Do-it-yourself sloping roof in a private house. Do-it-yourself sloping roof

Using the attic instead of a full-fledged second floor allows you to rationally use the available space and significantly expand the living space. There are many options for attics; the most popular of them is a sloping roof, which is not only aesthetically attractive, but also financially profitable. If you wish, you can build such an attic with your own hands.

What parts does a broken attic consist of?

The first stage of roof construction is design and calculation; regardless of whether the project is ordered in a special organization or it is planned to make a design drawing on your own, first of all you need to figure out what main parts the broken attic consists of.

In essence, a sloping roof is a residential attic, well enough insulated and protected from moisture and noise to make it comfortable to live in. Therefore, in terms of design, it differs slightly from an ordinary gable roof.

The following main ones stand out:

  • vertical racks;
  • puffs - horizontal beams;
  • rafters - stiffeners, which are the skeleton of the entire structure;
  • struts - diagonal beams supporting the rafters;
  • mauerlat - wooden beams with special fasteners connecting the structure to the walls of the house;
  • ridge run- a set of upper elements of the truss system;
  • grandmas - fasteners that ensure the rigidity of the hanging rafters;
  • contractions - horizontal struts that remove part of the load from the rafters;
  • crate - a frame for fastening roofing material and insulation;
  • roofing - can be made of ceramic tiles, different types slate, profiled sheet and many other materials;
  • heat, hydro and sound insulation.

Thus, the whole construction consists of a set of right triangles; they are connected to each other with wooden beams. All the elements described are easy to find on the drawing of a broken attic.


Technical requirements for sloping roof

Sloped roofs are subject to the following requirements:

  • the height of the attic walls must exceed 2.2 m;
  • good ventilation must be provided so that moisture does not condense under the roof;
  • roofing material should have a small mass;
  • the design must provide for measures against the impact of additional load on the truss system - that is, the roof elements must withstand not only their own weight, but also, for example, snow;
  • the attic loses heat faster than the lower floors, so special attention should be paid to thermal insulation;
  • to ensure fire safety, all wooden beams and batten elements should be treated with flame retardants.

Varieties of truss systems

The device of a sloping roof is very simple - its slope, as it were, breaks into lower and upper parts, each of which is set at its own angle. Most often they are mounted at an angle of 60–70 °, and 15–30 °, respectively.

Based design features attic can be distinguished such types of mansard sloping roofs.

  1. Two types of rafters are used: hanging and layered. The attic floor beams are installed, a little short of the edges of the walls of the lower floor. The lower slope is made of layered rafters, which are attached to the walls of the house with the help of a Mauerlat. The frame of the attic walls is made from the racks. Such triangles are installed along the walls and connected by contractions. From above, they are joined by triangles of hanging rafters, based on a puff.
  2. To increase the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room, the lower edges of the rafters can be brought outside the house. In this case, they will not be attached to the Mauerlat, but to the ceiling, which, in turn, is held on the outer walls of the house with the help of the Mauerlat. The rafters are necessarily supported by struts. Racks go deep into the floor beams by no more than a third of their thickness.
  3. This rafter system sloping roof is different in that the upper triangles are made of layered, not hanging rafters. In this case, the puffs are supports for the uprights of the upper triangles.


Sloped roof calculation

Before starting work, two calculations must be carried out:

  • determination of the amount of necessary building materials;
  • calculation of the bearing capacity of the structure.

Determining how much material is needed is very simple due to the simple geometry of the sloping roof. Bearing capacity is not so easy to deal with. For its calculation it is necessary to take into account:

  1. weight of the roof;
  2. approximate mass of snow;
  3. the mass of the crate;
  4. a lot of steam, hydro and thermal insulation materials;
  5. roof dimensions;
  6. installation angles of slopes;
  7. the installation step of the elements of the truss system and roofing sheathing;
  8. additional load: mass of people and equipment, windows, ventilation, etc.

Based on these data and with special programs bearing capacity is calculated. Depending on what bearing capacity is required, the cross-sectional area of ​​​​the wooden beam used in the construction is selected. If something does not suit you, the project can be corrected by changing the truss system, choosing a different roofing material, placing the rafters less often.

In most programs, the structure of a sloping roof can be visualized - it will be immediately visible on the 3D models how changes will affect appearance attic.


What materials need to be prepared?

After the development of the project, it will be clear which beam with which section should be used, which roofing material is better to choose, what should be the roof lathing. You will have to purchase a wide variety of lumber: timber for the formation of Mauerlat, edged boards for the rafter system, boards for battens. They need to be properly selected so that the design is durable and reliable.

Tips for choosing lumber:

  • coniferous woods - pine, spruce - are best suited for building an attic - they are strong and rigid enough to withstand the entire load;
  • wood should be well dried - its moisture content should not exceed 20%;
  • the material must be free of knots, cracks, traces of biological damage and other defects.

Before installation, all wood is treated with flame retardants and antiseptics, as well as impregnations from decay. Such processing should be repeated periodically so that the load-bearing structural elements do not have to be replaced.

