In country houses, it is very important to wisely use the available space and, if possible, expand it. One of the best solutions is a mansard roof. Such a living space can truly become a full-fledged part of your home. But for this to really be the case, you need to decide which roof will be the best option for you and how it will be built.

The simplest solution is symmetrical designs

The first thing you need to pay attention to when building a house is the roofing system. There is quite a large selection of roof options, but the most popular nowadays are the following:

• single slope;
• gable, which can be broken or gable;
• hip;
• half-hip.

Video about the attic of the house

Of course, any type has both strengths and weaknesses. The simplest solution is symmetrical structures. They do not require complex calculations, and the construction of such a roof is simpler in itself. But if you choose an asymmetrical roof, you can get more useful space in your attic and a more attractive original design. Although the construction process in this case will be much more complicated.

Even at the project development stage, it is necessary to calculate what the load on the walls and foundation of your house will be from the roof structure. Climate features are also taken into account: the amount of precipitation throughout the year, temperature changes, wind, etc.

In all types of attic roofs, the intersection line should be no further than 1.5 m from the floor. Otherwise it will be more of a used attic. One of the advantages of mansard roofs is the ability to install such a structure on almost any house - brick, wood, block.

In all types of attic roofs, the intersection line should be no further than 1.5 m from the floor

With the right approach to construction, your attic can be used for a variety of purposes: a children's room, a personal office, a small gym, a bedroom, and so on.

It is this type of construction that allows you to get a spacious, functional and comfortable attic without much effort. In this case, the main elements of the supporting frame:

• Mauerlat;
• racks;
• rafters;
• struts;
• spacers, etc.

The most important thing to do when designing is to calculate the angle of inclination. If the slope is too small, then in winter the load on the roof may increase to a critical level due to the fact that the snow mass will collect on the surface and put pressure on the roof and, as a result, on the entire structure of the house. Because of this, the structure can be significantly deformed or even collapse. But, if we compare all other types of attic roofs of private houses, then the pitched roof is one of the simplest and most reliable options. This design also withstands strong wind currents well.

Almost any roofing material can be used for a pitched roof.

If you really want your house to have a pitched roof, then you must make sure that its angle of inclination is not lower than 35 degrees. If it is possible to make an angle of 45 degrees, use it. Thanks to this slope in winter, snow from the roof will simply roll off under its own weight, practically not lingering on the surface. Almost any roofing material can be used for a pitched roof. But please note that the overall cost of the roof will be affected by both these materials and the angle of inclination. Therefore, when choosing, carefully compare your desires and financial capabilities.

As mentioned above, there are broken and gable gable roofs. The simplest design is tongs. If it is symmetrical, then there are practically no problems with its creation. In this case, deep calculations are not needed, so everything will cost you less, although such an attic may be inferior in area to a pitched roof. The standard gable roof is made in the shape of a triangle.

The standard gable roof is made in the shape of a triangle

Other types of roofs are significantly inferior to gable roofs in a number of characteristics:

• the ability to use inexpensive materials;
• fairly simple design;
• reliability;
• no need for lifting equipment during construction.

A standard gable roof is an excellent option for houses whose width does not exceed six meters. The angle of inclination usually varies within 45 degrees. But quite often the width of the house exceeds 6 meters. In this case, you can safely build a roof with an angle of about 60 degrees, that is, sharper. Thus, there will be more usable space in the attic.

Asymmetrical roofs have also become popular in our time. But if you decide to do just this, then a special approach is required. Its main feature is the center of gravity shifted to the side, which requires special care and responsibility in calculations even at the design stage. But if you value original appearance and want to discover new design possibilities, then this is a great option. This roof allows you to create a comfortable terrace.

A sloping attic roof is another widespread type of structure. In it, each slope consists of two sections with different angles of inclination. Standard angles: 60 degrees - bottom slope, 30 degrees - top. This design allows you to get quite a lot of free space for your own purposes. In this case, the roof will not hold the snow mass in winter.

The sloping attic roof is another widespread type of structure.

As with a symmetrical gable roof, a broken roof is suitable in cases where the width of your house does not exceed six meters. If the house is large, you will have to look for other options or approach calculations and construction much more responsibly.

It is this kind of roof that makes it possible to get an almost full floor - functional and comfortable. The design, it should be said, is more complicated here than in the above-mentioned options. Therefore, construction will take more time, and materials and work will cost more. You will either have to develop an exact diagram of the truss structure yourself or with the involvement of builders.

Among hipped structures, hip roofs occupy a special place

Among hipped structures, hip roofs occupy a special place, because they have a number of advantages:

1. There are no vertical planes in the roof. Thanks to this, it can easily withstand even strong gusty winds. Such a roof will be the best option for everyone who lives in regions with windy weather, where hurricanes also occur;
2. The frame of a hip roof is one of the most rigid. This is ensured by the fact that the corner ribs fit tightly with the supporting ridge beam. This design allows you to avoid any deformation during operation;
3. You can also make large overhangs that protect your walls from precipitation and, as a result, further damage due to adverse weather conditions;
4. Also, a hip roof is a rather laconic solution, because it makes it possible to make your private home more squat. But there will be quite enough space in the attic itself.

You can also make large overhangs that protect your walls from precipitation

But the hip roof also has a number of weaknesses:

1. The first and main thing is cost. The design is much more complex than the others, and, as a result, expensive;
2. Due to the fact that there are slopes not only from the long ends, but also from the short ones, part of the space is wasted;
3. Placing windows in such a roof is a rather difficult task, because the windows are placed directly into the roof itself.

If we talk about windows as an integral part of the attic roof, then it should be noted that the best option is vertical windows. A layout plan for all structural elements will be required, but the windows will fit perfectly into the design of the house and perform their main functions: letting fresh air and daylight into the attic.

If desired and have sufficient funds, you can also build a sloping hip roof. This will significantly expand the useful space of the attic. But the design in this case will be an order of magnitude more complex, which means the materials must also be the best. Therefore, you will have to spend a little money.

If desired and have sufficient funds, you can also build a sloping hip roof

As you can see, the types of attic in your home can be quite varied. When you are faced with a choice, think about what space you need for comfortable living. A properly selected attic roof will also make your home more visually beautiful. Remember that you can install an attic roof not only when, but also when reconstructing the old one. But at the same time, you will have to calculate what load the foundation of your house and walls can withstand. Only after this will it be possible to make a choice.

In addition, remember that you are faced with the task of not only choosing what your roof will be like, but also selecting the materials from which it will consist. The entire rafter system is created from timber with different sections, which depends on the possible loads and the total weight of the roof. The best roofing is the one that uses lightweight and safe materials.

Video about attic insulation

Don't forget that the attic is located directly under the roof. And despite the fact that warm air always rises, the room still loses heat faster. You will definitely need high-quality and durable insulation (ecowool, polystyrene foam, etc.).

As you can see, mansard roof options allow you to achieve a wide variety of sizes and shapes of additional living space. Do not make spontaneous decisions, think about which option will be optimal in your case, and only then get to work.

