We did not make a counter-lattice and everything is fine. Attic insulation from the inside if the roof is already covered

When mounting each roof element, regardless of whether it is a new building or being restored, they often forget about such an important element as laying a counter-lattice under a metal tile. In its absence, unfortunately, both the reliability and the life of the entire roof as a whole decrease.

In this article

What is it?

When building a roof using modern heat and vapor barrier materials, a roofing “pie” is necessarily formed. It consists of a large number of components, each of which has a specific function. In the absence of one of them, normal functioning of even ventilation is impossible.

By itself, the counter-lattice under the metal tile is an addition to the main truss elements. Usually it is formed from wooden bars up to 70 millimeters wide.

With the help of these counter-battens, it becomes possible to organize a special free distance between the sheets of metal tiles and the film waterproofing.

Main functions

Ventilation

Natural ventilation of the entire roof structure is required annually. In its absence, moisture accumulates under the roof very quickly. And this, in turn, will lead to the formation of mold first and then real rot.

And when the question arises whether a counter-lattice is needed for a metal tile, you should immediately think about how much longer the roof will last without it.

The level of heat exchange under the entire roof area of ​​the building depends on ventilation. And if it is violated in the winter, because of this, ice is definitely formed, which, accumulating on the edges of the roof slope and elements of the drainage system, can threaten to collapse it straight down.

As a result, pieces of ice together with roof elements can fall on one of the cold days right on people passing below and, for example, cars standing there.

alignment

If some inaccuracies were made during the installation of the rafter elements and the crate system, or the work was not done very well, then you will have to smooth out all the differences with the help of a counter-lattice.

If you need an ideal metal tile that will be even and tight at the joints, then the counter-lattice is a must.

In its absence, loosely laid sheets of metal tiles will allow precipitation to fall directly under the metal sheets. And this, in turn, will also cause mold and active decay in the future.

And also with the formation of leaks, the strength of the connection of each metal sheet at the junction points is necessarily violated. This means that with strong gusts of wind, an elementary failure of the roofing is possible.

Strength

When the crate and counter-crate are laid under the metal tile, the structure acquires additional rigidity. And that means that with the accumulation of heavy winter precipitation, not one of the sheets of metal will bend.

If the building is located in a place where a very large amount of precipitation falls in winter, then the counter-lattice is vital. Without it, an elementary deflection of both metal sheets and even the main crate will occur. Therefore, this cannot be overlooked.

Is she really that important?

Considering that it is the counter-lattice that is the main ventilating element, then even if it is not planned to organize a residential used space under the roof, the counter-lattice is still needed.

Otherwise, to improve the removal of moisture, you will have to install additional elements.

Requirements for the material of the counter-lattice

1. Dry wood. When using raw lumber, it will soon dry out. It, in turn, can contribute to the curvature and deformation of the support bars. This means that the roof will no longer be perfectly flat and will lose its aesthetic appearance.
2. No damage. If the lumber has cracks or breaks, then its use must be unequivocally abandoned. Their presence will negatively affect the strength of the supporting elements. This means that at one of the moments, destruction at a problem point under critical loads will be inevitable.
3. No areas affected by mold and rot. Further operation will cause an unambiguous large-scale development of the structure decay process. Since the tree rots very quickly, this process should by no means be allowed.

Rules for laying the counter-lattice

1. When choosing sizes, it is worth stopping at bars 7 centimeters wide and 3 to 5 thick. Thanks to this, an extra weight load will not be created on the supporting elements of the rafters of the entire roof. This means that the load on the walls of the building will remain within the normal range.
2. The minimum distance between the nearest counter rails should be only 1 centimeter. The maximum allowable value is up to 30 centimeters.
3. For fastening hardware from special stainless or galvanized steel is used. This will eliminate the occurrence of spot rot.

Therefore, when the roof of any building and any area is mounted, it is imperative not to save money and purchase additional material for the counter-lattice.

The roof serves as the protection of our home, therefore, its arrangement should be approached very carefully, carefully, without deviating from the installation rules. One of the features of the roof installation is the arrangement of the counter-lattice. How to make a counter-lattice for corrugated board, what are the nuances of this stage of roof construction, and also - what functions do the crate and counter-bars perform? This is discussed further.

Not everyone understands the purpose of the counter rails, so they are often confused with the crate. However, the functions of these elements of the roofing cake are somewhat different. To understand what is the difference, it is necessary to describe these structural elements.