In addition to the main material, you need to stock up on metal fasteners for connecting the rafters to the Mauerlat and to each other, insulating and roofing materials.

Roof installation


Mauerlat installation

The construction of a sloping roof begins with the installation of a Mauerlat, to which the ends of the rafters will be attached. The nuances of this stage vary depending on the material from which the lower floor is built - if its walls are stone, you need to punch holes for anchors in them in advance and install fasteners. The spacing between anchors should not exceed 2 m.


A waterproofing material is laid on the surface of the wall. Then the beam is marked, holes are drilled at the points of installation of the fasteners. Mauerlat is put on the anchor and tightly attracted with nuts.

Installation of floor beams

Installation sequence:

  • first, extreme beams are placed from the ends of the building;
  • strings are stretched between them to indicate the plane;
  • intermediate beams are installed.

Mounting racks

Racks must be set strictly vertically. The principle of operation is the same as in the case of floor beams - first, the extreme racks are mounted, then the intermediate ones in the same plane. The step between the structural elements should not exceed 2 m. The racks are fixed with temporary struts. The height of the beams is 10 cm more than the planned height of the ceilings.

Runs from edged boards are installed between the racks. The result should be a finished frame for the internal walls of the attic.

Installing puffs

The transverse beams are connected not to the racks, but to the girders, using metal roofing corners. If the width of the room is large, it is worth installing temporary spacers under each puff so that when walking on them during the construction of the upper slopes, the beams do not break or sag.

Rafter installation

First, the lower rafters are mounted. They are placed in the following order:

  • mounting points are planned on the Mauerlat - the step between them should be 1–1.2 m;
  • on the rafter legs ah, the attachment points are cut according to the template;
  • first, the extreme rafters are attached, then, as before, intermediate ones along the twine;
  • struts are installed in accordance with the drawing.

The upper rafters are placed in the same way - according to the template. They are attached to puffs and interconnected; a longitudinal connection with a ridge beam is required only if the length of the attic exceeds 10 m. Otherwise, struts can be dispensed with, with which the construction of a broken mansard roof will be quite rigid.


The last stages of work are the sheathing of the gables and the fastening of the lathing for the roof. Window openings should be left in the gables (at least 1/8 total area outer walls of the attic).

Structural insulation

On the finished frame, it remains only to lay the roofing cake. Its first layer is a vapor barrier, which prevents moisture from penetrating into the insulation. A heat-insulating material is laid on the vapor barrier membrane - it is recommended to use stone basalt slabs. They are laid in several layers with a shift in the joints, which will protect against the occurrence of cold bridges. The size of the slabs should be several cm larger than the spacing between the beams of the counter-lattice. So that the insulation does not sag and does not lose its performance characteristics, its density must be at least 35 kg / m 3.


From above, the insulation is covered with a waterproof membrane, which allows steam to pass through, but does not allow liquid moisture to penetrate into the room. A roof is laid on top of the waterproofing layer - the features of its installation depend on the selected material.

After the installation of the roof, only the finishing touches will remain - the installation of drainage systems, decorative trim. Inside, the finishing material is also attached to the crate over the thermal insulation. Sloping roof built. As you can see, it is quite possible to do it yourself - only the design and calculation will probably have to be entrusted to professionals.

At all times, when building houses, people tried to take into account not only the beauty of the appearance of the structure, but also the practicality of the future building. A sloping roof is a design that meets the requirements of beauty and convenience. Acting simultaneously as the roof of the building, it makes it possible to create additional residential meters in the form attic floor.

This building got its name due to its appearance and unusual shape, consisting of a large number of broken lines. A sloping roof is a construction made in such a way that it makes it possible to create additional living space on the top floor of the house. In addition to the practical function, such a roof also plays a decorative role, bringing zest to the stylistic design of the building.

It is also worth noting that the traditional gable roof has a certain height limit, which is associated with the wind load of the structure. But broken roof can be made much higher - this feature will allow the owner of the house to get an attic floor with a fairly high ceiling.

Design features of a sloping roof

  1. The specificity of such a roof is that a sloping roof allows you to use additional space with maximum benefit. The number of so-called "dead zones" characteristic of ordinary roofs is practically reduced to nothing. And even in those places that will remain uninhabitable, it will be possible to make lockers or hang shelves.
  2. The most popular variant of a sloping roof is considered to be a hipped design. Along with the complexity of arranging roof systems, such a roof allows you to use the resulting living space with maximum efficiency.
  3. The undoubted advantage of the design is its relatively low cost. The construction of a sloping roof with the creation of an attic will cost the owner of the house much less than the construction of a full-fledged upper floor. With proper roof insulation and good repairs, the attic can be made a habitable room.
  4. The sloping roof design, as mentioned earlier, makes it possible to make a fairly high ceiling on the top floor. This is due to a fracture of the slope, in accordance with the angle of which the free space increases.
  5. When creating a sloping roof with your own hands, its optimal width will be considered to be 6 m. For large-scale buildings, you will have to resort to other, more complex construction methods.
  6. In buildings, the span width of which does not exceed 6 m, reinforcement beams and roof rafters are based on such points: a mauerlat made of profiled timber with a section of 90x140 mm, as well as on a matrix - a transverse beam, which plays the role of an average reference point. In the case when the width of the span of the house is more than 6 m, the middle reference point is the bearing partition, made of studded planed timber with a section of 90x140 mm.
  7. As a rule, in a sloping roof there are window openings, often located on the gable part of the structure. Balconies, as well as remote windows, look very successful in such an architectural solution.