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 you need additional living space, but expanding your home with extensions is impossible due to the small area of ​​the land? The design of the mansard roof solves the problem of lack of space; it can be installed on a house that is just being rebuilt or can be used to reconstruct an existing roof.

Gable attic

Broken roof with attic

Types of mansard roofs

The group of attic roofs includes all types of roofing, under the slopes of which you can arrange 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 any type of roof can be equipped with an attic, however, working with a hipped, pitched and asymmetrical roof 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 spaces

A heated attic space is a real alternative to the second residential floor of a wooden or brick house. The fact is that increasing the number of floors of a building is associated with significant costs for the capital foundation and the construction of stairs. Different attic configurations are used depending on the available space 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 an attic of this type does not involve an increase in the weight of the roof, so it is suitable for buildings under construction and reconstruction. Even a master without experience can perform calculations and build a drawing of a one-level attic. According to building codes, the ceiling height in a residential area must be 2.5 m or more.
• Single-level with remote console. A cantilever-type mansard roof device is placed under an asymmetrical roof. To increase the area of ​​the living space, part of it is moved outside the perimeter of the building. The protruding part of the attic, supported by pillars, is adapted for a shed or garage. The roof of the house with consoles is asymmetrical; the main part of the house is covered by a gable roof, and the console is covered by a single-pitched “patch”. A cantilevered attic is built to install vertical windows for natural light. However, professional architects can create a project and drawings of such complexity, and the complex diagram of the rafter system is not suitable for self-installation.
• Two-level. If the roof height exceeds 5 m, then in the attic room you can arrange two rooms located at different levels and connected by a staircase. This type of attic cannot be added to existing houses. Two-level premises are planned at the design stage and taken into account when creating foundation drawings. The relative arrangement of the rafter system is specially developed for the complex, asymmetrical geometry of the roof slopes. The second level of the attic rests 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, equip a greenhouse, a nursery or a bedroom filled with fresh air and light, however, a simple single-level design is more suitable for self-installation.

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 for increasing the usable area of ​​the house has the following advantages:

1. Minimum price 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 constructing the foundation, the cost of each meter in the house is cheaper than when constructing two-story structures.
2. Rationalization of heating costs. An air pocket between the floor and ceiling of the attic prevents heat generated by heating devices from escaping through the roof. Air does not transfer heat well, so the ground floor of the building will be warmer, which leads to energy savings.
3. The finished look. The equipment of the attic makes the appearance of the house complete and harmonious, allowing you to equip a balcony, canopy or garage.
4. Speed ​​of construction. During the construction of an attic in a residential building, it is imperative to stop using the first floor. The speed of installation allows us to complete the work on equipping the attic within a week.
5. Minimum costs. Experienced builders say that there is no way to get a few square meters cheaper.

To equip an attic room, the length of the end wall of the building must exceed 4.5 m, and the area of ​​the house must be 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 an 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 should be in harmony with the roofing material, the total area of ​​the 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 using dormer windows. In a well-insulated attic, natural air circulation is hampered, making it stuffy, damp and uncomfortable. To avoid such problems, installation is necessary:

Arrangement of elements of a forced ventilation system on a soft roof

A working forced ventilation system forces air to circulate using convection - the property of warm air rising to the top, making room for cool air taken from the street. This will increase the service life of the rafter system and 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 standard sizes available for do-it-yourself installation; if you are an inexperienced builder, then it will be safest to focus on these options.

Video instruction

Construction of a spacious private house often involves the construction of an attic. This allows you to make every square meter of space functional. At the same time, roofs differ in their features, appearance and construction technology.

What is an attic and how did it appear?

In the 17th century, the French architect Francois Mansart began to use high roofs in the development of projects. This made it possible to achieve the necessary visual effects and create a beautiful building design. The room under the high roof turned out to be quite spacious and the architect suggested using it as a room for not too eminent guests or staff. In the 18th century, attics became widespread in Russia, for example, in St. Petersburg, many buildings were equipped with spacious attics and complex-shaped roofs. Subsequently, the advantages of such designs became more popular.

The attic makes the building more functional

An attic is a residential attic space located under a high roof. This area most often occupies all the free space under the roof, but options are also possible in which the room is located only in a certain part of the attic. The height of the walls of the sloping ceiling often does not exceed 1.5 m, and then the angle of the roof slope begins. The designs may be different, but the attic always requires a certain arrangement, which involves insulation and equipment for the living area.

When you can’t and when you can make an attic

A furnished and comfortable attic is an additional living space in the house. At the same time, there are situations when it is impossible to make the attic a residential and cozy space. In such cases, significant problems arise and the room may be inconvenient to use.

The attic can be very small, but for the arrangement it is important to take into account certain requirements

Creating a living space in the attic is complicated or impossible in the following situations:

• if the ceiling height at the highest point is less than 2.4 m;
• the location of the horizontal ties of the rafter system is too low, making it difficult to move;
• if the rafter system and ceilings are too light and not suitable for arranging a living space in the attic;
• arrangement of an attic in an already finished house, which requires dismantling the roof.

The best option is to design a house with an attic. This allows you to provide for all the features of the attic living space and make a roof with optimal parameters. If the house has already been built, and the roof is of sufficient height and made of durable materials, then you can make an attic in the finished building. In this case, there is no specific arrangement option, since everything depends on the individual characteristics of the finished roof, the strength of the attic floors and other factors.

Design Features

To build an attic in a house under construction, the roof must be properly equipped. In this case, the attic structure consists of load-bearing elements of the roof and attic floor, and for complete arrangement, insulation, waterproofing and finishing work are carried out.

Arrangement of the attic as an attic requires care

In order for the attic space to become a comfortable living room, it is important to ensure that the roof structure contains all the necessary layers. When constructing a roof, the following layers must be placed:

• vapor barrier, which is necessary to remove excess moisture from the room to the outside. For this, a special film is used, which is attached to the sheathing fixed to the rafter system;
• insulation that ensures heat retention inside the room. The material must be non-flammable, durable and practical to use;
• waterproofing, which performs the function of protecting the room and load-bearing elements from moisture coming from outside;
• a ventilation gap is necessary to preserve the roof and prevent rotting. The height of the ventilation gap is 45–50 mm, and this ventilation space is located between the waterproofing and the external roofing material.

Before building a house with a residential attic space, a project is created that contains all the important information about the future structure. The project requires a detailed drawing of the entire house and the attic in particular. Additional information contains data on the materials used and room parameters.

For any attic you need a detailed project plan

Many factors are taken into account during design. For example, the option of heating the attic space, climatic conditions, purpose of the room. This allows you to create an attic that best suits operating conditions and meets modern comfort requirements.

Advantages and disadvantages of a mansard roof

Arranging an attic space for living space is a complex process that requires knowledge of all the features of the house. To do this, it is worth finding out the advantages and disadvantages of the attic that characterize this design.