The crate is made up of rows of boards that are nailed to the rafter system. It can be solid or sparse. The step between the boards in a continuous crate is less than a centimeter. This design allows you to isolate noise, retain heat. Discharged crates are more often used on corrugated roofs. They are constructed from bars measuring 50x50 millimeters. Crate boards are nailed onto the counter-crate.

The counter-lattice is made of wooden beams, stuffed onto the rafters, directly onto the waterproofing. The counter beams allow air to circulate between the waterproof foil, the batten and the profiled sheets.

Often, condensation forms on the coating, inside, which ultimately leads to rotting of the entire roof structure. The counter bars act not just as a frame for the crate, they contribute to the removal of moisture. The counter-lattice is made of bars with a section of 30x50 mm.

Functions of counter grilles

It's no secret that before laying corrugated board, the roof is covered with a film designed to protect against moisture. Therefore, counter bars are a necessary condition for the arrangement of the roof. Let's explain. Between the waterproofing sheet and the crate, it is imperative to leave a ventilation gap. This gap can be provided by mounting counter rails.

The most relevant is the use of counter-beams on sloping roofs. Also, you can’t do without it in the case of using corrugated board with a wave height of up to 21 millimeters. In both cases, there is a risk of sagging roofing material. Therefore, being reinsured, builders make a frequent or continuous crate under the corrugated board on such roofs. This requires the arrangement of an additional gap between the crate and waterproofing. You can achieve it with the help of counter bars. The following functions are assigned to the counter-lattice:

1. Ensures the creation of a ventilation gap (it should be 5 centimeters)
2. It helps to ensure that the waterproofing film does not come into contact with the boards of the crate. The fact is that condensation often accumulates on the waterproofing film. Thanks to the counter-lattice, it flows freely over the film without harming the wooden elements of the roof.
3. The counter-lattice under the corrugated board provides straightening of the waterproofing material, so that it does not sag.

What are the crates

There are other functions for counter bars. For example, if the rafters are carelessly trimmed, they can be leveled before installing the main crate by stuffing additional planks. In addition, the counter-lattice can be used as a support for temporary, mounting battens, which are relevant for builders to move on a roof covered with waterproofing. In this case, the counter bars will not allow damaging or tearing the waterproofing.

Choosing wood

What tree is most suitable for arranging counter rails? This question is asked by many builders, especially those who are not professionals. First of all, the choice of material depends on what kind of roof you choose, or rather, what material it will be built from. So, if you are planning to make a heavy metal roof, the ideal solution would be to choose pine or oak.

When covering the roof with light materials (as in our case - corrugated board), soft wood is used. The height of the system of counter-rails varies from two to five centimeters.

Installing counter bars

Installing counter bars is not at all difficult. After laying and fixing the waterproofing layer, parallel to the main rafters, stuff the planks-bars, which should be prepared in advance. At what you should work very carefully, otherwise there is a risk of damage to the waterproofing film.

When choosing planks, give preference to those that are a little more than a meter in length. It is possible to calculate the length of each bar so that there are three bars at the height of the roof, the gaps between them should be 15-30 centimeters.

The bars of the counter-lattice are quite convenient for arranging the corner of the roof ridge. To do this, simply saw down the tops of the planks so that they form a roof corner. And you are already mounting the skate on it. This greatly facilitates the work of forming a ridge corner with the main rafters.

As you can see, it is not difficult to build a device, it does not require additional costs. At the same time, it performs many functions. Therefore, do not ignore the arrangement of the counter-lattice and do not bypass this stage of roof construction.

Each roof is a fairly complex system, which, like a layer cake, consists of individual elements assembled into a single structure. Moreover, each element performs a specific function, so improper assembly of the "roof pie" will lead to disruption of its normal functioning. Therefore, if the question arises whether a counter-lattice is needed for a metal tile, or you can not waste time installing this element of the roof structure, then the answer can only be unambiguous - it is necessary!

The counter-lattice is an important element of the roof, so its device should not be neglected. Many novice craftsmen mistakenly believe that building a counter-lattice is an unreasonable waste of material.

The owners of the house will feel the consequences of such savings already in the first winter. Due to the lack of air circulation in the under-roofing space, moisture will accumulate, which will cause the most unpleasant consequences - the formation of icicles and frosts that destroy the metal-tiled coating, wetting of the insulation material and a decrease in the heat-insulating qualities of the roof, etc.

Functions performed by the counter-lattice

Non-professional builders often do not see the difference in the concepts of “battens” and counter-battens.” Meanwhile, these are two structures that perform dissimilar functions and have a dissimilar appearance. The crate can be sparse (lattice) or solid, but it is built in order to lay a roof covering on it.

