Flat roof of the house with their own hands. Flat roof in a private house

Most people associate a flat roof with high-rise buildings. In private housing construction, such roof structures were practically not used ten years ago. Today they can be seen in many projects of country cottages. Therefore, many developers are considering a flat roof in a private house as an option, analyzing the pros and cons of its operation.

In this article

Varieties of flat roofs

Any building structures are divided into separate types, subspecies. So, for example, for some flat roofs of country houses, an attic space is provided, for others not. Therefore, they are classified:

By purpose:

• Operated roofs - additional objects can be equipped on their surface, equipment can be installed, organized:

1. recreation areas, lawns, flower beds;
2. greenhouse or conservatory;
3. children's and sports ground;
4. parking;
5. swimming pool;

The strength of the floors of the house and load-bearing walls must correspond to the type of use of the roof. It is important to note that reliable noise and vibration absorption should be ensured.

The main features of the exploited roof. This is the sufficient strength of the floors and the protection of the waterproofing layer.

• Unexploited roofs - the exact opposite of the first option. There is nothing superfluous on their surface, only snow can lie in winter.

When the roof is not in use, they rise to the roof only in case of its maintenance, repair, and also if it is necessary to maintain the structures located on it, such as ventilation heads, cable lines, antennas, overhead power lines, etc.

Important! In regions with heavy snowfall, flat roofs are generally not used due to sufficiently large snow loads.

By design type:

• No attic space. Such structures require high-quality waterproofing, as they are, in fact, the ceiling of the last floor of the building. And in winter, the snow accumulating on the surface of the roof will constantly melt due to the heating of the room.
• With attic space. Between the ceiling of the last floor and the roof, free space is formed - the attic. Typically, roofs of this type are made without thermal insulation; in winter they do not require special care.

For the arrangement of the roofing pie:

• Traditional- first, an insulating layer goes in the roofing pie, then waterproofing is installed.
• Inversion- in this design, on the contrary, heat-insulating plates are laid on the waterproofing layer.

Private developers, paying attention to the above points, end up with a practical, high-quality flat roof structure.

Advantages, disadvantages of a flat roof

Flat-roofed houses stand out strongly in the private sector among houses with pitched roofs.

When choosing such a roof design for a country house, the developer receives the following advantages:

• There is no need to equip the truss system, respectively, you can significantly save on building materials.
• On the roof surface, you can organize additional objects, such as a swimming pool, a mini-gym, a summer recreation area, etc. But then a flat roof requires an increase in its strength, a waterproofing layer.
• Ease of maintenance, the possibility of arranging an electric heating system, thanks to which frost will not form on the base of the roof in winter.
• Due to the practically absent slope, it is much easier and faster to build such roof structures than pitched ones.
• Interior rooms will not have sloped walls.
• It is much easier to carry out repairs on a flat roof than on an inclined one.
• On a flat surface, it is much more convenient to install and fix additional equipment: solar panels, air conditioners, etc.

Important! In order for atmospheric precipitation not to linger on the surface of a flat roof, the minimum angle of inclination should be 5 °. This slope can be created by overlapping or using slag, expanded clay.

But a flat roof, like other roof structures, has, in addition to pluses, minuses, for example:

• In some cases, the organization of an internal drainage system is required, which often becomes clogged and freezes in winter. If it is not cleaned in time, it can lead to adverse consequences.
• A constant check of the tightness of the roofing cake, the moisture content of the insulation material is required.
• In case of heavy snowfalls, it is necessary to remove snow from the roof (an excessive load that can lead to damage to the structure) manually.
• Also, when a large snow mass accumulates on the roof surface, the snow below begins to melt - accordingly, leaks are possible.

The flat roof structure in a private house is not complicated, so it can be completely built with your own hands. However, there are some important points to keep in mind:

• In order to perform work at a qualitative level, it will be necessary to first calculate the expected loads on the roof during its operation. So, for example, in addition to its own weight, the roof will have to withstand the elements of communication systems, the mass of several people, wind, snow loads.