The attic is characterized by a set of features that should be taken into account during construction

The main advantage of arranging an attic space is the maximum rational use of the space under the roof. The attic also has the following advantages:

• aesthetic appearance of the house from the outside;
• the possibility of creating an original interior inside the attic;
• reducing heat loss through the roof;
• possibility of arranging an additional functional room.

Even a small attic can be used rationally

The disadvantages of the attic are expressed in the complexity of arranging the room. To create optimal living conditions in the attic, thermal and waterproofing materials of the highest quality and safety are required. It is especially important to properly design the roof, install special windows and ensure high-quality ventilation of the under-roof space.

Attic options

Since the introduction of attics into architecture, many variants of such structures have appeared. They all differ in appearance, construction technology, and operating features, but they always allow for rational use of the attic area.

Different types of attics allow you to create a variety of interiors

Multi-gable roofing is one of the most complex roofing design options. On the outside, the roof is a complex of angular projections, and on the inside, the ceiling has a complex shape.

Many protrusions make the design original

Multi-gable roofing has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of this design are expressed as follows:

• unusual appearance of the roof;
• rapid precipitation;
• reliability of the rafter system;
• stability under significant loads.

The disadvantages of the mansard roof are expressed in the complexity of the design and the mandatory careful calculation of the parameters of the structure. Therefore, before construction, a professional project is created, taking into account all the design features. Otherwise, the roof may be unreliable or uneven, which will negatively affect the performance of the building.

Multi-gable roofing can be quite simple, but reliable

An attic can be made under an asymmetrical roof. This design differs in that it has sides with different parameters. The asymmetrical type roof is a triangle, the refraction of which occurs not at the top corner, but at the base. As a result, different angles and sides are formed, the area of ​​one slope is larger than the area of ​​the other.

The asymmetrical roof has an interesting appearance

The main advantage of an asymmetrical roof is that the windows will be vertical rather than slanted. This helps prevent moisture from entering the room. The attic under such a roof is more spacious and provides comfortable living. When constructing an asymmetrical roof, it is important to correctly calculate the load on each side, because the reliability of the roof and the comfort inside the attic depend on this.

Roof load calculations are carried out by professional specialists

For a residential building with a perimeter with equal sides, a hip roof is suitable. The design assumes the presence of slopes with the same parameters and therefore the shape of the building should be square. A hip roof can be domed, conical or pyramidal. The latter option is more practical and often decorates residential buildings.

The hip roof has a fairly simple design

The hip roof provides ample attic space. The structure has 4 slopes, 2 of which are often larger than the 2 surfaces located at the end of the building. A hip roof allows you to get a spacious attic room, the area of ​​which is larger than with a pitched roof.

The attic under the hip roof has a large area

A cuckoo roof is a roof that has a small triangular or other shaped projection in which a dormer window is often located. The shape of such structures can be hip, arched, single- or gable. The ledge has its own rafter system, connected to the main one. A cuckoo roof allows you to get a larger attic area than a simple pitched roof. Several cuckoos may be present on the surface.

The cuckoo roof allows you to get a spacious attic

Shed roofs

To create a simple and large attic, shed roofs are often constructed. In the attic there is one full wall, and the other is an inclined surface. In this case, the windows are often located obliquely, but it is possible to install a cuckoo or place the windows on the main wall of the attic.

A pitched roof is easy to install, but requires precise calculation of parameters

The most convenient angle is 40°, which allows you to create an attic in the attic. During installation, the ramp is placed on the leeward side. The presence of one corner of the roof helps to increase the usable area of ​​the attic, above which you can place a small attic space for storing things.

Gable roof with attic

A roof with two slopes allows you to create an attic with a uniform rise in the ceiling. On both sides the roof is located at the same angle to the walls. Where the ceiling meets the walls, an area is formed whose functionality is minimal. To create a spacious attic space, it is enough to make a roof with an angle of 45°, which is optimal for houses whose width is no more than 6 m.

The attic can be built immediately after the construction of the walls

Arranging an attic under a gable roof is a popular and effective option for rational use of attic space. Often the attic is equipped with a balcony located at the end of the building. When designing, it is necessary to calculate all parameters and determine the location of windows.

Broken roof

One of the varieties of gable roofing is a broken shape. This design has two slopes, but each of them is constructed in such a way that it consists of two parts. This feature allows you to reduce the angle of the roof and increase the height of the attic walls. As a result, the attic space becomes more functional and is used much more efficiently.

The broken shape allows you to create a spacious attic

The broken shape requires the correct construction of the roof truss system. The load on the roof is low, since the presence of double slopes facilitates the rapid removal of precipitation.

Hip roofs with attic

The peculiarity of the attic, equipped under a hipped roof, is that all 4 walls are small in height. The ceiling rises obliquely on all 4 sides and therefore the usable area of ​​the attic under such a roof is quite small. A simple hip roof is practical to use, since precipitation quickly flows down the roof.

The hip roof is convenient and practical

Hip roof designs can be more complex. For example, multi-level options, including several inclined surfaces located at different levels.

Attic roof options

Roof designs that allow you to create an attic in the attic space are varied. When designing, special attention should be paid to the roofing material, which is selected depending on climatic conditions, design features, personal preferences and building design.

Metal tiles

Steel or aluminum metal tiles are in demand as roof coverings with an attic. Materials can be of any color, but when choosing, you should pay attention to the following features:

• geometry and depth of the insole;
• type of color coating;
• material thickness;
• specifications.

Metal tiles can be of different colors, but an important factor in the choice is the characteristics of the material

Metal tiles are reliable and provide comfort in the attic. For arranging under the attic roof, it is worth choosing strong, durable structures that are resistant to climatic influences.

Attic with glass roof

Glass is rarely used for roofing and is especially unsuitable for harsh climates. In very warm climates, it is possible to make an attic with a glass roof, using especially durable materials and developing an accurate design design.

The glass roof is suitable for mild climates and requires careful maintenance

When designing an attic with a transparent roof, it is important to carefully calculate the load on the roof, determine the parameters of the walls, and the angle of inclination. To create the roof, durable materials are used that are resistant to temperature changes and mechanical stress.

SIP panels for roof

Special construction panels made from pressed wood chips and polystyrene foam can be used to create an attic roof. This material has the following features:

• high thermal insulation effect;
• accessibility and low cost;
• fire resistance and non-toxicity;
• simple installation;

When using SIP panels for roofing, it is important to ensure good waterproofing of the structure to protect the material from moisture.

SIP panels are practical to use and provide sound insulation

Corrugated sheeting for attic roofing

To equip a roof with an attic, you can use any roofing materials that provide reliable protection for the load-bearing structural elements. Corrugated sheeting is one of the popular and affordable options. Metal sheets with a polymer coating can be of any color, and when choosing, it is important to pay attention to the fact that the material must be intended for roofing.

It’s quite easy to cover a roof with an attic with corrugated sheets

How to make a mansard roof

Construction of a roof with an attic involves determining a design option. Only after this does the design stage begin, during which materials, parameters, and architectural features of the structure are selected. The main stages of construction are:

A separate stage of the work is the creation and installation of roof windows. Plastic modern designs are a common and practical option. The production of small or complexly shaped windows is carried out to order. The structures are mounted in a special opening, which should be provided when installing the roof truss system. Windows can be located at the ends of the roof, cuckoo or obliquely on the roof.