Advice! The type and design of the crate is selected depending on the type of coating. So, under hard coatings, grating is usually performed, since less material is spent on its construction and, accordingly, its installation is cheaper. Under soft coatings, solid floorings are necessarily arranged.

The counter-lattice performs other functions, the structure is assembled to create free space between the individual layers of the roofing “pie”, to ensure ventilation.

Is a counter-lattice always needed?

In most cases, it is necessary to build a counter-lattice, however, when building residential buildings with non-insulated roofs, that is, if the attic is not supposed to be used, then it is allowed to exclude the counter-lattice from the roof structure. But in this case, it will be necessary to ensure good ventilation in the attic space.

When constructing insulated roofs, the construction of a counter-lattice is mandatory. Moreover, it will be necessary to build this construction twice:

• An internal counter-lattice is constructed between a layer of heat-insulating material and waterproofing.
• An external counter-lattice is constructed between a layer of waterproofing material and a crate on which the roofing will be laid.

Arguments for the construction of a counter-lattice

When constructing a roof, it is worth thinking about the future. For example, even if at the time of building the house it is not planned to use the attic space, then no one can guarantee that in a few years the owners will not need to convert the attic space into an attic. For example, in the event that, due to an increase in the number of households, additional living quarters are required.

Therefore, if the possibility of using the attic in the future is not ruled out, then it is worth immediately arranging all the necessary elements of the roofing pie, including counter-lattices. Otherwise, if it is necessary to carry out alterations, a complete reconstruction of the roof will be required, which is quite expensive.

The timely construction of the counter-lattice will not require significant time costs, and it will only slightly affect the total cost of construction. But in the future, if it is necessary to re-equip the attic, the presence of a ready-made counter-lattice will provide significant savings, both in time and finances. The presence of a counter-lattice on a cold roof cannot bring anything but additional benefits.

The counter-lattice is used not only to ensure ventilation of the space under the roof, with the help of this design additional noise insulation is created. And this is especially important if you plan to use metal-based materials for roofing - metal tiles, corrugated board, etc. Since such materials conduct sound perfectly, which creates certain inconvenience for residents of the house during rain.

Another important argument that favors the construction of the crate is that this design can be used to level the flatness of the slope if inaccuracies were made during the installation of the rafters.

Basic rules for mounting the counter-lattice

• As a rule, the counter-lattice is assembled from wooden bars. Lumber must be well dried and not show signs of mold damage.

Advice! The cross section of the bars for the construction of the counter-lattice is selected depending on the size of the roof. Most often, bars with a cross section of 50 mm are used. If a large building is being built with a roof of a significant area, it may be necessary to use bars with a large cross section.

• The step of the elements of the counter-lattice always coincides with the step of the rafters, since the bars are stuffed exactly on the rafter legs.
• The material for the construction of the counter-lattice is recommended to be pre-treated with antiseptic impregnations, this will help ensure a longer service life of the entire structure.
• The fastening of the bars to the rafter legs is carried out by driving nails made of galvanized steel. Attachment points are arranged in increments of 30 cm.

So, the counter-lattice under the metal tile is a functional element of the roof structure. This design is necessary to ensure ventilation of the space between the layers of the roofing cake. Removing moisture from the under-roof space avoids premature destruction of wooden and metal roofing elements.

Modern roofing methods bear little resemblance to traditional installation methods. For example, thanks to the use of metal tiles and corrugated board, the concept of a counter-lattice has come into use for roofers. What is it? Is it really necessary? What functions does it perform and how is it installed? Let's try to figure it out.

Do you really need a counter-lattice for a metal tile?

is expensive. It is not surprising that, wanting to save money, most of the owners may be perplexed about the need to manufacture a counter-lattice. Is it really necessary to install it? Is it possible to do without it? In short, the technological process of arranging a metal roof implies its use. An omission in this matter is a gross violation and can lead to a sharp decrease in the life of the metal tile. It turns out that the manufacture of the counter-lattice is justified and justified. But what is its function?

The main purpose and functions of the counter-lattice

There are several main purposes for installing a counter-lattice, each of which significantly affects the timing and quality of operation of metal roofing materials. It performs the following functions:

• Provides unhindered air circulation. A feature of the roofing cake, which is made under the metal tile, is the good thermal insulation of the roof. The disadvantage of this design is the increased formation of condensate. To reduce the negative consequences of this, a counter-lattice is arranged. It allows you to remove harmful moisture from the roofing cake with the help of a constant supply of fresh air.
• Creates additional noise and heat insulation. The space that appears due to its installation creates an air gap. It effectively copes with the functions of the barrier and increases the isolation of the room from extraneous noise.
• Eliminates irregularities in the truss system. Even the use of perfectly even timber as rafters does not guarantee an ideal roof plane. The control grid allows you to eliminate small irregularities

Attention! According to the technology for slate and soft roofing materials, there is no need to install a counter-lattice, but for metal tiles and corrugated board, its use is mandatory.

