Technology for building a mansard roof with your own hands. DIY mansard roof step by step DIY mansard roof step by step

The attic roof makes it possible to significantly increase the total living space, while the financial investment will be minimal. The most common option is a gable broken structure, which is easy to build yourself.

How to make a mansard roof yourself

Living rooms can be arranged under the attic roof. The shape of the building can be different, but in most cases the attic is built under a roof with two slopes. The optimal solution, which allows you to obtain a significant area of ​​​​living space, is a broken structure.

A sloping roof is the best option for arranging an attic

Drawings and calculations of a mansard roof

The first step is to decide on the frame diagram. Rafters can be layered or hanging type. Layered ones rest on the walls of the building. They are mounted in structures where the distance between the walls is less than 6.5 m. Hanging rafters are placed on fillets and a mauerlat. If the width of the spans is large, then the rafter system will need to be reinforced with auxiliary ties.

The main condition for the comfortable construction of an attic is the ceiling level - it must be higher than 2.5 m. To ensure a similar height, the break line must be placed at a height of more than 2.8 m, taking into account the thickness of the layer of material for insulation and cladding of the structure. It is also important to consider the thickness of the floor.

An example of a drawing can be seen in the image:

The minimum ceiling height of the attic roof is 2.5 m

To calculate the expected snow loads, you will need to apply this formula: S = Sg x µ, where S is the snow load, Sg is the weight of the snow cover per 1 m 2 area, µ is the value that depends on the roof slope (1.0 - for a flat structure with a slope of 25°, 0.7 for a structure with a slope of 25–60°).

Parameters Sg and Wo can be found in the relevant SNiP, in the “Rafter systems” section. If the roof has a steep slope, then the snow load can be ignored.

Roof structure

The frame structure includes the following parts:

• Mauerlat - a support bar that transfers the load from the rafters to the walls of the building;
• racks - supporting parts that support the rafter system in a vertical position;
• floor beams - planks that form half of the attic and the ceiling of the lower floor;
• rafters - slats that form the main contour of the roof;
• purlins - horizontal supporting parts for rafters;
• sheathing - slats or plywood sheets that are intended for laying roofing material;
• fillies - strips that are attached along the axis at the bottom of the rafter legs.

The frame consists of a mauerlat, racks, purlins, floor beams and other elements

A sloping roof differs from an ordinary structure with two slopes. The difference is that the slopes, which are placed opposite each other, have a special shape: they do not form a straight line, but consist of several slopes that are fastened to one another at an obtuse angle. The design is also symmetrical.

The extreme part of the rafters is generally set at an angle of about 60°. The support posts that support the rafters form the frame structure of the interior walls. The upper part of the rafters is mounted at a small angle, it can be from 15 to 45°. This makes it possible to reduce material consumption, while maintaining the functional properties of the roof and resistance to loads from snow.

Vertical posts that rest against the floor planks, purlins and crossbars that fasten them form a parallelepiped. The design limits the dimensions of the attic from the inside. To give the product additional rigidity, struts should be installed between the floor slats and the lower rafters.

If the roof span is more than 8 m, then you will need to install struts

After installing the upper elements, to fix the truss and prevent sagging of the crossbars, you should install hanging support elements - headstocks. For auxiliary fixation of the lower rafter legs, they must be pulled together with the uprights using tacks. The parts are fastened using nails and bolts.

Stages of self-construction of an attic

If you decide to make such a structure yourself, it is important to provide for the use of the following materials in the project:

• roofing material;
• vapor barrier;
• waterproofing;
• insulation material.

The choice of insulation affects such a parameter as the pitch of the rafters. To reduce the amount of insulation, it is best to place the rafters so that the slab or mat fits tightly between them. The type of sheathing and its pitch will depend on the choice of material for roofing. You need to pay attention not only to choosing high-quality material for insulation, but also to creating an effective ventilation system.

Ventilation is arranged by preparing technological gaps

The construction of the rafter system must be carried out using fireproof materials. All parts should be treated with fire retardants. You will need to prepare the following elements:

• wooden blocks with a cross section of 100x50 mm;
• slats 50x150 mm;
• unedged boards;
• building level;
• self-tapping screws;
• nails;
• steel wire with a diameter of 4–5 mm;
• plumb line;
• roulette;
• hacksaw;
• axe;
• hammer;
• sharp knife.

Drafting

One of the most important parts of the work is drafting the project. It is very important to analyze the layout features of a private house. It is necessary to determine the dimensions and shape of the structure being built, and also provide for the placement of windows and a balcony.

All structural elements should be marked on the project

In the process of drawing up a project, the following requirements must be taken into account:

1. It is important to decide in advance what the height of the attic should be. It should be remembered that the distance from the floor base to the highest point of the structure must be at least 0.5 m.
2. It is recommended to take into account the heating area and the main interior elements.
3. The attic layout should be expanded. If you plan to install windows, they must be indicated on the drawing.

