Do-it-yourself mansard roof. Mansard roof - device and design

The attic is the room in your house that can carry the most diverse functional load: from a workshop and an office, to a bedroom and a living room. The arrangement of the attic will cost you much less than a full-fledged second floor. And the technology of its construction is more accessible for execution.
In this article, we will consider the types of attics, as well as the stages of building an attic with your own hands.

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

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

Roof truss structures

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

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

Stages of construction of the truss frame

First, the upper bar is laid, which can be a section of 0.1x0.1 m, and preferably 0.15x0.15 m. It is attached to the racks with special nails, iron staples or self-tapping screws. This bar is a rafter frame.

1. We make installation of Mauerlat. It is this element that is the "foundation" of the entire roof. It prevents the roof from tipping over in strong gusty winds, and also shifts the load from the attic to the load-bearing walls of the house. For mounting the power plate, use: boards (thickness not less than 5 cm) and bars (with a minimum section of 10x15 cm). The bars are laid out along the perimeter of the entire roof and attached to the wall with long self-tapping screws or metal brackets (or better, both at the same time). Another method of attaching the Mauerlat to the wall will not be superfluous - using a thick wire, which is pre-mounted in the top row of the brickwork of the wall. Remember that the stronger you tie the Mauerlat and the wall, the stronger the entire attic structure will be. And one more thing: under the Mauerlat bars, it is necessary to lay a layer of a waterproofing agent, and treat the boards or bars themselves with an antiseptic and waterproofing impregnation.
2. , which are most often purchased ready-made (although you can make them yourself if you wish). Before mounting these structural elements, it is necessary to put marks on the Mauerlat that will indicate the place where the legs are attached (the accepted distance between the legs is 15 cm). Labeling will simplify and speed up the implementation of this step.
3. We lay the edge rafters to the pediment. Particular attention should be paid to the fact that the edge of the front and the top of the rafters should be in one line. In addition, pay attention to the quality of the board used under the rafters: it should be without any special defects (normally no more than 3 flaws per 1 m), thickness - about 4 cm, width - about 15 cm. After the edge rafters are installed, they are connected by a level rope, along which all other rafter legs are mounted.
4. It's time to bring all the straps together. This is done along the top point of all rafters using a run. Then the ridge beam is installed, which, in principle, is not an obligatory element of the frame (it is erected when the roof is longer than 7 m).
5. Do not forget that at the stage of erecting the truss structure, you need to lay window frames under the roof windows.
6. If the roof is lower than 7 m, then extensions are mounted in the upper part of the rafters, which perform a dual function: they serve as ceiling beams for the future attic, strengthen the frame of the attic roof.

The rafter system is ready. It remains only to make the crate, fix the hydro-barrier material, lay a layer of insulation material, as well as roofing. Mansard roof is ready. We proceed to the internal work, which we will discuss below.

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

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

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

When people start building a house, they rarely think about the fact that the composition of the family may soon change. What to do if additional living space is needed, and it is impossible to expand the dwelling with outbuildings due to the small area of ​​​​the land? The design of the mansard roof solves the problem of lack of space, it can be mounted on a newly built house or to reconstruct an existing roof.

Gable attic

Sloped roof with attic

Varieties of mansard roofs

The group of mansard roofs includes all types of roofs, under the slopes of which it is possible to equip a living space. According to building codes, an attic is distinguished from an attic by a ceiling height suitable for human habitation and the presence of natural light. The following are suitable for attic installation:

Houses with a roof of any type can be equipped with an attic, however, working with a hipped, shed and asymmetric is more difficult and expensive, it is better to abandon these options in favor of more rational ones - a gable or broken roof.

Types of attic rooms

A heated attic space is a real alternative to the second residential floor of a wooden or brick house. The fact is that the increase in the number of storeys of the structure is associated with significant costs for the capital foundation and the construction of the stairs. Different attic configurations are used depending on the available area and the needs of the homeowner:

• Single-level. Under the broken or straight slopes of the gable roof, there is only one living space. The construction of this type of attic is not associated with an increase in the weight of the roof, so it is suitable for buildings under construction and reconstructed. Even a master without experience can perform the calculation and build a drawing of a single-level attic. According to building codes, the ceiling height in a residential area should be 2.5 m or more.
• Single-level with a remote console. A cantilever type mansard roof device is placed under an asymmetric roof. To increase the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe living space, part of it is taken out to the limits of the perimeter of the structure. The protruding part of the attic, based on pillars, is adapted for a canopy or garage. The roof of the house with consoles is asymmetric, the main part of the house is covered by a gable roof, and the console is a single-pitched “patch”. The console view of the attic is erected to install vertical windows for natural light. However, professional architects can create a project and drawings of such complexity, and a complex scheme of the truss system is not suitable for self-assembly.
• Two-level. If the roof height exceeds 5 m, then in the attic room it is possible to equip two rooms located at different levels and connected by a staircase. This type of attic is not built on existing houses. Two-level premises are planned at the design stage, taken into account when creating foundation drawings. The scheme of the relative position of the truss system is specially developed for the complex, asymmetric geometry of the roof slopes. The second level of the attic is based on columns, so the reliability of the structure directly depends on the correctness of the calculations and the professionalism of the architect.

Designers can create real masterpieces from cantilever and two-level attics, using the advantages of panoramic lighting, equipping a greenhouse, nursery or bedroom filled with fresh air and light, however, a simple single-level design is more suitable for self-assembly.