Photo gallery: interior options for attics

In a spacious attic it is easy to create a cozy atmosphere with a minimum amount of furniture Large windows provide good lighting A cozy office can be easily set up in the attic In a small space you need to properly delimit zones Windows for the attic can be quite large and tall A small space requires a minimum amount of furniture

Video: features of attic finishing

The attic space can perform any function, but it is always important at the stage of construction and design of the house to determine the type of construction, parameters and materials for the construction of the attic.

- This is not a very ordinary design.

Such a structure must not only complete the entire structure of the building and perform protection functions.

But also conducive to a comfortable life in the room located underneath it.

In order for the living space to be suitable for use, it is necessary to understand the essence of the design of such a structure and the nuances of its installation processes.

Such a design has a number of elements that make up a complete roof system.

The structure of the attic roof looks like this:

• Roof. Roofing is necessary for providing reliable protection from the influence of atmospheric conditions both the entire house and the entire roof system.
• . The supporting part of the attachment system is most often constructed from wooden boards.
• Ridge run. The very top of the entire system.
• Rafters. Supporting ribs that create rigidity for the structure. They have two varieties - hanging and layered.
• Mauerlat. The element is represented by beams that used for fastening the rafter system. The element repeats the location of the perimeter of the house and is fastened to each wall using fasteners.
• Diagonal piles. For that, so that the roof structure system has a high level of reliability, the rafters are connected to each other by beams located longitudinally and by vertical posts, which are connected together by diagonal braces or bevels.
• Internal supports. An element that is located under each rafter leg and provides it with stability.
• Insulation layer. This layer unites the entire roof system into a single whole, while creating reliable sealing, vapor and sound insulation. This layer has its own structure and is multi-layered. All materials that are used to equip this layer are necessary to provide all kinds of properties that ensure comfortable living in the attic.

What components and parts does the attic roof consist of, you will see in this drawing:

Mansard roof design drawing

Roofing pie

Each type of roof has its own individual structure.

It is represented by several layers of different materials, which necessary to protect the attic space from cold air masses and high humidity levels.

The roofing pie of the attic roof includes:

• Lathing;
• Vapor barrier layer;
• Counter grille;
• Thermal insulation layer;
• Waterproofing;
• Ventilation systems;
• Roofing material.

Each layer is designed to perform specific functions that are necessary for the proper functioning of the entire roof system.

If you make mistakes during installation or neglect any of the layers, then this may lead to the need to redo the entire structure.

• . The simplest type of roof over an attic, but not very popular. Represents one inclined plane, which is supported on load-bearing walls of various heights.
• . This kind represented by two slopes, which are located opposite each other.
• Broken. This type of roof has other names - half-hip. This type of design allows you to make the attic space optimal. This design has four slopes. It is quite convenient to live in an attic with this type of roof.
• Conical. The most complex type of design, represented by a cone. Suitable for buildings which have round or polygonal outlines.

Types of roofs

If we talk about the types of rafter systems, they come in 3 types:

1. The hanging type of rafters ensures the transfer of load in a horizontal position to load-bearing walls. Such rafters are the basis of the entire system. There is no need for intermediate supports; wooden or metal ties are used to connect the beams.
2. The layered variety of rafters is used if the load-bearing wall is located in the center of the building or if there are intermediate supports. This type of rafters is installed on external walls, while their middle part is supported by internal walls. Such a structure can only be built if the distance from the load-bearing wall to another is up to 6.5 m.
3. The hanging and layered version of the rafter system is represented by triangles having a right angle. Additionally, this design is equipped with contractions at the bottom and top of the system. To suspend the ceiling, use the tightening of hanging rafters.

Mansard roof: gable structure of a wooden house

Tilt angle

A very important parameter in roof construction is determining the angle of inclination of the roof. This value is determined not only by the design of the building, the features of the facade, but also by the selected roofing material and local climatic conditions.

If precipitation in the area where the house is located is of great importance, then The roof angle ranges from 45 to 60 degrees.

This slope value will ensure better snow removal from the surface, and, accordingly, a decrease in the load level. In addition to precipitation, this angle parameter protects the roof from icing.

If the house is located in an area where strong winds are a frequent occurrence, then the value of the slope angle should be minimal. Otherwise, the structure may be destroyed due to weather conditions. Under such conditions, variations in this parameter range from 9 to 20 degrees.

However, the most common and optimal roof angle is 20-35 degrees.. This value is suitable for arranging a roof with almost any type of material.

CAREFULLY!

The angle of inclination largely determines the durability and reliability of the structure.

Tilt angle

Installation process

In order to install an attic roof, you must follow a certain sequence of actions:

1. Initially, the upper beam is attached, which has section parameters of 10x10 or 15x15 cm. Fastening is carried out using nails, metal staples or self-tapping screws. At the same time, the first beam provides the function of a rafter frame.
2. The following is installation of the Mauerlat, which is necessary to take most of the load. To install it, you will need a board with a thickness of at least 5 cm and a beam with cross-sectional parameters of 5x10 cm. Before laying the board, lay a layer that is necessary to retain moisture and not destroy structural elements. The Mauerlat is attached with nails or staples and additionally tied to the walls using metal wire. The wire is installed at the stage of wall construction.
3. Next, install the rafters, choosing for this step from 0.6 to 2 m.
4. The gable rafters are installed first., after which they tighten the level and begin to mount the remaining elements.
5. After the rafter legs are all installed, provide additional structural reinforcement, connecting the rafters to each other in their upper part.
6. If the roof length exceeds 7 m, then installing ridge beams. Otherwise, equipping the rafter system with a similar element is not necessary.
7. Once installed move on to equipping the layers of the roofing pie, having previously installed the sheathing.
8. The last stage in roof construction is laying roofing.

Installation of sheathing

Installation of rafters

We offer you a photo review of beautiful mansard roofs, in which we will tell you about the types of mansard roofs, the features of their shape and new trends in the architecture of private houses with attics.

Houses with an attic in the French style

The attic got its name in honor of the French architect Francois Mansarou, who in the 17th century was the first to propose the use of under-roof space for living rooms. Therefore, the mansard roof is associated with the architecture of French houses - provincial cottages, Mediterranean chateaus and Alpine chalets. It is interesting that different regions of France have their own special forms of mansard roofs, and both the approach to design and the materials used differ.

Homes in Normandy are as architecturally austere as the climate of this region of France, but the gabled mansard roofs with half-timbered gables and dormers add a touch of French sophistication to their design.

An interesting roof of a complex configuration, an attic over the garage, a large mass of glazing - modern Norman houses are beautiful and functional at the same time.

Unlike the stone architecture of Normandy, Alpine chalets are built of wood, and their gable roof with an attic is usually complemented not only by a window, but also by a balcony.