Types and forms of broken roofs

Broken roofs can have a different number of slopes, depending on this indicator, the structure is divided into the following types:

  1. A shed roof is a structure in the form of an inclined plane, the opposite sides of which are fixed on walls of various heights. The project of such a sloping roof is one of the easiest to implement, in addition, the shed design has a completely simple truss system. In this regard, this roof is considered one of the most popular options for the construction of private houses.
  2. A gable roof consists of 2 slopes, oppositely directed towards each other. Often such structures are present in rectangular buildings. gable roofs no less popular than single-sided ones, which is due to both the simplicity of their creation and the high reliability of the entire structure.
  3. In a three-pitched sloping roof, one of the ends is a vertical wall, the second end is made with the same profile breaks as the side slopes. Unlike other options, such a roof has a relatively small mass, since there is no one main wall in its design. Very often, this option is used in cases where they want to attach an attic to a residential building.
  4. The most difficult to perform, but the most practical and lightest option is considered to be a hipped roof, which is based on 4 slopes of broken profiles.

The designs of broken roofs can be very different, often such roofs have a parabolic shape and are designed for rectangular buildings. The short slopes of the structure have a triangular shape, while the long slopes have the appearance of a trapezoid.

A popular form of sloping roof is the half-hip roof, which is also called Dutch. At its ends there are overhangs with a slight overhang, thanks to this form, the half-hip roof reliably protects the ends of the house from rain, and also perfectly resists wind loads. Half-hip roofs are two- and four-pitched.

For non-standard houses, the walls of which form a polygon or a circle, hipped-type broken roofs are used, which, in turn, are pyramidal, domed or conical. A drawing of a sloping roof of any shape can be drawn up on your own, but it is better to entrust this work to professional designers and architects.


Do-it-yourself sloping roof

Having a high-quality sloping roof project on hand, you can try to build the structure yourself. Let us consider in more detail the main subtleties of this process.

Selection of material for the roof

Often, when building a roof, builders try to make the structure as light as possible, relieving the walls of the building from unnecessary load. That is why wood is used to create the truss system - the most lightweight material, which meets the required strength characteristics. Metal and reinforced concrete are practically not used in the construction of roofs for small private houses.

Rafters, as a rule, are made of a wooden beam. The material must have sufficient strength and have optimal moisture content - the reliability and durability of the structure depends on this indicator. Coniferous wood is most suitable for creating a truss system, as it is relatively cheap and has optimal softness. The roof sheathing is made of edged boards. Installation of all elements and fastening them together is carried out using brackets, brackets and self-tapping screws.

Roofing material should also be selected with special care, because the durability of the roof directly depends on its weight. In the construction of private houses, galvanized iron, metal tiles, different kinds soft roofing materials, as well as reeds. The choice of option also depends on the stylistic design of the building.


Determining the dimensions of a sloping roof

The construction of such a structure should be taken with all seriousness, since the reliability of the final result will ultimately depend on a correctly and carefully carried out calculation. When designing a roof, mistakes and errors must be avoided, since improper distribution of the weight of the structure can lead to its destruction.

Calculation and measurement of all necessary parameters is carried out using tools such as a tape measure and a calculator. In the process of work, you must also have at hand a project for the future roof.

After making all the measurements, they should be marked on the sketch. Find out the area future design can be done as follows:

  • the design shown in the diagram is divided into simple geometric shapes;
  • then the area of ​​each of these figures is measured;
  • at the last stage, the obtained indicators are summarized - the final value will be the total area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe sloping roof.

Having learned the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe structure, you can determine the amount of roofing material that will be needed for work.


Processing of wooden elements

Before you make a sloping roof with your own hands, you need to take care of protecting the rafters and other wooden elements from the harmful effects of moisture, mold, fungi and other pests. All wooden elements should be treated as thoroughly as possible with antiseptic compounds, applying them to the surface of the material in at least two layers. For such work, a wide soft brush is used, as well as gloves and a respirator that will protect the skin and respiratory tract from the harmful components of the antiseptic. It is also desirable that the impregnation also has fire-fighting properties - this is how you protect the roof from fire.


