
  • The use of additional purlins and racks where the rafter legs, due to the large size of the roof, require additional support points.

The disadvantage of the scheme is the presence of structural elements that affect the layout of the internal space of the attic in use.

If the attic is cold and it is not intended to organize useful rooms, then the layered structure of the rafter system for installing a gable roof should be given preference.

Typical sequence of work for the construction of a layered truss structure:

  • First of all, we measure the heights of the building, the diagonals and horizontality of the upper cut of the frame. When identifying vertical deviations of brick and concrete walls, we eliminate them cement-sand screed. Exceeding the heights of the log house is cut off. By placing wood chips under the mauerlat, vertical flaws can be combated if their size is insignificant.
  • The floor surface for laying the bed must also be leveled. It, the Mauerlat and the girder must be clearly horizontal, but the location of the listed elements in the same plane is not necessary.
  • We process everything wooden parts structures before installation with fire retardants and antiseptics.
  • On concrete and brick walls We lay waterproofing under the installation of the Mauerlat.
  • We lay the mauerlat beam on the walls and measure its diagonals. If necessary, we slightly move the bars and turn the corners, trying to achieve the ideal geometry. Align the frame horizontally if necessary.
  • We mount the Mauerlat frame. The beams are joined into a single frame using oblique notches; the joints are duplicated with bolts.
  • We fix the position of the Mauerlat. Fastening is done either with staples to wooden plugs placed in the wall ahead of time, or anchor bolts.
  • Mark the position of the prone position. Its axis should recede from the mauerlat bars at equal distances on each side. If the run will rest only on posts without supports, we carry out the marking procedure only for these posts.
  • We install the bed on a two-layer waterproofing. We attach it to the base with anchor bolts, and connect it to the inner wall with wire twists or staples.
  • We mark the installation points of the rafter legs.
  • We cut out the racks to uniform sizes, because... Our bed is exposed to the horizon. The height of the racks should take into account the cross-sectional dimensions of the purlin and beam.
  • We install racks. If provided by the design, we secure them with spacers.
  • We lay the purlin on the racks. We check the geometry again, then install brackets, metal plates, and wooden mounting plates.
  • We install a test rafter board and mark the cutting areas on it. If the Mauerlat is set strictly to the horizon, there is no need to adjust the rafters on the roof after the fact. The first board can be used as a template for making the rest.
  • We mark the installation points of the rafters. For marking, folk craftsmen usually prepare a pair of slats, the length of which is equal to the clearance between the rafters.
  • According to the markings, we install the rafter legs and fasten them first at the bottom to the mauerlat, then at the top to the purlin to each other. Every second rafter is screwed to the Mauerlat with a wire bundle. IN wooden houses The rafters are screwed to the second crown from the top row.

If the rafter system is made flawlessly, the layer boards are installed in any order.

If there is no confidence in the ideal structure, then the outer pairs of rafters are installed first. A control string or fishing line is stretched between them, according to which the position of the newly installed rafters is adjusted.


The installation of the rafter structure is completed by installing fillets, if the length of the rafter legs does not allow forming an overhang of the required length. By the way, for wooden buildings the overhang should “extend” the contour of the building by 50 cm. If you plan to organize a canopy, separate mini-rafters are installed under it.

Another useful video about building a gable rafter base with your own hands:

Hanging rafter systems

The hanging variety of rafter systems is a triangle. The two upper sides of the triangle are folded by a pair of rafters, and the base is the tie connecting the lower heels.

The use of tightening allows you to neutralize the effect of the thrust, therefore, only the weight of the sheathing, roof, plus, depending on the season, the weight of precipitation, acts on walls with hanging rafter structures.

Specifics of hanging rafter systems

Characteristic features of hanging type rafter structures:

  • The obligatory presence of a tie, most often made of wood, less often of metal.
  • Possibility to refuse to use the Mauerlat. A timber frame can be successfully replaced by a board laid on double-layer waterproofing.
  • Installation of ready-made closed triangles – trusses – on the walls.

The advantages of the hanging scheme include the space under the roof free from racks, which allows you to organize an attic without pillars and partitions. There are disadvantages.

The first of them is restrictions on the steepness of the slopes: their slope angle can be at least 1/6 of the span of a triangular truss; steeper roofs are strongly recommended. The second disadvantage is the need for detailed calculations for the proper installation of cornice units.

Among other things, the angle of the truss will have to be installed with pinpoint precision, because the axes of the connected components of the hanging rafter system must intersect at a point, the projection of which must fall on the central axis of the Mauerlat or the backing board replacing it.

Subtleties of long-span hanging systems

The tie is the longest element of a hanging rafter structure. Over time, as is typical for all lumber, it becomes deformed and sags under the influence of its own weight.

