The second floor is an attic with your own hands. What do you need to build a high-quality attic roof with your own hands? Construction of a classic mansard roof

If you have made such a decision on how to build an attic, it will be correct. Before building an attic in an existing house, you first need to decide on its shape, and whether the roof will be completely converted into an attic floor or not.
After all, the construction of an attic is considered not only more economical, but is also a process that will require much less labor in comparison with the construction of the next floor. It is these facts that make the construction of an attic very popular. Projects of country houses with an attic, as a rule, have a special or, as builders call it, a “broken” roof, since it makes it possible to make maximum use of the usable area.

When deciding how to build an attic, special attention must be paid to the quality of the roof. Since it should not only have an aesthetic appearance, but also have excellent thermal insulation, and also have good waterproofing. The best thermal insulation material for roofing is either slate or ceramic tiles, but under no circumstances use metal tiles, as they tend to get very hot in the sun. In this case, how to build an attic with your own hands? At the initial stage of building construction, it is possible to make calculations of the supporting structure with maximum accuracy.

It should be taken into account that the rafters must be installed at an angle (from 30 to 60°), since an increase in the degree of inclination leads to a decrease in the usable area of ​​the attic.
To solve the problem, you can insulate the attic from the inside using mineral wool.

A residential attic space requires a large layer of insulation. The material must meet the requirements fire safety and not be toxic. Mineral wool is one of the most suitable options.

Types of material

The main types of mineral wool are basalt wool and glass. Each has its own properties, pros and cons.
Basalt wool

Basalt wool is produced from gabbro-basalt rock. It is specially added to it carbonate rocks, which allows you to adjust the acidity module. Material with higher acidity is more resistant to moisture and more durable. Adding to basalt wool binders: bitumen, synthetic, composite, bentonite clays - holds fibers together and helps give the desired shape.

Glass wool

Glass wool is mineral material, for the production of which raw materials used in glass production are used, as well as waste and broken glass.

The properties of glass wool are different from basalt, its thickness is 3–15 microns, and its length is several times greater than basalt. Therefore, glass wool slabs are more elastic, have greater strength, and are resistant to vibrations. Glass wool is fire resistant and can withstand temperatures up to 450 °C.

Despite all the advantages of glass wool, there is one significant drawback, which reduces the popularity of its use. When laying this material, many small particles are formed that are harmful to health. Therefore, installation is carried out in special clothing, shoes, and a protective mask. You won’t be able to clean them after work; you’ll have to throw them away.

Nuances of isolation

When insulating a roof, it is better to use cellulose wool; it provides better moisture conductivity and does not allow moist air to accumulate under the roof.

The main difficulties of insulation appear when working on the slopes of a roof that has a truss structure.

Here it is necessary to use dense wool, which can be securely placed between the rafters. It should be light and elastic.

The main advantages of mineral wool remain its non-flammability, soundproofness, good thermal insulation properties, vapor permeability, high environmental friendliness, and relatively affordable price. It is produced in slabs, mats, cylinders, and there are options coated with foil.

If the size of the insulation is larger than the distance between the rafters, it is cut into the necessary pieces, adding a few centimeters for a tight fit.

This method is well suited for insulating attics and living spaces located directly under the roof. The disadvantage is the reduction in internal dimensions due to a layer of wool, plasterboard and additional finishing.

Thermal insulation methods

Depending on which structural element of the building is insulated, there are 2 ways to insulate the roof from the inside.

Thermal insulation of the floor

The first option is to insulate the floor. The method is inexpensive and very easy to implement. Consists of laying wool on concrete base slabs or, in the case of wooden floor, between structural elements. Anyone will do a type of mineral wool, even soft and granular. Installation is simple, there is no need to go around the rafters, as when insulating roof slopes, you can easily fill all the gaps and cracks.

Thermal protection of stingrays

The second option is to insulate the roof slopes. If the room in the attic is not used, then this option is not economically viable. The consumption of materials increases significantly; more time is required due to bypassing the rafters and additional fastening of mineral wool.

Insulation of slopes can be done in two ways: on top of open rafters or between them. With the first option, wooden beams remain visible indoors and have an additional decorative function.

Sequence of work

Regardless of which method of mineral wool insulation is used, the general algorithm of actions is as follows: surface preparation, waterproofing, installation of insulation, laying a vapor barrier, sheathing.

Preparatory activities

Before starting work on thermal insulation, the surface to be insulated must be prepared. The structure is inspected, if necessary, identified defects are eliminated, and cleaned of dirt and debris. TO preparatory work This also includes calculating the amount of material.

The thickness of the insulating layer should be at least 15–20 cm, so when choosing wool smaller thickness it will need to be laid in two layers.

Waterproofing

To protect the roof from moisture, waterproofing is installed on the insulated surface. It is laid overlapping, secured with a stapler and gluing the joints with tape.

It is important to install the waterproofing membrane so that there is a ventilation gap between it and the insulation, and the material completely covers the entire rafter system and went a little onto the walls.

Then, over the insulation, a batten of battens is nailed to the rafters, which will secure the material and provide a ventilation gap. It is better to treat all wooden structural elements with a special antiseptic.

Laying insulation

After installing the waterproofing, you can begin installing the insulation. To do this, mineral wool is cut into pieces approximately 5 cm wider than the distance between the rafter beams. Then, after installation, the material will straighten out and better fill the space. Installation of mineral wool should be carried out in such a way that the material fits as tightly as possible to the beams and there are no gaps left.

Arrangement of vapor barrier

After laying the insulation, it is necessary to protect it from water vapor coming from inside the room. If this is not done, mineral wool will gradually get wet and lose its thermal insulation properties. Therefore, a vapor barrier is installed on top of the insulation. Special foil materials are used as a vapor barrier, polyethylene films or roofing felt.

To ensure tightness, the vapor barrier is laid with overlapping layers, and the seams are taped. It is important to install foil vapor barriers with the metallized side inside the attic. The structure is fixed with wooden slats, onto which the sheathing (lining or drywall) is subsequently attached.

Roof insulation with mineral wool is one of the most affordable ways to provide warm and cozy attic. The main thing is to strictly follow the technology. And then everything will work out.

Try to pay attention to insulating the attic roof Special attention. If the roof is not insulated, do not expect heat in the attic. A roof is a roofing covering. An attic roof is a “roofing pie” consisting of several layers: a vapor barrier layer on the inside, a waterproofing layer on the outside, insulation between them and an air gap.

Various materials are used as insulation. The characteristics of the materials used depend on several factors: the functional purpose of the room, humidity level, critical temperatures, loads, and so on. Non-flammable basalt materials are the best option.

Various materials are used as insulation for the attic from the inside. The most popular and simplest is mineral wool.

