Mansard roof on an old wooden house. Do-it-yourself phased construction of an attic

The attic design of the attic space allows not only to increase the living space of the house, but also to make the structure unusual and beautiful. Moreover, a building with this type of roof can be made in almost any style. A mansard-type roof, the variants of which can be very different, is found both in urban areas and in rural areas. Consider how to create such a design yourself, and find out what its features are.

Mansard roof - options

Such a roof has a special design of slopes, usually consisting of an upper sloping part and a steeper lower one. Thanks to this shape, a fairly spacious room appears inside, which can be used as an attic or even turn into a very cozy living room.

The history of mansards began in the 17th century, such a design of roofs was invented by the architect Francois Mansart - such a roof was named after his last name. But this Frenchman was far from being the first to implement the idea of ​​economical use of the attic floor of the house. The mansard roof was first built by Pierre Lescaut, also a Frenchman who worked on the construction of such famous buildings as the Louvre and Notre Dame de Paris.

On a note! In the 19th century, poor people usually lived on the attic floors, but now this floor can appear in housing and is quite wealthy.

Now attics are quite often built during the construction of country houses or small two-story cottages, but the idea may well be implemented when creating other types of buildings. The attic has several advantages:

• building a house with an attic is cheaper than with two full floors and a roof;
• foundation costs during the construction of such a structure are also reduced;
• the attic can significantly increase the living space of any building;
• it gives the house an unusual and beautiful look;
• it is not difficult to build a structure, the work can be completed quite quickly;
• the attic is always associated with comfort;
• a house with an attic is warmer by reducing heat loss through the roof.

But lofts also have several disadvantages. This type of attic space has sloping ceilings, which results in a small wall height, which makes it difficult to choose furniture. Also, the roof must be well mounted so as not to leak and release heat from the house - you will have to spend money on good hydro- and heat-insulating materials. Yes, and building attics is still more difficult than, for example, the usual gable roof.

Design features

The attic is a universal element. It was used both for ordinary houses and for the construction of country houses, often this type of attic space was chosen even for the construction of palaces. Of course, it could decorate workshops, commercial buildings, etc. And despite the fact that different materials were used for its construction, different styles were chosen, the attic still remained an attic - it has certain design features.

So, this building can have a different geometric shape - triangular, broken, have symmetrical or, conversely, geometrically complex and non-standard slopes. It can be located both along the entire width of the building, and only on one side of it relative to the longitudinal axis.

Bar prices

On a note! If the roof is broken, then the lower part will have very steep slopes with an angle of inclination of about 60-70 degrees, and on the top slopes, on the contrary, will be gentle (about 15-30 degrees).

But whatever the attic, it will be located within the walls of the main building. Relative to the outer walls, the attic may be somewhat wider, but then it relies on the extensions of the ceilings. If the offset is large, then you will have to install additional supports (for example, columns, walls, etc.).

The height of the attic roof cannot be less than 2.5 m, otherwise it will not work to make a spacious room under it. Windows, which also need to be provided here, will be manufactured using special technologies using tempered durable glass and a reliable frame. They will cost several times more than usual. And load-bearing structures can be made of reinforced concrete, metal or wood. But in the case of the latter, it is important to carefully consider fire safety measures.

The mansard roof is a multilayer structure, which complicates installation. It can be insulated completely or only in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe presence of a living room - where there is heating. But in any case, the design of the attic implies the presence of rafters, a ridge, directly roofing material, heat and waterproofing, and a vapor barrier layer. An interfloor overlap will act as a base under the roof.

Mansard roof rafters must have good bearing capacity. The cross section of the materials used will depend on the angle of the roof slope and cannot be less than 5x15 cm at a step of 100 cm. If the slope angle is 45 degrees, then a step of 140 cm is maintained.

Attention! In areas where it often snows and the amount of precipitation is high, it is recommended to install rafters with a step of no more than 80 cm.

If the attic is to be used as a living space, it is important to consider that in this case there is a risk of a large amount of condensate forming under the roof. Because of this, foci of mold may appear inside the structure, a fungus may develop, etc. The presence of a large amount of moisture will also negatively affect the insulating properties of the material. That is why it is important to follow all the rules for installing a mansard roof, and the heat-insulating material must be reliably protected from moisture ingress, not only from the outside, but also from the inside, that is, a layer of vapor barrier material is also located on this side.

Important! Do not forget about the creation of roofing products that will allow air to circulate calmly inside the roof structure and help remove condensate.

Types of mansard roofs

There are 4 main types of mansard roofs, which differ from each other in design features. They can be divided into single-level and two-level. The former are the simplest in execution, usually combined with a broken or gable roof with a slope angle of 35-45 degrees. The second ones involve the arrangement of two rooms at different levels. Here a system of mixed supports is used.