Advantages of the attic

Homeowners try to use every opportunity to rationalize construction costs, so they do not miss the opportunity to use the space under the roof of the house. This option to increase the useful area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe house has the following advantages:

1. The minimum price of 1 sq. m of living space. Due to the fact that the equipment of the attic is not associated with an increase in the cost of building a foundation, the cost of each meter in the house is cheaper than in the construction of two-story structures.
2. Rationalization of heating costs. An air pocket between the attic floor and ceiling prevents the heat generated by the heaters from escaping through the roof. Air does not transfer heat well, so it will be warmer on the ground floor of the building, which leads to energy savings.
3. Finished look. Attic equipment makes the look of the house complete and harmonious, allows you to equip a balcony, shed or garage.
4. Construction speed. During the construction of the attic in a residential building, it is imperative to stop the operation of the first floor. The speed of installation allows you to complete work on the attic equipment within a week.
5. Minimum costs. Experienced builders say that there is no cheaper way to get a few square meters.

To equip an attic room, the length of the end wall of the building must exceed 4.5 m, and the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe house is more than 7 square meters. m, the recommended proportion of height to area is ½.

Natural lighting in the attic

The presence of natural light is a prerequisite that must be met in order for the attic space to be considered residential according to building codes. There are two ways to organize it.

When choosing windows for the attic, keep in mind that it must be in harmony with the roofing material, the total area of ​​​​windows cannot exceed a third of the surface of the slopes, and the size of the translucent structure directly depends on the angle of inclination.

Ventilation equipment

If you are going to insulate and heat the attic, it must be equipped with a forced ventilation system. The cold under-roof space is ventilated independently with the help of dormer windows. In a well-insulated attic, natural air circulation becomes difficult, which makes it stuffy, damp and uncomfortable. To avoid such problems, installation is necessary:

The location of the elements of the forced ventilation system on the soft roof

A working forced ventilation system makes air circulate with the help of convection - the properties of warm air rise up, making room for cool air taken from the street. This will increase the life of the truss system, roofing material, protect against mold and dampness, and also create a pleasant microclimate in the attic.

There are ready-made drawings of mansard roofs of a standard size available for do-it-yourself installation, if you are an inexperienced builder, then it will be most reliable to stop at just such options.

Video instruction

The construction of the attic is a very important process that is carried out both at the design stage of the entire house and after its construction. This room provides its owners with additional square meters of living space. On the features of the construction of the attic, we will consider further.

Attic construction: project and its development

The attic is a rather difficult part of the building to build. It is preferable to design it at the stage of building the house itself. Because, the construction of a residential attic already on a finished building is not always possible. First of all, due to the fact that the attic room has a considerable weight, and therefore loads the foundation.

The construction of the attic consists of a certain kind of stages, such as:

• attic construction blueprints;
• dismantling of old roofing materials, in the event that the attic is being built on an already finished building;
• strengthening the walls on the upper floor, strengthening the foundation, if necessary;
• erection of the walls of the attic room;
• roof construction, its insulation, waterproofing and finishing;
• installation of window structures;
• internal finishing works.

Compliance with all technological nuances in the construction of the attic will allow you to get a reliable and durable building.

The first and most important stage is the drafting of an attic room. At this stage, one should take into account such features as the size of the room, the material used in its construction, the roof and the level of its slope, and many other nuances.

There are three ways to design an attic. The first is the most budgetary, drawing up a project manually. However, this operation requires minimal design experience. The second way is to use ready-made project documentation, however, it’s not a fact that someone’s attic project is completely suitable for your home, so you still have to make some adjustments to it. The third way is to contact specialized organizations that, in the shortest possible time, will help you draw up an attic project for you, which is ideal for your home.

In the process of independent design, one should take into account the wall loads on the building, its appearance and finishing materials used both inside and outside the premises. In addition, it is imperative to take into account the load from the building on the foundation, it may need to be strengthened. If the attic is too heavy, then there is a risk of deformation or cracks in the house.

Experts will help you choose the best building materials, which, on the one hand, will ensure the durability of the attic in operation, and on the other hand, will help reduce its load on the base of the entire building.

In addition, after drawing up the project, it should be coordinated with special state institutions. In the presence of a competent project, this process will pass quite quickly.

Do-it-yourself attic construction in the house

We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the option of building an attic in an already built and commissioned residential building. In this case, the first step is to dismantle the old roof. Thus, it will be possible to expand the under-roof space, and increase the safety of the building under construction.

To dismantle the roof, it is not necessary to hire specialists, all work can be done by hand. To do this, you must first get rid of the external roofing finishing material. Next, you need to completely remove the crate and truss system.

After that, it is necessary to strengthen the walls on the adjacent floor, since the attic will exert a certain pressure on them. The design features of the attic put pressure not only on the surface of the base of the building, but also on its walls. Therefore, first of all, before the construction of the attic, it is necessary to strengthen the walls that lie close to it. To do this, you should use special calculations, according to which this process is performed and the level of strength of old walls is determined.

The next stage is the insulation and waterproofing of the attic floor, which is also the ceiling on the previous floor. With the help of this action, it will be possible to ensure a healthy atmosphere in the room. To insulate the attic, you can use various heat-insulating materials in the form of foam, mineral wool, etc.

Attic construction photo:

This is followed by the process of building walls in the attic room. The walls are made in relation to the project developed in advance. Most often, wood or timber is used to build walls. To insulate the attic, it is recommended to use mineral wool or expanded polystyrene. When choosing a material for exterior and interior wall decoration, try to give preference to materials with a high level of fire safety.