Polystyrene foam is not recommended. It's flammable. Has poor vapor conductivity. Mineral wool is perfect. It is pressed into a slab. On the inside there is a vapor barrier layer. On the outside there is waterproofing (special layer).

Nowadays, the use of sprayed polyurethane foam to insulate the attic from the inside has become quite popular. This method is also quite economical and very effective.

If an attic is made from an old attic, then, as a rule, the rafters are retained. The load is minimized by using low-density insulation materials, since they are much lighter. The disadvantage is that they are blown by the wind. Additionally, windproof, vapor-permeable material is laid.

Approach the installation of insulation with due care. Do not forget about the presence of sufficient ventilation space between the roof covering and the insulating layer.

The attic is warm in winter and cool in summer only when all the work on insulating the walls and roof is done correctly. Do not ignore these rules and your budget will have a tangible effect.

The attic is a fashionable architectural element. F. Mansara (French architect) three centuries ago was the first to use attic space not only for economic purposes, but also for housing.

Nowadays it is quite widely in demand in civil and industrial construction. In individual construction, the attic is experiencing a real boom. It is equipped both during the construction of a new house and during the repair of attic spaces (roofs).

The house takes on an expressive appearance, and the attic space is used functionally and efficiently. The area occupied by the attic is decent. Additional room for a nice recreation room (billiard room) or a wonderful summer bedroom. Keeping it warm and dry will make it habitable.

A well-insulated and well-made attic can become an excellent relaxation and work room.

How to properly insulate an attic from the inside? A pre-developed project is required. It will allow you to prepare well and provide for all the nuances. A competent approach to attic insulation and mandatory use quality materials will help you avoid mistakes that can play a very bad role over time.

In a private home, as a rule, there are large heat losses. Basically, this happens through the ceiling and upper floors. The processes of wetting (drying) of insulation occurring under the roof worsen its quality. Microclimate disturbances often cause cold inside the house. This occurs mainly due to poor quality construction work associated with the attic.

It is recommended to insulate the attic not only from the outside, but also from the inside. Insulation is a technically quite complex process. The impressive area of ​​the attic floor, its maximum contact with external environment, the complexity of the design requires certain knowledge and skills from the one who will be involved in its insulation.

Attic structures are distinguished by the fact that they can be constructed from a variety of materials, for example, wood, metal, reinforced concrete. There are no restrictions here, you just need to ensure stability and proper insulation. Ceilings in rooms can also be very different: inclined, flat with one inclined wall, formed by two slopes converging at an acute angle. All this and much more has made the attic so popular for more than four hundred years.

The main advantages of such a roof are as follows:

1. The possibility of adding an attic, that is, using the infrastructure of an existing building. In this case, there is no need to completely disassemble the entire roof, which allows significant savings during the work. This is an additional floor that can be used for its intended purpose.

2. The living space of the house is increased by reconstructing an unused attic space. This allows you to add a full second floor at relatively low cost.

3. In places with fairly dense buildings second attic the floor is the best way out.

4. The appearance of the building improves, the structure acquires a finished, holistic appearance.

5. Attics can be built on more than just one level. If necessary and in compliance with all the rules and requirements, it is possible to build a two-tier attic that will decorate any building by adding an additional living space.

6. When constructing an attic, heat loss through the roof of the house is greatly reduced. This also results in lower heating costs during the winter months.

7. Construction of attics is possible even in a residential building without the need to move out residents. To do this, it is not necessary to use heavy construction equipment; all work is carried out directly on the roof of the building for shortest time. A new floor can be erected with virtually no problems or costs.

But the construction of an attic also has its disadvantages, as with any structure. It is worth noting such disadvantages as:

1. When constructing such a room, some of the usable space is lost.

2. Beveled and sloping ceilings greatly reduce the height of the walls; ceilings in attics are usually low, not exceeding 2.4 meters.

3. In many cases, windows can only be located in the ceiling, which is not always convenient.

4. Rafter structures begin to quickly degrade due to lack of ventilation. Typically, their service life is about three times less than with a cold attic.

5. Large amounts of snow often accumulate on roof windows in winter, which reduces the level of already insufficient lighting.
Types of designs

When deciding how to make an attic, you must first decide what type of rafter system will be used. A characteristic feature of the attic structure is its broken, rather steep configurations, but we must not forget that this is not an aesthetic function, but a purely practical one. Such broken shapes provide:

· correct transfer of all loads to load-bearing walls;

· allow you to effectively protect the entire structure from precipitation;

· give resistance to such negative phenomena as sudden temperature changes, rainfall, snowfall, formation large quantity ice.

The simplest form of a residential attic is a triangle, the most complex is with a break. All horizontal joists and vertical racks It is recommended to make it from thin wooden beams.

Among the rafter systems used for the attic floor, the most commonly used are:

1. Rafters hanging type. They rest on the walls, creating a horizontal load. If you decide to build an attic second floor using this type of rafter system, then you need to take into account the design features. To connect the beams, intermediate supports are not used here, only special ties made of metal or wood.

2. The inclined type of rafter system is recommended for small cottages in which the load-bearing wall is located in the center or there are intermediate supports. The rafters rest on the outer walls, the middle part of the structure rests on the inner wall. Apply this simple system it is possible only for those houses in which the distance between separate load-bearing walls is no more than six and a half meters.

3. Hanging and inclined rafters can be in the form right triangles, which have an emphasis on load-bearing wall. In this case, there is no need to erect a mauerlat; ordinary beams are used for rafters. Struts are required, all racks cut into the floor beams, rafters are secured with anchors.
Construction stages

So how to properly assemble an attic structure? The sequence of all work should be strictly observed, which will allow you to build a strong, reliable attic. It is imperative to correctly determine all loads, which only experienced designers can do.

The construction of the attic involves the following work:

1. Dismantling the old roof. In this case, it is not necessary to completely disassemble the ceiling. Unless this is provided for by the project.

2. If necessary, the floor structures are strengthened. This is done so that the second floor (attic) does not place unnecessary loads. If necessary, an additional layer of waterproofing is laid at this stage.

3. Construction of the rafter system, insulation of the attic itself.

4. Installation of windows.

5. Internal and external finishing buildings.

To build an attic, it is recommended to use wooden beams that have a cross-section of fifty by one hundred and fifty centimeters. In this case, the following sequence of work is observed: first, the frame of the future structure is made, after which the support beams and rafters are strengthened. After installing the stepped bevels, perform waterproofing works, laying insulation. Now you can strengthen the sheathing and lay the roofing material. Finishing work is carried out last, after all the windows are installed.