On a note! When building an attic under a gable roof, the height of the walls can be no more than 1.5 m, followed by sloping ceilings. With a broken roof, the height of the ceiling along the perimeter near the walls is up to 2.5 m.

When building a house, you can stop at one of the types of attics - a single-level attic when arranging a gable roof, single-level with a broken roof, with remote consoles, or a two-level with a special mixed type of support.

Table. The main types of attics.

The mansard roof can also have a balcony. It is created on the principle of building a window. The main thing is that the bearing capacity of the walls allows you to equip it. By the way, columns can also support the balcony, but in this case it is built above the entrance.

Types of rafters for attics

Roof trusses can be of two types - and layered. You will have to choose between them depending on the method of attachment to the walls of the house. Hanging ones are simpler and are usually used for houses that do not have an average load-bearing wall. The rafters rest only on the main walls of the house, without intermediate supports. The width of the span between the walls cannot be large - usually it does not exceed 6 m. If the span is larger (over 9 m), then the arrangement of struts and attendants will be required.

Rafter rafters are usually used when creating houses with two spans, that is, those that have a load-bearing wall in the middle. In this case, the rafters have three points of support - directly this wall, as well as the main ones along the perimeter of the house.

Material for the manufacture of the truss system

Rafters can be made of metal, reinforced concrete or wood. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Wooden rafters are environmentally friendly, they are easy to work with, easily adjusted to the desired size. But wooden structures are afraid of excess moisture and are prone to the formation of mold and fungus on them.

On a note! Before construction, wooden materials are recommended to be treated with protective compounds that will extend their service life.

Metal and reinforced concrete structures can not be covered with such compounds - fungus and mold do not appear on them. Due to this, they are considered more reliable and durable. But the main disadvantage is that, if necessary, it will be difficult to adjust them to the desired dimensions on the spot, and the slightest error in the calculations can lead to the roof being skewed. Also, a master working with reinforced concrete or metal rafters may face other difficulties - this is a large mass of products, which forces the use of special equipment even to lift elements.

Difficulties and features of the arrangement of the attic roof

When designing and building a mansard roof, a number of design features should be taken into account, on the basis of which a number of work rules are formed. For example, the Mauerlat must be fixed very securely with anchor bolts. It is he who will experience the maximum load, which means that he will hold the entire roof on himself. Anchors are additionally recommended to be walled up with a cement mixture if the main walls of the house are made of stone, brick and other similar materials.

It is also important to remember about the correct design and layers of the roof. For example, mansard roofs cannot be covered with metal roofing materials. They get very hot and it will be too hot on the top floor in summer, there can simply be no question of any comfort of living. It is not recommended to use roofing material as a waterproofing material - when heated, it begins to smell specifically. It is best to cover the mansard roof with slate or soft tiles. For thermal insulation, it is usually recommended to purchase mineral wool, which is laid with a waterproofing film on both sides.

A modern mansard roof is a great opportunity to significantly expand the living space of your home without any hassle. But, if you involve builders in the work, then this can cost a pretty penny. It is quite understandable that each of us thought about the question of whether it is possible to do everything on our own without experience. We assure you that a do-it-yourself mansard roof is more than real. We provide you with comprehensive instructions.

Currently, the best option is a broken attic. It is quite spacious and can really become a full-fledged living space with a large area. Naturally, for this you need to make accurate calculations.

Building a mansard roof will require you to consider many factors before. Let's list the main ones.

Video about the mansard roof of the house with your own hands

It is quite clear that the smaller the angle of inclination, the more usable space will be in your attic. But it is far from always necessary to strive for the most gently sloping placement. Here are some features of the choice:

• If your house is located in a temperate area, where it is often windy and snow is rare, then you can safely make a roof with a slight slope;
• If snowfalls and downpours are common in your area, a sloping roof should be discarded;
• Do not forget that you need to take care of high-quality heat, sound and waterproofing. The attic is such a living space, like the rest of the rooms in your house;
• The best roofing materials are tiles or slate. Many mistakenly put a metal coating, but with the advent of cold weather they face problems of heat conservation in the attic. Please note that the materials must be fireproof and moisture resistant. The roof always consists of wooden elements. In order to better preserve, it is recommended to treat all such surfaces with an antifungal solution;
• An outdoor staircase for the attic will significantly save space in the house. An internal staircase is a much more convenient option, but it also takes up a lot of space. Great if you take care of installing a ceiling ladder. She practically does not take up space. As an alternative, you can install a spiral staircase, but its convenience is often questionable.

