Drawing up a scheme for the construction of a multi-pitched roof. Do-it-yourself gable roof truss system: an overview of hanging and layered structures Video: Roof truss system, what you need to know for proper design

Site arrangement 23.06.2020
Site arrangement

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

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

In the device of the truss frame for pitched roofs, wooden and metal beams are used. The starting material for the first option is a board, log, beam.

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

In addition to the "iron" strength, the metal has a lot of disadvantages. These include heat engineering qualities that do not satisfy the owners of residential buildings. Disappointing need for the use of welded joints. Most often, industrial buildings are equipped with steel rafters, less often private change houses assembled from metal modules.

In the case of self-construction of truss structures for private houses, wood is a priority. It is easy to work with it, it is lighter, “warmer”, more attractive in terms of environmental criteria. In addition, nodal connections do not require a welding machine and welder skills.

Rafters - a fundamental element

The main "player" of the frame for the construction of the roof is the rafter, among the roofers called the rafter leg. Beds, braces, headstocks, girders, puffs, even Mauerlat may or may not be used depending on the architectural complexity and dimensions of the roof.

The rafters used in the construction of the gable roof frame are divided into:

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

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

For the arrangement of supports for the top of the layered rafters, beds and girders are mounted. In reality, the truss structure is much more complicated than the elementary patterns described.

Note that the formation of a gable roof frame can generally be carried out without a truss structure. In such situations, the alleged planes of the slopes are formed by slegs - beams laid directly on the bearing gables.

However, we are now specifically interested in the device of the gable roof truss system, and it can involve either hanging or layered rafters, or a combination of both types.

Subtleties of fastening rafter legs

The rafter system is fastened to brick, foam concrete, aerated concrete walls through the mauerlat, which in turn is fixed with anchors.

Between the Mauerlat, which is a wooden frame, and the walls of these materials, a waterproofing layer of roofing material, waterproofing, etc. is necessarily laid.

The top of the brick walls is sometimes specially laid out so that something like a low parapet is obtained along the outer perimeter. So it is necessary that the Mauerlat placed inside the parapet and the walls do not burst the rafter legs.

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

How to do without furious calculations?

It is highly desirable that the cross section and linear dimensions of the wooden beams be determined by the project. The designer will give clear calculation justifications for the geometric parameters of the board or beam, taking into account the entire range of loads and weather conditions. If there is no home design development master at his disposal, his path lies on the construction site of a house with a similar roof structure.

You can ignore the number of storeys of the building under construction. It is easier and more correct to find out the required dimensions from the foreman than to find them out from the owners of a shaky unauthorized construction. After all, the foreman is in the hands of documentation with a clear calculation of the loads per 1 m² of roof in a particular region.

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

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

Craftsmen calculate the pitch of the rafters according to the design features of the building, tritely dividing the length of the ramp into equal distances. For insulated roofs, the step between the rafters is selected based on the width of the thermal insulation boards.

On our website you can find, which may also help you a lot during construction.

Rafter structures of layered type

Rafter structures of the layered type are much simpler in execution than their hanging counterparts. A justified plus of the layered scheme is to provide full ventilation, which is directly related to the longevity of the service.

Distinctive design features:

  • Mandatory presence of support under the ridge heel of the rafter leg. The role of the support can be played by a run - a wooden beam resting on racks or on the inner wall of the building, or the upper end of an adjacent rafter.
  • The use of Mauerlat for the construction of a truss structure on walls made of brick or artificial stone.
  • The use of additional runs and racks where the rafter legs, due to the large size of the roof, require additional support points.

The minus of the scheme is the presence of structural elements that affect the layout of the internal space of the operated attic.

If the attic is cold and the organization of useful premises is not supposed to be in it, then the layered construction of the truss system for the installation of a gable roof should be preferred.

A typical sequence of work on the construction of a layered truss structure:

  • First of all, we measure the height of the building, the diagonals and the horizontalness of the upper cut of the skeleton. When identifying vertical deviations of brick and concrete walls, we eliminate them with a cement-sand screed. Exceeding the heights of the log house we squeeze. By placing chips under the Mauerlat, vertical flaws can be dealt with if their magnitude is insignificant.
  • The floor surface for laying the bed must also be leveled. He, the Mauerlat and the run must be clearly horizontal, but the location of the listed elements in the same plane is not necessary.
  • We process all wooden parts of the structure before installation with fire retardants and antiseptic preparations.
  • We lay waterproofing on concrete and brick walls for the installation of a Mauerlat.
  • We lay the Mauerlat beam on the walls, measure its diagonals. If necessary, we slightly move the bars and turn the corners, trying to achieve the perfect geometry. Align the frame horizontally if necessary.
  • We mount the Mauerlat frame. The splicing of the beams into a single frame is carried out by means of oblique cuts, the joints are duplicated with bolts.
  • We fix the position of the Mauerlat. Fasteners are made either with brackets to wooden plugs laid in the wall ahead of time, or with anchor bolts.
  • We mark the position of the bed. Its axis should recede from the Mauerlat bars at equal distances on each side. If the run will be based only on racks without lying down, the marking procedure is carried out only for these columns.
  • We install the bed on a two-layer waterproofing. We fasten it to the base with anchor bolts, connect it to the inner wall with wire twists or staples.
  • We mark the installation points of the rafter legs.
  • We cut out racks according to uniform sizes, because our bed is set to the horizon. The height of the racks must take into account the dimensions of the section of the run and the bed.
  • Installing racks. If provided by the project, we fix them with spacers.
  • We lay the run on the racks. We check the geometry again, then install the brackets, metal plates, wooden mounting plates.
  • We install a trial rafter board, mark the places of trimming on it. If the Mauerlat is set strictly to the horizon, there is no need to adjust the roof rafters in fact. The first board can be used as a template for making the rest.
  • We mark the installation points of the rafters. Folk craftsmen for marking usually prepare a pair of slats, the length of which is equal to the gap between the rafters.
  • According to the markup, we install the rafter legs and fasten them first at the bottom to the Mauerlat, then at the top to the run to each other. Every second rafter is screwed to the Mauerlat with a wire bundle. In wooden houses, the rafters are screwed to the second crown from the top row.