The attic second floor must be insulated to ensure the safety of the structure and comfortable living conditions. For such a process to become effective, it is necessary to observe the construction of a multi-layer “pie”, which includes:

· internal finishing material on the ceiling of the attic room: moisture-resistant plywood, plasterboard, etc.;
· vapor barrier membrane;

· insulation (usually mineral wool in rolls or slabs);

· laying waterproofing;

· installation of roofing covering (tiles, corrugated sheets, etc.).

The insulation layer should be two hundred fifty to three hundred millimeters; often a special frame is made for its installation, attached perpendicular to the rafter system. When laying, it is impossible to allow gaps and cavities to remain between the insulation boards, as this will lead to significant heat losses and low thermal insulation efficiency.

The attic is not only beautiful, but also a very functional architectural element that is capable of fulfilling the numerous tasks assigned to it. This is a great place for living space. Here you can arrange a children's room, a playroom or a large gym.

The technology of attic construction consists of high-quality and consistent performance of the following work:

1. Development of a project for the construction of an attic floor or its conversion.

2. Dismantling of old roofing structures.

3. Strengthening the wall structures of the upper floor.

4. Installation of waterproofing and thermal insulation of ceilings.

5. Construction of the end walls of the attic room.

6. Construction of an attic roof, its insulation and finishing.

7. Installation of attic windows.

8. Arrangement of a new living space.

To work, you will need to purchase materials and tools. It is usually necessary to have wall panels (or other material) for cladding the end walls of the attic space, thermal insulation materials for the walls and pitched roof, roofing materials, beams for the roof structure, Decoration Materials etc.

After preparing everything that is required for construction and developing the project, you can begin the main work. First you need to make a frame for the roof. The rafters can be made from beams measuring 50x150 cm. The structure must be well secured, slings installed, support blocks, erect attic walls and install rafters. The rafter structure must be installed securely and accurately. After this, stepped wall slopes and attic partitions are installed, and work on insulation and waterproofing of the attic is carried out. Next, you should build a sheathing for the attic roof, lay a heat insulator on it, strengthen it and then finish the roof with roofing material. After this, the installation of doors and windows, interior decoration and arrangement of the premises are carried out.

Attic roof

In order to understand how to make a roof in the attic correctly, knowledge about the features of such a room will not be superfluous. Leaks in the roof and other roof defects will negatively affect the entire building to a much greater extent than the same defects of a conventional attic roof. In this case, water will flow into the living room, which will most likely lead to repairs to the room.

The main feature of an attic roof is that it is exposed to moisture both from the outside and from above (snow, rain, etc.) and from below (the formation of condensation from the moisture in the air in living spaces on the lower floors). To eliminate this problem, the attic construction technology involves installing a special vapor barrier layer that prevents the penetration of moist and warm air from living rooms to the tiles.

It is also necessary to waterproof the roofing material and ensure sufficient ventilation of the roof of the attic space. As a roofing covering, you can use soft bitumen shingles or metal tiles.

Insulation and arrangement of the attic

Due to the fact that the attic is usually used as a living space, attention is paid to its thermal insulation great importance. High-quality insulation of the attic roof ensures the creation of a comfortable microclimate in such a room and other rooms of the house, effective heat retention and a long service life of the entire building. There are several ways to insulate an attic. Insulation from the outside implies general insulation of the entire house.

The optimal and most effective way is additional internal insulation, which involves the use of a multilayer thermal insulation structure consisting of the following layers:

· The first layer (internal) – finishing material, for example, sheets of plasterboard, plywood and other materials that form the ceiling of the attic room

· Second layer – vapor barrier film

· The third layer is porous thermal insulation material(mineral wool, etc.)

· The fourth layer is a waterproofing material, laid to form a small gap and the possibility simple output water out

· The fifth layer is the roofing covering (metal tiles, soft roofing, etc.).

Advice from the master!

In addition to insulating the attic roof, it is also necessary to insulate its walls and floor. Arranging a room in the attic includes performing work such as installing attic windows, internal partitions, doors, as well as decorative finishing.

Installing pitched roof windows is the best solution for an attic. Glazing can occupy a significant surface area of ​​the attic, minimally 12.5%. The glass used in such windows is special: it does not break under strong pressure or impact, but crumbles into granules that do not have sharp or cutting surfaces.

Specifics attic premises allows you to arrange them in a special way, decorate them in an unusual and original way. Many designers recommend using translucent plastic partitions or partitions decorated with translucent fabrics to zone these rooms. When choosing a shade for wall decoration, it is recommended to give preference to light colors that will make the interior light and pleasant. It is not recommended to decorate roof windows with curtains, but it is better to choose light-colored blinds.

Having learned how to build an attic yourself, arrange it, create a comfortable, cozy and unusual room, you can try to build top floor at home. This is a great way to make your home unique and individual, increase its usable area and equip additional living space.

You should also take into account that the attic must be at least 3 meters wide, and the height in the center of the room is at least 2.2 m. But in this case, how to build an attic that was not originally planned? Additional questions always arise, such as, for example, the arrangement of stairs. You can place the staircase in the area of ​​the attic hatch, which will simplify construction, and a spiral staircase will also make it possible to save space. In order to prevent the wood from rotting and being damaged by pest beetles, all wooden elements of the roof must be treated with an antiseptic.

To increase fire resistance, it is necessary to impregnate with fire retardants (special wood fire retardants). Also, when deciding how to build an attic, it is necessary to take into account that the attic and the attic differ primarily in climatic conditions. The attic is a less ventilated room, which causes condensation to form on the insulation. Therefore, it is necessary to leave a space between the insulation and the roof (at least 50 mm), and another layer of vapor barrier should be laid on the inside of the insulation. When carrying out thermal insulation work, you should also not forget about insulating the walls, which attic structures more subtle. Their thermal insulation layer must have a thickness of at least (250-300 mm). Self-construction an attic floor is possible, but for this it is necessary to carefully plan the execution of all work and thoroughly follow the existing technology.
Of course, it would be much easier not to disassemble it, but to reinforce the ceiling above the premises of the house. Beams or channels can be used as load-bearing structures.

After the ceiling has been strengthened, you need to decide on the size of the attic rooms; their height at the walls should not be less than 1.5 m, and in the middle part there should be standard height 2.5 m, or even more. After this, a guide profile (PN) is attached to the floor for drywall, and above it, the same profile is attached to the rafters. Markings are made using a plumb line, tape measure, or strong cord. Then the profile of the racks (PS) is installed in the guide profiles, the pitch of which should be 600 mm. On inclined ceiling surfaces, the metal profile can be mounted horizontally. After this, when the location of the rooms is clearly visible, several skylights can be installed on the roof so that the rooms are well illuminated with natural light. In addition, it will be necessary to make an opening in the ceiling to install a staircase to the attic. The least amount of space on the ground floor will be occupied by a single-flight staircase with goose-step steps.