An outdoor staircase for the attic will significantly save space in the house

• To begin with, you will need wooden beams 10x10 cm in cross section. They are applied over waterproofing. The best material for her is roofing material or roofing felt, which is sold in rolls. Working with them is quite convenient and you do not need any additional skills. If your ceiling is also made of wood, then there is no need to lay an additional beam under the main beams.
• The next step is to install the racks on the beams. The same bar with a section of 10x10 cm will suit you. These racks are a kind of skeleton of the walls of your attic. In order for them to fully fulfill their functions, they must be placed no further than two meters from each other. Make sure each one is perfectly level. We recommend checking each with a level and, if necessary, filing in the right places. When the racks are installed, they must be sheathed on both sides. For the inside, a great option is drywall or ordinary plywood, for the outside - slab. It is important not to forget at this stage to lay the insulation between the racks. Each rack is separately fixed with spikes and staples. So that at the same time they do not lean, we recommend that they be properly fixed with temporary braces.
• Next, lay the top beam. Its cross section should be the same as in the previous paragraphs. You can fix it the way you want. But make sure that the beams are held firmly and firmly.

Each rack is individually secured with spikes and staples

• Now you need to install the Mauerlat. This is a kind of support for the rafter leg, which is located at the bottom of the structure. For Mauerlat, you will need a beam with a section of 40x40 cm or a board with the same thickness. Thanks to the Mauerlat, high strength of the roof rafters to the walls will be ensured. It allows you to redirect the weight of the roof directly onto the walls. More than 40 cm cross section is optional. All the same, the Mauerlat lies directly on the wall and the load on it is relatively small. Just remember to put waterproofing under it, otherwise it will start to rot over time.
• A well-mounted mauerlat protects your roof from the effects of wind, snow mass in winter and other loads. Therefore, make sure that it is fixed carefully. To do this, you can use a wire with a diameter of up to 5 mm. It is best to choose annealed wire, which is just designed for strapping. In order to make the walls more durable, the wire is embedded directly into them.
• Now you need to install the rafter legs. Make markings on the rafter frame and Mauerlat in places where the rafters will be installed. Usually the step is 1-1.2 m. For rafters, a board with a section of 4-5 cm and a width of 15 cm is suitable for you. Choose only perfectly flat boards. It is better to overpay a little money for them, but be sure that a do-it-yourself residential attic will not cause you to collapse the attic roof.

For rafters, a board with a section of 4-5 cm and a width of 15 cm is suitable for you

• Rafter legs should rest on the ridge beam. If your attic has a large area, then the weight of its roof will be large. Therefore, the beam is an indispensable structural element. It is not needed only if the length of the rafter is less than eight meters. In this case, you can do with the usual stretch marks.
• Filly installation. Produce it in the same way as the rafters. To simplify the process, start with the two extremes, pull the twine between them and align with it when installing the next ones.
• Now it is necessary to nail the hem board to the fillies. It will become an obstacle to wind and almost any precipitation.
• Before you make a mansard roof, you must consider where the windows will be installed. Remember that their area should occupy at least 12-13% of the area of ​​the side walls. Where you decide to put windows, you need to strengthen the rafters. To do this, install the cross bars. They will take on the role of the lower and upper parts of the opening, where the window frame will be installed and attached.

Before you make a mansard roof, you must consider where the windows will be installed.

When the previous ten points are completed, you need to carefully double-check everything that has been done. Already at this stage, you will understand how to make a roof with an attic without any problems, but you always need to play it safe. Especially if you are doing it for the first time.

Carefully go through the level along all the rafters and beams, check whether they really hold tightly and securely, whether there is insulation everywhere, whether problem areas need to be finalized. It will be better if you ask one of the more experienced builders to assess with a trained eye whether everything is really done the way it should. Remember that the roof in your house must be safe and strong. But if everything is fine and the design is held securely, you can proceed to further work:

• You have already created the roof skeleton. Now you need to nail the battens to the rafters. The pitch depends on which roofing material you choose for your roof.
• When the crate is installed, a hydrobarrier must be installed on it. In most cases, plain plastic film works best for this. It is inexpensive, qualitatively protects the attic from moisture ingress and is easily attached with construction brackets. The main thing to remember is that the layers of the film must be laid from the bottom up with the layers overlapping each other.
• A heat-insulating layer must be placed on top of the film. One of the best materials that serves these purposes is mineral wool. It is lightweight, retains heat well and is completely safe for your health, unlike many other heat-insulating materials. In addition, it effectively prevents the spread of rodents in your home.