The next process is the construction of the roof. In this case, the calculation of the correct angle of inclination of the roof is very important. Since too sloping roof will adversely affect the usability of the attic space. Please note that the roof must be properly waterproofed, since if there are the slightest leaks on its surface, moisture enters the attic.

In addition, the shape of the roof should be as simple as possible, the presence of broken and curly elements will only complicate the process of their construction. Also important is the issue of insulation of the attic. For these purposes, various building materials are used. When choosing a heater for the attic, try to give preference to materials that do not absorb moisture, are resistant to frost, temperature extremes and rodents. In addition, the heat-insulating material should not allow heat to pass from the room.

It is best to focus on internal thermal insulation work. To form it, follow a series of steps:

• install the finish in the form of a plasterboard or plywood base;
• form a layer of vapor barrier; special films are used for these purposes;
• lay heat-insulating material - the ideal solution is mineral wool;
• ensure proper waterproofing of the roof with a special kind of membranes;
• lay the outer finishing roofing material.

To build a roof, you will also need to install a truss system, mount a crate, the installation step of which depends on the type of roofing material. After the installation of the roof is completed, the windows should be mounted.

In order to provide high-quality lighting in the room, several windows should be installed in it, the size of which directly depends on the size of the attic itself. The window in the attic ceiling must be of high quality. It must be resistant to precipitation, wind, temperature changes. In addition, with the help of window structures, high-quality ventilation of the attic is provided.

Further actions for the construction of the attic are associated with interior finishing work, organization of heating, decoration and design of the room. Strict adherence to all recommendations for the construction of the attic will help ensure the long-term operation of this room.

Frame attic construction technology

A frame attic is a great solution for any home, garage and even a bathhouse. Among the advantages of frame-type attics, we note:

• ease of construction, so it does not load the main building, there is no need for additional strengthening of the walls and base;
• affordable cost of the attic - in comparison with its stone options;
• high level of thermal insulation and sound insulation;
• the possibility of building an attic of almost any shape and configuration;
• ease of construction work, since the materials for the construction are quite light and no special equipment is required to raise them to the surface of the house.

The construction of a frame attic allows you to get a finished building with excellent heat and sound insulation performance. In addition, the roof will remain intact, and the usable area of ​​​​the premises will increase significantly.

A simpler process is the construction of an attic on a building that has not yet been erected. The construction of an attic on an already finished house requires the dismantling of the old roofing. Work should begin by studying the characteristics of the soil on the site and determining the bearing capacity of the foundation. If the foundation is not able to withstand the attic, then it will be necessary to carry out a number of works aimed at strengthening it.

Next, you should examine the walls of the house for their susceptibility to additional loads. In this case, if necessary, it is necessary to strengthen the walls. After that, the old roof is dismantled and the ceiling is strengthened.

The construction of a wooden attic consists of the following stages:

• production of a frame system;
• wall installation;
• insulation of the attic walls;
• installation work related to the installation of the roof;
• attic finishing with roofing materials and roof insulation;
• interior decoration of the attic.

In addition, the construction of an attic involves the installation of window and door structures, the manufacture and installation of stairs, etc.

In order to carry out the construction of an attic from a bar, it is necessary to prepare an edged board, plywood, self-tapping screws and the bar itself. The frame structure should be comfortable in height for the movement of an average person. The optimal height of the attic is at least two meters. The height of the ridge zone should be about 350 cm.

The easiest way is to assemble the frame on the ground, and then raise it to the roof. The top beam or frame frame will act as a hearth in the attic. To fix the frame structure on the surface of the house, special plates or plywood are used. Thus, it is possible to obtain a special platform. The knots and quality of fastening depends on the material from which the walls of the attic are made. Self-tapping screws are used to connect the timber in the upper part of the structure. After the frame walls are made, the roof should be thermally insulated and waterproofed. After that, external and internal wall cladding is performed, windows and doors are mounted, internal finishing work is carried out.

When planning an attic, you should carefully analyze the general condition of the main building. The attic can be one room or will consist of several rooms. At the design stage, the design and shape of windows, as well as their location, should also be taken into account.

The attic should be built from lightweight, but at the same time durable materials. Since the materials should easily rise to the roof and exert a minimum load on the base of the building.

The most optimal materials for building an attic are wood or steel profiles. An attic made of stone or concrete will load the main building. Roofing materials should also be lightweight, but at the same time durable and reliable. It is preferable to use shingles or piece metal for roofing. We recommend using plasterboard for interior wall decoration and for leveling them.

Since the attic is located above the main building, it is more in contact with cold air. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure proper thermal insulation of this room. The heated air in the room should not penetrate through the insulation. In addition, in order to prevent moisture from entering the room, it is necessary to ensure its waterproofing.

In relation to the design features of the attic, it consists of a system of rafters, which is installed in compliance with a step of sixty centimeters. To fill the gaps between the rafter system, it is recommended to install heat-insulating materials such as mineral wool inside them. It is possible to lay insulation in one, two or even three layers. To calculate the total thickness of the thermal insulation material, the total heat loss coefficient in the room should be taken into account. To protect the roof from the inside of the room, a vapor barrier should be installed. Next, you should finish the roof with drywall, lining or finishing panels.

Do not forget to leave a ventilation gap, the main function of which will be to get rid of excess moisture in the under-roof space. The width of this gap depends on the type of roofing material. A vapor-permeable wind protection should be installed on the outside of the thermal insulation material.