The interior space of the attic under the chalet roof looks very colorful due to the visible rafters and plank cladding.

A characteristic feature of the attic roofs of alpine houses is long slopes that facilitate snow melting, large windows and fairly spacious balconies.

In the Mediterranean provinces of France, compact chateaus usually have a multi-gable roof with several attics.

French houses with a mansard roof are usually one-story buildings, “flattened” outward rather than upward. With a small area of ​​the house, a garage with an attic is usually provided.

Victorian houses with attics

England is another European country besides France in which the construction of houses with attics has acquired an unprecedented scale. Despite their apparent stiffness, English cottages look very cozy, and this effect is achieved to a greater extent thanks to the beautiful design of mansard roofs with windows.

A characteristic feature of Victorian attic houses is the asymmetrical and slightly curved roof line at the gable, as well as large dormer windows.

Often the British arrange an exit from the attic to a balcony, which utilizes the under-roof space of the terrace roof.

A nice flavor to provincial English houses is given by the color scheme of the facade decoration and wooden shutters of a contrasting color on the attic windows.

A distinctive feature of English houses with an attic is the large slope of the roof slopes and several asymmetrically located gables. The unusualness of this architecture is enhanced by the blue color of the facade decoration in combination with the gray roofing.

A modern interpretation of Victorian architecture - a house with a hip roof and an attic with small balconies.

New trends in the construction of houses with an attic

Despite the established traditions in the construction of houses with attics, architects are always in search of fresh ideas. New technologies and structural materials greatly expand the capabilities of designers and make it possible to implement the most daring and even daring concepts.

An extremely modern trend in construction that came to us from Denmark is attic houses with a hipped roof, lined with the same material as the facades. Moreover, the color of the finish should be as close as possible to black - the color that best absorbs heat.

Another trend from the Nordic countries is a cottage, consisting of several residential volumes in the form of small houses with attics.

Not only in Europe, but also in other countries, the popularity of cottages lined with one material, without the use of special roofing coverings, is growing.

Such houses usually have a small area, so the issue of using the under-roof space and arranging an attic with windows is relevant.

A fashionable trend in European architecture is compact private houses with an attic under a pitched roof. In the photo you see how interesting this option is played out with the help of a dynamic roof line.

The construction of a minimalist cottage under a pitched attic roof is one of the cost-effective options for arranging private housing.

A large number of windows give this modern cottage with a pitched roof an unusual look, but the main thing is the maximum use of the usable area of ​​the attic space.

Western architects offer many unusual solutions, one of them is a private house with an asymmetrical gable roof and an attic.

An effective element of the architecture of a country house with a sloping mansard roof will be the continuous glazing of the pediment and the arrangement of the balcony.

Numerous projects of wooden country and country houses with a large mass of glazing and an attic are another attempt by architects to make housing more eco-friendly and comfortable.

The fully glazed facade of the house with a mansard roof is a bold attempt by German architects to create housing that is as harmonious as possible with the environment.

The desire to make a home energy-saving and environmentally friendly is giving rise to an increasing number of projects with attic roofs equipped with solar panels.

Beautiful mansard roofs made of reeds

The surge of interest in environmentally friendly materials has played a role in the revival of the popularity of reed and thatched roofs in European countries. The most important arguments in favor of reed roofs were their excellent ability to retain precipitation and maintain warmth, naturalness and original appearance.

Natural beige and smoky shades of reed roofs look unusual, but at the same time they naturally blend into the color scheme of the landscape design and organically complement it.

Half-timbered houses with an attic under a roof made of natural material are a traditional type of buildings in Northern Europe.

The reed roofs with an attic and round dormer windows, as if “grown” from the thickness of the roof covering, are unusually beautiful.

Creating an attic roof from reeds is a unique art - in the photo you can see how delicately the decor of the attic dormer window is carved.

The plasticity of reed stems allows you to create roofs of complex shapes, especially if the house has an attic floor with several rooms.

Reed and reed are ideal materials for forming rounded roofs. Such a mushroom-shaped roof with miniature attic windows will become a colorful element of the architecture of a private house made of timber or logs.

Only houses of provincial architecture are perfectly combined with a reed roof; cottages of modern design can also be successfully equipped with such a roof. In the photo you see a non-trivial solution - the roof covering goes from the roof to the facades of the building, due to which the house looks more comfortable and, importantly, warmer.

The undeniable “advantages” of reed roofs include their ability to maintain a stable temperature inside the house both in hot and cold weather and at the same time provide sufficient ventilation in the attic and other rooms. A significant “minus” of reed roofing is its high flammability, but modern fire-retardant impregnations can improve its fire-fighting properties. In addition, the arrangement of such a roof will cost a considerable amount.

Country cottages with mansard roofs from Ondulin

Unlike tiles, flexible roofing and natural coverings, Ondulin roofs are distinguished by an affordable price with a fairly high safety margin. Europeans have long appreciated the practicality of Euro slate and are actively using it for arranging mansard-type roofs.

A palette of natural colors, as close as possible to natural shades, allows you to organically fit a country house into any landscape.

Hip roofs from Ondulin harmoniously emphasize the architectural features of a house in any style, including classical.

If there is a high wind load in your region, a hipped mansard roof coated with Ondulin will be optimal.

Beautiful mansard roofs of private houses: photos, design examples

Photo examples of attic roofs of private houses. Types of design. Interesting shapes and finishing options.

Cozy house with an attic: projects, photos of interiors and useful tips

Buildings with an attic floor are a practical and very attractive idea for an individual plot. The costs of arranging a residential attic are less than the construction of a full floor; additional square meters will appear in the house. For a summer cottage, the best option is a house with an attic. Projects, photos of successful interiors and recommendations from experienced builders are in our material.

Even a small attic will transform the facade of the house and make it unique

Definition of attic

The attic refers to the living space under the roof. The roof for a residential attic must have a double slope, such that the height of the attic space is no less than human height at the highest point.

The optimal height is two meters and twenty centimeters

The outer wall of a residential attic consists of two planes: inclined and vertical. The vertical part is built from the main material of the house, the inclined part consists of blood rafters and internal lining.

The ratio of the vertical and inclined part depends on the project

When building a private house, many owners think about the question: should they prefer a full floor or an attic?

Advantages and disadvantages of country houses with an attic: projects with a full floor or a residential attic?

The main argument in favor of the attic floor is always the low cost of its arrangement. Is it really? The cost reduction is due to the use of a frame roof structure. In practice, the larger the roof and, accordingly, the larger the frame area for cladding, the more profitable the attic.

But you should remember, no matter how spacious the attic is, it in any case occupies less usable space than the actual floor. It turns out that in order to make the attic room suitable for living, it is necessary to provide such an area of ​​the first floor so that it is at least twice as large as the attic space.

Another point that complicates the task: a residential attic requires the installation of a complex roof configuration and the installation of special attic windows

In order to create a normal microclimate in the attic room, it is necessary to provide a ventilation system with forced air supply. All these costs will create an additional burden during construction. And in reality the savings will not be that significant.