On top of the film it is necessary to put a heat-insulating layer

• When you get to the roof, proceed in the same way as in the case of plastic wrap. The roofing ball also lies from the bottom up, and the elements are superimposed on each other. Make sure that in those places where there is a break in the roof, the upper ball of the roof protrudes above the lower one. It is very important. Otherwise, with the slightest rain, your roof will leak, and the structure will gradually rot.
• The installation of the ridge should take place in such a way that its design completely excludes the possibility of rain falling under the roof of your roof.

Completion of installation

The main part of the work has come to an end. It is recommended to make mansard roofs multi-layered so that they provide the best heat, noise and waterproofing of the entire attic. Do not forget also that the attic must "breathe". Modern windows and doors are an essential element of any such roof.

If you have not fully decided on the installation of stairs, then for a start it is better to install an external one. It will be cheaper and easier that way. In any case, if you feel that this option does not suit you, you can make a staircase indoors at any time, sacrificing space in the house.

Video about a gable roof

Now you know how to build a mansard roof according to all the rules and not resort to the help of an expensive team of builders. Be patient, select high-quality materials and tools, and then follow our instructions. Good luck!

Modern design of a cottage or house is difficult to imagine without the presence of an attic floor. It is also built everywhere in old houses on the site where a dilapidated attic is located, thereby increasing the total living area. Do-it-yourself attic is a complex project, but doable.

Building an attic with your own hands - the first steps

In fact, this is not so - most experts in the field of attic construction unanimously argue that from the angle of inclination and other changes in the design of the rafters, the walls experience an enormous load and undergo significant deformation. Therefore, before making an attic on your own, we highly recommend contacting a specialist so that he can carry out preliminary calculations and, based on them, draw a draft of the truss system that is suitable in your case.

Construction of houses with an attic - choose the right technology

Today, there are quite a lot of buildings on which there is a clearly defined attic. This is either a completely new house, where an attic was designed in advance, or it is attached to an old building, which was originally thick-walled and solid. The easiest way to recognize the attic is by a gable broken roof - this is the most suitable design for building an attic floor.

The use of a gable sloping roof on the walls of the house, compared to a shed roof, has a huge load. However, for an attic room, it is an order of magnitude more convenient, since it forms a lot of space inside.

The gable broken structure has a drawback - in the absence of a sufficient number of bearing supports, the roof is less durable compared to a shed roofing system, and additional bearing supports put additional pressure on the walls. The construction of a gable sloping roof, as a rule, requires the use of layered rafters, requiring massive building walls that can withstand vertical and horizontal loads.

How to build a house with an attic - roofing system

The convenience of the attic room determines the ability to move to full height under the rafter system. Please note that for insulation you will need to allocate from 10 to 15 cm from each surface, including the ceiling. So the first impression about the height of the attic may be wrong. However, the safety of the entire structure should be put in the first position. For the installation of reinforcing additional beams, it will be correct to cut off some part of the attic, rather than risk destroying the entire roof frame.

Before you build a house with an attic, prepare the necessary tools and materials. With tools, everything is simple: a hammer, a hacksaw or a jigsaw, all kinds of measuring tools. Materials - nails or screws of various lengths, an antifungal agent, a 40 * 150 mm board for the crate in a run-up, for creating a continuous crate - OSB sheets.

The type of roofing determines the design of the crate. If you plan to use soft material for the roof, then a continuous crate would be the best option, and if it is hard, the crate is installed with your own hands. In the process of installing a wooden frame (rafters and battens), you should immediately make places for the location of skylights. It is also necessary to think in advance about the reliable fastening of window frames.

Attic in a private house - auxiliary elements

There are main and secondary elements of the attic. The first includes insulation, rafters and load-bearing structures, and the second includes windows, doors and drainage systems. Both of them play an important role. The most difficult thing is to decide exactly with the windows. Before you start choosing windows for the attic, you need to clearly understand their purpose in terms of functionality. Today, the building materials market offers the buyer two types of windows - inclined and vertical.

It is known that the former are attached directly to the plane of the roof and transmit natural (sun) light by 40–45% more than vertical ones. But in winter, the sloped windows are covered with snow, which negatively affects both the general illumination of the room and their technical condition. Doors to the attic act as a kind of link between this room and the main building. They should be selected according to two main criteria: the first is strength, the second is good thermal insulation properties.

In addition, the doors should not stand out from the general interior and through them there should be free access to the attic. Creating an attic with your own hands is impossible without a drainage system. In this regard, it is much easier with vertical windows, since they come with ebbs, but when installing inclined windows, it is necessary to carefully consider the system of gutters in advance, otherwise the room under the attic will constantly experience the negative effects of excess water and moisture.