An excellent vapor barrier material is polyethylene film, glassine or roofing material. The insulation is laid with an overlap of 15 cm. Construction tape is used to glue the seams. Please note that foil waterproofing is laid with a foil coating inside the room. Thus, the foil will reflect the heat that comes from the room.

Attic construction video:

If you have made such a decision how to build an attic - it will be the right one. Before building an attic in an existing house, you first need to decide on its shape, and whether the roof will be completely converted into an attic floor or not.
After all, the construction of the attic is considered not only more economical, but also a process that will require much less labor in comparison with the construction of the next floor. It is these facts that make the construction of the attic very popular. Projects of country houses with an attic, as a rule, have a special or, as the builders call it, a "broken" roof, as it makes it possible to make the most of the usable area.

Particular attention in solving such an issue as building an attic must be paid to the quality of the roof. Since it should not only have an aesthetic appearance, but also have excellent thermal insulation, and also have good waterproofing. The best thermal insulation material for roofing is either slate or ceramic tiles, but in no case do not use metal tiles, as they tend to get very hot in the sun. In this case, how to build an attic with your own hands? At the initial stage of building construction, it is possible to make calculations of the supporting structure with maximum accuracy.

It should be borne in mind that the installation of rafters must be done at an angle (from 30 to 60 °), since an increase in the degree of inclination leads to a decrease in the useful area of ​​​​the attic.
To solve the problem, you can insulate the attic from the inside using mineral wool.

A residential attic requires a large layer of insulation. The material must comply with fire safety requirements and be non-toxic. Mineral wool is one of the most suitable options.

Varieties of material

The main types of mineral wool are basalt wool and glass wool. Each has its own properties, pros and cons.
Basalt wool

Basalt wool is produced from gabbro-basalt rock. Carbonate rocks are specially added to it, which allows you to adjust the acidity module. Material of greater acidity is more resistant to moisture, more durable. The addition of binders to basalt wool: bituminous, synthetic, composite, bentonite clays - holds the fibers together, helps to give the desired shape.

glass wool

Glass wool is a mineral material, for the manufacture of which raw materials used in the production of glass are used, as well as waste, broken glass.

The properties of glass wool are different from those of basalt, its thickness is 3–15 microns, and its length is several times greater than that of basalt. Therefore, glass wool slabs are more elastic, have greater strength, and are resistant to vibrations. Glass wool is fire resistant, withstands up to 450 °C.

Despite all the advantages of glass wool, there is one significant drawback that reduces the popularity of its use. When laying this material, a lot of small particles that are harmful to health are formed. Therefore, the installation is carried out in special clothes, shoes, a protective mask. It will not work to clean them after work, you will need to throw them away.

Nuances of isolation

When insulating the roof, it is better to use cellulose wool, it provides better moisture conductivity, and does not allow moist air to accumulate under the roof.

The main difficulties of insulation are manifested when working on the slopes of the roof, which has a truss structure.

Here it is necessary to use dense cotton wool, which can be securely placed between the rafters. It should be light and elastic.

The main advantages of mineral wool are its incombustibility, soundproofing, good thermal insulation performance, vapor permeability, high environmental friendliness, and relatively affordable price. It is produced in plates, mats, cylinders, there are options with foil coating.

If the size of the insulation is greater than the distance between the rafters, it is cut into the necessary pieces, adding a few centimeters for a tight fit.

This method is well suited for warming attics, residential premises located directly under the roof. The disadvantage can be considered a decrease in internal dimensions due to a layer of wool, drywall and additional finishes.

Thermal insulation methods

Depending on which structural element of the building is insulated, there are 2 ways to insulate the roof from the inside.

Thermal insulation of the floor

The first option is floor insulation. The method is inexpensive and very easy to implement. It consists in laying wool on concrete base slabs or, in the case of a wooden floor, between structural elements. Any kind of mineral wool will do, even soft and granular. Laying is simple, it is not required to bypass the rafters, as when insulating roof slopes, you can easily fill all the gaps and cracks.

Thermal protection of slopes

The second option is the insulation of the roof slopes. If the room in the attic is not in use, then this option is not economically viable. The consumption of materials increases significantly, it takes more time due to bypassing the rafters and additional fastening of the mineral wool.

Insulation of slopes can be done in two ways: over open rafters or between them. In the first option, wooden beams remain visible indoors and have an additional decorative function.

Sequence of work

Regardless of which method of mineral wool insulation is used, the general algorithm of actions is as follows: surface preparation, waterproofing, installation of insulation, laying vapor barrier, sheathing.

Preparatory activities

Before starting work on thermal insulation, the surface to be insulated must be prepared. The structure is inspected, if necessary, the identified defects are eliminated, cleaned of dirt and debris. The preparatory work can also include the calculation of the amount of material.

The thickness of the insulation layer should be at least 15–20 cm, so when choosing wool of a smaller thickness, it will need to be laid in two layers.

Waterproofing

To protect the roof from moisture, waterproofing is installed on the surface to be insulated. It is overlapped, fixed with a stapler and gluing the joints with adhesive tape.

It is important to install the waterproofing membrane so that there is a ventilation gap between it and the insulation, and the material completely covers the entire rafter system and goes a little onto the walls.

A batten sheathing is then nailed over the insulation to the rafters to secure the material and provide a ventilation gap. All wooden structural elements are best treated with a special antiseptic.