After this, with outside the frame of the attic partitions can be sheathed with waterproof plasterboard, and then laid inside the frame electrical wiring, for connecting switches and sockets. Next, mineral wool slabs with a thickness of 100, or, in extreme cases, 50 mm are placed in the frame. On the inside, they are covered with a vapor barrier, and an internal lining made of waterproof plasterboard is attached, holes are made in it for installing sockets and switches, and wires are brought out into them for connection. Then the ceiling and inclined surfaces are hemmed, which are also insulated with a mineral wool board.

More and more people are resorting to self-construction Houses.

There are many reasons for this, and everyone is guided by their own motives.

But the main thing is savings, of course, subject to knowledge of the matter.

Building your own home should be a mandatory attribute of success for every man.

Investing your savings in real estate is the best thing to do. The house will last for decades and its value will only increase over time.

Of course, a lot depends on the design of both the internal and external parts of a residential building.

For high-quality construction, you will need to study the technology of constructing a mansard roof. Another important skill is knowledge of carpentry. Or you can study the instructions yourself, which describe in detail the entire project of work. You should also pay attention to the fact that there are different.

When starting construction, you need to ask yourself the following questions::

• What are the best materials to use when building a mansard roof?
• How many stages of work remain to be completed?
• How many people will be needed to help with the construction?
• What kind of attic do you want to build?

It is best to plan the construction of an attic, installing a gable roof with a broken line, so you can get the largest area of ​​​​the future room.

Before starting any construction, it should be developed. When working through it, take the numbers indicated in the calculations seriously; even the slightest mistake can lead to future damage to both the roof itself and the walls of the house.

So how to make a mansard roof? This article will help you answer this question.

• For soft roofs, solid;
• Discharged for slate.

Naturally there are certain installation rules soft roof , here they are:

• If the pitched angle of the roof is located in the range from 5 to 10°, then the roof has the appearance of a continuous flooring, special waterproof plywood or boards are used;
• When the inclined roof angle is between 10 and 15°, in this case the roof is made of timber with dimensions of 45×50 millimeters and with a pitch of 45 cm;
• If the inclined angle is greater than 15° for the sheathing timber 45×50 mm is used, but in increments of 600 mm;
• For the skate attachment area install additional beam.

Lathing for soft roofing

Installation of the Mauerlat and rafter system

The Mauerlat is laid after work has been done to level the attic and place the flooring.

Thanks to the placement of the Mauerlat around the perimeter of the attic all oblique angles can be corrected.

The material used is timber. The thickness is selected according to the edge of the walls.

When you lay the mauerlat under the side of the cornice, you should be especially careful.

Make sure the structure is non-thrust, because to put additional elements it is forbidden. We will have to dismantle part of the external masonry of the wall and raise inner part walls.

Mauerlat installation

Installation of insulation

It is necessary to insulate the attic space if you are going to inhabit it. First of all, it is worth deciding on the material used as a material. The best solution would be special basalt slabs.

The insulation density is needed at least 30-40 km per cubic meter, otherwise its subsidence in the future is inevitable. And the thickness is 150 mm. A special film is also installed in the roof to protect it from getting wet.

Step-by-step installation of insulation

Installation of lathing and counter-lattice

After the base has been installed, it is necessary to install to strengthen the structure. This is necessary if the inclined angle is large.

The counter-lattice is installed from small beams, which are placed on top of the main sheathing, already laid on the waterproofing layer. When installing a counter-lattice, a ventilation space is created between the roof and the base, which increases the service life.

Installation of sheathing

Installation of waterproofing and vapor barrier

A do-it-yourself broken roof requires installation of waterproofing. To protect the roof from moisture penetration between the roof and the base a special layer of roofing material or film is laid. The counter-grid helps better ventilation to get rid of the effect of vaporization.

The most common evaporation protection system is a three-layer structure - a hydrobarrier.

1. Reinforced grating. It is woven from polyethylene fibers.
2. Anti-condensation or porosity barrier.

Waterproofing is installed on rafters or sheathing.

Installation of waterproofing

Types of roofing materials and their installation

The market offers big choice roofing materials for every taste. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. Any builder first of all looks at the cost of the roof, then at its quality and service life.

Roofing material

Conclusion

The construction of an attic roof requires special diligence and painstaking work if you want to get a high-quality and final result. You will have to invest a lot of effort, not only physical, but also moral.

It will take a smart approach to the work so that it is completed without problems. Encountering a number of obstacles, most owners turn to hired workers for help. But on the other hand, what can bring more pleasure than not doing quality work with your own hands?

Useful video

In this video you will learn how to assemble a mansard roof:

In contact with

Creating an attic - a popular type of room - with your own hands today is not difficult. Let's look at all the stages of construction, as well as the pros and cons of this design.

Peculiarities

Home is a place where we would like to surround ourselves with comfort, have the opportunity to relax with our family and work. Sometimes this becomes impossible due to a lack of square meters. How to make your home spacious and comfortable? Construction technologies have stepped far forward - resources have appeared that allow you to expand the occupied space with your own hands through extensions. But if there is not enough land, then the attic would be the most successful option!

Currently, this is a fashionable design for private homes. Back in the 17th century, the attic was conceived as a way to expand housing for the poor. And thanks to the French architect Mansard, converting roofs into residential apartments has become very popular among the rich. This, by the way, is where the name came from - attic.

Many people ask the question: “Attic or additional floor?” It’s worth clarifying right away that these are two different things. Before choosing one or another option, weigh all the pros and cons, pros and cons, consider the purpose of your home (dacha or permanent residence), your Family status, as well as the budget. It will be much more economical to build an attic than a full second floor.

In this article we will tell you how to significantly transform your usable space with minimal investment. And with the fulfillment of all necessary measures you can cope on your own.

Installation and arrangement of an attic, the facade of which is completely or partially formed by the surface of a sloping roof, is a vast scope for imagination and creativity. So much space shouldn't be wasted! This would be a great studio, office or place to store unnecessary things. But isn't it too wasteful to turn precious meters of space into a warehouse?

Typically, attic spaces are provided for children who like to be located at high levels, and besides, low beams often cause some inconvenience for adults. This is the very last floor, and the higher, the better the view, without a doubt. The presence of pipes, proximity to the roof, remote balcony, flat ceiling - all this will become a stylish aid for creating an architectural design.

An objective assessment of the specifics and knowledge of the constructive qualities of this type of superstructure give a chance that everything will work out as well as possible, no damage will be caused to the load-bearing walls and foundation of the house, and the home will last a long time. Believe me, the attic is very useful thing!