Supporters of attic construction note that houses with such “curly” roofs look attractive. And the designers add that the arrangement of a residential attic has many original solutions.

One such solution, for example, is installing large windows directly in the sloping part of the roof. If you place a bedroom in such a room, at night you can admire the starry sky without getting out of bed

Thrifty owners do not like it when something goes to waste. Including the attic space. Some people turn it into a dumping ground for unnecessary things. But in fact, it can accommodate a full-fledged office, workshop, bedroom or even a children's room.

Opponents of such diligence remind us that active use of the space under the roof worsens the condition of the roof structure and significantly complicates its repair.

For your information! Psychologists warn that low attic ceilings make a person feel in a confined space, adversely affecting his psyche. Particularly impressionable people may even feel bouts of suffocation due to low ceilings and sloping walls. It is worth thinking about this fact when planning a children's room in the attic.

Supporters of a full second floor make the following comparison:

Despite all these disputes and disagreements, projects of country houses with an attic and a veranda or garage are very popular. This is not surprising, because frame construction, which is gaining immense popularity, offers many options for just such buildings, with a large usable area and a variety of layouts. Let's look at photo projects of houses with attics in more detail.

Projects of country houses for 6 acres. Photo examples of beautiful and compact country houses with recommendations for choosing a layout are in a separate publication on our portal.

Tips for building a one-story house with an attic: photos of original ideas

Owners of small country cottages are most often concerned with arranging a residential attic. Before deciding on such a project, ask to stay with your friends who own a similar design. What if you suddenly feel an attack of claustrophobia or, on the contrary, find yourself impressed by attic windows through which you can see the clouds?

If you doubt the advisability of organizing living rooms in this place, think about alternative options

Here, if desired, you can place a wardrobe, a creative workshop, a boiler room, and a gym.

Here are the options for organizing the attic space:

The project of a one-story house with a garage and an attic is in particular demand. This layout is extremely convenient. This option will be especially appreciated by residents of the northern regions, who know what it’s like to warm up a car on a frosty day. When the garage is under the same roof as the house, even if it does not have central heating, the temperature will be significantly higher than outside. And the car itself will be reliably protected from all the vagaries of the weather.

When constructing such a project, it is necessary to provide all safety measures: the presence of a vestibule and a high-quality ventilation system

What do house designs with an attic made of foam blocks look like?

Projects of houses with an attic made of foam blocks, photos of which are presented to you, are very popular among developers of individual housing. The reasons for this demand are that houses made of this material are very functional and look solid and luxurious. The cost of constructing such a structure is lower than the cost of building a brick house.

Due to the attic floor, the usable area of ​​the house increases significantly and at the same time the costs are generally lower than for the construction of a full second floor from foam blocks

Advantages of foam block structures:

• the ideal geometric shapes of the blocks allow you to create strong and even masonry with minimal seams of a few millimeters;
• the size of the blocks exceeds the size of the brick, so construction will be carried out at an accelerated pace;
• foamed concrete has high energy saving rates and does not require additional insulation;
• the material does not emit compounds toxic to the human body;
• foam concrete is not flammable, does not support the development of mold and is not afraid of insects;
• the blocks do not deform from exposure to moisture or temperature changes;
• the material has a long service life.

The technology for constructing structures with an attic has some distinctive features. First of all, the attic frame is made of carefully dried wood.

High-quality wood material does not deform during operation

It is important to choose the right insulation. Mineral wool or basalt slabs are suitable for attics. These insulation materials have proven themselves well in practice.

The roof is sheathed externally and internally with different materials. Metal tiles or soft roofing are laid outside. The inside of the frame is sheathed with plywood or OSB boards.

For your information! Standard projects are very convenient and cost less than individual ones. But within the framework of individual design, many nuances can be provided for: for example, arranging comfortable stairs for the elderly and disabled, or placing a winter garden or study in the attic.

Typical projects rarely include decorative treatment of the facade.

The developer himself decides how to decorate the walls.

Foam blocks can simply be painted, plastered or used for finishing facade materials: tiles, siding, stone.

The best designs of houses with an attic: photos with drawings

A good residential building design must take into account many factors:

• climate of the area in which construction will take place;
• features of the soil and landscape of the site;
• combination of the decoration of the house with the surrounding buildings and terrain;
• organizing the most comfortable living conditions for all family members, taking into account their age and individual needs.

The finished project of a house with an attic is developed by professional architects with the participation of specialized specialists. It is important to think through not only the location of the rooms, but also the features of the placement of utility networks.

For a summer cottage, projects of a small area, 36 - 40 square meters, are suitable. This space is quite enough to accommodate a kitchen and a spacious living room on the ground floor and two compact bedrooms or a study in the attic. Houses with an area of ​​over 60 square meters include a spacious living room, bedroom and kitchen on the ground floor and rooms on the second.

An example of a house project with an area of ​​70 square meters

For large houses, it would be ideal to build a terrace that can be accessed from the attic floor. From the top you will have a magnificent view of nature.

Here you can relax comfortably and use the covered terrace for family dinners or friendly gatherings

Country house with attic: 6x6 layout

Planning a house with a minimum area is not easy. The project of a 6x6 country house with an attic is the best choice. In this case, you have not 36, but at least 50 square meters of usable area.

Example of a 6x6 house layout

If the dacha is needed only for seasonal visits, such space is quite enough for a small family. Over time, an extension can be made to the house if the number of family members increases. What should be considered in the design of a house with a 6x6 attic:

• maximum use of every centimeter of space;
• the number of people visiting the house at the same time;
• age of family members;
• frequency of visits to the summer cottage.

When planning a 6 by 6 house with an attic, it is important to use all the space to maximum advantage. Traditionally, a spacious living room is located in the center, with access to a bathroom and kitchen. All these rooms will completely occupy the first floor. To avoid crowding, select compact furniture.

The optimal choice would be transformable items that can easily turn into sleeping places. If guests at your dacha are late, it won’t be difficult to accommodate them for the night.

The kitchen should have two entrances: from the room and from the yard. Setting a table in a summer gazebo will be greatly simplified, and it will be easier to cook on a hot day by opening the exit to the garden wide open.

The bedrooms in this option are located in the attic. Here you can make two full bedrooms for the owners and children.

Four square meters is enough for a bathroom. If the dacha is visited only in the summer, a summer shower can be organized in the yard. Those who like to take a steam bath set up a bathhouse on the site. If you do not provide a shower or bath in the house, you can leave three square meters for the toilet. The washing machine is installed in the kitchen.

Frame houses with an attic (6x6 projects) do not provide internal stairs. They are placed outside. This technique also allows you to significantly save space. To store things in the house, compact mezzanines should be provided.

Here is an approximate plan of a house with a 6 by 6 attic:

Specifics of the layout of 9 by 9 houses with an attic: photos of successful solutions

A house with a total area of ​​eighty square meters is a popular project. The builders note that this project has an optimal balance between cost and living comfort. The classic layout includes a bedroom, kitchen, living room and bathroom on the ground floor and two or three more rooms in the attic. They can be used as additional bedrooms or used as an office, creative workshop and spacious wardrobe.