Sloped roof installation

After all the wooden structures have been processed with the necessary means, you can proceed with the installation of the Mauerlat and floor beams. Optimal size beams is 10x20 cm in cross section. The installation process of the structure consists of the following steps:

  1. Extreme beams made of thick timber are installed vertically along two lines of the rack.
  2. A thread is pulled between them, after which intermediate beams are mounted. The distance between such beams should not exceed 3 m, and the elements themselves are fixed with temporary struts. The height of each rack should exceed the planned ceiling height by approximately 10 cm.
  3. Runs from edged boards are laid on top of the installed racks, after which the remaining beams are finally fixed. This design will subsequently serve as the frame of the walls of the attic floor.
  4. The next step is to fix the puffs on the runs, which are supported from below in order to ensure the safety of the builders. When all the puffs are laid, they can be fastened with a board on top for additional rigidity and reliability.
  5. After that, it's time to install the side rafters and plugs for insulation. When the work is done, you can proceed with the installation of the rafters of the upper slopes.
  6. Roof rafters are installed according to the template. Such a template is a fragment of the board, vertically fixed on the extreme crossbar. It is worth noting that the upper corner of the template must completely coincide with the center of the future design. Based on the template, you need to make 2 rafters and fix them in the sloping roof structure.
  7. After that, you can install the remaining rafters, make the gable frame, upholster it the right material, equip cornices. Then you can start creating crates, ebbs and overhangs.
  8. When the sloping roof frame is ready, all its elements can be coated again with a water-repellent agent. Roofing work can be carried out on top of the finished structure.


Insulation, waterproofing, roofing

Waterproofing and insulation are a responsible process, because the correct work will subsequently determine how warm and comfortable the attic room will be. At the first stage, the roof is sheathed with a waterproofing material, attaching it directly to the crate. The next layer should be any selected insulation - it can be rolled or bulk material. The next layer is laid roofing, on top of which the crate is once again made.

Covering a sloping roof with roofing material is carried out in the traditional way. To ensure ventilation, counter rails are installed on the roof, then a crate is applied to them, on top of which the selected roofing material is attached. Since the sloping roof also plays the role of walls for the attic, it is important to ensure a good indoor climate, and for this you need to be responsible in choosing the material for the roof. Iron sheets or copper tiles are unlikely to be an acceptable option, since, heated up in the sun in summer, such a coating will create too high temperature in the room.


Creation of drainage

Drains are an integral part of a broken roof, as they help protect the walls and foundation of the building from moisture and dampness. Without equipping the structure with these elements, you cannot be sure that the house will serve you. long years. You can create drainage systems from various waterproof materials, for example, from plastic, galvanized steel or non-ferrous metals. Metal structures are considered more durable and reliable, in the case of galvanized steel, it is also desirable that the drainage be equipped with an additional coating that prevents damage to the material.

Plastic structures are more fragile, but they are much cheaper, moreover, they are light in weight. Drains made of plastic do not emit characteristic noise in wind and rain, they are also presented in a wide range of colors, which allows them to fit into any design. Modern plastic products also have the ability to endure sudden temperature changes.

The most expensive, but also the most reliable option are non-ferrous metal structures. They are reliable, durable, not subject to corrosion, have an attractive appearance. Unfortunately, due to the high cost, not everyone can afford such drainage.

Broken roof, photo:





Broken roof. Video

Every reasonable homeowner wants to equip a comfortable, convenient home with his own hands, but at the same time manage the family budget rationally. To do this, it is necessary to carefully approach the choice of each construction solution, evaluating the effectiveness, comparing with alternative options. Increasingly, in the construction of economy-class houses, developers use a gable sloping roof, which serves as an excellent protection from the weather, perfectly copes with the increased load during snow cover, and makes it possible to equip a spacious attic room habitable.



Design Benefits

A gable sloping roof, unlike the traditional triangular shape, resembles not a triangle, but a pentagon. The figure formed by the slopes of the roof and the cornice has a pentagonal shape. it is customary to call such a construction a broken line due to the fact that the line of slopes is not straight, but with a bend that forms an edge. Conventionally, two parts can be distinguished in the structure: the first, the upper one with more gentle slopes, amounting to 20-300, having the shape of a triangle, and the second - the lower one, resembling a trapezoid, the sides of which are located at an angle of 50-600. Thus, the broken structure allows the snow to slide freely, preventing rainwater from penetrating into the attic.


Most often, a gable sloping roof is used if there is a need to use the attic as a living space. After all, the geometry of the slopes allows you to most effectively manage the available space, equip your own hands with a high horizontal ceiling, a ventilated attic, and side compartments for seasonal storage.

Experienced builders do not miss the opportunity to install skylights directly into the roof slopes. After all, if you correctly calculate the location, it will be naturally lit throughout the daylight hours, and this will significantly reduce energy costs. In addition, the sloping roof looks great with a spacious balcony, which is important for houses with a small area.


Construction stages

Drawing up a project, necessary calculations

Since a gable broken roof is considered quite complex, engineering calculations are used for construction, which can be done by hand or using a special computer program. The calculation includes the determination of the following parameters:


It is determined by summing up the mass of all materials that make up the roofing pie, truss system, attic floor. Simply put, this is the own weight of the structure. This indicator varies depending on the area in which the construction will be carried out. It depends on the thickness of the falling snow cover and takes into account wind loads. Calculated by adding the values ​​of permanent and temporary load. Build drawings that reflect all types of loads acting on the roof.