The most successful solution is a frame attic. Before you begin designing plans for the addition, you must ensure that the floor below can support the additional load. After all, every person who comes across a building knows that the main building is placed on a supporting structure, which is calculated based on the entire mass of the structure. Therefore, at the beginning of construction it is necessary to do necessary calculations, and also check the foundation to see if there are cracks or any damage on it. If necessary, the base will need to be strengthened. At this stage, it is best to turn to professionals.

Based on how the roof is constructed, the appearance of the attic can vary. As a rule, the attic occupies the entire top floor, although sometimes there are options located on one side of the longitudinal axis of the building. It is not often that you see attics extending beyond the lower structures.

Most often, the roof is gable or sloping. A more complex type of gable configuration is popular: the roof consists of two planes. But we will discuss each of them in more detail a little later. Windows, large or small, located on the ceiling, let in many times more light than ordinary windows in rooms on the lower floors.

When choosing a roofing covering, maintain harmony so as not to disturb the combination of the shape of the attic floor and the roof.

You can also immediately insulate the room with SIP panels. As a result, you will get a lightweight structure that consists of more than 50% lightweight polystyrene foam, therefore, does not create a load on the walls and ceilings.

There are several design considerations that cannot be ignored.

• take thermal insulation seriously, which should be strengthened, because it is the roof that often “suffers” from frequent and sometimes severe temperature changes;
• it is important to carry out waterproofing conscientiously so that over time the insulation does not get wet;
• Proper ventilation must be provided between the thermal insulation layer and the roof.

Options truss structure must be conditioned by the further construction of thermal insulation, which is placed between the timber rafters and has a thickness of at least 20 cm. The rafters must be at least 25 by 25 cm.

The main indicators of wood that are important for the design of the system are resistance to bending and compression, the required density and humidity.

Wooden rafters, in turn, require treatment with antiseptics or fire-bioprotective structures and must have fire resistance limits.

Designers advise leaving the attic space intact. However, if there is a need to separate rooms, then it is better to build partitions using plasterboard.

Let's also consider the disadvantages of this type of adjustment:

• due to the sloping roof, unlike a regular floor, the size of the attic area will be smaller;
• the height must be optimal, otherwise there will be problems with closing/opening doors;
• psychological factor: sometimes it seems to people that there is not enough air, every time they want to bend down, a person may feel discomfort;
• regardless of the type of roof covering and even the correct installation of sound insulation, sounds from rain will penetrate into the room;
• it is important to properly think through the heating system;
• the stairs leading to the attic may be too steep and therefore unsafe.

Design options and materials

Using expert advice, carefully develop future project attic space. After this, prepare the attic design, as it is not easy a certain amount of square meters, and the individuality of the facade is the pride of the building. The appearance and interior depend on the coating methods and materials for the roof.

There are several types of roofing.

Single-pitch

The simplest option, which is a sloping area mounted on load-bearing walls. Advantages: simplicity of calculations and installation work, due to its low weight it is suitable for buildings on simplified foundations. Disadvantages: not the most attractive appearance, sensitivity to loads (snow).

Gable

One of the most common options. This structure consists of two opposite slopes, resting on the walls of the building that serve as support and connecting at the top with a ridge. Material investments in a gable roof are quite small, but it looks aesthetically attractive. Device gable roof includes: rafters, sheathing, inclined planes, mauerlat, horizontal ribs, ridge, valleys, overhangs.

Broken

The broken roof structure is a subtype of the gable roof, but with a more complex configuration. Because of the shape and the presence of broken lines, this name came about. Such a roof gives the house solidity and solidity.

Hip or hip

One of the strongest and most resistant to strong wind and leaks during precipitation of roofing systems, where instead of gables, two triangular slopes are installed. Complex installation– disadvantage of this design: it requires precision when calculating the rafter system and installing the frame. For this reason, design is usually left to professionals.

Multi-forceps

Among all the structures, the most complex, but at the same time the most arousing interest considered multi-pincer. It is characterized by the presence of several pediments (3 or more). A big plus is the ability to cover several rooms with one level. But in general, this type of attic works mainly on the architectural style and design.

The attic part is divided into two types. She may be:

• single-level– a fairly practical option in execution that does not require complex development and serious calculations;
• two-level- This is a complex building to construct, the design of which is created immediately together with the house.

Current construction technologies make it possible to make different types of balconies in the attic. To choose the right design, you should consider the design features of the lower floor. And it doesn’t matter whether the balcony was included in the plan in advance, it can be done at the end of all stages of construction.

Most good option location - from the end. In this case, the balcony will resemble a loggia. It is erected together with the attic, which allows you to use part of the roof as a canopy, and the ceiling of the floor as a floor.

Another type of construction is the option when the balcony is located in the roof part. At the stage of covering the roof, part of the building is left without covering so that a balcony can be arranged there.

Drawings and calculations

The main parameter when planning an attic floor is the ceiling level, the optimal height of which should be at least 2.5 m. Make a drawing before actual construction, evaluate everything and indicate accurate calculations so that everything can be built accurately. The most ideal option is a sloping gable roof, but then as many load-bearing supports as possible should be installed for sufficient reliability, since this type of roof increases the pressure on the walls.

Don’t forget to include the ventilation system, as well as windows and pipes in your calculations. stove heating, if any are expected.

The height of the superstructure itself has no limit, but the lower ends must be at least 90 cm.

The plan must contain all the information about the shape features, geometric dimensions and slope angles of the slopes.

After an accurate calculation of the rafter system of the attic roof has been completed, all necessary materials should be purchased and the roof prepared. Only after this can construction begin.

Stages of making an attic with your own hands

It is very important to choose the design and style of the interior at the initial stage, as well as decide on finishing materials. You should listen to the opinion professional designers who advise using only high-quality raw materials. We will tell you step by step about all stages of construction.

Roof

So, the first stage is the development of a project for a new future roof in the old premises. It doesn’t matter whether it is single-pitch, gable or broken, without a doubt, the appearance of the result will directly depend on the structural properties of the roof, as well as the raw materials used. Make a diagram from different perspectives to better understand how to place the elements of the rafter system. It is most important to accurately calculate the height of the roof ridge, because the size of the area under it depends on it.

We take the height of the ridge to be approximately 3.5 m - with the independent construction of the frame, which allows you to straighten up to your full height.

It is important to remember that in order to build a frame with your own hands, you must know about the existence of two types of rafter systems: inclined and hanging. They differ from each other in the method of attaching the units to the walls.

In houses where there is no load-bearing wall, the mechanism of hanging rafters will be used, which will be supported only on the walls of the house and connected to each other with nails or screws using corner plates. In this case, the width of a single-span building, where this type of rafters is assumed, cannot exceed 6 m. If the parameters of the house are larger, for example, when the span width exceeds 9 m, then more struts have to be made.