If the rafter system is done flawlessly, the layered boards are mounted in random order.

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


The installation of the truss structure is completed by installing the filly, if the length of the rafter legs does not allow the formation of an overhang of the required length. By the way, for wooden buildings, the overhang should “go beyond” the contour of the building by 50 cm. If the organization of the visor is planned, separate mini-rafters are installed under it.

Another useful video about the construction of a gable truss base with your own hands:

Hanging truss systems

The hanging type of truss systems is a triangle. The two upper sides of the triangle are folded by a pair of rafters, and the puff connecting the lower heels serves as the base.

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

The specifics of hanging truss systems

Characteristic features of hanging type truss structures:

  • Mandatory presence of a puff, made most often of wood, less often of metal.
  • The ability to refuse the use of Mauerlat. A frame made of timber will be successfully replaced by a board laid on a two-layer waterproofing.
  • Installation on the walls of ready-made closed triangles - roof trusses.

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

The first of these is the limitation on the steepness of the slopes: their slope angle can be at least 1/6 of the span of a triangular truss, steeper roofs are strongly recommended. The second disadvantage is the need for thorough calculations for the competent device of cornice nodes.

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

Subtleties of long-span hanging systems

Puff - the longest element of the hanging rafter structure. Over time, it, as is typical of all lumber, deforms and sags under the influence of its own weight.

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

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

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

The bottom line is that the headstock, as it were, hangs on a ridge knot, and a puff is already attached to it with the help of bolts or nailed wooden plates. Threaded or collet type clamps are used to correct slack.

Adjustment of the tightening position can be arranged in the zone of the ridge knot, and the headstock can be rigidly connected to it with a notch. Instead of a bar in non-residential attics, reinforcement can be used to manufacture the described tightening element. It is also recommended to arrange a headstock or suspension where the puff is assembled from two bars to support the connection area.

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

As a result, the truss system pleases with stability with a slight and not too expensive upgrade.


Hanging type for attics

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

It is attached to the rafters by cutting with a semi-frying pan with a duplication of a bolt. It is protected from sagging by installing a short headstock.

A noticeable drawback of the attic hanging structure is the need for accurate calculations. It is too difficult to calculate it on your own, it is better to use a ready-made project.

Which design is more cost effective?

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

  • In the construction of a layered structure for the manufacture of rafter legs, a board or beam of small section is used. Because layered rafters have two reliable supports under them, the requirements for their power are lower than in the hanging version.
  • In the construction of a hanging structure, the rafters are made of thick timber. For the manufacture of puffs, a material similar in cross section is required. Even taking into account the rejection of the Mauerlat, the consumption will be significantly higher.

Saving on the grade of material will not work. For the bearing elements of both systems: rafters, purlins, beds, Mauerlat, attendants, racks, lumber of the 2nd grade is needed.

For crossbars and puffs working in tension, you will need the 1st grade. In the manufacture of less responsible wooden slips, the 3rd grade can be used. Without counting, we can say that in the construction of hanging systems, expensive material is used to a greater extent.

Hanging trusses are assembled in an open area next to the object, then transported assembled upstairs. To lift weighty triangular arches from a bar, you will need equipment, for which you will have to pay rent. And the project for complex nodes of the hanging version is also worth something.

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

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

We have described only the basic varieties that are actually applicable for small country houses and buildings without architectural ideas. However, the information provided is sufficient to cope with the construction of a simple truss structure.

Roof construction is the most important part of building a house. It is she who will be responsible for protecting housing from precipitation. Therefore, it is necessary to design the shape of the roof as correctly as possible.

The roof consists of wooden or metal beams that form the supporting structure of the roof. Rafters and trusses are special elements that are made at an angle and, in turn, are load-bearing. The roofing is carried out using a waterproof coating and wooden crates. For maximum home security, the load-bearing part of the roof should be as strong and stable as possible, and the covering should be made of lightweight materials with a waterproof property, such as isoplast. Roofs can be with or without an attic. Attic roofs protect the premises exclusively from atmospheric precipitation, and a special attic floor is responsible for the thermal insulation of the house.

The main types of roof shape

There are several types of roof shapes: single-pitched, gable, hip, semi-hip.

Undoubtedly, the simplest form of a roof is a lean-to. Such a roof is most often used for the construction of utility rooms or outbuildings.

For residential buildings with a rectangular shape, in most cases, a gable roof is used. This shape of the roof consists of two planes that are at an angle to each other. At the same time, these planes are fastened with a special ridge.

Houses that are square in shape have hip roofs (hip roofs). It is this form that has four inclined planes. The rafter system of hipped roofs has relatively short beams. The intersections of inclined planes are called ribs, triangular sections are called hips.

To use the attic for household needs or housing, mansard types of roofs are used with the possibility of installing skylights. The angle of the roof slope can vary from 13 to 50 degrees. Often the angle depends on the weather conditions typical for the area of ​​the building. In places with high rainfall, the slope is made steep.

rafters

Rafters are the load-bearing elements of the roof. They have the task of supporting the crate and relieving it of the load arising from the weight of the roof, snow or wind. There are 2 types of rafters: layered and hanging.

Rafter rafters are used in houses with supporting walls. This type of rafter is the simplest, despite the need for internal walls or partitions. They consist of two rafter legs not connected to each other. One part of the leg rests on the supporting wall, and the second part on the run, which is supported by the rack. The racks are supported by internal walls. If the rafters are more than 4 meters, then under them it is necessary to install struts that will remove the excessive load on the rafters. To install layered rafters, at least 2 fixed places of support for the ends of the rafter legs on the longitudinal wall and in the ridge are required. Thus, the expansion of the wall is excluded.