An example of a classic 9x9 house layout

Another option for the arrangement of rooms is in the layout of an 8 by 10 house with an attic. Photo example of such a layout:

House layout 8x10

What you should know about the layout of a 10 by 10 house with an attic: photos of the best ideas

One hundred square meters on the first floor and another seventy on the second - a large family can permanently live in such a house. There is room here for separate rooms for children, a bedroom for parents, a study, a spacious living room and a kitchen. From the outside the house does not look huge. Projects of a 10x10 house with a foam block attic impress with its compact placement on the site. But this is precisely the case when external impressions are deceiving.

There is enough space here not only to place bathrooms on each floor, but even to organize a sauna or bathhouse right in the house. A convenient staircase with a wide passage will allow you to easily lift bulky furniture.

The space under the stairs should be used for storing things

In such a house there is usually a separate room for the boiler. If a house made of foam blocks has a basement, the laundry room, heating appliances, and a storage room for storing equipment and household items are located here.

House layout 10x10

Projects of frame houses. In the article we will look in detail at the advantages of these structures, types of technologies, average construction prices, original designs, useful tips and much more.

Examples of interior design of houses with an attic inside: photo

Even a small attic can be furnished so that everything you need can fit in it. The inclined planes of the ceilings partially hide the total area, but you can use them to stylishly decorate the room.

If you paint the rafters in contrasting colors, they will become a stylish interior detail.

Projects of small houses with an attic usually involve placing a bedroom on the second floor. In the country house version, it is logical to use natural wood trim.

To prevent the room from seeming dark, place light-colored furniture and use light-colored accessories and textiles

If the attic occupies a significant area, the task is simplified. Niches between the rafters can be used as zoning elements. In one - place a bed, in the other - a work desk by the window or a sofa for relaxing. The issue of placing a children's room on the attic floor should be approached especially carefully.

Let us remind you that sloping ceilings can cause discomfort in a child. This factor should be compensated as much as possible through the skillful use of colors and materials.

If there will be a study in the attic, it is important to think about the lighting.

Maximum natural light and comfortable furniture will be an additional stimulus for creativity.

Another idea for planning a house with an attic (photo below) is the placement of a wardrobe. Here you can build compact and convenient storage systems.

Dressing room in the attic

House with an attic: photos, projects and main conclusions

So, we examined in detail all the features of the design with an attic floor. What are their advantages? The attic can be equipped after the first floor has been built and occupied. When planning construction, simply provide a roof of the required shape. This could be a foundation for the future.

The attic floor can be added at any time

The use of high-quality materials and proven insulation is the key to success. The attic floor will increase the usable area of ​​the house by at least one and a half times. Here you can place rooms with different purposes. Agree, it is better to use this space usefully than to turn it into a dusty attic!

Construction project with a mansard roof: features of the device, design, interior

Any person who wants to optimize the space in their home will certainly use the attic space for some purpose. Of course, so much space created due to the design features of the roof should not be wasted. That is why mansard roof projects have been and will always be in demand.

Distinctive features and advantages of attics

First, we should define what exactly we call an attic: a room in the attic area, the facade of which is formed by the surface of a pitched roof. This part of the building is very attractive due to the large amount of light and air. In addition, the attic gives the house a finished, beautiful look.

A project with an attic floor is the most profitable and economical if you want to get additional living space without resorting to unnecessary costs. Also, the construction time for an attic is much shorter than a full floor.

With the help of attic floors, you can increase the living space of your home without moving out of it. That is, the operation of the building does not stop even during the active stage of construction.

With a competent approach to arrangement, the attic can significantly reduce the heat loss of the building as a whole.

Modern building codes require that the intersection of the roof and the facade be located at least 1.5 meters from the floor level of the attic floor. If this condition is not met, then the room can officially be called only an attic, but not an attic.

Projects of houses with a mansard roof make it possible to increase the building density, which is important for areas with a limited amount of land allocated for residential areas.

Roof type and attic arrangement

The shape of the attic itself usually depends on the type of roof. Attic floors are triangular, broken, with an asymmetrical shape; can be located both above the entire house and over part of it.

Main types of roofs:

1. Single-pitch. The simplest roofing option. Such a roof is made in the form of an inclined plane fixed on the load-bearing walls. In this case, attics are installed very rarely.
2. Gable (double slope). Easy to install and very reliable. The roof has two slopes directed in opposite directions. It is on such roofs that attics are most often made
3. Broken. It is a subspecies of a gable roof. It is used most often in small buildings, well suited for arranging an attic.
4. Hip and half-hip. Subtypes of hipped roofs. Although broken lines are not as expressive as the classic gable silhouette, the attic floors do not suffer from this, but only benefit.
5. Dome, pyramidal, conical. Used for structures with rounded, polygonal outlines. Building an attic in this case will be very problematic, but still possible.

Types of mansard roof designs

The main types of attics are as follows:

• single-level with a gable or sloping roof;
• single-level with installation of remote consoles;
• two-level with supports of mixed type.

When choosing the type of roof, consider the intensity of the load that will affect the roofing.

If we talk about the style of roof finishing, then it’s up to you, there are no restrictions. The main thing is that the choice does not contradict the operational requirements.

The design of a triangular attic roof with a rectilinear outline is the easiest to construct.

Attic roof installation

Attics, in relation to the walls, can be located in alignment or cross their outer boundaries. The outer walls of the attic floors can be insulated either completely or without going beyond the boundaries of the heated premises. The choice of an architectural system in the form of an attic involves the use of lightweight structures and materials.

When designing an attic, consider the following points:

• the design diagram, material for enclosing structures, parts are determined taking into account the architectural parameters of the building as a whole;
• the shape and dimensions of the premises are important, therefore the choice of translucent fences (vertical, inclined windows) and their installation should take into account the interior and appearance of the building;
• the choice of attic plan option must be made based on the entire layout of the building;
• attics equipped with a steeply pitched roof require careful selection of roofing material, thermal insulation, waterproofing and sealing.

In the under-rafter space, sidewalls inevitably form that are unsuitable for full-fledged housing. They appear when installing vertical walls. With proper design, these areas can be used for different needs (pantry, built-in wardrobes, etc.).

The width of the building for the installation of an attic must be more than 4.5 m. In addition, the area of ​​the attic floor cannot be less than 7 m2, and the height/floor area ratio is 1:2.

Attics with a broken slope are suitable if its dimensions do not fit into the triangular shape. Thanks to this technique, the area of ​​the sidewalls is reduced. The attic space can be used most optimally. Unfortunately, the installation diagram of a sloping roof is much more complicated, and its construction is more expensive. If the required proportions of the house are observed, the height of the attic floor premises with a sloping roof is noticeably lower. In addition, useful attic space is lost under the sloping roof.