In two-span houses, where there is only a middle supporting wall, layered rafters are made. In this case, three foundation points (two on the outer walls of the house and one on the inner) depend on the width of the building: more than 10 m - one support, and with a width of about 15 m, two supports will be needed. The rafters are attached to each other using corner pads. The sheathing itself is made of slats or boards.

Steam and thermal insulation are key stages in creating an attic. A membrane-type film is laid on top of the sheathing, which will protect against moisture penetration, and glass wool is laid on the inside for insulation.

The next stage is the installation of the roof, internal processing and design of walls and partitions, as well as installation of windows.

As we have already said above, the most successful would be to use metal tiles or corrugated sheets as a roofing material.

Floors

First, take care of sound and thermal insulation from the floor below. This task can be accomplished in several ways: backfilling expanded clay or laying mineral wool slabs. Both methods require protection from moisture with hydrofilms. Also pay attention to wooden interfloor covering. Here, insulation is performed by bandaging the seams of the insulation and beams.

Choose flooring to suit your taste. It can be ceramics, parquet or laminate.

Window

Windows for the attic are quite labor-intensive, although worth it process, so consider whether you can do it alone. In fact, they are not particularly different from facade ones, but there is one serious difference - a special type of opening. In addition, during installation you will have to disassemble the metal tiles, while trying to maintain waterproofing. But this is not scary, because it is thanks to the windows that the room becomes much lighter and more spacious!

It is very important to know that if snow and ice are not regularly cleared, the window may be subject to temperature changes, so it is important to select models in accordance with the climate in which you live.

Heating selection

For comfortable living and use of the premises, you also need to take care of heating the attic. It should not only maintain and retain heat inside, but also be safe and economical.

All details must be taken into account at the initial stages of design. We bring to your attention several methods of heating the attic floor.

• Fireplace. An effective, comfortable and completely safe way.
• If your home already has a heating system downstairs, then you only need to install additional pipes and a battery.

• Installation independent system heating only for the attic - the most correct solution. It is possible to install absolutely any heating boilers, while observing the necessary safety measures. But more convenient are turbocharged gas boilers that do not require a separate room. They are wall mounted and very easy to use.
• "Warm floor". To create a comfortable indoor microclimate, you can install heated floors. This can be done either with your own hands or with the help of specialists. In any case, this is a fairly economical option.

An important point is the proper arrangement of ventilation. This is the only way the attic heating will work well.

Insulation and ventilation

Since the attic has the largest area of ​​contact with the street compared to the lower floors, its insulation should be treated very carefully. Today the market offers a variety of insulating materials. However, when solving this problem regarding complete thermal insulation and vapor barrier for a home, do not forget about the main conditions, and then this will reduce not only heat loss and heating costs for the house, but also protect the ceiling and walls from dampness, rot and wetness, and the formation of ice on the roof . The choice of materials for the “roofing cake” must be carried out in accordance with the requirements of SNiP.

When you choose finishing in a store, focus primarily on the characteristics of your home. For example, where it is hot in summer and frosty in winter, the insulation must be resistant to external circumstances. Therefore, one of the main conditions will be thickness. The colder it is, the denser it should be, and, conversely, if you live in the south, where in winter the temperature practically never drops below zero, you can choose a thinner material.

The most versatile and most budget-friendly is based on mineral wool; expanded polystyrene is less commonly used. Sometimes an insulation layer can be used, consisting of modern backfill agents or materials in the form of a liquid that is sprayed onto the walls and hardens into a durable form. In all these cases, the roof will be no less stable.

With the correct assembly of the “roofing cake”, the structure of which consists of metal tiles or corrugated sheets, sheathing, waterproofing membrane, rafter system, properly equipped ventilation of the under-roof space is sure to extend the life of your roof. Never play the lottery “whether it will blow or not,” but take the advice of experts on your mind.

To create a beautiful and cozy living space, you can use various types of wood as interior finishing materials. composite panels, HPL panels (or in Russian LVD - laminate high pressure). No less popular is the attic, decorated with your own hands using plasterboard sheets (GKL).

Roof covering should be made of lightweight materials: corrugated sheets, metal tiles, etc. similar materials, capable of lightening the weight of the mechanism, taking into account the load that will be transferred to the existing building.

To begin with, before remodeling the attic, you need to make drawings and draw up an estimate. This way you will see in advance what difficulties you will have to face.

It is quite difficult to develop a plan for an attic roof alone: ​​certain knowledge and skills in design and carrying out specific calculations are important. You cannot make mistakes: then the structure of the building will be unreliable, and it can also damage the overall building. Although if the idea is not too complicated, then you can do it yourself.

Everything must be included in the estimate: from the start of construction to the decoration of the premises.

Partitions

One of the simplest tasks that you can definitely handle with your own hands is installing interior partitions. Typically, plasterboard and metal profiles are used for these purposes. Everything is done quite quickly and at minimal cost.

The design is simple: a frame, and plasterboard slabs are attached to it. At the end, the partition is sheathed. To do this, you can use clapboard, block house, imitation timber or even plywood with wallpaper - a matter of taste.

Finishing work

After insulating the attic, you should think about finishing. Of course, it all depends on how you will use this room. The unique geometry provides excellent prospects for creative design solutions. Let us immediately note that the finishing process is a complex of tasks, each of which has its own function. Let's take a closer look at finishing materials.

• The most popular material is plastic lining . Advantages: unique, budget-friendly, environmentally friendly. The installation of the board can be different: diagonally or in a circle, horizontal or vertical. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting fragility and, perhaps, weak resistance to negative factors.

• Not the most expensive material - plywood sheet. It is quite easy to cover walls with it. It also has excellent sound and heat insulation properties; no prior leveling of the surface is required before installation.
• Finishing the attic with plasterboard will allow you to realize the most original design solutions: you can use it to create dropped ceilings, arches and even columns. Moreover, this material easily absorbs moisture, which is its negative side. But if you choose a special type that is resistant to moisture, then this finish will last you a very long time.

So, let's summarize and summarize the above.

To design a beautiful and high-quality attic you will need:

• careful design of the future extension;
• strengthening load-bearing walls and foundations;
• roof removal;
• erecting a frame (it will be quite easy for you to assemble it with your own hands);
• roof insulation, waterproofing;
• window installation;
• interior finishing and insulation.

If you save too much, as practice shows, the house may end up being of poor quality and unattractive. Therefore, choose materials wisely, take into account the recommendations of experts, consult with relatives and friends, as well as with those who already have similar experience.