Hanging rafters are used when there are no intermediate supports in the building, and the length of the roof span is at least 7 meters and not more than 12 meters. Or in the case when the walls of the house are made of raw materials. Rafters consist of rafter legs and puffs. Between themselves they are connected by notches or nails. The lower part of the legs rests against the walls of the building, and the upper part is connected to the opposite rafter leg in the ridge. The puff, in turn, perceives the thrust that occurs between the rafter legs.

To prevent deflection of the rafter legs, it is recommended to install a crossbar. In the ridge, the rafters are connected with nails or a simple slotted spike. At the junction of the rafters with struts, cuts and staples are used. When connecting the rack and the run, only a spike is used, and the spike is installed on the end side of the rack, and a special socket is cut out in the run.

The connection between the puff and the rafter leg is performed in a tooth or with the help of bolts. To prevent chipping of the ends of the puffs, the notch is at a distance of 250-300mm, the tooth must be set at a distance? tightening thickness. A double tooth is used in case of an increase in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bsupport. The height of the 1st and 2nd tooth is taken as? tightening thickness. An emphasis and a spike are used in the place of tightening the first tooth, and one stop is enough for the 2nd tooth.

To prevent water from entering the walls, overhangs of rafters 550 mm long from the outer border of the wall are used. If the length of the rafters is not enough to close the outer edge of the wall, then they are lengthened by nailing pieces of boards placed on the edge to the end of the rafters.

Be sure to connect the rafters to the walls. If the building is stone or brick, then clamps are made from a thin wire with a diameter of 4–6 mm, with the help of which the ends of the rafters are tied and connected to a pin driven into the wall. In the case of a wooden building, the rafters are connected with staples.

For the manufacture of rafters, you must perform a special template. The production itself takes place on the ground, on a flat area. For the manufacture of a template, a tesin is used, the length of which is equal to the length of the puff, and another gorse is nailed in the center perpendicular to it. After choosing the angle of the roof, it is necessary to determine the height of the ridge. To do this, measure the top of the ridge on the second cleft and attach 2 rafter legs. Then, on all important nodes of the template, the places of the cuts are marked and the remaining parts of the truss frame are prepared.

Mauerlat

Mauerlat - a special design on which the lower ends of the support beams are located. It is a bar or log with a diameter of 18-22 cm. Between the Mauerlat and the brick (stone) wall, it is necessary to put insulating materials, such as roofing felt. The material is necessary to evenly distribute the weight of the roof on the walls of the building. Distances between rafters are usually in the range of 1.2m to 2m.

Roof frame assembly

Using the template, all the necessary elements of the roof are cut and assembled. Then a test assembly of the frame is carried out on the ground on a flat surface. The rafters must be placed on the Mauerlat to check all calculations. If the calculations are correct, then notches are made at the tightening points on the Mauerlat and at the ends of the rafters. The puff is installed on the Mauerlat and rafter legs are placed on it. If the notches converge, then proceed to the next step, if not, then the notches must be adjusted to the correct value. After fitting the notches in the lower part of the rafters, it is necessary to adjust the notches in the place of the ridge.

After the final checks, they begin to assemble the roof frame on the house itself. First, the Mauerlat is laid, puffs are cut into it. On the puffs put scaffolding from the boards. Further, rafters are raised to the roof, which are connected to puffs and a ridge. To keep the structure in a stable position, struts from boards or bars are used. The assembly begins with the erection of 2 extreme rafters, then a cord is pulled between them and the subsequent rafters are aligned with respect to it.

The roof scheme includes a large number of structural elements, the number of which depends on the type of roof and the roofing material used. The basis of the roof of a private house is the roof truss system.

The roof is an integral part of the house, as it is she who protects it from the scorching sun and rain.

Features and functions of roofs

The roofs of private houses are divided into several different categories, which differ from each other by several criteria:

  • form;
  • constructive elements;
  • the complexity of the device and some others.

The choice of roof scheme during construction depends on many factors, the main of which are the following:

  • the amount of precipitation;
  • structural strength;
  • internal layout;
  • the presence or absence of living rooms in the attic roof space.

The roof of a building is designed to perform several functions, the most important of which are:

  • providing hydro and noise insulation;
  • wind protection;
  • the function of a thermal barrier between the indoor and outdoor atmosphere.

The durability of the structure depends on the quality of the materials used in the roofing device and the quality of the assembly. The cost of operating the roof and necessary for heating the premises of the house depend on the quality of the materials.

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Variety of roof designs

The choice of the roof scheme is carried out at the design stage of private housing construction. A house can have a roof, the scheme of which can be flat and pitched, attic and non-attic.

In the construction industry, the following types of house roofs are distinguished:

  • lean-to;
  • gable;
  • hip;
  • multi-forceps;
  • attic;
  • tent;
  • domed;
  • conical;
  • flat.

Shed types of roofs have an angle of inclination of about 20-30 °. The mansard roof has planes that are mounted at angles from 40 to 60° in the lower segment of the structure and 25-30° in the upper segment.

The tent design involves the arrangement of 4 to 8 planes, which contributes to a better removal of various types of precipitation from the surface of the roofing material.

A beautiful roof is constructed if it is made up of several gable elements or assembled from elements of various roof structures. However, such structures require appropriate care during operation, which is not an easy task, since the more complex the device, the more expensive the cost of operating the roof.

The most common types of arrangement of a private house are single-slope, gable, hip and attic structures.

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The most common types of roofs for private housing construction

The basis of any roofing device is the truss system, due to which the shape of the roof is set and the distribution of the loads exerted is ensured. From the correct choice and structure of the rafter system, the financial costs of repair work and the operation of the structure depend.