Insulation laying

After installing the waterproofing, you can proceed with the installation of insulation. To do this, mineral wool is cut into pieces about 5 cm wider than the distance between the rafters. Then, after laying, the material will straighten out and better fill the space. Installation of mineral wool should be carried out in such a way that the material fits as tightly as possible to the beams and there are no gaps left.

Arrangement of vapor barrier

After laying the insulation, it is necessary to protect it from water vapor coming from inside the room. If this is not done, the mineral wool will gradually get wet and lose its thermal insulation properties. Therefore, a vapor barrier is installed on top of the insulation. As a vapor barrier, special foil materials, polyethylene films or roofing material are used.

For tightness, the vapor barrier is laid with overlapping layers, the seams are glued. It is important to install foil vapor barriers with the metallized side inside the attic. The structure is fixed with wooden slats, on which the sheathing (lining or drywall) is subsequently attached.

Roof insulation with mineral wool is one of the most affordable ways to equip a warm and cozy attic. The main thing is to strictly follow the technology. And then everything will work out.

Try to pay special attention to the insulation of the attic roof. If the roof is not insulated, do not expect heat in the attic. A roof is a roof covering. A mansard roof is a “roofing cake” consisting of several layers: a vapor barrier layer from the inside, a waterproofing layer from the outside, a heater between them and an air gap.

Various materials are used as insulation. The characteristics of the materials used depend on some factors: the functional purpose of the room, the level of humidity, critical temperatures, loads, and so on. Non-combustible, basalt materials are the best option.

Various materials are used as insulation for the attic from the inside. The most popular and simple - mineral wool

Styrofoam is not recommended. He is hot. Possesses poor vapor conductivity. Mineral wool is perfect. It is pressed into a plate. On the inside, there is a vapor barrier layer. From the outside - waterproofing (special layer).

Now it has become quite popular to use polyurethane foam spraying to insulate the attic from the inside. This method is also quite economical and very effective.

If the attic is made from an old attic, then, as a rule, the rafters are retained. The load is minimized by using low-density insulation for this, as they are much lighter. The disadvantage is that they are blown by the wind. Additionally, windproof, vapor-permeable material is laid.

Approach the installation of insulation with due attention. Do not forget about the presence of sufficient ventilation space between the roofing and the insulation layer.

The attic is warm in winter and cool in summer only when all the work on the insulation of the walls and roof is done correctly. Do not ignore these rules and your budget will get a tangible effect.

The attic is a fashionable architectural element. F. Mansara (French architect) three centuries ago was the first to use the attic space not only for household purposes, but also for housing.

Now in civil and industrial construction, it is quite widely in demand. In individual construction, the attic is experiencing a real boom. It is equipped both during the construction of a new house, and during the repair of attics (roofs).

The house takes on an expressive look, and the attic space is used functionally and efficiently. The area occupied by the attic is decent. An additional room for a good relaxation room (billiard room) or a wonderful summer bedroom. By making it warm and dry, it will be habitable.

A well-insulated and well-made attic can be an excellent rest and work room.

How to properly insulate the attic from the inside? A pre-designed project is required. It will allow you to prepare well, to foresee all the nuances. A competent approach to attic insulation and the mandatory use of high-quality materials will help to avoid mistakes that can play a very bad role over time.

In a private house, as a rule, there are large heat losses. Basically, this happens through the ceiling and upper floors. The processes of wetting (drying) of the insulation under the roof degrade its quality. Violation of the microclimate is often the cause of the cold inside the house. This occurs mainly due to poor-quality construction work associated with the attic.

It is recommended to insulate the attic not only from the outside, but also from the inside. Warming is a technically rather complicated process. The impressive area of ​​​​the attic floor, its maximum contact with the external environment, the complexity of the design - requires certain knowledge and skills from the one who will deal with its insulation.

Attic structures are distinguished by the fact that they can be constructed from a wide variety of materials, for example, wood, metal, reinforced concrete. There are no restrictions here, it is only necessary to ensure stability and proper insulation. The ceilings in the rooms can also be very different: inclined, flat with one inclined wall, formed by two slopes converging at an acute angle. All this and much more has made the attic so popular for more than four hundred years.

The main advantages of such a roof are as follows:

1. The possibility of an attic add-on, that is, the use of the infrastructure of an already standing building. At the same time, there is no need to completely disassemble the entire roof, which allows significant savings during the work. This is an additional floor that can be used for its intended purpose.

2. The living area of ​​the house is increased due to the reconstruction of the unused attic space. This allows you to add a full-fledged second floor at a relatively low cost.

3. In places with fairly dense buildings, the attic second floor is the best way out.

4. The external appearance of the building is improved, the structure acquires a complete, integral look.

5. Attics can be attached not only to one level. If necessary and in compliance with all the rules and requirements, it is possible to build a two-story attic, which will decorate any building, adding additional living space to it.

6. During the construction of the attic, heat losses through the roof of the house are much reduced. In addition, this results in lower heating costs during the winter months.

7. The construction of attics is possible even in a residential building without the need to resettle residents. For this, it is not necessary to use heavy construction equipment, all work is carried out directly on the roof of the building in the shortest possible time. A new floor can be built almost without problems and costs.

But when building an attic, there are also disadvantages, like any design. It is worth noting such shortcomings as:

1. When arranging such a room, some of the usable area is lost.

2. Sloped and sloping ceilings greatly reduce the height of the walls, the ceilings in the attic are usually low, do not exceed 2.4 meters.