Construction of the truss system

The rafter system of a sloping roof is at first glance rather complicated. It seems that only a professional team can do the assembly, but three people who have basic initial woodworking skills can handle this task with their own hands. The undoubted advantage is that this does not require any complex equipment or special tools. The rafter system for arranging a pentagonal mansard roof is of a combined type, it combines some elements from a layered one, and some from a hanging one. , consists:


  1. Upper rafters of layered type. They are made of even, durable boards, converging at a slight angle to form a ridge. The ridge run is not used, as these rafters rest on the racks. Experiencing a load of deflection, bursting.
  2. Crossbars. Drawstrings tying the upper rafters at the bottom of the legs. They are also made from boards 50-100 mm thick, they are also used as a frame for the attic ceiling. The main task is to extinguish the bursting load from the rafters.
  3. Grandmother. A lumber suspension that connects the roof ridge to the crossbar, preventing the crossbar from sagging if it is long enough.
  4. Racks. Vertical supports on which the upper rafters lean. They are made from a bar of square or rectangular section. Also, drains form a frame, sheathing which, they get attic walls.
  5. Lower hanging rafters. Made according to a template from boards 50x150 mm or 100x150 mm, they abut against the crossbar with the top, and the Mauerlat with the bottom. They experience a load only on deflection, which is minimized by struts. They are attached like a slider, not rigidly.
  6. Struts. Corner supports that reduce the deflection of the hanging rafters. One side they rest against the rack, the other against the rafters.
  7. Mauerlat. A thick, durable beam that acts as the basis for the roof, preventing its slopes from tipping over by the wind. Hanging rafters rest on it. Mauerlat is attached along two opposite bearing walls, on studs with a concrete binder. It also evenly distributes the weight of the roof onto the surface of the partition.
  8. Floor beams. Horizontal beams on which the racks rest, as well as on which the attic floor is mounted.

Despite the apparent complexity, such a truss system is quite easy to install with your own hands, since the assembly of the trusses is carried out on the ground, ready-made structures rise to the top, which only need to be fixed.

Materials used, tools needed

All the materials that may be needed in the construction of a sloping roof with your own hands are quite affordable. However, a relatively large number of them are required, so such a roof is considered more expensive than, for example, a simple gable roof. It requires:

  • Beams from hard coniferous species for the manufacture of racks, floor beams, puffs, crossbars, Mauerlat. The cross section of the beam is determined by calculating the load, most often lumber 100x100 mm or 150x150 mm.
  • Edged board 50x150 mm or 100x150 mm for rafters, struts. You can use only first-class material, smooth, without knots, chips.
  • Unedged board for creating a crate.
  • material for . It can be lining, blockhouse or siding.
  • Insulation for thermal insulation of gables. Most often, mineral wool based on basalt with a thickness of 150 mm is used for this.
  • A vapor barrier film, a waterproofing membrane are needed to form a roofing pie.
  • Roofing material, which can be used as a metal tile, ondulin, shinglas, slate.
  • Fasteners.


Although it is believed that a special tool for installing such a roof is not needed, everything is fine if you have a high-quality screwdriver, grinder, drill. They make the workflow faster and easier. And the owners of electric planers can save money with it: buy unplaned lumber, process them on their own. Since the roof is made mostly of wood, and it is exposed to moisture, it is necessary to treat all its parts with an antiseptic composition.

Warming and organization of lighting

Since it is intended to use the attic as a residential area, the broken roof must be insulated. It is necessary to insulate not only the gables, but also the slopes directly. Thermal insulation of slopes will serve you a double service: it will not only prevent heat from escaping in the cold season, but also prevent excessive overheating from the roof in hot weather. Gables are most often insulated mineral wool outside or inside the room, for slopes, the most common foam is usually used. High-quality insulation will save the owners a lot of money that they would spend on heating.

A room in which there is no natural light cannot be used for living. Therefore, it is necessary to provide for the installation of windows, which can be located either on a gable wall or on a roof slope.


If the choice fell on skylights, then they must be special, made taking into account the place of their installation: their frame must be reinforced, additional waterproofing, a special opening mechanism, and a film that protects against dirt and dust are provided. The area of ​​windows can occupy up to 1/8 of the total area of ​​the roof. Their cost is quite high, so if there is no possibility of such significant investments, it is better to stop at conventional large-sized equipment on both.

Gable broken roof when using high-quality building materials, subject to the do-it-yourself installation technology, it will serve you for more than a dozen years, so you will not have to regret this investment!

Video instruction

The arrangement of the roof, which has an attic, acts as the most effective solution for rational use living space. A sloping roof is considered an economically sound solution that allows the owner of the house to get additional living meters.

Features of broken roofs

Before embarking on the arrangement of such a design, experts recommend considering all the pros and cons. Among the main advantages, one can single out the fact that a sloping roof, as mentioned above, increases the living space. This is due to the attic space. In addition, you can create a unique look for your home. The attic can even have two levels. Another positive feature is that the master will have the opportunity to reduce heat losses, because a huge part of the warm air leaves through the roof. Thus, in winter time it will be possible to reduce energy consumption.

Disadvantages of a broken roof structure

The sloping roof also has disadvantages, which are expressed in the reduced height of the walls, which is caused by sloping ceilings.