  1. The structure of a single-pitched type of roofing scheme is the simplest. But such a scheme is extremely rare in the construction of residential buildings, since when it is used, the load on the system that ensures the removal of rainfall increases significantly. Such systems have an unpresentable appearance. Most often, shed roofs are used in the construction of outbuildings with a small area. When using this system, it is necessary to ensure the arrangement of enhanced drainage with high throughput.
  2. Gable devices, as well as single-sided ones, have a fairly simple design. This type of rafter system is the most common among private housing construction, in the construction of low-rise buildings. The design of such a structure allows the use of almost any roofing materials.
  3. A four-slope, or hip, structure is most common in southern latitudes. Such a rafter system does not have gables; dormer windows in the roof are most often placed at the intersection of the ridge with hip ribs. The hip system is a much more complex structure than the gable system. The use of this truss system allows you to make the building attractive.
  4. The multi-gable type is distinguished by a large number of different design variations, which depend on the size of the tongs used, called gables. The erection of such a structure should be carried out only by a specialist, since this system has some structural difficulties and requires the precise execution of all necessary work.
  5. The attic scheme of roofing is used in cases where it is planned to equip a dwelling in an under-roof attic. This option has a broken profile, which complicates the construction of the truss system. Very often, such a system of rafters is a kind of structure of a multi-gable or gable roof.

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The choice of the type and shape of the roof for housing construction

When choosing the type and shape of the roofing scheme, factors that affect the performance of the system should be taken into account. First of all, you should pay special attention to the angle of inclination of the plane of the rafter system. In areas with a predominance of snow periods, systems with simple and steep shapes should be selected. The fact is that such shapes and angles of inclination of the planes do not allow the snow cover to linger on the surface, and this, in turn, reduces the load on the roof.

When building a home in areas with windy weather, it is required to choose the angle of inclination the greater, the stronger the load. Additionally, when choosing a system and type of roofing, fire-prevention requirements that apply to the supporting system of the roofing of the house should be taken into account.

The roof is one of the main elements of a residential building. Both the comfort inside the house and the service life of the building depend on how well its device will be made. The roof plays a particularly important role in multi-storey residential buildings, the total area of ​​which exceeds several hundred square meters.

What is the roof of the house made of?

The roof of the house is the uppermost part of it, used to protect the load-bearing elements and the living space of the building from precipitation. In addition, it is a heat-insulating barrier that reduces the outflow of heat from residential premises and protects the structure of the building from overheating.

The roof not only protects the under-roof space from precipitation, but also helps to keep warm in living quarters.

Depending on the functional affiliation of the building and its design, the roof may have a different look. The design and type of the roof determines its ability to drain snow and rainwater from its surface. The space under the roof frame is often used as a residential or utility room.

Any roof has a typical design, which is determined by the technology and temperature conditions in the region where the building is being built. To better understand this topic, consider the structural elements of the roof in more detail.

Roof frame

The roof frame is a bearing and supporting element responsible for its strength characteristics. The quality of the frame directly affects the service life of not only the roof itself, but also the structure as a whole.

As a supporting structure for roofing in private houses, a rafter system is usually constructed from a wooden beam.

Depending on the design, the roof frame may look like this:

  • truss system - the most common type of roof frame, most often used for the construction of roofs of utility and residential buildings from timber, brick and foam blocks. It is divided into hanging and layered structures. The former are used in buildings where only external walls are load-bearing, and the latter are used in houses with internal load-bearing partitions that can be used as additional supports;
  • support system of steel beams - used for the construction of roofs over buildings for industrial use. Unlike wood, metal allows you to create longer, and most importantly, solid beams without length mates. This, in turn, significantly increases the load-bearing capacity of the roof structure. Metal is a non-combustible material, which makes the roof safer and more durable;
  • flat concrete frame - is reinforced concrete slabs laid on top of load-bearing walls at a certain angle. It is most often used to create roofs over small public buildings and storage facilities.

For the implementation of any special project, different types of frames can be combined or used in a modified form. For example, Roof truss systems are often built from wood and metal at the same time, which in one place of the structure makes the roof more durable and reliable, and in the other it does not weigh down the load-bearing partitions, thereby reducing the overall load on the foundation. This option can be used when one part of the house is located on a sloping slope. Lightening the roof structure will avoid excessive load on the columnar or pile foundation, which are most often used in such cases.

Video: gable roof frame for metal tiles

roofing cake

A roofing pie is a technology for laying roofing, steam and heat insulation in a certain sequence. Proper sequential laying ensures that each technological layer will perform its strictly defined function.

For example, if the waterproofing material is laid incorrectly (under thermal insulation), then moisture will get on the insulation, which will inevitably cause damage and loss of the characteristics declared by the manufacturer.

All layers of the roofing pie must be laid in a strictly defined sequence so that each coating can perform its assigned functions.

A typical roofing cake consists of the following technological layers:

  • roofing material - a facing coating that is responsible for the appearance of the front surface of the roof and protects the lathing and the underlying layers of the roofing pie from water, dirt and foreign objects;
  • lathing - a supporting structure necessary for fixing roofing material. Depending on the type of finishing coating used, the crate can be solid or sparse;
  • waterproofing is a mechanically strong waterproof material that protects the insulation from getting wet. For this purpose, bituminous roll coatings, anti-condensation membranes or liquid mastics can be used. The specific method of waterproofing is selected based on the type of roof and insulation;
  • thermal insulation - basalt roll or slab insulation, polystyrene foam, polystyrene foam, etc. The thermal insulation material must have a low coefficient of thermal conductivity, which guarantees long-term maintenance of the required climatic regime in the house at any time of the year;
  • vapor barrier - a multilayer membrane that protects the insulation and other elements of the roofing pie from the penetration of warm, moist air from the interior.

The sequence of laying the technological layers of the roofing cake is determined by the type of roof being mounted and the materials used for this. The most common option is when waterproofing is laid under the roofing, then there is a layer of heat-insulating material, and a vapor barrier membrane is mounted under it.

The main nodes of the roof

The junctions of the roof to the wall, if the building has a complex shape, as well as the places where the roofing pie and the outer front cover fit to the remote parapet are no less important than the roof structure itself.