If you have a country house, then you have probably thought about it more than once. This is a great alternative to building a second floor. Do-it-yourself attic will significantly expand the living space, increase the number of rooms, change the appearance of the house. You can use it, a place to hang out with friends ... How to build an attic and make these dreams come true - read this article.

Attic or attic floor - a room built under the roof of the house. This concept was introduced by the French architect Francois Mansart, who in the 17th century came up with the purpose of the attic. And today, attics are actively used to expand the living space, increase the comfort of the house.

Do-it-yourself attic construction: stages

In order for the attic floor to become functional, it must be built or converted. The construction of an attic is a complex technological process that requires accurate calculations, and not everyone can do it. The construction of the attic consists of the following stages:

• dismantling of the old roofing system;
• strengthening of wall structures;
• warming and waterproofing of the room;
• construction of end walls;

What you need to know before you make an attic with your own hands

There are general rules. The attic device is preferably planned at the design stage of the house. This will make it possible to correctly calculate its load-bearing structures and properly organize the construction site. If a house with an attic is built according to a finished drawing, it provides for the use of additional fortifications.

The scheme of the roof of the attic floor, building a house from a bar

But an attic-type superstructure can also be built on a finished house. In which case it is possible to complete the attic floor?

If it is planned to build this room in a finished house, several important factors must be considered. The construction of an attic requires not only compliance with a certain technology for performing work, but also an assessment of the condition of the house before construction. It is necessary to carry out a calculation that will show whether the house will withstand the extension of the floor. The foundation and walls of the building are being checked.

If this is an old house, then the walls of the structure are dilapidated, they will not withstand the weight of the attic floor. The old foundation during the construction of the attic structure can crack and “float”.

The construction of the attic floor with your own hands is also not recommended on buildings built of brick and foam blocks. The reason is that these are very fragile materials from which load-bearing walls cannot be laid.

Superstructure of the attic floor, photo

The construction project should include and. The extension must be well insulated so that it retains heat, and the structure itself can breathe.

How to make an attic with your own hands

The device of the attic floor requires the use of the following materials:

• wall panels for sheathing the ends of the building;
• beams for the construction of a mansard roof;
• wooden beams;
• roofing material for the roof;
• insulation for walls and;
• insulating materials;

Design

The construction of a wooden attic begins with the development of a project. At the design stage, a calculation is made, the choice of the roof structure.

Roof structure

The built room may be occupying space above the entire house, or only above part of it. It depends on the type of roof.

The simplest design is single-sided. It is a plane fixed on load-bearing walls of different heights, and tilted to one side.

We build an attic with our own hands - a shed construction

The most common is a gable roof, which consists of two inclined planes, not fixed in opposite directions.

Cozy country house with a gable roof

There is also a broken design of the attic. It is used in small houses and consists of two or more parts that form a broken line.

A sloping roof is used to increase the attic space, or for decorative purposes.

It is found in the construction of country houses and a hipped roof.

The roof, which has four slopes, makes the attic structure comfortable for living.

To give the house an original shape, complex conical, domed and pyramidal roofs are built.

Attic with a domed structure

Mansard roof can be of any shape. It is mounted on a special frame, built taking into account the desired parameters of the future room.

As a rule, the roof is laid on a frame with a slope angle of 30-60˚ and combines the actual roof, ceiling and walls.

The best option is considered a gable broken roof, which provides more living space. For its construction, they are used, which are mounted on the walls of the building. They must be strong enough to withstand vertical and horizontal loads.

We are building an attic - the general design of the structure

The rafter system is the roof frame. In the future, a crate is attached to it and a finishing coating is mounted. The building frame is treated with special means to protect against fire and moisture.

If the installation of the attic was not originally included in the project of the house, it follows, as well as heat and sound insulation of the room.

To keep the heat in the house, tiles, slate, plastic coatings should be used as roofing material.

Glazing

The phased construction of the roof also provides for the installation of windows on the attic floor. They are vertical and pitched. The angle of their inclination should coincide with the slope of the roof. Windows are located at a height of 70 cm, 1 m from the floor.

The installation of pitched windows allows more light to enter the room on the top floor, in addition, at night they offer a beautiful view of the starry sky

The choice of windows for the built attic depends entirely on the preferences of the owner of the house, but we should not forget that they must be of high quality.

Attic window installation

When the room is built and windows are installed, the attic floor is connected to the rest of the living space with the help of stairs and.

About how to properly and efficiently organize the construction of the attic with your own hands - video:

Attic construction - options

In a short time, a frame attic can be erected with your own hands.

It can be built simultaneously with the construction of a house made of wood or timber.