Drawing up a drawing must begin with choosing a shape, determining the cross-section of the rafter legs and the step of their placement. To determine the size of the rafters, you need to take into account the following parameters:

• slope;
• roof roofing material;
• climate features in the construction region.

It is also important to provide the required number of rafters in the project. They can be layered or hanging type.

Rafters can be hanging or layered

At the end, you should determine the number of parts to fix. In the figure below you can see some of the data necessary for the calculation, but drawing up a project is a complex process. It is recommended to entrust this work to qualified specialists.

Mauerlat installation

The design of the attic roof rafter system should be selected based on the type of roof, as well as the prepared attic design. A simple option is a design with two slopes.

The main details of a roof rafter system with two slopes are:

• linear elements (column, rod system, beam);
• flat parts (slab, flooring, panel);
• spatial elements (vault, shell, volumetric part).

Before carrying out work, you will need to thoroughly dry the wood. The first step is to mark and install the Mauerlat. It is fixed to the walls of the building. The part can be made from a block or a powerful lath. If you plan to build a roof with two slopes, then the Mauerlat is laid on the long walls of the building. The element is necessary not only for reliable fixation of the lower part of the rafters, but also for the correct distribution of the load on the walls and the main part of the building.

To fix the Mauerlat, you should use metal pins that are attached to a beam made of monolithic concrete.

To fix the Mauerlat, you need to install metal pins

The beam should be placed at the top of the wall. It is also possible to use steel wire embedded in brickwork.

To secure the Mauerlat to the upper rim of the wooden wall, you need to use wooden dowels. Auerlat requires high-quality waterproofing of timber timber. Therefore, it is necessary to use roofing felt or other material with water-repellent properties.

Before installing the Mauerlat, the base must be covered with roofing felt.

The installation of a Mauerlat is required if it is planned to construct a roof frame, the rafters of which rest against the upper part of the wall with beveled ends or prepared cutouts.

If you plan to make an attic, the width of which corresponds to the width of the building, the rafter legs should rest with their lower ends against the external supporting parts. It is possible to use powerful beams laid across long walls as supports. The number of supporting elements corresponds to the number of rafters. The beams must be secured to the walls in the same way as the Mauerlat.

Sequencing:

Frame construction

The frame of the attic roof consists of floor beams, rafters, purlins and racks

The material used is often 200x100 mm softwood bars. The floor slats are placed on top of the mauerlat with an indentation of 30–50 cm beyond the surface of the walls or into prepared grooves in the masonry. In the first case, the parts are fixed using angles and self-tapping screws.

Fixing the timber to the mauerlat can be done using steel corners

To make an even floor, the planks should be installed in this sequence:

1. First of all, the outer parts are placed level.
2. Next, you should tighten the cord and install intermediate elements along it.
3. The pitch of the beams should be from 60 to 100 cm. A distance of 60 cm makes it possible to install insulation boards without cutting.
4. To level the beams in height, they can be trimmed. Another option is to use plank underlays.
5. If beams are inserted into prepared pockets, their outer parts must be treated with liquid waterproofing and wrapped with roofing felt.

You need to place the racks on the outer planks:

After installing the racks, crossbars and purlins, you can get a reliable structure that will limit the interior rooms of the attic. To increase its strength, it should be secured in the future with struts and tacks.

Installation of rafters

At this stage, the installation of the lower rafters is carried out:

After this, the upper elements are installed:

1. The first step is to mark the central part of the roof. This can be done using a stand that was previously attached to the Mauerlat and a tie from the end of the roof. The outermost part of the board should run along the center of the roof. The rafter legs need to be aligned along this board.
2. Next, you need to prepare a template from a 150x25 mm slats. It should be applied to the extreme part of the mounted batten at the required level and to the purlin on which the lower rafter legs will rest.
3. You should mark the upper and lower cuts and cut out a template. The device is applied in turn to two sides of the roof. This will make it possible to check the accuracy of the marking of the central part. If the rows of racks are placed in parallel, then there will be no difficulties in securing the upper elements - they will have identical dimensions.
4. According to the preparation, you need to prepare the required number of rafters. The parts are placed on purlins and tied together in the upper parts using iron plates or trim strips. In the latter case, self-tapping screws are used as fasteners. In the purlin, the rafter strips rest against the cuts and are caught with iron corners. To ensure that the parts stand straight, they are secured using struts, mounted with the lower part on ties. All rafters are installed using this method.
5. The hanging racks are fixed - pieces of 150x25 mm planks. The upper part of the batten is attached to the place where the rafters are fixed, the lower part is attached to the tie.

Video: mansard roof rafter system

Installation of struts and gables

Sequencing:

Sheathing of the structure

The sheathing is needed for:

• distribution and transfer of the weight of the roofing material to the rafters;
• performing additional fastening of the rafter system;
• bases for fixing roofing material.

The sheathing can be made in one or two layers, continuous or with vacuum.