The integrity and durability of the constructed structure depends on the quality of their execution, since the use of low-quality materials or non-compliance with the connection technology can cause moisture and precipitation to penetrate under the roofing.

Roof junctions

The place or junction of the roof to the wall is a connecting seam, which is processed using waterproofing and protective materials. The junctions are the most vulnerable point of any roof, since wet debris constantly accumulates at the junctions of its elements.

If the junction is poorly insulated, then moisture quickly gets under the protective material and roofing. Constant absorption of moisture into the insulation will necessarily lead to the loss of its technological qualities.

All places where the roof adjoins the structural elements of the building must be carefully treated with waterproofing materials to prevent moisture from entering the under-roof space.

In addition, the junctions are subject to temperature deformations due to freezing and thawing of water - this increases the risk of leaks. In order to avoid problems during the operation of the roof, the abutment insulation technology is thought out in advance. The calculation takes into account both the temperature regime in the region where the building is being built, and the average level of precipitation during the year.

Depending on the type of roofing, junction points are arranged in various ways:

  • metal roofing - connections are made with a small gap necessary for ventilation of the roofing pie. As a protective element, a metal bar or apron made of galvanized steel is used. The apron is attached directly to the adjoining wall at a height of 200 mm. Before installing it, the strobe in the wall is treated with a frost-resistant sealant;
  • various types of tiles - the junction of the wall and roofing is protected with corrugated aluminum tape. Due to the small thickness, the tape exactly repeats the profile of the roofing. To seal the seam, hot bituminous mastic is used, which is poured directly along the seam line;
  • bituminous roll materials - the junction can be made using various technologies. The most common method is laying the coating with an overlap on a vertical surface. In this case, the material is pressed against a rail, which is pre-treated with a sealant. The size of the overlap, as a rule, is at least 20 cm.

Cornice knot

The cornice closes and protects the lower part of the roof, the roofing pie, the truss system and other elements from moisture. In fact, the finishing of the cornice assembly directly affects the service life of the Mauerlat and the roof truss system, since with poor-quality sheathing, moisture flowing down the roofing can enter the under-roof space.

To protect against moisture ingress into the under-roof space, special metal strips are installed on the eaves overhangs - droppers and ventilation tapes

For the device of the cornice unit of a pitched roof, the following sequence of laying protective materials is used:

  1. Roof covering.
  2. Counter-lattice.
  3. Roof decking.
  4. Waterproofing membrane.
  5. Dropper.
  6. Bracket for fastening the drain.
  7. Gutter.
  8. Cornice plank.
  9. Overhang air element.
  10. Tape for ventilation.
  11. Double-sided adhesive tape.

The dropper protects the frontal board from condensate flowing down the waterproofing film, and the cornice bar prevents moisture and atmospheric precipitation from entering the under-roof space. The overhang aeroelement serves to create a ventilation gap and protect against penetration of birds and large insects under the roof.

Gable node

A pediment is an end section of a roof, bounded by a roof slope and a cornice. It protects the roof from moisture, and also plays the role of a decorative element.

The pediment completes the roof, but is not a mandatory attribute, since in some types of structures the roof is limited only by the eaves.

Most often, gables are arranged on pitched roofs, when various types of tiles, profiled sheet or soft bituminous coatings will be used as roofing.

From the side of the pediment, the under-roof space is protected by a wind board, and then by a pediment strip laid on top of the waterproofing layer

The sequence of laying materials when constructing a gable assembly is as follows (from the outer edge to the under-roof space):

  • gable plank laid on top of the roofing;
  • waterproofing material;
  • wind board;
  • crate;
  • rafter.

When fastening the gable strips, the technology described in the instructions for the roofing should be followed. Usually they are mounted from the bottom up from the eaves to the ridge. When using several strips, the overlap must be at least 10 cm.

Valley device

The endova is the inner corner of the roof, which is formed at the junction of two slopes. In fact, during the construction of multi-pitched roofs, the valley is a key structural unit, since atmospheric precipitation will flow down it. The roof valley always experiences increased loads, therefore its installation must be carried out especially carefully, in full accordance with the technological requirements established by the manufacturer of the roofing material used.

Devices of the valley node for a pitched roof are made using special additional elements that are mounted on a continuous crate

A typical version of the valley node for a metal roof is represented by the following elements:

  • valley upper;
  • sealing material;
  • roofing;
  • lower valley;
  • solid crate;
  • waterproofing membrane;
  • roof truss system.

The valley is usually laid on a continuous crate, which is mounted on both sides of the junction of the slopes. When using metal coatings (corrugated board, metal tiles, seam roofing), the main protective element is the lower valley. It is laid under the roofing material and serves as a kind of gutter through which moisture flows into the drainage system. The upper valley in this case is more of a decorative element that covers the entire structural unit and protects it from birds and foreign objects.

ridge knot

The roof ridge is the upper horizontal edge formed by the conjugation of two slopes. The ridge strip or tile protects the rafter junction, thermal insulation and sheathing from moisture and is mounted last. Depending on the roofing, different ridge elements are used.

The device of the ridge knot is performed last, when the roofing is laid

For example, a ridge assembly for a soft roof looks like this (from top to bottom):

  • ridge soft tiles;
  • roofing;
  • lining carpet;
  • roof sheathing.

In some cases, a 40x40 or 50x50 mm ridge beam is nailed along the edge, on which the underlayment carpet is laid. If you plan to mount the roofing yourself, study the instructions for the material - it must contain a diagram of the arrangement of all the main roof nodes.

Parapets along the perimeter of the roof

A roof parapet is a protective structure that is mounted along its perimeter. Usually parapets are mounted on flat roofs, but quite often they can be seen on pitched roofs, especially in the residential multi-apartment sector. The main purpose of the parapet is to ensure the safety of the person on the roof. Sometimes such designs are used as a decorative element.