Owners of houses with spans of 3-5 meters are not too concerned about this circumstance, but owners of buildings with spans of 6 meters or more should think about installing additional parts that exclude geometric changes in tightening.

To prevent sagging, there is a very significant component in the installation diagram of the rafter system for a long-span gable roof. This is a pendant called a grandmother.

Most often it is a block attached with wooden pegs to the top of the truss. The headstock should not be confused with the racks, because its lower part should not come into contact with the puff at all. And the installation of racks as supports in hanging systems is not used.

The bottom line is that the headstock hangs, as it were, on the ridge assembly, and a tightening is attached to it using bolts or nailed wooden plates. To correct sagging tightening, threaded or collet-type clamps are used.

The tightening position can be adjusted in the area of ​​the ridge assembly, and the headstock can be rigidly connected to it by a notch. Instead of a bar in non-residential attics, reinforcement can be used to make the described tension element. It is also recommended to install a headstock or hanger where the tie is assembled from two beams to support the connection area.

In an improved hanging system of this type, the headstock is complemented by strut beams. The stress forces in the resulting rhombus are extinguished spontaneously due to the proper placement of vector loads acting on the system.

As a result, the rafter system is stable with minor and not too expensive modernization.


Hanging type for attics

In order to increase usable space the tightening of the rafter triangles for the attic is moved closer to the ridge. A completely reasonable move has additional advantages: it allows you to use the puffs as a basis for lining the ceiling.

It is connected to the rafters by cutting with a half-pan and duplicating with a bolt. It is protected from sagging by installing a short headstock.

A noticeable disadvantage of the hanging attic structure is the need for accurate calculations. It is too difficult to calculate it yourself; it is better to use a ready-made project.

Which design is more cost effective?

Cost is an important argument for an independent builder. Naturally, the price of construction for both types of rafter systems cannot be the same, because:

  • In the construction of a layered structure, a board or beam of small cross-section is used to make rafter legs. Because layered rafters have two reliable supports underneath them; the requirements for their power are lower than in the hanging version.
  • In the construction of a hanging structure, the rafters are made of thick timber. To make a tightening, a material with a similar cross-section is required. Even taking into account the abandonment of the Mauerlat, the consumption will be significantly higher.

It will not be possible to save on the grade of material. For the load-bearing elements of both systems: rafters, purlins, beams, mauerlat, headstocks, racks, 2nd grade lumber is needed.

For crossbars and tensile ties, grade 1 will be required. In the manufacture of less critical wooden overlays, grade 3 can be used. Without counting, we can say that in the construction of hanging systems, expensive material is used in greater quantities.

Hanging trusses are assembled at open area next to the object, then transported assembled upstairs. To lift weighty triangular arches from timber, you will need equipment, the rental of which will have to be paid. And the project for complex nodes of the hanging version is also worth something.

Video instruction on the installation of a hanging category truss structure:

There are actually many more methods for constructing rafter systems for roofs with two slopes.

We have described only the basic varieties, which in reality are applicable for small country houses and buildings without architectural tricks. However, the information presented is enough to cope with the construction of a simple truss structure.

Do you want to build a house with a roof that is not only original, but practical and energy-saving? Then an asymmetrical roof is your option. Unlike traditional gable roof structures, asymmetrical systems have two slopes located at different angles or differing in length. Such roofs have their own advantages and features, which we will talk about.

The asymmetrical roof in the house appeared not only as a result of the pursuit of originality and the rejection of traditional solutions. As it turns out, in buildings with such roof structures, heat is distributed differently. So, if the shortest slope is placed on the south side of the house, then the rooms under the roof will be better warmed up, and a longer slope, turned to the north, will better protect the building from the cold. Moreover, under the elongated slope there may be part of the space that is not used at all due to its small height. This will contribute to additional heat conservation in houses located in northern latitudes.

If the structure is being built in regions with a hot climate, then the slopes can be turned the other way around, and then the asymmetrical gable roof will reliably protect the premises from the heat and scorching rays of the sun. In addition, if at least one slope is installed at an angle of more than 45°, this helps to significantly reduce the unused area under the roof.

Important: today, pitched roofs are a matter of not only beauty, but also energy saving and compact construction, so you can increasingly see projects with such roof systems.

It is worth adding that buildings with an asymmetrical roof are erected if the second floor is planned to be incomplete, for example, the area of ​​the first level is 150 square meters, and the second is only 80. It is the asymmetrical roof system that can cover only 2/3 top floor. At the same time, under the elongated slope on the lower tier, you can organize a two-story living room or hall when the height of the room is higher than in the other part of the house.