Why is it necessary?

The main function of the counter-lattice is the creation of an air gap in which air can circulate freely. This achieves the following:

• The service life of the metal tile is increased. During installation, the integrity of the varnish coating is violated, which is applied to the sheets as a protective layer. Even if the necessary tools are used, the varnish is destroyed at the attachment or cut points. Over time, if the necessary conditions are not provided, rust appears and, as a result, the roof begins to rot. To prevent this from happening, you need to create a natural removal of moisture from the roofing pie. The counter-lattice just performs this function.
• Provides additional space for laying thermal insulation. With the help of a counter-lattice, it turns out to make the so-called "warm roof". This is especially important if you plan to use the attic for living quarters. But even if a “cold roof” is made, such a device can reduce the heat loss of the building.
• Provides better work results. As already noted, with the help of a counter-lattice, it is possible to eliminate minor defects in the truss system and irregularities of 1-2 cm.

Control grate and hydrobarrier

Another additional function of the counter-batten is the reliable fixation of the hydro-barrier to the roof rafters. Initially, it is attached with a stapler. Start from the bottom row. Roll out along the plane of the roof. Each subsequent row is overlapped (at least 10 cm) with the previous one. After installation, a bar is stuffed in the center of each rafter, which plays the role of a counter-lattice. It additionally fixes the material. To avoid the rusting process, it is necessary to fasten the bars to the rafters with the help of special screw nails.

Lathing and counter-latting for metal tiles

The counter-lattice is made of a beam with a section of 3/5 cm. It is nailed to the rafters strictly in their middle. Between themselves, the timber is connected by washing down, this provides a stronger grip. After that, the crate is laid. It is important to know, . It is made from a planed board 3/10 cm thick. The pitch of the crate is determined by the roofing material, or rather its wavelength. For a metal tile, as a rule, such a difference is 35-40 cm. This is due to the fact that it must be laid, clinging to the edges of the board with an internal wave. The process of installing roofing material is as follows:

1. The hydrobarrier is laid
2. The counter-lattice is fixed
3. Roofing cake being made
4. The crate is sewn on

Attention! If a "cold roof" is made, there is no need to use thermal insulation.

Calculation of the counter-lattice pitch

Usually the step of the counter-lattice completely coincides with the distance between the rafters. In this case, it is enough to attach a beam in the middle of the rafter leg. Sloping roofs may require this gap to be reduced. If a small angle of inclination is used, it is necessary to increase the thickness of the timber used.

How is the installation of the counter-lattice

It is not difficult to install a counter-lattice. The installation process goes like this:

1. Training. The edges of the beam, at the junction, are sawn at an angle
2. The hydrobarrier is sewn on
3. The prepared beam is sewn onto the rafters using galvanized nails.

At the junction with the valley, the beam should be sewn, not reaching the edge by 10-15 cm. This makes it possible for the debris that appears during installation to slide down unhindered.

• The counter grill must be installed for any type of metal roof, even if the decision is made not to insulate the roof
• The smaller the angle of inclination of the roof slope, the thicker the beam used as a counter-lattice should be.
• It is necessary to fasten the bars with the help of galvanized screw nails. This will prevent rust from showing through at the attachment point.

Do not ignore the importance of the counter-lattice, a relatively small investment will significantly increase the life of the metal tile.

Are you just about to build a house? Not sure which roofing material to choose in the future? All materials have advantages and disadvantages, but if you count all the pros and cons, then metal tiles are the best option of all roofing materials.

To date, the most popular is the metal tile Rukki. Read more about Rukki metal tile. This material is durable, high quality and unique in appearance.

Video about the counter-lattice under the metal tile

Is it worth it to make a counter-lattice? Advantages of a counter-lattice for a metal tile.

The thickness and size of the counter-lattice under the metal tile. Installation of the counter-lattice.

When the question arises of what a counter-lattice is, not all suburban developers understand what it is about.

Many confuse it with the usual crate.

But the difference between the two structures is large, although both are used for roofing.

Therefore, it is necessary to compare the two systems in order to understand how they differ from each other.