The installation of parapets (SNiP II-26–76) is mandatory for buildings whose height to the roof eaves is more than 10 m, and the slope angle does not exceed 12 degrees. On steeper roofs, the installation of fences is carried out already at a height of 7 m.

If we consider low-rise private housing, then the installation of parapets is relevant only for houses with a flat roof. For gable or hip roofs, the installation of parapets is optional. But it should be borne in mind that if annual roofing maintenance is planned on pitched roofs, then security measures must be appropriate.

In private construction, parapets must be arranged only on flat roofs.

For the manufacture of parapets, the following materials are used:

  • reinforced concrete blocks;
  • brick and foam blocks;
  • galvanized metal.

According to SNiP, the height of the parapets must be at least 45 cm. The optimal height is selected based on the architectural features of the structure and the personal preferences of the owner of the house.

The junction of the roofing cake to the parapet is carried out using hydro- and heat-insulating materials. At the junction of the parapet and the roof, a transitional ledge of mineralized insulation is laid. To fix the insulation, a special cold mastic is used. Waterproofing is mounted with an overlap of 20–25 cm on a vertical surface.

To protect the parapet, a similar waterproofing material is used, which is fixed with an overlap on the previously laid canvas coming from the roof side. A U-shaped galvanized steel box is also installed on top of the insulation.

Additional elements of the roof

Additional elements of the roof are products designed to connect various components and parts of the roofing. In addition, they provide additional functionality, as well as improve the appearance of the front surface of the roof and the roof as a whole.

Various additional elements allow you to protect the roof structure from weather influences, preventing the penetration of moisture, dust and debris into the under-roof space. It should be understood that, depending on the design of the roof, the number and need for the use of additional elements may vary.

For a metal roof, a wide range of additional elements are used to protect its structural units from the penetration of moisture and debris and give the entire building a finished look.

For example, typical additional elements used in the construction of a pitched roof include:

  • skate and valleys;
  • adjoining elements;
  • strips for cornices;
  • end strips;
  • corner strips;
  • snow barriers;
  • adapters;
  • gutters.

Before choosing additional elements, you should carefully study the roof project and, based on it, calculate the amount of material needed. It is not recommended to save on additional elements, since the safety of the roof structure and the roofing cake at the junction, on the ridge and drains depends on their quality.

Video: roof device - insulation, ventilation, board selection

The device of various types of roofing

The device of the roof and the roofing cake varies greatly depending on the type of construction. This is due both to the design features of the roof being built, and to the characteristics of the materials used for its construction. For a more detailed description, consider the most common types of roofing in more detail.

Warm and cold roof

A warm roof is a generalized concept denoting an insulated roof structure. That is, any type of roof can be warm or cold, depending on whether the appropriate hydro- and heat-insulating materials were used during their installation.

If, during the construction of the roof, the standard roofing pie is completely mounted, then it is called warm

If we talk about the private sector, then in buildings that will be used for year-round use, insulation is recommended for any type of roof. The most common roof structure for private houses is a gable structure, so we will consider the construction of a roofing pie using its example. The main elements of a roofing pie of a warm roof are:


The number of layers of insulation is selected individually for each project at home. This takes into account both the dimensions of the building itself and the possibility of creating a residential attic space, as well as the temperature regime in the region where construction work is being carried out.

Sometimes, if the owner of the house, for example, decided to save on roof construction or the attic space will not be used as a living space, the roofing can be done without laying thermal insulation material and vapor barrier. Such a roof is called cold. The role of the vapor permeable material will be played by a moisture-resistant vapor barrier membrane. Cold roofs are usually arranged in seasonal houses and outbuildings.

Pitched roof with metal coating

A metal roof is usually a pitched structure with a wooden truss system. The type of rafter system is selected based on the location of the load-bearing walls of the building. The use of metal as a roofing material has an impact on the technology of constructing a roofing pie for such a roof.

The most popular roofing material for private residential buildings is metal.

The following materials are used for the installation of a metal pitched roof:

  • additional elements - a metal ridge, side wind strips, gutter and gutter strip, gutter and other elements installed after the installation of the metal coating;
  • roofing - flat sheet material (folded roof), profiled sheet, metal tile or other materials made of painted metal;
  • crate - edged boards or metal profile elements, fixed in increments of 25–30 cm;
  • truss system - can be made of both thick edged boards or timber, and metal. In private construction, the first option is most popular due to its accessibility, ease of installation and lighter weight.

The remaining technological layers of the metal roofing cake are identical to the option described in the section above. It should be noted that the metal coating is particularly prone to the formation of condensation on the inner surface, where, despite the presence of special protection, humid air from the house still penetrates. Therefore, the arrangement of all ventilation gaps provided for by the technology when using a metal roof is strictly necessary.

Waterproofing is made of a moisture-resistant membrane, which is fixed on the roof truss system, and any slab insulation with a thickness of 5 cm or more is used as thermal insulation.

Video: organization of waterproofing for a metal roof

pyramid roof

A pyramidal or hipped roof is a pitched structure, where each of the four slopes is equal in area, and there is a square at the base of the roof. In fact, each of the four slopes is an isosceles triangle.

In some cases, a pyramidal roof is understood as a structure with any number of slopes - the main thing is that they be the same size. Such roofs look very harmonious and are not similar to other types of roofs.

According to its design, the pyramidal roof is made according to the traditional scheme with truss elements, although it has some features compared to the classic gable version.

The truss system of the pyramidal roof has a number of structural differences from the device of a standard gable roof.

The truss system of the pyramidal roof consists of the following elements:

  • rafters - diagonal beams located at the corners of the structure. They are made of timber or double thick boards;
  • mauerlat - the lower horizontal bar necessary for supporting and fixing the diagonal rafters;
  • rafter legs (spiders) - support bars attached to diagonal rafters. Provide increased strength and rigidity of the structure;
  • struts - vertical racks used as supports for rafter legs;
  • crossbars - horizontal beams that are mounted at the top of the diagonal rafters. Increase the strength and wind resistance of the roof;
  • beds - horizontal elements at the base of the structure, to which racks are attached.