The sheathing can be solid or with relief

The installation method depends on what material is planned to be used to cover the structure. If a roof is being built from slate or metal tiles, the sheathing should be made of slats that are attached to the rafters with nails. In this case, the installation step of adjacent planks can be 27–30 cm.

Continuous lathing is used when fastening soft material in rolls.

Solid sheathing is necessary for a soft roof

In this case, you can use moisture-resistant plywood sheets or particle boards. It is allowed to use pine wood material - edged strips.

It is important to take into account the fact that when installing such a sheathing, the material that will be laid must follow the contours of the external base. Therefore, the frame structure must be strong and level.

When laying out the material, you should use a cord, with which the slats or slabs will lie flat. The parts must be placed parallel to each other. Before fixing, the material must be treated with an antiseptic composition to protect it from rotting, fungus and dampness. The workpieces must be smooth and of high quality. It is recommended to give preference to wood grades 1 and 2. There should be no knots on it. To prevent the boards from warping, they must first be dried.

Sequence of actions for installing the sheathing:

Waterproofing a mansard roof

The roofing material does not have thermal insulation properties, so you will need to prepare high-quality material that will be environmentally friendly for human health. Quite often mineral wool or glass wool is used. Both materials have excellent sound and heat insulation parameters. It is also important to take into account that if the roof is made of metal, if the insulation gets wet, all its qualities can be reduced to zero. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the design.

It will not be possible to insulate an attic without laying waterproofing material, so the process should be considered in its entirety. Step-by-step guide to waterproofing a structure:

Practice has shown that it is better to protect insulation using modern materials, for example, Tyvek or Izospan. The use of ordinary polyethylene film gives poor results, as condensation may appear. Experienced craftsmen believe that it is not necessary to waterproof the structure with roofing felt.

Before proceeding with the work, you need to decide on the thermal insulation material.

Mineral wool is a fairly popular material used for roof insulation.

The most commonly used heat insulators are:

• glass wool;
• mineral wool;
• Styrofoam;
• foam glass;
• wood shavings;
• straw.

The material must be selected taking into account four parameters.

1. Thermal conductivity index. For roof insulation, 0.05 W/m*K or lower is optimal.
2. Water resistance. The higher the score, the better.
3. Fire resistance.
4. Environmental Safety.

The insulating qualities of mineral wool deteriorate significantly after some time. The material can also be damaged under the influence of mechanical loads. However, mineral wool has a low cost, so the material is used quite often. Polyfoam is not afraid of water and has excellent thermal insulation characteristics. If you plan to build a house only from environmentally friendly materials, then you can use foam glass or straw.

Step-by-step guide to roof insulation:

Laying roofing materials and installing window openings

As an example, we will consider the installation of metal tiles, since this material is used quite often:

The number of windows is determined by the ratio of the useful glazing area to the base of the floor of 1:10. For example, if the attic area is 100 m2, then the glazing should be approximately 10 m2. When installing windows, you need to consider the following nuances:

Attic finishing

The interior decoration of the attic can be done using wood or plasterboard sheets. If the latter option is used, then after installation the sheets must be covered with wallpaper or painted with water-based paint. In some cases, the attic is divided into several rooms. This can be done using plasterboard partitions.

If you plan to use the attic frequently, then the floor and walls can be additionally insulated. This can be done using, for example, mineral wool.

Interesting attic room design options

The attic can be made cozy by symmetrically arranging sofas on both sides. In the attic you can place a long sofa. In the attic you can create a place to relax by hanging a hammock. In the attic you can make not only a living space, but also a bathroom. On the attic floor you can even make a kitchen. If on the territory it is not possible to place a hammock, then this can be done on the attic floor. One of the parts of the attic can be completely glazed. The attic can be an excellent place to create a home library. The walls of the attic can be lined with brick. In the attic, you can arrange a full-fledged living room. On the attic floor, you can arrange a rest room. in a beautiful area, the roof can be made panoramic. The bed can be placed facing the window. In the attic, you can make a bedroom with high ceilings. In the attic, you can place a hanging chair. This will make the roof more comfortable

Video: making a mansard roof

Recently, the mansard-type roof has become quite popular among owners of private houses. To experience all the positive aspects of living in a building of this type, you need to pay due attention to the insulation of the building.

How to build a mansard roof with your own hands. Construction stages. Installation of insulation. Creation of a rafter system. Construction technology.

After building the frame of the building, many people want to save money and build an attic roof with their own hands. However, in order for this process to proceed “without a hitch”, it is necessary to know all the nuances of installation at each stage.

Stages of work. Roof installation. Types of roofing materials. Features of the rafter system. Installation of sheathing, waterproofing and insulation. Types of roofs. Correctness of work.

Dormer windows

Using all possible space, giving the house originality and significantly reducing heat loss through the roof - these are the tasks that the attic solves. If there is a certain margin of safety at the foundation, in this way you can turn a one-story house into a two-level one. Another attractive thing is that you can build an attic roof with your own hands even without special construction skills.

It is important not to make a mistake with the choice of materials and do everything according to the rules.