The attic does not have to be used as a place to store unnecessary things. Very often the area of ​​this room allows you to equip it with a full-fledged residential area or a place for family leisure, or a hobby. The idea of ​​such construction has been successfully used since the mid-17th century thanks to the French architect Francois Mansart and is especially relevant for increasing the area of ​​a private house, and sometimes city apartments.

How to inhabit an attic, what measures should be taken for this and how to build an attic where there has never been one? Look for answers to these questions in our article.

We are building an attic

Installing an attic will help to significantly reduce construction costs as a whole, rationally use the available floor space and realize the most daring ideas. The attic floor can occupy either the entire attic or part of it, depending on the purpose of the future room: bedroom, study, office or bathroom.

Cozy do-it-yourself attic

Building an attic with your own hands also provides the following advantages:

• The infrastructure of the main building is fully used.
• The living space increases significantly.
• Reducing heat loss through the roof and, as a result, reducing energy costs during the cold season.
• Relatively simple installation (without the use of special equipment) and the ability to stay in the house during construction.
• Possibility of building a one- or two-level floor.

How to make an attic a unique architectural element

Important: When building an attic floor with your own hands, you need to take into account the design features of the building, including: the height of the walls, the shape of the roof, the location of communications - and comply with fire safety requirements.

Features of the construction of the attic floor

The roof is an enclosing structure, which, in addition to precipitation and temperature changes from the outside, is subject to influences from the inside: heat and moisture from the living space, and these can cause dampness and corrosion. Therefore, when constructing an attic floor, very stringent requirements are put forward for hydro-, steam- and thermal insulation of the roof, compliance with which will ensure reliable protection of the room from negative factors.

How to properly insulate an attic floor during construction

Also, when building an attic floor, it is important to take care of high-quality ventilation, which is installed between the insulation and the roof. This will ensure that excess moisture is removed and the attic is ventilated.

Particular attention should be paid to construction technology and the materials used (especially their weight) - this will ensure safe operation attic floor in the future. In addition, do not forget that using the attic floor as a living space does not eliminate compliance technical requirements for roof maintenance.

Where to start construction?

Before construction begins, a technical examination of the building is carried out. It is worth remembering that initially the walls and foundation of the building were designed for a certain load, and the construction of an additional floor will significantly increase it, so it is worth making sure of their load-bearing capacity.

Construction frame attic

Design

The next stage of construction will be the development and approval of the attic floor project - for this it is better to contact qualified specialists who will help draw up a competent drawing, calculate the loads and estimates.

Important: If the construction of an attic with your own hands is carried out within the city limits, then for this it is necessary to obtain permission from the city authorities, an expert opinion and the consent of all owners of the building.

The attic floor plan is developed based on the layout of the main building, with the geometry of the roof playing a dominant role. The architectural appearance of the house will influence not only the design of the rafter system, but also the materials used in construction and individual elements of the attic. All structures and parts must be as lightweight as possible, which will ensure minimal load on the walls of the building and ensure easy lifting of materials to the floor.

If the roof of the house has a large slope, then the choice of roofing materials, insulation and waterproofing during the construction of the attic floor should be approached especially carefully.

In addition, all communications of the attic floor must be interconnected with the systems in the house, and their joint operation must be ensured.

The shape of the room, as well as its dimensions, determine the choice of windows, their design and placement in the interior.

Construction of an attic

Regardless of whether the attic is being built with your own hands, photo below, in an existing attic or is being built from scratch, it is necessary to ensure the unity of architectural and design solutions.

Can be built on wooden attic on a brick house

It is better to make the attic structure from wood (timber) or a metal profile; in addition, you can complete the floor from SIP panels, as in the photo below. Stone materials, including brick and concrete, are not recommended for construction due to their heavy weight. As a last resort, you can use aerated concrete blocks.

We build an attic with our own hands using SIP panels

Durable but lightweight materials, such as corrugated sheets, bitumen or composite tiles, and metal tiles, are also suitable for roofing.

Since the attic has a large surface area in contact with the environment and significant heat loss occurs through the roof, it is necessary to take care of high-quality and effective thermal insulation of this floor. For insulation, it is best to use mineral wool or fiberglass with a thickness of 150 mm or more. On the inside of the attic floor, the insulation must be covered with a vapor barrier, and on the roof side - with waterproofing. In addition, it is necessary to install a ventilation system between the waterproofing and the roof, which will ensure the removal of excess moisture.

Since the attic is a living space, it needs natural light, which windows will help provide. These can be like regular vertical ones window designs, which are mounted in the walls, or special inclined windows installed in the roof plane at an angle of 15-90 degrees.

Dormer windows - expensive but effective

Important: Dormer windows let in more light than standard windows with a smaller opening area. To ensure the most efficient and uniform lighting, the ratio of window area to floor area should be 1:10.

The final stage of the attic floor installation will be Finishing work. The most simple option Plasterboard is used for cladding the walls of the attic floor; internal partitions can also be constructed from it. GKL sheets are attached to a frame made of metal profiles, after which they are puttied and the finishing coating can be applied: paint, wallpaper, etc. In addition to plasterboard, the walls can be sheathed with clapboard, wood panels— the choice of material depends on the purpose and design of the future attic. The same materials that are used throughout the building are suitable for the floor: parquet, laminate, batten, ceramic tile and etc.

After construction is completed, you can start decorating: think through the interior, install a staircase, arrange furniture, etc.

More information about building an attic with your own hands (video):

Attic floor extension

The addition of an attic floor allows you to simply and effectively increase living space without the use of expensive equipment and complex technologies, and such construction can be carried out both in a private house and in a standard urban building. The cost of completion is approximately half of the cost of new construction. The structure can be wooden - from logs and timber; stone - made of foam blocks, brick and concrete; made of metal, as well as their various combinations.

Monolithic attic can have any shape

It is necessary to determine which part of the building structure will bear the load from the extension. If the strength of the walls and foundation is not enough, you will need to install racks on the outside of the building on a separate foundation that will support the attic floor. New attic frame independent foundation also necessary in an old house if the supporting structures have significant wear. It would be useful to change attic floor, since it is most likely not designed for heavy loads.

The construction of an attic involves the construction of a power structure, which depends on the roof truss system. To build this structure, it is better to use lightweight materials: thin-walled profiles and wood. They will help speed up construction, since fastening is carried out using bolts and rivets. The optimal slope angle of the rafters should be 45-60 degrees.

Important: When manufacturing a rafter system, you should focus on the conditions of the area where construction is taking place. The load-bearing capacity of the roof must be designed for the pressure of wind, snow and roofing material.

The roofs themselves, picture below, can be:

• Single-pitch.
• Gable.
• Broken.
• The hip ones.

1 – simple gable roof; 2 - gable roof with attic wall; 3 – hip; 4 - hipped

The last two types are best suited for the attic, but the final choice is determined by the intensity of the load acting on the coating.