3. Windows in many cases can only be located in the ceiling, which is not always convenient.

4. Roof structures due to lack of ventilation begin to degrade quickly. Usually their service life is about three times less than with a cold attic.

5. Large amounts of snow often accumulate on skylights in winter, which reduces the level of already insufficient lighting.
Varieties of designs

When deciding how to make an attic, you must first decide what type of truss system will be used. A characteristic feature of the attic design is its broken, rather steep configurations, but we must not forget that this is not an aesthetic function, but a purely practical one. Such broken forms provide:

correct transfer of all loads to load-bearing walls;

allow you to effectively protect the entire structure from precipitation;

· give stability to such negative phenomena as temperature extremes, showers, snowfall, the formation of a large amount of ice.

The simplest form of a residential attic is a triangle, the most complex is with a break. All horizontal logs and vertical racks are recommended to be made of wooden thin beams.

Among the used truss systems for the attic floor, the most commonly used are:

1. Hanging type rafters. They rest on the walls, creating a horizontal load. If you decide to make an attic second floor using this type of truss system, then you need to take into account the design features. To connect the beams, intermediate supports are not used here, only special puffs made of metal or wood.

2. An inclined type of truss system is recommended for small cottages in which the load-bearing wall is located in the center or intermediate supports are available. The rafters rest on the outer walls, the middle part of the structure - on the inner wall. Such a simple system can only be used for those houses in which the distance between free-standing load-bearing walls is not more than six and a half meters.

3. Hanging and inclined rafters can be in the form of right triangles, which have an emphasis behind the bearing wall. In this case, the Mauerlat does not need to be erected; ordinary beams are taken for the rafters. Struts are required, all racks cut into the floor beams, the rafters are attached with anchors.
Construction stages

So how to properly assemble the attic structure? The sequence of all work should be strictly observed, which will allow you to build a solid, reliable attic. Be sure to correctly determine all loads, which only experienced designers can do.

The construction of the attic provides for such work as:

1. Dismantling of the old roof. In this case, it is not necessary to completely disassemble the overlap. Unless it is foreseen by the project.

2. If necessary, the floor structures are strengthened. This is done so that the second floor (mansard) does not give unnecessary loads. If necessary, an additional layer of waterproofing is laid at this stage.

3. The construction of the truss system, the insulation of the attic itself.

4. Installation of windows.

5. Interior and exterior decoration of the building.

For the construction of the attic, it is recommended to use wooden beams that have a cross section of fifty by one hundred and fifty centimeters. At the same time, the following sequence of work is observed: first, the frame of the future structure is made, after which the support beams and rafters are strengthened. After the installation of stepped bevels, waterproofing work is carried out, insulation is laid. Now you can strengthen the crate and lay the roofing material. Finishing work is carried out last, after all windows are installed.

The attic second floor must be insulated to ensure the safety of the structure and the comfort of living conditions. In order for such a process to become effective, it is necessary to observe the construction of a multilayer "pie", which includes:

· internal finishing material on the ceiling of the attic room: moisture-resistant plywood, drywall, etc.;
vapor barrier membrane

insulation (usually mineral wool in rolls or slabs);

installation of waterproofing

installation of roofing (tiles, corrugated board, etc.).

The insulation layer should be two hundred and fifty - three hundred millimeters, often a special frame is made for its installation, which is attached perpendicular to the rafter system. When laying, it is impossible to allow gaps and cavities to remain between the insulation plates, as this will lead to significant heat losses, low thermal insulation efficiency.

The attic is not only beautiful, but also a very functional architectural element that is able to fulfill the numerous tasks assigned to it. This is a great place to live. Here you can equip a nursery, a playroom or a large gym.

The attic construction technology consists in the high-quality and consistent performance of such works:

1. Development of a project for the construction of an attic floor or its refurbishment.

2. Dismantling of old roof structures.

3. Strengthening the wall structures of the upper floor.

4. Device for waterproofing and thermal insulation of ceilings.

5. Construction of the end walls of the attic room.

6. Mansard roof erection, its insulation and finishing.

7. Installation of attic windows.

8. Arrangement of a new living space.

To work, you will need to purchase materials and tools. It is usually necessary to have wall panels (or other material) for sheathing the end walls of the attic space, thermal insulation materials for walls and pitched roofs, roofing materials, beams for roof construction, finishing materials, etc.

After preparing everything that is required for construction, project development, you can begin the main work. First you need to make a frame for the roof. Rafters can be made from beams measuring 50x150 cm. The structure must be well fixed, slings, support blocks must be installed, attic walls erected and rafters installed. The truss structure must be mounted securely and accurately. After that, stepped bevels of the walls, partitions of the attic room are installed, and work is carried out on the insulation and waterproofing of the attic. Next, you should build a crate for the attic roof, lay a heat insulator on it, strengthen it and then finish the roof with roofing material. After that, the installation of doors and windows, interior decoration and arrangement of the premises.

Attic roof

In order to understand how to make the roof in the attic correctly, knowledge about the features of such a room will not be superfluous. Leaks in the roof and other roof defects will affect the entire building to a much greater extent than the same defects in an ordinary attic roof. In this case, water will flow into the living room, which is likely to lead to the repair of the premises.

The main feature of a mansard roof is that it is exposed to moisture both from the outside and from above (snow, rain, etc.) and from below (condensate formation from the moisture in the air of the living quarters of the lower floors). To eliminate this problem, the attic construction technology provides for the installation of a special vapor barrier layer that prevents the penetration of moist and warm air from living rooms to the tiles.