Do-it-yourself wooden frame attic, photo

This is an ideal option for a quick and inexpensive expansion of living space by completing the attic floor.

The attic of a log looks beautiful and colorful

Also, an additional floor can be built on the finished foundation of a brick house.

Wooden structure on the basis of a house made of bricks and aerated concrete

In large houses with a strong base, the frame of the structure can be made of metal.

Metal frame attic floor

An example of how a cozy attic is equipped from an old attic with your own hands - video:

Outcome

The attic floor in many houses has long ceased to be empty - they began to use it. To complete the attic in the house, or in the country with your own hands, will provide an opportunity to get a full-fledged second floor, which can be used at your discretion.

Modern people try to use the area of ​​their home as efficiently as possible. Therefore, the proposal to equip additional space under the roof is always met with enthusiasm. It is much easier to plan the construction of an attic at the stage of building a house, but you can make an additional superstructure above the old building.

How to make an attic on an old house

The presence of an attic not only increases the living space, but also gives the building a colorful look.

The attic turns a country house into a fabulous building

An old house can be updated by building a superstructure in accordance with existing standards.

The attic superstructure begins with calculations of the strength of the old house

First you need to decide whether the existing foundation and walls can withstand the load of the attic floor and the new roof. If they have a sufficient margin of safety, then you can start remodeling the house. Otherwise, they should be strengthened.

Old brick walls sometimes seem strong, but with additional stress, cracks may appear in the mortar over time. Therefore, it is necessary to immediately consider their condition, and, if necessary, tie them with a rigid belt. This is done as follows:

• metal poles with a section of 10x10 cm are inserted into the foundation with the lower edge, and connected with the armored belt of the first floor with the upper edge. Installed around the perimeter of the house every 2 meters;
• metal fittings with a cross section of 12 mm are placed in strakes and tie the house along the walls: from the bottom of the window every 2 meters up;
• a metal mesh with a cell size of 2x2 cm is laid on top of the reinforcement, which, after completion of all work, is covered with plaster.

Strengthening the foundation is carried out by tying with a reinforcing belt from all sides.

If the old foundation cannot withstand the attic, then it must be sheathed with reinforcement

Having decided on the strengthening of the building, you can proceed to the choice of the project of the future superstructure. It should look harmonious against the background of other buildings and match the style of the whole house.

The type of mansard roof will determine the calculation of the dimensions of the inner upper room and the necessary materials for construction

There are several types of attics:

• single-level with a gable roof - low ceilings with a small living space;

  A single-level attic with a gable roof is the simplest type of superstructure for small buildings

• single-level with a sloping gable roof - increased interior space, but serious costs and time for construction;

  A single-level attic with a broken gable roof is usually built on a brick house

• single-level with cantilever extensions - a complex structure that allows you to get even more area, since the attic frame extends beyond the building, and the windows are installed vertically;

  A single-level attic with cantilever extensions allows you to get a lot of internal space by increasing the upper structure

• multi-level with mixed roof support - used in the construction of a new house, built only by specialists.

  A multi-level attic with a mixed roof support on old houses is usually not installed due to the complexity and large amount of work.

Video: converting half of the old roof into an attic - an easy way

Alteration of the roof under the attic is a relatively cheap way to increase living space. In a private house, a pitched roof is usually placed, so you can make an additional spacious and bright room with your own hands.

Internal wood paneling makes the attic warm and bright

And if the house is large enough in length, then the attic can turn into a real floor: with several rooms and even a balcony.

A large attic allows you to divide the area into different residential areas

Advantages of creating an attic:

• the possibility of arranging one or more new living rooms;

  An attic with low ceilings under a gable roof is most conveniently furnished with low sunbeds

• low costs compared to the construction of a full-fledged floor or a side extension to the house;
• renovation of the exterior of the building;

  A house with an attic under construction always attracts the eyes of passers-by and is interested in the final result.

• the opportunity to observe a beautiful view from the attic window.

  A lot of sunlight comes through the windows in the attic, illuminating the room all day

However, this solution also has certain disadvantages that must also be taken into account:

• the need for insulation and soundproofing of the ceiling and a new roof, the installation of several double-glazed windows;
• the difficulty of conducting additional heating and lighting in the upper part of the old house - you will have to combine it with home wiring or use an autonomous connection;

  To heat the attic with access to the balcony, you can use a potbelly stove

• layout of a part of the home space under the stairs leading to the attic;

  The stairs leading to the attic must be fenced for safety.

• the need to purchase special furniture for a sloping roof or purchase squat models: low cabinets, sofas and tables.