Important! Using only high quality building materials.

The construction of a gable or hip roof is not always rational and expedient when it comes to outbuildings, industrial and commercial facilities, and sometimes private houses in a modern style. High material consumption, a complex truss system make the construction of these structures an economically unprofitable, protracted undertaking. While flat roof projects greatly reduce construction costs, build quickly and are suitable for almost any structure.

A house with a flat roof is reliably protected from increased wind load. However, without slopes, it cannot quickly drain rain and melt water from the roof surface.

The situation is complicated by the fact that the surface of roofing materials has a rough structure that does not allow moisture and snow to slide off freely. Therefore, a do-it-yourself flat roof device must comply with the stringent requirements of building codes for waterproofing, ramping and construction technology.

The structure of the roofing pie

The need for a high level of protection against moisture forces the roofing materials of a flat roof to be arranged in layers, one above the other, forming the so-called "pie". If we consider its device in section, we can see the following layers:

1. Flat base made of concrete slabs or profiled metal sheets. It provides structural rigidity, bears the weight of the roofing pie, transferring it to the load-bearing partitions and, as a result, to the foundation. At the exploited roof, the base should be as rigid as possible.
2. vapor barrier. A layer that is necessary in order to protect a flat roof from the penetration of vapors from internal heated rooms into the thickness of the insulation. Settling on thermal insulation in the form of condensate, water irrevocably reduces its insulating properties by more than two times. As the simplest vapor barrier, polyethylene film or bitumen-based coatings are used.
3. insulation. For thermal insulation of a flat roof, backfill materials are used, such as expanded clay, perlite, slag, rolled, for example, mineral wool and in the form of plates, in particular expanded polystyrene. By the way, insulation is used not only to regulate the temperature regime, but also to flatten a house with a flat roof. The main requirements for insulation are low hygroscopicity and thermal conductivity, light weight.
4. Waterproofing. A flat roof allows the use of rolled materials for protection from moisture: bitumen, polymer and bitumen-polymer. In addition to high waterproofing qualities, they must be resistant to temperature extremes, elasticity, and long service life.

Types of roofing and the nuances of their installation

The device of a flat roof determines the design and nature of use. The following are distinguished into separate types that require a special approach during construction:

Roof installation for unheated buildings

If a flat roof is erected with your own hands for an unheated utility room, for example, a shed, gazebo, shed or extension, the slope is organized using support beams.

They are installed at an angle of 3 degrees, which is 30 mm per linear meter of the length of the beam. Then a base of unedged boards is laid on the beams, fixing them with nails or self-tapping screws.

Roofing material is used as a waterproofing agent - the most affordable material. It is produced and sold in the form of rolls. Carry out the cutting of the waterproofing, cutting the strips so as to lay them in the direction of the slope of the flat roof.

Roofing material strips are gradually laid with an overlap of 10-15 cm and fixed with wooden slats or steel slats every 60-70 cm in the direction of the drain, so as not to block the path of flowing moisture. The flat roof of an unheated room is easily mounted by one's own hands, even by one worker without the help of helpers.

Roof installation for heated buildings

If they are building a private house with a flat roof, which they plan to connect to the heating system, then the work takes place in the following order:

To build a house with a flat roof, the length of which exceeds 6 m, a bar with a section of 150x150 mm or more, or a steel I-beam, is used for the manufacture of support beams.

Monolithic concrete roof

Another option, how to build a flat roof with your own hands, is the use of monolithic concrete. The process looks like this:

Decline process

- the device of a small angle of the roof surface for organizing a drain. Before building a house with a flat roof, it is better to decide in advance which drain you will install, internal or external, and make a drawing.