Windows on a regular floor are located in the walls. In attics there are no or almost no walls. They are replaced by a roof. That’s why windows are made special: they not only must let in sufficient light, but also withstand wind and snow loads, which are much greater on the roof than on the walls.

When planning an attic, you should take into account the recommendations of SNiP. They recommend making the window area no less than 10% of the floor area. So if the attic is divided into several rooms, each should have a window.

Of all the methods shown in the photo for installing skylights with an attic, inclined installation is the easiest to implement. In this case, it is necessary to ensure the proper degree of waterproofing of the junction, and also to use special models with reinforced frames and reinforced glass - the load on the surface can be significant.

Advantages of a sloping roof window:

• more light, less sharp boundaries of light and shadow;
• the roof surface remains flat, its relief is not complicated;
• relatively easy installation.

When planning such a window, it is necessary to remember that its area increases with increasing angle of inclination.

The width of the window frame should be 4-6 cm less than the pitch between the rafters. Then it can be easily installed without disturbing the structure of the frame. If the window is wider, it is necessary to make a reinforced beam above it and calculate the load.

If you need to have a larger window, it is easier to place two narrow ones side by side. They look no worse than one big one, and there will be fewer problems.

Expert opinion

Filimonov Evgeniy

Professional builder. 20 years of experience

Ask a question to an expert

When installing a dormer window, the roof geometry becomes more complicated: a valley appears on top and on the sides. Because of this, the rafter system becomes more complex both during planning and during assembly.

The complexity of laying the roof covering also increases. All valleys are the places where leaks are most likely to occur. Therefore, everything needs to be done very carefully. In regions with a lot of snow, it is advisable to install snow guards over such windows so that they are not blown away in the event of a sudden meltdown.

The advantage of such a window is that you can stand next to it at full height. But they let in less light, the terrain becomes more complex and the roof becomes more problematic.

A recessed window is usually used if there is access to a balcony through it. In other cases, this method of arrangement is not the best option: little light gets in, the shadows turn out to be very deep, which is tiring for the eye, the geometry also becomes more complex, although not to the same extent as in the previous version.

The easiest way is to make a window at the end of the attic. In this case, a reinforced frame or reinforced glass is not needed. Just high-quality glass is quite enough. It is this option that can most often be seen in country attics: this is the most inexpensive option that can easily be implemented with your own hands.

Rafter system

When independently building private houses with an attic, they usually choose a broken roof. It allows you to get a room of significant area, larger than under a gable.

The design of the sloping mansard roof is such that the overhangs can be lowered quite low, giving the house an interesting look. But the long overhang of the roof serves not only a decorative role. They also cover the upper part of the wall from precipitation and divert the bulk of the water away from the foundation. Although when planning you need to keep in mind that in strong winds they increase windage. Because of this, it is necessary to use more powerful boards and beams. Therefore, the size of the roof overhang is chosen based on several considerations, the main one of which is weather conditions.

Tilt angle

Depends on the roofing material, but most of all - on the region and weather conditions. The classic version is shown in the figure: the lower slopes in relation to the plane of the attic floor are inclined by 60°, the upper slopes by 30°. Based on these data and the parameters of your building, you can calculate all lengths. Just take into account that according to SNiP, the ceiling height in the attic cannot be less than 2 m. Then, by definition, this is an attic. A person will feel comfortable if the ceiling is raised to a height of at least 2.2-2.3 m. Based on this, according to the rules of geometry, calculate the required lengths.

In the classic version, the load from precipitation on the side surfaces may not be taken into account. Precipitation can only be retained on the upper part, the angle of inclination of which is less than 45°.

In general, the inclination of the side surfaces usually varies between 45° and up to 80°. The steeper the slope, the greater the windage it has, this must be taken into account: in regions with strong winds it is better to make flatter roofs. Then wind loads will be perceived much better.

Types of rafter systems for sloping roofs

To make the frame of a sloping roof with your own hands, they most often use pine lumber, grade no lower than 2. The choice of cross-section of timber and boards depends on the size of the roof, the selected roofing covering (its weight), wind and snow loads in the region, and the pitch of the rafters. All these parameters are taken into account in the calculation. The methodology is prescribed in SNiP 2.08.01-89 and TKP 45-5.05-146-2009.

For a small building, the roof frame can be generally simple: at the top there are two hanging rafters, a tie rod, floor beams, racks and side rafters

If you want to maximize the usable space of your home without spending exorbitant amounts of money, you should definitely consider attic projects. The experience of developers suggests that this is the optimal way to plan economy-class housing, because one square meter of living space in it costs several times less than in two-story buildings. There is a misconception that the attic is only suitable for seasonal use in the warm season.

However, it is erroneous, since a high-quality insulated sloping attic roof perfectly retains heat in winter, its temperature regime is no less comfortable than in the heated rooms of the first floor.

Even without additional thermal insulation, the attic is a kind of “air cushion” that maintains the optimal temperature inside the house.