The general arrangement of the roofing pie of the pyramidal roof is not much different from the classic version.

  1. The rafter system is filed with a draft board.
  2. The vapor barrier membrane is laid out and fixed.
  3. A heater of the required thickness is laid on it.

    Insulation plates must be laid so that they go into the space between the rafters with a noticeable tightness and do not leave gaps for the penetration of cold air

  4. Waterproofing material is laid.
  5. A counter-lattice is mounted, additionally fixing the waterproofing layer.

    The bars of the counter-lattice, laid along the rafters, fix the waterproofing film and form the necessary ventilation gap, and the boards of the longitudinal lathing serve to fasten the roofing

  6. The longitudinal crate is laid.
  7. Roofing is installed.

    The hipped roof looks very harmonious and gives the house the look of a fabulous tower.

Roof made of SIP panels

SIP-panel (from the English. Structural Insulated Panel) is a building material in the form of a plate, consisting of two outer plates of solid material, between which there is a layer of insulation. On the one hand, the shell of the SIP panel is made of OSB-plate, on the other - from a sheet of corrugated board or also from OSB-plate. Panels with a metal coating are used as an independent roofing, OSB products are used as a continuous flooring under a soft roof.

As a rule, foam or expanded polystyrene of a certain density is used as a heat insulator. Sometimes polyurethane foam is pumped into the space between the plates or polypropylene is mounted. Previously, the panels were used only as a material for the construction of the frame of buildings, but now they are also successfully used for the construction of roofs.

Unlike traditional materials, there is no need to create a massive frame for the installation of SIP panels.

A typical device for a gable roof made of SIP panels for a soft roof is the following sequence of elements:

  • strapping - made of wooden beams with a comb. The size of the beam depends on the size of the panel groove;
  • ridge and end rafters - a bar of the same size is used for manufacturing. For a skate, you can take a board with a thickness of 5 cm or more;
  • mauerlat - made of timber from 100x100 to 200x200, depending on the size of the house and the thickness of the walls. It is mounted on the upper ends of the walls to provide support for attaching the strapping.

Each SIP panel is laid on the rafters and the nearest horizontal runs. Then it is adjusted and processed with a special adhesive mass or frost-resistant mounting foam. Upon completion, a strapping of a suitable size is mounted in the groove of the panel. In this case, the harness is also fixed to the Mauerlat and the ridge.

Video: installation of a roof from SIP panels

semi-circular roof

The semicircular roof is a "bent" structure with smooth vault lines. For its construction, a truss system based on arcuate lamellas is used.

For their manufacture, a board of the highest or first grade is used, which is steamed up to 100 degrees. Due to the absorption of a large amount of moisture, the wood becomes elastic. For bending workpieces, special forms are used. After shaping, the blanks are glued together and sent for drying.

As a result, the customer acquires a certain set of material sufficient for the manufacture of a roof according to a pre-compiled project. The assembly scheme is as close as possible to the technology that can be found when installing domed metal roofs.

For the construction of a semicircular roof, special truss elements are used, made for a specific project.

The semicircular roof consists of the following elements:

  • mauerlat - the lower support beams necessary for fixing the elements of the truss system;
  • lamellae - elements of small length, having an arcuate shape. They are assembled into a frame with the help of stringers;
  • stringers - horizontal elements that are attached between the lamellas when assembling the frame;
  • partitions - horizontal beams fixed from the end of the roof. Provide rigidity and strength of the structure.

To assemble the truss system of a semicircular roof, galvanized fastening strips and self-tapping screws are used. The size of the fasteners is selected for the specific size of the lamellae. The sequence of laying insulation and insulation is completely identical to that described above.

The device of expansion joints

The expansion joint, located on the surface of the roofing, is designed to compensate for the thermal expansion of the facing material. In addition, it reduces the resulting stresses due to movement or shrinkage of the roof structure.

The layout of the expansion joints depends on the size and design of the building. In the case of residential buildings, the arrangement of the seam is necessary when the roof of one building adjoins the wall of another, when materials with different degrees of linear expansion adjoin, and also in places where there is a sharp temperature drop inside the room.

A vapor barrier, mineral insulation and a bituminous roll coating are used for the construction of an expansion joint on a flat roof.

In private construction, expansion joints are arranged on flat soft or pitched roofs covered with bituminous roll coatings. They are made up of several components:

  • vapor barrier - is laid without joints under the expansion joint. It is better to use a moisture-resistant vapor barrier membrane;
  • space at the point of rupture - in the place where the expansion joint passes, a compressible non-combustible heat-insulating material is laid. Compressibility is determined according to GOST 17177;
  • temperature seam - a mineral heat-insulating material is laid over the gap so that it overlaps the seam by 15 cm on each side. Hot mastic is used for fixing;
  • heat insulator over the seam - for additional stress compensation, a mineral insulation is laid over the seam, rolled into a tube Ø50–70 mm.

Laying roofing to protect the expansion joint is carried out with small canvases overlapping the joint by 30–50 cm on each side. More detailed technology for the installation of expansion joints should be clarified with the manufacturers of the roofing material that is planned for purchase.

Roof access device

During operation, the roof and additional elements of the roof need periodic inspection, which allows you to prevent or eliminate problems that have already arisen. To do this, it is desirable to equip the roof with a special exit.

The type of device used depends not only on the size of the roof slope, but also on the size of the attic space. Some types of structures are simply inconvenient to keep in a small space.