  Low furniture is best suited for attic interiors

The presence of sloping walls makes the room unusual and romantic, but with this decision you will have to take a more responsible approach to design development. You can make furniture for an inclined superstructure yourself or assemble a single complex from existing multi-level models, painting everything in one color.

Furniture that repeats the slope of the attic can be made independently

So, the main disadvantage of converting an attic into an attic is the need to invest, but it's worth it.

Building an attic will cost much less than creating an additional floor, regardless of what materials will be used to build the walls. Indeed, to create them, you will need the main material, insulation and decoration, while for the attic superstructure you only need roof insulation and a new truss system.

The superstructure is made in a symmetrical or asymmetrical shape. Internal walls are designed both inclined and vertical.

Having studied the schemes of single-level attics with different types of roofs, it is easier to make a choice when planning

Alteration of the attic into an attic does not require the dismantling of all existing structures. But you need to make sure that the ceiling is reliable: check its condition, reinforce it with wooden or metal beams, sheathe it with a new board. Then it will be able to withstand the weight of furniture and people.

For frequent climbing to the attic, you will need to make a comfortable staircase, provide for the installation of ventilation, natural and artificial lighting, and perform interior decoration - all this will create a cozy and comfortable room.

The sloping roof superstructure, decorated in light colors, visually enlarges the space, while splashes of color add brightness to the interior.

When building an attic floor, the following conditions must be met:

• rafters are made of glued timber with a thickness of at least 250 mm so that the required amount of insulation can be laid;
• foamed polystyrene is used for insulation due to its low weight and high thermal insulation characteristics;
• a gap is left between the thermal insulation and the roofing material to provide natural ventilation;
• a hydro- and sound-proof layer must be laid.

Alteration of the roof under the attic do it yourself

During the construction of a house, there is usually not enough money, so many refuse to build a second floor. Or another situation may arise when an old one-story house of a small area is purchased along with the site. In both cases, there is an affordable option for increasing the place to live - do-it-yourself restructuring of the attic space into an attic.

Create a project

Before starting work, you need to draw up a plan and develop a project with accurate drawings. The correct calculation will allow you to get a cozy, durable and reliable room. You can perform all the calculations yourself or entrust it to specialists.

You can draw a plan and develop a draft design yourself by studying various options on the Internet

Strengthening the walls and foundation may be necessary in the event of a complete replacement of the rafters. If the roof is partially redone, then reinforcement may be needed only for overlapping. You also need to immediately decide what types of windows will be used in the attic: the reinforcement in the truss system will depend on this.

The location of all windows in the attic roof must be thought out in advance and this data entered into the project plan

truss system

Rafters can be layered or hanging. The former rest on the inner walls of the house or additional supports, and the latter on the outer walls.

In the attic, layered and hanging rafters are used.

Hanging rafters are best suited for the attic.

An attic with hanging rafters looks prettier and wins in the size of the internal area

The attic usually occupies the entire space of the attic, and its walls are combined with the outer ones.

The best option for creating an attic is a layered truss system.

The rafter system consists of different load-bearing bars. To understand the structure of the entire structure and build it correctly, you need to understand the purpose and operation of its individual elements.

The image of the individual elements of the truss system helps to understand the structure of the entire structure

Refurbishment of the premises

With a sufficient height of the attic, the truss system does not need to be redone. It is enough to inspect the old rafters, identify possible flaws and eliminate them.

If the truss system is in good condition, you can proceed to the arrangement of the floor. Insulation is first laid between the lags, after which the surface is sheathed with ordinary boards or sheets of OSB, chipboard.

The floor in the attic is insulated and covered with boards

Before laying the insulation, all necessary communications are mounted between the rafters, places are cut in the roof for installing windows. carried out before warming.

All wires and pipes of communications must be placed in special corrugations

Care must be taken to create natural ventilation of the under-roof space through the vents so that moisture does not accumulate inside the room.

Roof insulation

It is necessary to insulate the roof correctly and efficiently - the microclimate under the roof will depend on this. Typically, mineral wool, polystyrene foam or sprayed polyurethane foam is used as insulation.

A thick layer of heat insulator is tightly laid and fixed between the rafters so that there are no gaps or gaps anywhere. On the upper part of the roof - between the roof and the insulation - waterproofing is mounted, then heat-insulating material is laid from the side of the room. Then from the inside the insulation is covered with a vapor barrier film.

For better ventilation, a small distance is left between the roofing material and the insulation: this is how air circulates through the holes in the cornice and ridge. If the roof is covered with corrugated sheets, then the thickness of the gap should be 25 mm, if with flat material, then it should be increased to 50 mm.