Houses with a middle load-bearing wall also use a mansard roof truss system. The drawings are given below. The lower chord, supported at the center of the load, is often made lighter. The ceiling height of attic residential premises must be at least 2.5 m, but this may also include a part of the room with a lower height. The area of ​​the zone with a lower height is subject to strict regulation. It is worth considering that the greater the slope of the roof slopes, the more spacious the under-roof space. Accordingly, with a slope of 30 degrees, the minimum height is approximately 1.2 m, with a slope of 45-60 degrees - 0.8 m, more than 60 - is no longer standardized. The width of the room must be at least 2.4 m.

The optimal angle of inclination of the rafters should be in the range from 45 to 60 degrees. If the roof has a slope of 45 degrees, use a conventional rafter system. In this case, the ceilings in the attic floor are sloping. If the project provides for a roof with a slope of 60 degrees, long beams and boards are used as rafters. Because of this, the amount of material needed increases sharply.

Attic construction

The simplest roofing arrangement for an attic roof comes down to creating the following layers:

Directly protects the building from external conditions. Its purchase should be approached with special care. There is a wide range of such materials on the market: metal tiles, bitumen shingles, slate, corrugated sheets, etc. In order not to make a mistake in your choice, take into account all possible factors (size of the house, climate, material capabilities);

Necessary to protect the internal insulation and the entire rafter system. Its choice directly depends on the type and properties of the insulation used;

There is no way to do without a layer of waterproofing material, because it is thanks to it that moisture does not penetrate into the house.

These are already parts of the roof itself. It is due to them that the roof is held together. Made from wooden beams. The rafters distribute the load from the weight of the roof along the walls;

All of the above levels are required when building a house with such an addition as a mansard roof. The drawings are shown on our website. You can familiarize yourself with them to better understand the installation.

Ventilation gap for roof

There is one nuance in the design of the attic - the need for a ventilation gap. It is best to make two of them: one - directly above the insulation, the second - immediately under the roofing. With the help of the first, the formed steam will escape, which somehow penetrated the insulation layer, and thanks to the other, the moisture that has accumulated under the roofing materials will evaporate. The air should come from the base of the roof and leave through the roof in the ridge area.

When constructing an attic, remember that the structure should be as light as possible. Wood or lightweight metal profiles should be used. Avoid heavy materials such as stone, concrete, etc.

The design of a roof with an attic must be carefully thought out and drawn up by professionals, since the slightest miscalculation can lead to the destruction of the structure.

Also, do not forget that wooden rafters have a certain margin of safety, and it is not advisable to use intermediate posts. To cope with this problem, the following most common techniques are used: construction of wooden or metal-wood trusses.

All wooden elements of the rafter roof must be made of excellent quality wood with a permissible humidity of no more than 22%, treated with antiseptic substances and fire retardants.

Floors in the attic floor are made using standard technologies used to create floor coverings on interfloor ceilings. Here 2 layers will be needed: vapor barrier and insulation. Thanks to them, not only a comfortable temperature regime in the house will be provided, but also sound insulation.

Briefly about roof trusses

Wooden trusses are usually made of round timber, beams, and boards. To connect the elements of wooden rafters, the following are used: notches, bolts, nails, toothed ring keys.

Recently, along with purely wooden trusses for spans over 16 m, trusses with iron posts have become widespread.

Assembling a wooden truss requires significant labor costs. Metal-wood trusses are easier to install. In such structures, all stretched elements and the lower belt are made of metal, making them very easy to install in production.

Dormer windows

The requirements for skylights are often higher than for ordinary windows. This is explained by the fact that it is installed in the roof slope, at an angle, and therefore is subject to a more intense influence of negative factors than the vertical one we are accustomed to.

The main feature of attic windows is large access to light and heat. With the help of which you can create light compositions in rooms. Such windows allow you to maximize the time of access of sunlight to the house. That is why it is advisable to equip libraries, children's rooms, etc. in the attic. With the help of skylights, far corners are additionally illuminated.

When constructing an attic, the following translucent structures are used: facade end windows, domers, stained glass, combined systems, special attic windows. Projects of houses with a mansard roof are very diverse in the use of such structures.

Roof window

A large load is placed on dormer windows, because they are full-fledged elements of the roof, and therefore are exposed to the same influences: strong wind, rain, hail, UV radiation, snow, etc. Under such conditions, the window frame must maintain sufficient tightness, thermophysical parameters, and rigidity , dimensional accuracy.

The traditional frame material is wood-laminated laminated timber. This material ensures long-term operation of the structure; it is not afraid of temperature changes and humidity. Recently, plastic elements have become increasingly used. Common windows made from PVC profile. Less popular are frames made of warm aluminum profiles supplemented with plastic inserts.

The window frame protects the glass and removes precipitation from the surface. The frames are made of aluminum coated with special light-resistant paints; from copper. Visually, the flashing is almost invisible, since its sides are partially hidden under the roofing material. Using specialized frames, windows are combined into groups: horizontal, vertical or combined.

The translucent element should have increased strength, but it should not be very heavy. Most often, single-chamber double-glazed windows are installed. For additional safety, glass is tempered in factories in a special way. Glass with low-emissivity heat-reflecting coating or double-layer impact-resistant glass can also be built-in. Some double-glazed windows are filled with inert gas, due to which the heat-saving characteristics of the structure are increased.

The flashings of roof windows immediately take into account hydro- and vapor barrier, which makes work easier, improves the quality of installation, and ensures a hermetic joint between the window and the roof.

Opening systems for roof windows are varied: hinged, combined, axially rotating, etc. The choice depends only on your preferences and capabilities. One condition is that it is desirable to have a rotating mechanism.

Roof windows must have ventilation. In some models it consists of ventilation valves, in others it is a special device with a filter and an anti-condensation system.

Basic rules for choosing a roof window:

• First of all, determine the slope of the roof, the distance between the rafters, and the area of ​​the illuminated room. The lower the roof slope, the longer the window should be.
• 1:10 – this is how the area of ​​the window should correlate with the area of ​​the floor.
• The best window height is approximately 1.1 - 1.3 m from the floor.
• Consider the functional purpose of the attic floor.
• The roof window must be combined with the roofing material.

A little about the interior of attic rooms

Projects of houses with a mansard roof are very diverse and different from each other. But, in any case, they fit certain canons of interior design.

The first and most important rule: take into account the height of the ceilings in the room. If the height is less than 1.6 m, it will be problematic to use it for living.

The second point: do not clutter the attic rooms under any circumstances, and make the design light. Otherwise, the room will create a depressing impression. In addition, the predominance of light and bright colors will visually increase the space. Use local lighting in the attic. This will add romance.

And the third rule: maintain a consistent style. Furniture and all materials used in decoration should be similar in color.

Use as many wooden elements as possible. This will increase the level of comfort in the room and also provide excellent sound insulation.

The attic roof project for a private house is an excellent choice for a large family. Children will especially enjoy living in a room in the attic. In addition, you can arrange a cozy workshop under the roof.

Attic roof projects: drawings of the attic rafter system diagram

Typical options and designs of mansard roofs. The main rules for designing an attic floor. Drawings of the attic rafter system diagram.