If provided, water should drain with the help of a ramp into the water-catching funnels, which are located 1 per 25 sq.m or more often. If you make an external drain, then moisture should fall into the gutter. The slope is formed by the following methods:

A flat roof without a proper slope is an unreliable shield between you and the weather. Moisture that has no way out will accumulate on the surface of the roof, provoke the destruction of the roof and leaks.

Video instruction

When building your home, building a roof is one of the most important tasks. We propose to discuss how a flat roof is made in a private house with your own hands from corrugated board, its installation, insulation and drainage, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of this type of roofing.

Design features of a flat roof

Modern private builders rarely use flat roofs to cover private buildings, dwellings, mainly these are surfaces that can be covered with a gazebo, the surface of a garage, a bathhouse and other utility rooms. Mainly a flat roof is used for multi-storey residential buildings, where, due to design features, it is impossible to build a gable roof.

Photo - Flat roof roofing pie

Projects of houses and cottages with a flat roof are distinguished by originality and eclecticism. In addition, you can equip a special roofing cake, thanks to which the lack of attic (inter-roofing) space will play into your hands. There are such types of flat roofs:

There is also a flat combined roof - when the roof combines several of the listed types. For example, inversion and traditional.

pros flat roof:

1. Very simple design, there are no special principles for installing rafters, frames and other beams;
2. Easy calculation of roofing materials;
3. You can use the surface of such a roof as a foundation for installing various systems directly on the roof: satellite dishes, winter gardens, solar panels, etc.;
4. Smaller area, unlike a shed or attic (no need for wide overhangs).

But minuses flat non-attic roof are more significant:

1. Due to the lack of an angle of inclination, it often leaks. Shed, gable and other sloping types of roofs do an excellent job of independently draining water, but for a flat one you need to build a special drain;
2. Several times a year, a country house will need to be cleaned from the accumulation of foliage and snow on the roof;
3. Often the funnels of the internal drain freeze due to the lack of an attic.

But still, in view of economy, the disadvantages that a flat roof has are not very significant compared to its advantages.

Video: flat roof

How to choose a material for a flat roof

Properly selected roofing materials for a flat roof are half the success of the entire construction of a house. Of course, you can stop at a profiled sheet, but it is worth noting that in this case it is necessary to think about how snow removal and drainage will be carried out. The fact is that from the constant exposure to atmospheric precipitation, the metal coating can rust and go out of service earlier than the period declared by the manufacturers.

The roof covering must be perfectly resistant to moisture. Here will serve well:

1. Decking with a polymer coating;
2. Polycarbonate;
3. Slate;
4. Mastics.

Let's consider what material for a flat roof is more often used. Construction mastics most commonly used on residential buildings. These are special liquid coatings that are applied to the surface of the roof with a brush, and then solidify, forming an airtight solid substance that looks like rolled materials. They perfectly resist high temperatures - up to 70 degrees, but can crack at low temperatures - up to 25.

Polycarbonate is more reliable and beautiful than mastics, but it is much more expensive. Its main advantage is its external similarity with glass, so it can be used to create a stylish roof that will emphasize your financial condition. In addition, it is polycarbonate that is chosen for the design of residential buildings.

Slate previously used for any type of roof, regardless of its slopes. It is very heavy, so to install it, you need to carefully consider the frame and foundation of the building - so that the house does not “settle”. The load that is placed on the rafters by slate is perfectly compensated by its durability indicators: it can last up to 50 years in medium-aggressive environments with strong pressure and temperature drops. Now it can be replaced by aerated concrete, which is lighter.

Decking polymer coated is an almost ideal material for covering a flat roof. A dacha, a greenhouse and a house with such a surface may not be afraid of temperature changes, ultra-low degree indicators, but a snow cushion is fatal for them. It is necessary to ensure that the metal is periodically cleaned of precipitation, so work out natural cleaning systems.

More rarely, but still, a wooden flat roof is used. Its durability indicators are relatively low, but the tree will help protect the roofing material or the same mastics. Timber roofs are mainly used in complex design projects.