When creating attic thermal insulation, it is necessary to strictly observe the sequence of layers

When planning an ascent to the attic, you need to take care of the convenience and safety of movement. Therefore, the ladder is usually mounted inside the house. It is constructed from wood or metal: it can be either a screw or a marching structure.

The staircase to the attic can be of different types and designs, which allows it to fit into any interior.

An opening is cut in the ceiling of the first floor, which is reinforced along the perimeter with metal or wooden strapping.

The design of the stairs to the attic must be durable, reliable, safe and beautiful.

Interior decoration

For wall cladding, in most cases, gypsum boards are used, the seams between them are plastered. Wallpaper is glued on top or decorative plaster is applied. An alternative option is lining or natural wood.

If some rafters protrude through the walls into the attic, then they can be designed as decorative elements and even used as a horizontal bar for hanging a hammock, swing, chandelier and other fixtures.

The design of the visible parts of the rafters in the interior of the attic is an interesting and creative business.

It is not recommended to use heavy finishing materials in the attic, as they increase the load on the walls, ceiling and foundation of the building.

There are many options for interior decoration of the attic, but it is advisable to use only light materials.

To cover the floor, you can use a laminate or linoleum, and it is better to refuse tiles or porcelain stoneware.

Roof of the attic floor

The roof of a residential superstructure should consist of the following layers (in order - from the street to the interior):

Video: why and how to properly lay layers on the roof of the attic

Mansard roof calculations for a house

Determination of the total weight of the roof

To calculate the total weight of roofing materials, it is necessary to multiply the specific gravity of one square meter of coverage by the total area of ​​​​the attic roof. To obtain the weight of one square meter, it is necessary to add up the specific gravity of all the materials that make up the roofing cake, and multiply it by the safety factor (1.1).

If the thickness of the crate is 25 mm, then its specific gravity is 15 kg / m 2, a 10 cm thick insulation has a specific gravity of 10 kg / m 2, and ondulin roofing material has a weight of 3 kg / m 2. It turns out: (15 + 10 + 3) x1.1 \u003d 30.8 kg / m 2.

According to existing standards, the load on the ceiling in a residential building should not exceed 50 kg / m 2.

Roof area determination

To calculate the surface of a sloping roof, you need to break it into simple shapes (square, rectangle, trapezium, etc.) and determine their area, and then add everything up. To determine the surface of a gable roof, it is necessary to multiply the length by the width, multiply the resulting value by two.

Table: determination of the attic roof area

When calculating the angle of inclination, the climatic zone in which the house is located is taken into account, and that it is convenient to move in the attic in full growth

It is also necessary to calculate the slope of the roof. Usually the angle is 45–60 degrees, but when determining it, one must take into account the climatic zone in which the house is located, the type of attic construction, snow, wind loads, and the architectural design of the house.

The greater the angle of inclination of the roof, the less will be the load on the truss system, but the consumption of materials will increase.

Calculation of the truss system

When choosing a truss system, you can stop at the following options:

• hanging rafters;
• oblique type;
• skating run;
• combined design.

If the length of the roof is more than 4.5 m, then support runs and struts can be used for reinforcement. With a length of more than 7 meters, a ridge beam is installed.

For wooden rafters, a bar with a thickness of at least 70 mm is used. The step of their installation should be 50 cm.

On a large area, it is better to fix a metal truss system: due to the increase in the distance between the rafters, the absence of spacers and struts, the weight of such a structure will be less than that of a wooden one, and the strength will increase significantly.

If the attic area is large, then it is better to install metal rafters

Calculation of the required amount of materials

To carry out the calculation, you need to know the following parameters:

• width, thickness and pitch of the rafters;
• distance from the edge of the roof to the rafters;
• the size of the boards for the crate and the step between them;
• size, type of roofing material and overlap between its sheets;
• type of steam, hydro and thermal insulation material.

The roof is divided into simple shapes and the required amount of each of the materials is determined. For this, simple mathematical formulas are used.

The results obtained are converted into standard values: for wood - in cubic meters, for roofing materials, steam, hydro and thermal insulation - in square meters. And you can go to the store.

Common Mistakes

Most often, with self-calculation, errors are obtained during the determination of the required amount of insulation. If the climatic conditions are severe, then its volume will have to be increased, otherwise it will not be possible to create comfortable living conditions in the attic. The insulation is laid on the floor of the house, the walls of the gable and the slopes of the roof. But everywhere the thickness of the insulation can be different.

Video: calculation of a mansard roof with diagrams and loads

The attic floor allows you to get additional living space and gives the private house a modern attractive appearance. It is not difficult to create an attic with your own hands, you just need to draw up a project correctly, perform calculations and carry out high-quality installation of all materials. And the result will please the owners for a long time.