Transparent hatches for access to the roof are also excellent sources of natural light

To access the roof, the following methods are used:

  • roof hatches - ready-made products that are mounted in pre-prepared holes in the roofing pie. They are a steel or plastic box with a fixed monolithic or transparent hatch. Exit to the roof is carried out by means of a ladder or ladder;
  • hatches with a folding ladder - devices combined with an attic ladder, which folds into a specially designated space. As a rule, in the folded version, this type of hatches is no different from the previous one;
  • a roof window is a compromise option when the window is used not only to illuminate the under-roof space, but also to exit to the roof. It is highly desirable that roof drains be provided on the roof surface;
  • outdoor staircase - a metal welded or wooden staircase, which is attached to the wall of the house as needed. If desired, it can be fixed on the surface of the wall, but not all owners of private houses will like it.

Installation of roof hatches is not particularly difficult and is carried out according to the instructions attached to them. Usually it is a steel box, which is fixed to the truss system with self-tapping screws. In some cases, the box is mounted directly on the mounting foam.

Roofing is a vast topic that requires careful study of the technology. Especially when it comes to multi-pitched roofs, which have a large number of junctions of slopes. If you decide to do the installation of the roof with your own hands, carefully study all the available information and only then proceed with the work.

Roof construction is an important stage in the construction of a private house. It protects residents from the sun, cold, precipitation and other surprises of nature. When drawing up a project, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of the climatic zone. Its second function is aesthetic.

Who doesn't want to live in a beautiful house? A spectacular roof can become the highlight of the whole building and even a local landmark.

Roof types

The choice of roof type is significantly influenced by the climate.

A flat solution is appropriate in areas with a minimum of annual rainfall. The absence or minimal (no more than 3º) slope in areas with a large number of them will lead to the accumulation of water on the roof. Subsequently, it may begin to leak.

A pitched structure is more suitable for our latitudes. The angle of inclination depends on the amount of precipitation, usually at least 10º. In a private house, the roof device often involves several slopes.


The architecture of the house may include an attic. In this case, the roof is separated from the residential part by an attic floor. The roofless roof is at the same time the ceiling of the upper floor.

When drawing up a roof project, you need to decide how to use the space under it. The appropriate shape and design depends on whether it is planned to place a living room or a pantry on it.


Shed roof tilted to one side at an angle of 20-30º. The slope should be located towards the winds. An excellent choice for a house with walls of different heights. This simple design makes efficient use of the area, simplifies the installation of the chimney and the subsequent completion of the floors.

Of the shortcomings, one can single out not the most interesting view. An unusual approach (a combination of slopes at different levels, the use of metal tiles) will achieve an attractive result.

A fairly common option in our latitudes is a gable roof. The angle of inclination varies between 25-45º, the exact value depends on the amount of precipitation in the region.

The slope should contribute to its natural purification from snow and water. This design is suitable for attic equipment, it is quickly and inexpensively mounted, and it opens up wide possibilities for design.

The four-pitched hip roof looks original, protects the facade from precipitation and is not afraid of strong winds. Under it, you can equip an attic or attic, but their area will be less than in the gable version. The disadvantage of the design is the complexity and laboriousness of construction.

The original semi-hip roof combines the last two types. It has a trapezoidal pediment, due to which it is resistant to the vagaries of the weather. May have two or four slopes. Behind the spectacular appearance lies the complexity of installation and roofing.

The tent is a kind of tent or pyramid in the form of four triangular slopes. Accordingly, the house should have the shape of a rectangle or square. Metal tile or slate would be a good option for covering.


The multi-gable roof has an attractive appearance and is suitable for houses of non-standard architecture with extensions. The complexity of the design, including many slopes and angles with different slopes, makes its installation accessible only to an experienced craftsman.


A beautiful and unusual domed or conical roof will suit a round or multifaceted structure. The robust and earthquake-resistant design is not afraid of surprises presented by the weather.

The main disadvantages are the impossibility of organizing an attic and the extreme complexity of installation. Rarely used in private homes.

Roof types can be combined. The architect has ample opportunities to create a functional and aesthetic option. The reverse side of the coin - the construction, design and maintenance are fraught with considerable difficulties.

The architecture of the house also plays a role in choosing the shape of the roof: for example, a gable or multi-gable building is more suitable for a building in a classical style. Photos of the roofs of private houses will help you make a choice.

Mansard roofs

In private houses, an attic or attic is often equipped. This decision is justified by a number of obtained advantages. Perhaps the most important of them is the additional area without the construction of a full-fledged floor.

A well-organized attic ventilation and thermal insulation system will improve the microclimate of the house. With the right approach, even the space between the roof and the walls of the attic can be effectively used. Windows built into the roof provide maximum natural light to the room.

Before starting work, make sure that the load-bearing walls and foundation can withstand the new loads.

The angle of inclination of the attic roof is usually 45-60º (the upper part can be at an angle of 25-35º).

Material selection

The traditional roofing material is slate (asbestos-cement corrugated sheets). With reliability and cheapness, it remains quite heavy. A suitable roof slope for its use is 13-60º.

Not suitable for flat roofs, as precipitation will reduce the service life if it gets into the cracks. Bituminous slate is used starting from a 5º slope. The pitch of the crate depends on the angle: if it is less than 10º, a continuous flooring is required.

Ondulin, similar to slate, does not have the most presentable appearance. Suitable for outbuildings, can also be used in the repair of the roof of a private house. The harm to its merits is strength and durability.


Practical, inexpensive, lightweight metal profile will be a good alternative to slate. You can choose the cover of your favorite color.

Roofing material is more often used to provide thermal insulation, rather than a full-fledged coating. It is a soft black material.

The tile possesses high decorative qualities, reliable and easy. Produced in a variety of colors. The high cost of the roof can push away from the choice in her favor. A suitable slope for ceramic tiles is 30-60º. If it is less than 25º, care must be taken to increase ventilation and waterproofing.


Perhaps the most popular roof of a private house can be called a metal tile. It can be used starting with a 15º slope.

Bituminous tiles will repeat the surface of any curvature, so it will be a good choice for an unusual roof (for example, a dome). The minimum tilt angle is 12º.

Photos of roofs of private houses

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