A broken mansard roof is considered a technically complex structure, and it is advisable to entrust its construction to a professional team. However, a person who is familiar with roofing work using the example of a traditional gable roof is quite capable of mastering its construction with his own hands, with the help of two auxiliary workers and assistants. The main thing is to understand that this is a process that requires a serious approach, which it would be reckless to start without preliminary calculations.

Types of mansard roofs

An attic is a heated or cold space under the roof that is used as living space. According to building codes, the attic room must be equipped with windows for natural light and ceilings of sufficient height for a person.

Rooms under the roof in which these conditions are not met are called attics. The following types of roofs are suitable for installing an attic:

broken roof

Installation of a mansard roof suitable for habitation requires mandatory thermal insulation, the organization of natural lighting using attic or vertical windows and forced ventilation.

Advantages of a broken structure

Of course, you can even equip an attic by building an ordinary triangular roof with your own hands. But due to the steepness of the slopes, for the ceiling to work, the height of such a roof must be very large. This is not economical, and also impractical, because a roof with a variable pitch angle allows you to use the available space more efficiently.

A flatter top makes the ceilings appear higher. According to building codes, if the distance from the floor to the ridge connection is less than 2.5-2.7 meters, the room is not considered residential, it cannot be called an attic, it is rather just an attic. The sloping roof design has the following advantages:

• Possibility of installing higher ceilings.
• High level of protection from precipitation and wind.
• Light snow falling off the slopes.
• Helps conserve heat.
• Rational use of under-roof space.

Construction stages

Creating a Project

When drawing up a project for a broken mansard roof for construction with your own hands, it is better to draw up drawings with different projections, which will comprehensively show the location of its elements. Based on the length and width of the house, you need to determine the size of the attic space, as well as the roof. First of all, the geometry of the slopes is built:

In order for the project calculations to be correct, it is important to accurately take primary measurements, as well as maintain scale. Computer programs can make design easier; you just need to enter the dimensions of the building and the desired type of roof; they do the rest of the work automatically. If you do not have access to such software, it is better to use ready-made projects.

Calculation of the rafter system

Rafters are the main supporting elements of a sloping attic roof, a kind of its backbone. They are subjected to enormous loads, so special requirements are placed on them.

The choice of the cross-section of the rafter legs does not occur randomly, but in accordance with the installation pitch, the distance between the supports, and the values ​​of the wind and snow load. If the first three indicators can be easily determined from the drawing, then the last two require special explanation.

• The territory of Russia is divided into 8 zones with different snow loads. For each specific roof, this value is adjusted by the angle of inclination of its slopes. Since the slope of the slopes is different, two indicators are calculated, respectively, the upper and lower rafters may have different sections.
• There is also zoning based on wind load, which also includes 8 zones. Using a coefficient that takes into account the height of the building, amendments are made to the table value of this indicator.
• The values ​​of these two indicators are summed to determine the total load. Numbers should be rounded up to provide a small margin of safety. Based on them, the required cross-section of the boards is determined using reference tables.

Mauerlat installation

The beginning of work on equipping a sloping mansard roof is the installation of a Mauerlat, a strong beam measuring 100x100 mm or 150x150 mm. It is fixed to the end of the side external walls.

Its main task is to distribute the weight of the roof structure, transfer it to the foundation, and also protect the slopes from tipping over. The Mauerlat is laid along the top of the wall over pre-laid waterproofing, which is used as roofing material folded in half or several layers of a special film.

Fastening is carried out using metal pins; they must be placed in a concrete screed. If we are talking about do-it-yourself roof reconstruction, it is mounted with anchor bolts to the wall to a depth of 15-17 cm.

For timber and log houses, wooden dowels are used. Please note that installation is flush.

Assembling the rafter system

Assembly rafter system of a sloping mansard roof occurs in the following order:

Compliance with the above points forms one truss truss. The rest are installed in the same way in increments of 60-120 cm.

Waterproofing and roofing works

When the DIY installation work is completed, you need to organize its waterproofing. To do this, you need a waterproofing film or membrane, which is usually produced in the form of a roll.

Fasteners are selected depending on the type of material. For tiles, galvanized self-tapping screws with rubber heads are used, which, during the tightening process, are deformed in such a way that they waterproof the hole.

In order to speed up the process, you can use a screwdriver. Shinglas or ondulin are fixed with nails 100 mm long. After completion of the roofing work, the gables and overhangs of the attic sloping roof are designed.

To summarize, we can say that a broken mansard roof will help you expand the area of ​​your house with your own hands. You can build it with your own hands, however, this will require special skills and costs, which will undoubtedly pay for themselves.

Video instruction

An attic in a private house is an ideal solution for expanding living or utility space without adding an upper floor. Arranging an attic in the attic space is an original and new exterior of the house, saving energy by reducing heat losses in the roof, and increasing living space. But the large size of the house is not a reason to start work on arranging the attic: you need to have a foundation with a sufficient margin of safety for the weight load, since the finished attic space will have to be thoroughly remodeled.