There is another drawback, which is that the master will have to comply with all the rules and requirements that the technology for arranging such a roof dictates. A sloping roof needs high-quality thermal and waterproofing. In the attic, you will have to use skylights, which are much more expensive than conventional counterparts. You may also encounter such a problem, which is expressed in the accumulation of snow in the winter on the windows.

Sloped roof construction device

If you decide to build a house with a sloping roof, then you need to know what the requirements are for the roof.


Thus, the height of the attic room should be 2.2 meters or more. It is important to provide intensive ventilation that will function from the ridge to the eaves. If these requirements are neglected, then this can cause the accumulation of condensate in the space under the roof, which will lead to a leak. When choosing a roof covering, it is important to pay attention to materials that are lightweight and highly practical. If a gable sloping roof will be equipped, then it is important to foresee the possible loads that will be placed on the walls of the building.

The need for insulation


Insulation of the attic room will have to be given great importance, because there is no thermal cushion above this room, so heat loss will be more intense compared to the lower floors. The device of a sloping roof should imply the need to comply with fire safety, this indicates that the wooden structural elements will have to be treated not only with antiseptics, but also with fire retardants.

Varieties of truss systems of a broken roof structure


The main difference between a sloping roof is that it is permissible to use only two types of truss systems. These can be rafters mounted on all slopes, in some cases rafters installed on the lower slopes are used. Hanging rafters are strengthened on the upper slopes. The design of a sloping roof implies the need to determine the angle of inclination of the upper and lower slopes. The most suitable angle for the lower slope is the limit from 60 to 70 degrees. As for the upper slope, this limit can be equal to 15-30 degrees. There are three schemes of truss systems that are used for broken roofs. A sloping roof design can be drawn up on the basis of right-angled triangles that are located along the walls and are mated to eliminate the possibility of buckling from the load. Racks are made in order to serve as a frame for walls. Rectangular triangles in the lower part rest on the Mauerlat. From above they are connected with triangles made of hanging rafters. The latter act as an attic floor beam. In this scheme, there is a need to increase the cornice overhang; for this, the rafters must be brought out of the outer wall. They need to be supported on the floor beam, and not on the Mauerlat. The strut should be installed under the rafters. Racks should be cut into the floor beam to a depth of 30 percent of the height of the floor beam. In this design, the lower triangles are installed in the same way as in the first or second scheme. The grapple that connects the lower triangles acts as a support floor for the upright that makes up the upper triangle.

Arrangement of a broken roof structure


If you are building a sloping roof, the truss system should be the most durable and reliable. The latter is a modular design in which the rafters act as the lower roof slopes. Before starting work on arranging the roof, the wooden elements of the truss system must be treated with special solutions that will protect the elements from fire and harmful insects. For the truss system, softwood lumber should be purchased, the moisture content of which varies from 18 to 22 percent.

If you will equip a sloping roof, the truss system should be considered by you before starting work. The master will have to install the floor beams, as well as the Mauerlat. The cross section of the beams will depend on the expected loads. Quite often, boards are used in the work, the cross section of which is 150 x 150 millimeters. It is permissible to use bars with a cross section of 100 x 200 millimeters. The elements will be single or double, depending on the flight parameters and the step between adjacent elements of the rafters. Under the Mauerlat, waterproofing should be laid, which can be roofing felt or roofing material. Racks must be mounted strictly horizontally. Initially, it is necessary to fix the extreme racks by stretching a rope between them, which will allow you to install intermediate elements. Racks should be fixed using temporary struts. The step between adjacent racks should not be more than 2 meters. The height of the racks should be 100 millimeters more than the expected height of the finished ceilings of the room. When an attic with a sloping roof is being equipped, the next step is to install the runs from the board, and then mount the remaining racks. The result should be a system that will serve as the side walls in the room. Now puffs should be fixed on the runs, this can be done by applying roofing corners. During the installation of crossbars, a temporary support must be installed under each element in the central part, which will prevent sagging. This is done so that when installing the rafters, you can move along the puffs without worrying that they may be damaged. After all the puffs are installed, they should be fixed with a board. This will provide structures with higher rigidity. The board must be mounted off-center, slightly shifting it in any direction by 200 millimeters.


Final works

Now you can proceed to the installation of the lower rafter legs. Initially, it is worth marking their intended location on the Mauerlat. The distance between the rafters will be equal to the limit of 1-1.2 meters. In order to ensure more convenient work, the rafters must be made according to a pre-prepared template that has an upper cut. The lower cut should be marked already in place, and then the rafters should be fixed. After the extreme elements are installed, a rope should be pulled between them, which will facilitate further work. The next step will be the installation of the upper rafters. As in the case of the lower ones, a template can be used here. If the roof is of considerable size, then the upper rafters can be installed on a ridge beam. If the length of the roof is insignificant, within 10 meters, then you can only install the struts.

If windows are provided in the project, then 1/8 of the total area of ​​the side walls must be allocated for them. In this case, the rafters must be mounted using transverse bars. Now you can sheathe the gable, after which the roof frame will be ready.