Advantages

A gable asymmetrical roof of a house has the following advantages:

  1. Original design and uniqueness. This design always looks stylish, and even more so in our country, where the construction of gable gable roofs has become a tradition. Against their background, a house with an asymmetrical roof looks unusual and attracts surprised glances.
  2. If you want to build a house with a unique architecture, then it is much easier to do this with an asymmetrical roof.
  3. Convenience and ease of design for architects. If previously the designer had to squeeze into the framework of a traditional rectangular house under a regular gable roof all those rooms that the customer wanted to have, now he can first design the interior space and then put a roof on it. At the same time, the shape and location of the premises can be very diverse, because the slopes can be made at any angle and with any length. With this design you can immediately cover a house, garage and veranda.
  4. A house with a pitched roof is easier to match with the topography and organize lighting of the premises.
  5. There is an opportunity to save on arranging the foundation, because 1/3 of it carries less load due to the absence full second floors. In addition, due to the fact that you can move part of the premises under a high, shortened roof slope, you do not need to equip a wide foundation to get additional living space on the first floor.

Tip: it is very convenient to install on and under an asymmetrical roof technological equipment, For example, solar panels, heating or air conditioning systems.

  1. This option is ideal for areas where constant winds prevail. Then the problem with windage and snow loads is very easily solved. To do this, it is enough to position the roof so that there is a steeper slope on the leeward quiet side, and a flatter one on the windy side. Thus, we solve two problems at once: we protect the structure from strong wind and reduce snow loads.
  2. An attic under a traditional gable roof seems cozy and comfortable only in the picture; in fact, living in it is very uncomfortable due to the lack of usable area and the presence of sharp corners. A more practical and comfortable room will be under an asymmetrical roof with an offset ridge. With this solution, the geometry of the attic will be more convenient for living due to the larger area and smooth walls. Moreover, three walls can be vertical to their full height, which is much more convenient in terms of furniture arrangement. So you can arrange not just an attic, but a full-fledged living room.

Types of pitch systems

Among the uneven asymmetrical designs, the following varieties can be distinguished:

  • Conventional asymmetrical roof It is made in the form of two slopes located at the same angle of inclination, but having different lengths. Moreover, one of the slopes will be significantly longer than the other. Due to this, the building looks original and unusual. If the difference in length is small, then the asymmetry will be almost invisible.
  • Partially broken design differs from a traditional gable roof only in that one slope has a break for arranging the roof over the extension. Although the roof looks very similar to gable system, its calculation is performed differently.
  • Asymmetrical design with a ridge in the center. This option is used when you need to get a full-fledged comfortable room on the second floor. In this case, one of the slopes has not only a different length, but also a different angle of inclination.
  • Asymmetrical system with offset ridge. This option is similar to the previous one, the only difference is that the ridge is shifted away from the central axis of the house. This technique is used when it is necessary to obtain a comfortable living space under the roof, which is no different from a full floor.

Nuances of choice

When deciding whether you need a traditional gable roof or its asymmetrical version, it is worth remembering that on one side you have the uniqueness of the building, original design, functional and planning advantages, and on the other the complexity of calculations and execution of the project.

That is why you need to evaluate your strengths and decide whether you can carry out the drawings and calculations yourself complex design or simplicity and speed of implementation are more important to you. If you lack experience and knowledge, you risk incorrectly calculating and installing such a complex roof, which will jeopardize the integrity of the entire building. If you still want to get a house that is extraordinary in terms of design and win a comfortable living space, then you can entrust the design to specialists.

Finished projects

On the Internet you can find many photos of houses with asymmetrical roof structures. Let's look at the most successful of them:

The different lengths and angles of the roof slopes in this project made it possible not only to create a comfortable living space on the second floor, but also to cover the garage. Due to the protruding side overhangs of the longer slope, a balcony and entrance group were successfully placed underneath it.

This roof design, by shifting the ridge towards a steeper slope, made it possible to get not just an attic, but full-fledged living rooms on the second floor. By lowering the floor level of some rooms under the lower part of the elongated slope, it was possible to place not only a garage, but also a living room with a comfortable balcony.

This version of a country house with an asymmetrical system and slopes located at the same angle, but having different lengths, will appeal to those who want not only to cover the house, but also to organize a convenient shaded canopy near it. In fact, the house itself has a gable roof and an attic room, but due to the elongated one slope, the entire building looks more original and differs from traditional country houses.

Please note that designing and constructing an asymmetrical roof system with slopes of different lengths, but located at the same angle, is much easier than the same option with different slope angles. Such structures are not only difficult to calculate, the rafters in these systems are much more difficult to attach to the ridge. Therefore, if you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust the design and installation of such structures to specialists.

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