It is also necessary to make waterproofing under the roofing material and ensure sufficient ventilation of the roof of the attic space. As a roofing, you can use soft bituminous tiles or metal tiles.

Warming and arrangement of the attic

In view of the fact that the attic is usually used as a living space, great importance is attached to its thermal insulation. High-quality insulation of the attic roof ensures the creation of a comfortable microclimate in such a room and other rooms of the house, effective heat preservation and a long service life of the entire building. There are several ways to insulate the attic. Warming outside means the general warming of the whole house.

The optimal and most effective way is additional internal insulation, which involves the use of a multi-layer heat-insulating structure consisting of the following layers:

First layer (internal) - finishing material, such as drywall sheets, plywood and other materials that form the ceiling of the attic room

The second layer is a vapor barrier film

The third layer is a porous heat-insulating material (mineral wool, etc.)

The fourth layer is a waterproofing material laid with the formation of a small gap and the possibility of a simple withdrawal of water to the outside

· The fifth layer is roofing (metal tiles, soft roofing, etc.).

Advice from the master!

In addition to the thermal insulation of the attic roof, it is also necessary to insulate its walls and floor. The arrangement of the premises in the attic includes the implementation of such works as the installation of skylights, internal partitions, doors, as well as decorative trim.

Installing pitched skylights is the best solution for an attic. Glazing can occupy a significant area of ​​​​the attic surface, at least - 12.5%. The glasses in such windows are special: they do not break when pressed hard or hit, but crumble into granules that do not have sharp and cutting surfaces.

The specificity of the attic rooms allows you to equip them in a special way, arrange them in an unusual and original way. Many designers recommend using translucent plastic partitions or partitions decorated with translucent fabrics for zoning these rooms. When choosing a shade for wall decoration, it is recommended to give preference to light colors that will make the interior light and pleasant. It is not recommended to decorate roof windows with curtains, but it is better to choose light-colored blinds.

Having learned how to build an attic yourself, equip it, create a comfortable, cozy and unusual room, you can try to build the top floor at home. This is a great way to make your home unique and individual, increase its usable area and equip additional living space.

It should also be noted that the attic should be at least 3 meters wide, and the height in the center of the room should be at least 2.2 m. But in this case, how to build an attic that was not originally planned? There are always additional questions such as, for example, the device of the stairs. You can place a ladder in the area of ​​​​the attic hatch, which will simplify construction, and a spiral staircase will also make it possible to save space. In order to prevent the wood from rotting and being damaged by pests, all wooden elements of the roof must be treated with an antiseptic.

To increase fire resistance, it is necessary to impregnate with flame retardants (special wood flame retardants). Also, when deciding how to build an attic, it is necessary to take into account that the attic and attic differ primarily in climatic conditions. The attic is a less ventilated room, which causes condensation to form on the insulation. Therefore, it is necessary to leave a space between the insulation and the roof (at least 50 mm), and another layer of vapor barrier should be laid on the insulation from the inside. When carrying out thermal insulation work, one should also not forget about the insulation of walls, which are thinner in attic structures. The layer of their thermal insulation must have a thickness of at least (250-300 mm). Self-construction of the attic floor is possible, but for this it is necessary to carefully plan the implementation of all work and thoroughly observe the existing technology.
Of course, it would be much easier not to disassemble it, but to reinforce the ceiling over the premises of the house. As load-bearing structures, you can use bars, or a channel.

After the ceiling is reinforced, you need to determine the size of the attic rooms, their height at the walls should not be lower than 1.5 m, and in the middle part it should be a standard height of 2.5 m, or even more. After that, a guide profile (PN) is attached to the floor, for drywall, and above it, the same profile to the rafters. Marking, which is done with a plumb line, tape measure, or a strong cord. Then, the rack profile (PS) is installed in the guide profiles, the pitch of which should be 600 mm. On inclined ceiling surfaces, the metal profile can be mounted horizontally. After that, when the layout of the rooms is clearly visible, several skylights can be installed on the roof so that the rooms are well lit with natural light. In addition, it will be necessary to make an opening in the ceiling for the installation of stairs to the attic. The least space on the ground floor will be occupied by a single-flight staircase, with goose step steps.

After that, from the outside, the frame of the attic partitions can be sheathed with waterproof drywall, and then electrical wiring can be laid inside the frame to connect switches and sockets. Further, mineral wool slabs, 100 mm thick, or, in extreme cases, 50 mm, are placed in the frame. From the inside, they are closed with a vapor barrier, and an inner lining of waterproof drywall is attached, holes are made in it for the installation of sockets and switches, and wires are brought out into them for connection. Then the ceiling and inclined surfaces are hemmed, which are also insulated with a mineral wool board.

Mansard roof is the best way to increase the usable area of ​​the house. This will keep costs to a minimum. With this design, you can equip one or more living rooms. Often in the attic they arrange children's rooms or an office. A comfortable room in the attic can serve as a living room.

When arranging the attic, it is important to remember a few principles that will help create a comfortable and practical room. The mansard roof is a specially equipped attic. When creating such a structure, it is important to carefully approach the stages of thermal insulation, redevelopment and ventilation of the room on the roof. A video of building a mansard roof with your own hands (step by step) can be found at the end of the article.

Advantages and disadvantages of the solution

When deciding to equip an attic room, you need to know the features of its construction. The advantages of attic rooms include:

• There is an extra room in the attic. It can be equipped depending on taste preferences and purpose.
• Small costs. The construction of an attic room will not cost a large amount. Such work will be equivalent to the construction of an extension near the house. At the same time, the useful area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe house is expanding.
• Great view from the window. Attractive landscapes outside the attic window will not leave anyone indifferent.