Insulation work

After the frame is ready, you can start laying the roofing cake. Initially, the vapor barrier is fixed. It is necessary to prevent the penetration of steam into the insulation layer. Then you should lay the insulation. Cast latest material the most commonly used basalt wool. Thermal insulation may include several layers, which must be overlapped, this will prevent the occurrence of cold bridges. All these insulation rules will keep the heat on the ground floor.

For many years, owners of private houses have been arranging additional living quarters under their roofs, thus increasing usable area your dwelling. The sloping roof, the drawing of which we present in this article, is often built by hand. Although its design is somewhat more complex than a standard gable roof, it is quite realistic to make it, since it does not require complex mechanisms, high-end equipment and highly specialized specialists.

In this article, we will compare the three most common types of roofs. It will consecrate the conditions in which they can be used, some features of construction, their advantages and disadvantages.

Choosing a roof - where to start?

The shape of the roof is chosen by the architect of the house, taking into account its harmonious combination with the overall architectural appearance of the building. Of course, first of all, he takes into account the wishes of the customer, who puts forward his wishes and requirements. You can decide on the type of future coverage quite simply, the main thing is to understand the features of a particular type of structure before that.

This article is devoted to describing the four types of roofs that are most popular among developers. These are the ones shown in the diagram:

  • attic second floor;
  • a full-fledged second floor and an attic roof;
  • a full-fledged second floor and a mansard roof;
  • combined variant.

Starting designing a house and choosing a roof, you should ask yourself the following questions:

  1. What purpose will the second floor of the house be - residential or non-residential? You can use it as a full-fledged floor, or you can take this space for storing things, as well as tools and equipment. You may want to use it not immediately after construction, but over time, etc.
  2. How high is the ceiling on the second floor? This value varies, as a rule, in the range from 2.5 meters (as a minimum option) to 3.5 meters (maximum practical height).
  3. What size windows will be on the second floor? They can be full-sized or minimal, having an area of ​​​​0.7 - 1.5 square meters. meters. Of course, the room must be fully lit, so the area of ​​​​windows is taken by calculation - 20-25 percent of the floor area. Naturally, a smaller room will have smaller windows.
  4. Do you have any restrictions on the height of the house under construction? Here you need to take into account the advice of the architect and not create a shadow for the neighbors, reducing the insolation of the building built nearby. Legislative requirements are also taken into account, under which the attic, unlike the second floor, does not belong to a full-fledged floor and can be its official replacement.

Thinking about these questions will help you set realistic goals for the architect and solve them in the right way, choosing the roof option that will be more suitable for your situation.

Mansard second floor

Considering the projects of houses with a sloping roof, now we are talking about this type of modern roof, which is a roof that serves as the walls of the second floor. As can be seen in the diagram, the dwelling in this case is located directly under the roof. Such roofs are often found in rural and summer cottages.


With the help of a mansard roof, the house is given architectural expressiveness. In height, such a roof has a value of 2.5 - 3.5 meters (the distance from the ceiling to the ridge). When the roof is made broken, the height from the bevel of the roof to the ceiling is 0.7 - 1.0 meters.

  • At the corners of the roof, space is kept to a minimum, especially when the roof is triangular in shape. An adult cannot stand full height on the edge of the roof, since its bevel begins already at a height of 0.5 - 1.0 meters, starting from the floor level. You can change the situation by arranging a broken roof. In this case, the lower part of the attic has a steep slope, and the upper one is more gentle. It is difficult to equip such a room so that it is comfortable, as well as to select and arrange furniture.
  • In such a room there is no way to arrange full-fledged window openings. Skylights cost almost twice as much to use, as they must have a stronger frame with tempered and reinforced glass. The window frame of the roof window must meet special requirements, ensuring not only the correct installation, but also the preservation of high-quality thermophysical characteristics. One of the most critical stages is the installation of waterproofing and sealing the slopes of the roof window.

In rooms under the roof, it is possible to arrange dormer windows, which, as can be seen in the diagrams, require a special design. For this reason, their device and installation are quite complex. For their device, an additional frame is made that comes out of the surface of the main roof (as a result, valleys and skates are added). All this requires additional labor and material consumption, since you need to buy additional roof elements and arrange joints and trim roofing materials. In this case, you can not do without a drawing of a dormer window, which will have a detailed study of the window in combination with the main roof structure.


Projects of houses with a sloping roof provide that when installing these types of roofs, it is necessary to combine the structure, insulation and waterproofing in the roofing pie. When compared to an attic roof, all this makes the installation of the roof more difficult, and the construction itself more expensive. The heat-insulating layer is fastened to the outer side of the roof. At the same time, one must not forget about the circulation gaps, which help the moisture formed as a result of steam condensation on the undersides of the roof to be ventilated by the movement of air currents.

When a kitchen or bathroom is located in the attic, where a large amount of steam is constantly present, then on the ceiling with inside a layer of vapor barrier is laid.

If an error occurs in the process of choosing a roofing "pie", then the roof may leak, entailing subsequent repairs. It will be more difficult to complete it than the attic roof requires.