Features of the attic

The main thing that distinguishes an attic from ordinary rooms is that it has almost no walls in the usual sense, since the walls are a modified rafter system constructed from many inclined roofing surfaces. Therefore, the design of the window will be very different - it should not interfere with natural light, and must take on loads in the form of precipitation and strong wind - the impact of weather conditions on a sloping roof is stronger than on the massive elements of the building.

Important! SNiP regulations stipulate that the area of ​​the window opening should not be less than 10% of the floor surface in the common room. Therefore, when dividing an attic space with partitions, it is advisable to also make a window in each newly formed room.

It is easier, cheaper and faster to install inclined windows in the attic roof than to make a special vertical projection under it, violating the design calculations. In any case, the window opening must be waterproofed or a window with reinforced glass and a reinforced metal-plastic profile must be ordered.

Advantages of installing a tilted roof window:

1. A large flow of natural light, smoothing out chiaroscuro;
2. There is no need to radically alter the shape of the roof or change its relief;
3. Simple installation, feasible for the owner himself.

The degree of illumination depends on the area of ​​the opening, which is proportional to the angle of inclination of the roof. Therefore, the conclusion is obvious: the steeper the sloping attic roof, the wider and higher the window opening should be. The thickness of the metal-plastic profile should almost fit into the distance between the rafters, so that there is something to attach the window to without destroying the rafter system. If you order a wider window, you will have to make a reinforced lintel that fastens the rafters cut at the place where the window is inserted. If you need to install a wide window, you should first think about the option of installing two small adjacent windows so that the roof remains solid.

When installing a dormer window (a vertical dormer window that requires the frame to be moved outside the attic), the geometric shapes of the roof must be complicated by installing the top and side valleys, and the laying or installation of the roofing also becomes more complicated. It is much more difficult to remake a finished rafter system than to install a new attic window into your individual one. Valleys must be carefully waterproofed, since their location and geometry relative to constant atmospheric influences make these places most vulnerable to the penetration of moisture and cold. In regions with high average annual precipitation, it is recommended to install snow guards over dormers. But the main advantage of the dormer - you can stand next to it at full height - outweighs all the disadvantages that can be eliminated.

A window recessed into the roof is made if access to the balcony is provided through this window. In other cases, this is an unattractive option: poor natural lighting, unjustified complication of the roof geometry, high labor costs with minimal effect.

The most affordable option is a window at the end of the attic - a cheap and practical solution that can be fully implemented without outside help.

Attic rafter system

In individual construction, a house with an attic is often built with a sloping roof, although this is an expensive solution. Sloping attic roofs, due to their design features, greatly increase the usable area of ​​the interior of the attic. With the same width of the foundation of the house and the floor, the rooms in such an attic will have a larger area due to the projections and niches than the rooms under the roof of a conventional structure.

The standard design of a sloping roof allows you to lower the eaves overhangs much lower, not only making the exterior of the house very original - such overhangs protect the walls and foundation of the house from wind and moisture, directing precipitation away from the home.

The more complex a do-it-yourself sloping roof, the stronger the dependence of the reliability of the structure on the materials from which the roof is made, on climatic conditions, on the thickness of the beams of the rafter system and other factors. The classic do-it-yourself mansard roof, drawings of which are given below, has a slope ratio of the lower slopes to the floor of 60°, and the upper slopes of 30°.

SNiP stipulates a comfortable ceiling height in attic rooms - at least 2 m. Therefore, a scheme with a roof slope of 600 is completely justified, and the reliability of the structure is ensured by thicker floor beams and rafter beams than with a conventional gable roof.

In the classic construction of an attic, the force of the wind and the load from the weight of snow on the sides of the roof with a large slope are not taken into account. Snow will accumulate on the upper surface of the roof, made with a slope of 300-450. The greater the angle of inclination of the roof, the stronger the windage of the roof, so in climates with strong winds it is necessary to build roofs with a small slope, and this poses a problem for arranging an attic - the area of ​​the house in such conditions should be quite large.

Sloping roof schemes

The frame of a sloping roof is constructed from first or second grade pine lumber. To carry out calculations, parameters such as the cross-section of timber and sheathing boards, the dimensions and weight of roofs made of various building materials, snow and wind loads, and the spacing of rafters are regulated.

A roof design with a hanging rafter system is justified if the base of the triangle (top in the figure) has a size of ≤ 4.5 m - this determines the width of the attic. If the width is greater, then layered rafters are installed, which are mounted on the wall.

How to calculate a broken type roof

The pitch between the rafters is often determined by the width of the insulation - this solution allows you to save on rolled materials, and the distance between the rafters is chosen 2-3 cm less than the width of the insulation material. For example, with a mineral wool slab width of 60 cm, the distance between adjacent posts should be 57-58 cm.