If we consider the disadvantages of the attic device, we should remember the need for additional heating of the room.

Types of mansard roofs

When designing an attic floor, it is important to take care of choosing the type of roof. It is necessary to understand not only the choice of the appearance of the structure, but also the methods of its arrangement. There are several options that are most acceptable when creating a mansard roof. They can be selected only taking into account the features of the house:

It is important to deal with the device of the mansard roof, which it was decided to make.

Attic device

Each roof has its own design features. However, attic structures have a number of common features with simple pitched structures. It is important to know them before starting work:

Knowing the structure of the roof, you can start the main work. A photo of the construction of a mansard roof with your own hands (step by step) will help you deal with the stages of the process.

Attic construction technology

Often, when designing a mansard roof, architects do not take into account the errors in the ventilation system and the insulating layer. If there are such errors, the result can be disastrous. Within a few years, the roof will begin to leak. Since the attic is quite close to the wall inside the room, it is quite difficult to ensure the optimal level of heat transfer. The design of the attic must necessarily include elements such as thermal insulation and ventilation.

Important! Elements of the truss system should be pre-treated with various means of protection that will reduce the impact of fire and microorganisms.

The heat-insulating layer is made 20 cm thick. This is due to the cold climate in most regions of Russia. In addition, when creating good thermal insulation in summer, it will be cool under the mansard roof. The advantages of this solution indicate the need to select a high-quality protective material.

In addition, you will need to create a roof ventilation system. In summer, when the temperature is quite high, the roof will get very hot, which can make staying in the attic quite uncomfortable. With a properly equipped air supply and exhaust system, being in a room will become much more pleasant. The same solution will protect the roof from destruction. A layer of sound insulation is laid to create a quiet and comfortable environment inside the attic. At the same time, rain, hail or strong winds will not be heard much.

Advice! when laying insulation materials, it is best to work with an experienced installer. This will avoid mistakes.

Stages of construction of the attic

Step-by-step instructions for arranging an attic floor involve the implementation of a number of subtleties of technology. For the construction of the attic, you must have at least minimal experience in construction work. The construction of an attic space will be significantly more difficult than in the case of a conventional roof. This is due to the need to comply with the desired angles of the slopes. You can figure out how to build an attic in a private house with your own hands after studying the construction plan.

You need to start with the drafting of the attic floor. For this purpose, it is better to invite a specialist who can accurately calculate the load and set the required dimensions of the elements. If you have certain knowledge, all calculations can be performed in a special program. You will also need to calculate the slopes of the roof and the expected loads. For error-free work, you will need to study the book "loads and effects on buildings and structures."

The construction of the truss frame

When performing this stage of work, you will need to invite 2-3 workers. It is better to start the roofing device with the laying of Mauerlat bars. They are fixed around the perimeter of the house. For Mauerlats choose bars 100x100 mm.

Then they mount the frame of the future attic room. Its vertical elements will serve as support posts for the truss system. First, vertical supports are installed on both sides. They are fixed to the longitudinal beams. For connection, you need to use metal corners and self-tapping screws.

Advice! In the process of such work, it is better to use a screwdriver. This will speed up the work considerably.

As a result of such actions, two arches are obtained. They should be connected with a twine. It must be strictly horizontal. Even with a slight slope of the tow, one of the arches will have to be shortened. Then, at a certain distance from each other, other arches should be installed. To fix the jumpers, use stamped corners.

Then the upper rafters are installed. This kind of work is quite difficult. Rafters should be mounted in such a way that they are installed at a certain slope. First, a template is made from the boards. It is necessary that they correspond to the connected rafters. When using such a template, you need to cut the rafters that are on the ground. Then they are installed in the right place. Installation of rafters is carried out taking into account the construction of the internal attic room.

The installation of the truss structure ends with nailing the crate. Usually it is made of plywood or chipboard.

Attic roof insulation

After completing the installation of the truss system and the crate, you can create an insulating layer. The vapor barrier film is laid from the inside of the roof. It is fixed to the rafters on building brackets. After that, thermal insulation is performed. It is necessary to monitor the density of laying the insulation on the surface of the rafters. There should be no gaps due to which problems with condensate and thermal protection of the room may arise in the future. the construction of the crate is attached to the thermal insulation with a gap between the boards of half a meter.

Waterproofing is laid on top of the rafters. It will protect the attic from moisture. Roofing is laid on top of the waterproofing layer. Such a roofing pie scheme is optimal when constructing an attic.

Attention! During construction, it is important to take care of compliance with safety requirements.

As you can see, building a mansard roof is a serious job. The durability of the structure depends on the degree of seriousness with which to approach the work. You can find a lot of examples of what design and appearance an attic can have. Among its various types, you can choose the most suitable option. If you want to create optimal daylight, you should install a large window. Often its shape is chosen round or square. In any case, before work, you should carefully prepare and draft a future building.

conclusions

When building a mansard roof, some features of the work should be taken into account. For example, it is important to create the correct insulation and waterproofing of the cake. In addition, you need to take care of the choice of roofing. Thanks to this, the mansard roof will be reliably protected from the weather.

Before work, a draft of the future building is drawn up. It is created taking into account the design loads and materials used. The construction plan reflects all the subtleties of the process. It is important to follow the mansard roof construction technology - this will ensure its reliability and durability.