  • In such roofs, it is better not to use a metal finish, as it will be especially hot indoors under it. In this case, to ensure comfort, it is necessary to increase the thickness of the roofing cake to 250-300 mm due to the insulation. Otherwise, it will be necessary to use reflective insulation, which will affect the cost of construction.
  • If the owner of the house has a desire to get a full-fledged floor already while living in the house, then it will be difficult to complete the construction. In this case, it will be necessary to dismantle the attic floor and carry out the construction of a full-fledged floor with a roof, which will entail a rise in price by 20-40%. Before this, the house will need to be examined, to calculate the bearing capacity of an existing foundation, external walls and ceilings. All this will allow you to determine whether or not to strengthen the structures, and this process is painstaking and expensive. For example, strengthening the foundation will cost 20-50% of the cost of a new device.

If you live in the house permanently, then without special need it is not necessary to carry out the installation of the attic floor. It is unlikely that it will differ in functionality and convenience. You will most likely achieve only some visual appeal of the architectural look of your home.

Attic roof with a full second floor

With this option, you will use a full-fledged second floor, which has load-bearing and self-supporting walls with roof structures resting on them. In this case, we are dealing with an unused attic, which is usually not heated, and living quarters on the second floor. The attic takes on the role of an air gap formed between the place where people live and the external environment. It should be borne in mind that in order to move around the attic, it is necessary to provide for a passage over its entire area with a height of at least 1.4 meters. The residential floor should have a height of 2.5-3.5 meters. The attic room is usually intended for storing all household supplies. A fully functional second floor in this case does not have areas that are inconvenient for living.

As can be seen in the diagram of the complete second floor with an attic roof, it includes structural elements such as

  • ridge beam and rafter legs;
  • struts and racks;
  • mauerlat and crate;
  • roofing material;
  • connecting elements made of metal;
  • interior load-bearing walls.

If the roof fails, it can be freely repaired, having access to its structural components and layers of the roofing "pie" from the attic. There is also the possibility of adding one or more floors. All that is needed is to dismantle the existing roof.

This version of the roof, thanks to these "pluses", is the most common in the modern construction of cottages and other private houses.

The disadvantages of such a roof include the following:

  • The construction of external and internal walls of the second floor, as well as the attic floor, is reflected in the estimated cost of construction and leads to a rise in price compared to a mansard roof by 10-20 percent.
  • There is a need for constant ventilation of the attic. This is necessary for the free circulation of air so that it does not stagnate and does not contribute to the formation of rot on the roof structure and its “pie”. To do this, it is necessary to make gaps and correctly place the layers of the roof, ventilate the attic and annually clean the ventilation gaps from accumulated debris and dirt. With a mansard roof, the roof pie and the living room are ventilated separately.


The presented diagrams show how the air flows during the ventilation of the cold roof covering. They can pass through the attic space, through it and with the help of an air flow, as well as with a double air flow.

Attic roof features include:

  • The need for additional access to the attic. This is usually done with the help of a hatch, to which a vertical metal ladder is attached. You can also use the finished "mansard" stairs.
  • The roof in this case is insulated at the place of the attic floor, and waterproofing is carried out directly on the roof. This approach makes it easier to install the roof and reduce the cross section of its wooden structures.

Roofs of this type are the most common and they are used even if the cost of the construction object increases. It is worth noting that living under such a roof is considered more reliable and convenient.

Mansard roof with a full second floor

The proposed roof option is a combination of the first and second types. With a full-fledged second floor and a mansard roof located above it, you can reduce the cost of materials and attic construction, since there is no overlap between the attic and living space. Due to the high ceiling, such a roof provides a lot of free space.

As you can see, the broken mansard roof, the drawing of which is presented on the plan, creates the attractiveness of the interior space. Built into the roof, in addition to the main windows, skylights make the room surprisingly bright and sunny. Such volumes can be beaten using the imagination and experience of designers. The load-bearing frame of a house with such a roof must be rigid and stable, since the walls of the floor and the roof together form one rather high structure and have little rigidity.

The disadvantages of such a roof include:

  • the need to heat and illuminate a large volume;
  • the space under the ceiling has no functional purpose;
  • it is necessary to buy and install skylights;
  • to stiffen the roof structure, it is necessary to make a roof spacer.

A roof of this kind is not a common option and is recommended when dictated by the interior design of the premises.

Combined roof

The combined roof option includes a hybrid of all the above types of roofs. For example, you can arrange an attic roof over most of the house, and an attic roof over the bedrooms of children and guests. In this case, the house will have a combined roofing "pie", and in the second part, the device for insulation, waterproofing and vapor barrier is done separately. Different sections of the roof will have different sections of the rafters. In this case, you can not do without a well-designed roof project, which will show in detail the interface nodes, plans and sections of each roof option.

As a result, we can say that the mansard roof is less comfortable, but inexpensive option. Attic and combination roofs are said to be the most applicable and justified options. The construction of a full second floor with a mansard roof is quite rare, but this option is interesting for its interior.

After weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each type of roof, you can make a choice in accordance with specific circumstances and conditions.