The rafter boards are also calculated in width based on the insulation parameters. To ventilate the layers of thermal insulation, it is necessary to provide a ventilation clearance of 20-30 mm, otherwise the accumulating condensate will cause rotting of the wood, and then damage to the insulation. For conditions in the middle zone, the thickness of the insulation can be no more than 230-250 mm, therefore the minimum width of the rafter legs is 230 mm with a board thickness ≥ 50 mm. The greater the wind, temperature and snow loads in the region, the thicker the rafters should be made.

We recommend: To save lumber, insulation can be laid in two directions: along and across the rafters, making a thin and sparse sheathing between the layers. With a minimum thickness of basalt wool slab of 100 mm, you can use a 50 x 150 mm board, leaving a 50 mm ventilation gap.

Installation of attic roof

The mauerlat on the attic roof is equipped with standard techniques - fastening the timber to the wall with tying wire, anchors or studs. If the house is made of timber or logs, then the upper crown of the log house, impregnated with an antiseptic and substances that increase the moisture resistance of the wood, can serve as a mauerlat.

For the Mauerlat in a house made of cellular concrete, a monolithic reinforced grillage is poured on top of the walls, and the Mauerlat itself is attached to the rods concreted into the wall. For walls made of brick or reinforced concrete, there is no need to make such a concrete grillage - the wall material itself is quite strong and will withstand any method of fastening the rafter system. It will only be necessary to make two-layer waterproofing around the entire perimeter of the house, and the Mauerlat beam with a cross-section of 150 mm.

To assemble elements of the rafter structure, long nails are used - 150-200 mm. At the corners and at the intersections of load-bearing walls with the internal partitions of the house, it is better to make bolted connections, or use double-sided threaded rods. It is also recommended that all intersections of roof elements be additionally reinforced with metal plates.

Installation of the attic rafter system can be carried out in two solutions:

1. Assembling elements on the ground, lifting finished structural units to the top. First of all, the vertical corner elements are attached, which form the future gables. The remaining elements of the rafter structure are vertically inserted into the grooves made in the Mauerlat timber at a calculated distance and rigidly fixed. To impart rigidity and the correct geometry, you can temporarily secure the elements with spacers and jibs, and after installing the side beams, when the structure acquires the desired rigidity, the spacers can be removed;
2. The second method is the sequential assembly of the attic roof on site. It’s more efficient and convenient to work this way, because with a large rafter system, lifting the assembled roof manually will be problematic - you’ll have to rent a crane. After assembling the structure, floor beams are laid, to which vertical beam posts are attached to the grooves, and temporary jibs are installed to provide rigidity and give verticality to the system. Then comes the assembly of the upper and side rafter legs, and the jibs and spacers are mounted in the same way.

The last stage is the installation of the upper beams, which are made according to a template, and grooves for the rafters are immediately cut into them. Since the attic sloping roof does not have a ridge, slopes are mounted on the beam in the middle, which are designed to fix the upper triangle of the attic roof.

The attic allows you to significantly expand the usable area of ​​the house. At the same time, the arrangement of the under-roof floor can be carried out even in an already finished building. At the same time, financial expenses will be relatively small, because the basic necessary structures will already be present, and you can handle all the necessary activities on your own.

First of all, you must make sure that the foundation of the house can withstand the additional load from the attic floor. If necessary, the foundation must be strengthened or an attempt must be made to transfer new loads to a separate foundation. At this stage, you may need professional help.

Solve the issue of attic design. The under-roof floor can have a variety of shapes. In this case, the internal space of the room is determined by the features of the roof structure.

The attic roof must be designed in a special way. You will have to get rid of the old rafters and related materials, replacing them with a new system designed taking into account the upcoming loads, angle of inclination and other important design features.

Thus, the rafter structure must be calculated and designed separately, specifically for your attic floor.

The most optimal roofing option for the attic floor is a broken gable roof. A gable roof will place a much greater load on the walls compared to a lean-to system. However, you will not find a more convenient roof option for the attic floor.

At the same time, a broken roof will “eat up” the least amount of free space in the attic compared to all other types of roofs.

It is important that the gable roof has a sufficient number of load-bearing supports. Typically, layered rafters are used to construct such a roof. In this case, the elements of the rafter system must rest on load-bearing walls that can normally withstand incoming vertical and horizontal loads.

Before starting construction, decide what area the under-roof floor should have, whether you will insulate it and whether you need to install heating in the attic.

In accordance with your own preferences, draw up (order, find in open sources) an attic project with sketches, drawings, calculations and explanations.

The design documentation should reflect the following important features of the attic:

• the presence of additional partitions and load-bearing walls;
• number of window openings;
• features of the internal structure of the roof;
• type of roofing material, etc.

After this, calculate the required amount of materials for arranging the attic. It is best to make an attic using the same materials from which the structure itself is built (brick, blocks, etc.).

If you plan to use the attic exclusively for seasonal living, you can make it from more budget-friendly materials. Typically, wood is used in such situations. This material goes well with most existing building materials and is perfect for furnishing an attic.