Flat roof installation

Consider how a flat exploited roof is installed on square houses, as well as how to insulate this type of coating.

A flat roof is a universal type of construction, it has an excellent combination of price and quality, but there are significant drawbacks in the form of a complex gutter system. When choosing such a roof, weigh all the advantages and disadvantages very well.

Many people think that a modern house with a flat roof looks unusual, rich and original. Using such a roof for country cottages and villas in construction, the owners emphasize their wealth, sophistication of taste and originality of thinking. Country houses with this type of coverage are a great place where you can take a break from the routine and gain strength for new achievements. A flat roof is not only original, but also practical.

Building a house with a flat roof is often used in areas with low rainfall. Often the choice of the type of roof is influenced not only by the desire of the owner, but also by climatic conditions. Therefore, if you decide to equip a flat roof in an area where there is frequent rainfall, then you definitely need:

• take into account the maximum load;
• apply in the construction of beams with a good section;
• use strong fastenings of all elements.

The most common form of construction of houses with a flat roof is the shape of a square. A square house with such a coating turns into an original penthouse that meets the standards of European style. In this article we will tell you how to make a flat roof with your own hands, write down all the pros and cons of this roof.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

1. The use of this type of roof not only expresses the originality of the external shape of the building, but also allows you to equip the upper surface of the surface for your needs.
2. One of the advantages of such a house is the arrangement of a pool with a place to relax or planting ornamental trees, shrubs and a lawn. In addition, on such a roof you can save a lot of money, because it does not require complex truss systems and is easy to build with your own hands.
3. A flat roof is also good because it has a special niche in the cavity, which is an additional insulation that retains heat in the building and significantly reduces heating costs in winter.
4. Repairing a flat roof will take a little time and will not be too difficult. In addition, if you choose roofing material or some other budget option as the material for the roof, this will help save additional funds.
5. The whole essence of the repair usually does not come down to a full overlap of the roof surface, but only to timely periodic prevention in the form of repairing cracks.

Disadvantages:

1. The undoubted disadvantage is that the process of designing a flat roof and its installation must be very accurate. The slightest gaps in the work of builders can turn into costly repairs inside the building.
2. In addition, it should be remembered that a flat roof must be made at a certain slope (usually varies from 3 to 15 degrees, depending on the design and the level of annual precipitation). Otherwise, precipitation will remain on the roof covering for a long time, which will create an extra load on the structure and reduce the life of the roof.

A flat roof has its undoubted advantages, and the disadvantages are easily corrected by a careful approach to the very process of its construction.

Device

The structural system of a flat roof for an unheated space consists of the following:

• bearing beams;
• rack or metal crate with a small step (50-70 cm);
• roll cover.

Note! The angle of inclination of such a roof is provided by the entire structural system, starting with the beams. Therefore, care must be taken during installation to maintain the slope. To do this, check it every few meters. If desired, you can make a gentle frame for the truss system (tilt angle - 10 degrees). To do this, you need to install it along the roof. After that, you can attach the crate.

The device of the heated room has a slightly different look. It includes:

• bitumen primer for screed;
• roll coating;
• screed based on cement mortar;
• roofing felt (overlap 15 cm);
• heaters, such as expanded clay, slag and other similar materials, are the main components for creating a roof slope;
• load-bearing beams (step from 0.5 to 1 m, section from 100x100 to 150x200 mm);
• plank sheathing (flooring).

Monolith roof

Instead of wooden beams, metal I-beams (from 12 to 15 cm) are being laid, on the lower shelves of which a solid plank crate lies. Roofing material is laid on it. Then a reinforcement frame is mounted in two rows (a profile with a cross section of 10-15 mm). It is important to observe the distance between the reinforcing cage and the roofing material. At the next stage, the concrete mixture is poured, which periodically needs to be compacted.