Sheathing - these are bars that are installed perpendicular to the rafter system and are attached to the rafter legs.

It is on the crate that the roofing material is laid and attached to it.

This is the main function of a conventional crate.

She does not do others.

The counter-lattice consists of the same beams, they are laid on the rafter legs themselves (along, not perpendicular) and attached to them.

After that, the crate is mounted on the counter-lattice.

Why is this complexity necessary?

Consider the example of a roof device.

Usually the work is done in the following order:

• installation of the truss system;
• from the outside, waterproofing material is laid on it;
• then the counter rails are stuffed;
• then the crate itself is installed;
• today, more and more often, a heater is placed under the waterproofing between the rafter legs.

That is, in the roof structure between the crate, and, therefore, between the roofing material and the waterproofing, a kind of gap is formed in the entire area of ​​​​the roof slopes.

Its thickness is equal to the thickness of the bars of the counter-lattice.

What is it for?

This gap is nothing but a ventilation system.

The thing is that moisture, which often forms under the roofing (condensation processes occur), is a negative factor that reduces the life of roofing elements, especially wooden ones.

It is ventilation that removes some of the moisture, thereby reducing the risk of wood damage.

This is the main purpose of the counter-lattice.

In what cases is the counter-lattice used?

Most often it is used if a metal-based coating is chosen as the roofing material.

It can be corrugated board, metal tile, flat metal sheet.

The metal in contact with the air with a negative temperature from the outside and with the air coming from the bottom of the house (with a positive temperature) is the boundary of the collision of two opposite temperatures.

And this is a guarantee that condensation will form on the roofing material.

Although more and more often today, the counter-lattice is becoming an integral part of all insulated roofs.

And here it does not matter what kind of roofing material was used.

Because many heaters, when in contact with moisture, quickly lose their performance.

Gallery

Stages of the installation process

Let's start with the fact that bars with a section of 30 x 50 mm are needed for the counter-lattice when it comes to simple roofs.

If this system is installed on complex structures, then it is better to choose a bar with a section of 50 x 50 mm.

The length varies from the selected roofing.

They, as mentioned above, are installed on the rafters and fastened with special galvanized nails in increments of 30 - 40 cm.

There are two ways to set up this system:

1. Fully covered rafters.
2. With periodic installation. Here the installation step depends on the length of the roofing material used.

   If this is corrugated board, then the distance varies between 40 - 50 cm under the crate element. If , then the width of the laid material is taken into account.

   In any case, the length of each beam of the counter-lattice should not be less than half a meter (the optimal size is 135 mm).

Installation and assembly

Nothing complicated in this process.

It is important to consider here that all work will be carried out at height.

So take care of your own safety.

In addition, a waterproofing membrane is stuffed along the rafters, so you will have to build a temporary crate so as not to damage the film material.

• at the ridge, they should converge at one point, like the rafters themselves. Therefore, given the slope of the slopes, it will be necessary to cut them at the required angle;
• near the valley, the installation step is reduced to 10 cm with a standard step of 30 cm. The junction of two rails must also be sawn to the installation angle.

On the valley site, it is necessary to correctly install the elements of the counter-lattice.

Here it is important to raise them to a height of 5 - 10 cm above the support of the valley itself.

This will ensure unhindered water flow.

Usually, at least 10 nails are used per square meter of the surface where the elements of the counter-batten are installed.

They break through the waterproofing material, thereby violating the integrity of the canvas and the sealing of the entire roof.

Therefore, you should not leave the roof in this form for a long time.

That is, they installed a counter-lattice, immediately stuff the crate and install the roofing material.

If you leave the roof uncovered and it starts to rain, then the price of all the work is worthless.

Which roofs do not need a counter grille

The modern approach to an economical home requires the use of insulated roofs.

And they can not do without a counter-lattice.

But they are built on suburban areas for domestic purposes.

It can be a garage, a barn, etc.

Uninsulated roofs are usually erected in them, under which attic rooms are arranged for storing various household belongings or garden tools.

On such roofs, it is not necessary to install a crate.

Often, the idea suddenly comes up to use the attic for other needs.

And the owner begins to look for ways to insulate the attic.

It was then that he would remember that he did not make a counter-lattice in vain.

Therefore, before you start building non-insulated roofs, try to predict everything in advance, compare your plans for the future.

And the last.

Materials for the counter-lattice.

Usually, a beam made of softwood is used for this.

This design will not feel negative impact, because it is reliably protected by roofing material.

Video about the installation of the counter-lattice.

So the requirements for its quality are not the most stringent.