Proceed with the arrangement of the wooden frame - the basis of the roof. Select suitable locations for placing the blocks needed for arranging the partitions.

First you will need to lay out the exterior and gable walls. Proceed with the arrangement of the attic roof only after the construction of the house itself has been completed.

To assemble the frame, use a high-quality wooden beam measuring 15x5 cm. When performing each stage of the work, be guided by the sketches and drawings you have. It is impossible to explain everything solely in words.

First step

Strengthen the existing structure with slings. To strengthen the purlins, use special support blocks in the shape of the letter U. The blocks are installed and filled with cement mortar. This strengthening will prevent further cracking of the walls.

Second step

Build solid gable walls and begin building the attic. After installing all the necessary walls, begin installing the elements of the rafter system.

Third step

Install the rafters in accordance with the design documentation and make sure that the installed system is reliable.

First you need to install the purlins, and only after that fix the rafters. First you need to lay out the stepped wall slopes, and then arrange the partitions of the attic floor. Be sure to make sure that the elements of the rafter system are evenly positioned.

Fourth step

Align the slopes of the gable walls using a band saw.

Fifth step

Nail batten boards to the rafters to install the insulating material. Secure the waterproofing, insulation and vapor barrier, and then lay another layer of boards on top of the waterproofing.

Sixth step

Apply your chosen finish to the sheathing. It is better that the finishing roofing material is as reliable and high quality as possible, so that the attic is cozy, warm and safe.

After completing the work on arranging the walls and roof of the attic, proceed to insulation and interior arrangement of the under-roof room.

A wide variety of materials can be used to insulate the attic. For example, mineral wool insulation, expanded polystyrene, all kinds of blocks, etc. are very suitable for performing such work. One of the most preferred thermal insulation materials is fiberboard. Using this material as an example, the procedure for insulating an attic room will be considered.

In the case of using slabs with a thickness of 1.2 cm, the thermal insulation characteristics of such insulation will be similar to the properties of a wall laid in brick, or finishing made of boards about 5 cm thick.

In addition, the slabs have good noise insulation properties. Factory treatment with antiseptic preparations makes the material resistant to adverse external factors, and the relatively low price allows almost everyone to buy such slabs.

The most suitable material for attic insulation is fiberboard

On one side the slabs have a slightly corrugated texture, and on the other they are smooth. To cut slabs, you can use an ordinary sharp knife. The material is not particularly afraid of temperature and humidity changes. At the same time, work on thermal insulation of surfaces using fiberboard will not take much effort and time.

Finally, you can glue wallpaper to the smooth side of the fiberboard (the smooth side is the front side) or perform another finishing touch at your discretion.

Walls

Traditionally, thermal insulation work begins with insulating the walls. It is enough to fix the slabs with nails. First, duralumin plates should be placed under the fastener heads. Place the nails themselves staggered.

If the walls are not made of wood, you may need to use other fasteners. Focus on the situation.

To attach slabs to plastered surfaces, you can also use PVA glue or various types of adhesive mastics.

Ceiling

At the stage of covering the ceiling, try to enlist the support of at least one assistant - the slabs are quite large in size and it is not particularly convenient to attach them alone.

The cladding is carried out according to an extremely simple scheme: the slab is carefully applied to the fastening point and fixed using T-supports made of boards, nails and duralumin plates. Wear safety glasses at this stage.

The floor can be insulated using two methods.

In accordance with the first method, the surface is first covered with a double layer of roofing material, after which fiberboard is fixed on top, and then the finished floor is installed.

In accordance with the second option, fiberboard slabs are nailed to the floor, and carpet is glued on top of them. This coating is very convenient. For additional convenience, it is recommended to impregnate it with a special composition that makes further maintenance of the carpet easier.

Before gluing the carpet, it must be unrolled and kept in the room for 7-10 days. Fiberboard boards are pre-coated with glue. After gluing the fiberboard, you need to additionally press it to the surface using boards and leave to dry for a day.

In conclusion, all you have to do is carry out a number of works on the internal improvement of the attic. Start from the ceiling.

Ceiling

The best option is to install a light suspended ceiling. Lining is well suited for the construction of such a structure. You can also use hardboard, plywood or other suitable materials.

It is more convenient to first make the ceiling to size, and then attach it to the crossbar of the truss.

Walls

Nail crossbars made of high-quality wooden beams to the rafter posts. Nail the selected finishing material to the frame. The best option is wooden lining.

Niches

In places where niches form (and they will definitely be present due to the peculiarities of the roofing structure), you can nail plasterboard or other suitable material, creating compact cabinets for storing various types of accessories.

Depending on the available space on the attic floor, you can arrange a bedroom, study, or children's room. Focus on the specifics of your situation.

Lighting

Consider the procedure for arranging the attic lighting. The best option is to organize local lighting for each corner of the room. This way the interior of the attic will be most expressive.

In matters of furnishing and further arrangement of the under-roof floor, be guided by your needs and capabilities.

Good luck!

Video - Do-it-yourself attic construction