Note! If the weather is hot, the concrete layer must be covered with a protective polyethylene film so that it does not harden quickly, but evenly and efficiently. It is advisable to remove the film not earlier than after three or four days.

In the absence of such a film, you will have to monitor the process of concrete hardening and periodically water it with a small amount of water. After the layer has dried, it is necessary to give the roof a certain slope with the help of heaters, and then make a screed and lay a roll coating. On this, the device of a monolithic roof can be considered complete.

Roof base

For a flat roof, a reinforced concrete slab or corrugated board can be used.

Decking is used in cases where the upper part of the roof will not be used as an additional platform. This type of base is the most economical, however, it needs additional insulation.
First, a base layer is installed, and a vapor barrier layer is laid on top of it. The latter is used to save warm air in the house and prevent it from escaping into the air space. Vapor barrier is mainly made from rolls of a certain length and cutting width. The place where the vapor barrier overlaps must be carefully glued, melted and welded. Polyethylene can be used as a vapor barrier material.

At the next stage, thermal insulation is laid, for which special plates are used with a certain joint between them. Most often, a two-layer thermal insulation system is used.

After that comes the equipment for waterproofing from a polymer film. It protects the inside of the roof from the outside environment. Waterproofing is welded, and then laid down in several layers.

When the hydro- and vapor barrier are ready, it's time to put the final coat. Its role is played by a concrete building screed and reinforced concrete slabs.

Polycarbonate base

Recently, polycarbonate has often been used in construction work on roofs.
A roof made of this material may suit you if you do not want to make a room under it. Alternatively, you can build a covered greenhouse or gazebo.

Polycarbonate has increased strength and at the same time is a very light material that is quick and easy to install. It does not need additional structural reinforcement.

Thus, a flat roof can be made in various forms. In any case, no matter which option you choose, you should always be careful about the installation, because with serious errors, you can run into big expenses and a complete alteration of the roof from scratch.

Warming and waterproofing

Flat roof waterproofing can be done using the following components:

• PVC and EPDM membranes;
• waterproofing film;
• hydrophilic rubber;
• liquid rubber, sprayed waterproofing (polyurea);
• penetrating materials;
• lubricants;
• silicone-based resins, as well as emulsions (injectables).

New to the technology market are waterproofing materials such as PVC, PDM and diffuse membranes. Super-diffuse material has become especially popular, which does not need to make a gap between heat and waterproofing, qualitatively repels moisture and does not let it through to the heat-insulating layer. In addition, such membranes have a long service life (up to 25 years), are fireproof and environmentally friendly.

In the form of waterproofing, mastic can be used. It is applied both on a flat roof and on a roof with a slight slope.

According to the method of application, they are divided into cold and hot. Cold mastics should be applied to the surface at positive temperatures, and hot mastics require preheating (160 degrees) before application and can be used at almost any time of the year. The principle of operation of mastic is based on the fact that it firmly sticks to the base. The validity period of this type of coating is about 20 years.

In some cases, paint waterproofing may be used. In the process of such insulation, bitumen, emulsions, paints and varnishes are applied to the surface of the coating. The coating takes place in several layers until the desired thickness (5 mm) is reached. A layer of fine-grained sand is applied on top of the coating. The service life of waterproofing is 5-6 years.

Note! One of the most reliable and proven types of waterproofing is glued waterproofing. It is the use of roofing material, which, after preheating, is glued to the surface of the coating.

After choosing and installing waterproofing, you should do insulation - a very important stage in the construction of a flat roof. There are several types of insulation:

• By location: external and internal.
• By the number of applied layers: single-layer and two-layer insulation system.

The two-layer system makes it possible to reduce the load on the floor. The bottom layer plays the role of a heat insulator in this case. Upper - has a distribution function, has a denser structure.

Now you know how to make a flat roof with your own hands. As you can see, it's quite easy. You just need to carefully approach the matter, and soon the coating for your home will be ready.

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