During construction, it should be taken into account that the width of the room should not be less than 4.5 m, and the area of ​​the entire attic floor should not be less than 7 m2, while the ratio of height and area is ideally 1:2.

The simplest construction option is to build a frame attic with your own hands. To install an attic, it is necessary to remove the old roof, examine the condition of the supporting structures for damage, and develop a floor plan. After this, the foundation and frame of the attic are installed. Then the roof is installed and insulated.

Learn more about how to build an attic with your own hands - video:

Modern people try to make the most of the space in their home. Therefore, the proposal to arrange extra 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 over an 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 an extension in accordance with existing codes.

The attic addition begins with calculating the strength of the old house

First you need to decide: can the attic floor and new roof existing foundation and walls. If they have a sufficient margin of safety, then you can begin to remodel the house. Otherwise, they should be strengthened.

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

• metal pillars with a cross section of 10x10 cm are inserted into the foundation with their lower edge, and connected with the armored belt of the first floor with their upper edge. Installed around the perimeter of the house every 2 meters;
• metal reinforcement with a cross-section of 12 mm is laid in grooves and tied around the walls of the house: from the bottom of the window every 2 meters upward;
• spreads over the reinforcement metal grid with a cell size of 2x2 cm, which after completion of all work is covered with plaster.

The foundation is strengthened by tying it with a reinforcing belt on all sides.

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

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

The calculation of the dimensions of the internal upper room and necessary materials for construction

There are several types of attics:

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

  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 internal space, but serious costs of money and time for construction;

  A one-level attic with a sloping gable roof is usually built on a brick house

• single-level with cantilever extensions - complex design, allowing you to get more more area, since the attic frame extends beyond the building, and the windows are installed vertically;

  A single-level attic with cantilevered 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 mixed roof support is usually not installed on old houses due to the complexity and large volume of work

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

Converting the roof into an attic is a relatively cheap way to increase living space. A private house usually has a pitched roof, so you can make an additional spacious and bright room with your own hands.

Internal wood lining 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 living areas

Advantages of creating an attic:

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

  It is most convenient to furnish an attic with low ceilings under a gable roof with low sun loungers

• low costs compared to the construction of a full floor or side extension to the house;
• updating the external appearance of the building;

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

• opportunity to observe beautiful view from the attic window.

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

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, installation of several double-glazed windows;
• the difficulty of providing additional heating and lighting in top part old house - will have to be combined with home wiring or use an offline connection;

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

• planning part of the home space for a staircase leading to the attic;

  The staircase 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 the inclined superstructure yourself or assemble a single set from existing multi-level models, painting everything in the same color.

You can make furniture that follows the slope of the attic yourself

So, the main disadvantage of converting an attic space into a loft is that it requires an investment, but it is worth it.

Building an attic will cost much less than creating an additional floor, regardless of what materials are used to build the walls. After all, to create them you will need basic material, insulation and finishing, while for an attic superstructure you only need roofing insulation and a new rafter system.

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

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

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

To frequently go up to the attic, you will need to make a convenient staircase, provide for the installation of ventilation, natural and artificial lighting, and carry out interior decoration - all this will allow you to create a cozy and comfortable room.

A superstructure with a sloping roof, decorated in light colors, visually enlarges the space, and splashes of color add brightness to the interior

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

• the rafters are made of laminated veneer lumber 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 ensure natural ventilation;
• A hydro- and sound-proofing layer must be laid.

Converting the roof into an attic with your own hands

During the construction of a house there is usually a lack of funds, so many people refuse to build a second floor. Or another situation may arise when an old one-story small house is purchased along with the plot. In both cases, there is an affordable option for increasing living space - rebuilding the attic space into an attic with your own hands.

Creating a Project

Before starting work, you need to draw up a plan and develop a project with accurate drawings. 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 preliminary design yourself by studying different options on the Internet

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

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

Rafter system

Rafters can be layered or hanging. The first ones rely on interior walls houses or additional supports, and the second - on external walls.

In attics, layered and hanging rafters are used

Hanging rafters are best suited for the attic.

An attic with hanging rafters looks more beautiful and benefits in the size of the internal area

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

The best option for creating an attic is a layered rafter 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.

An image of individual elements of the rafter system helps to understand the structure of the entire structure

Refurbishment of premises

If the attic height is sufficient, the rafter system does not need to be altered. It is enough to inspect the old rafters, identify possible flaws and eliminate them.

If the rafter system is in good condition, you can begin arranging the floor. Insulation is first laid between the joists, after which the surface is sheathed regular 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 installed between the rafters, and places are cut in the roof for installing windows. carried out before insulation.

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 vents so that moisture does not accumulate inside the room.

Roof insulation

The roof must be insulated correctly and efficiently - the microclimate under the roof will depend on this. Typically, mineral wool, polystyrene foam or sprayed polyurethane foam are used as insulation.

A thick layer of heat insulation is tightly laid and fixed between the rafters so that there are no cracks or gaps left anywhere. Waterproofing is installed along the upper part of the roof - between the roof and the insulation - and then thermal insulation material is laid on the side of the room. Then the inside of 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 way air circulates through the holes in the eaves and ridge. If the roof is covered with corrugated sheets, then the gap thickness should be 25 mm, but if flat material, then you need to bring it to 50 mm.

When creating thermal insulation for an attic, the sequence of layers must be strictly observed.

When planning to climb to the attic, you need to take care of the convenience and safety of movement. Therefore, the staircase is usually installed 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 strong, reliable, safe and beautiful

Interior decoration

In most cases, plasterboard slabs are used for wall cladding, and the seams between them are plastered. Wallpaper is pasted on top or applied decorative plaster. An alternative option is lining or natural wood.

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

Decorating the visible parts of the rafters in the interior of the attic is an interesting and creative matter.

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 interior decoration attic, but it is advisable to use only lightweight materials

To cover the floor, you can use laminate or linoleum, but it is better to avoid tiles or porcelain stoneware.

Installation of the roof of the attic floor

The roof of a residential superstructure must consist of the following layers (the order of arrangement is from the street to the internal space):

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

Calculations of an attic roof for a house

Determining the total weight of the roof

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

If the thickness of the lathing is 25 mm, then its specific weight is 15 kg/m2, insulation 10 cm thick has a specific weight of 10 kg/m2, and the roofing material ondulin has a weight of 3 kg/m2. It turns out: (15+10+3)x1.1= 30.8 kg/m2.

According to existing standards, the floor load in a residential building should not exceed 50 kg/m2.

Determining the roof area

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

Table: determining the area of ​​the attic roof

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 at full height

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

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

Calculation of the rafter system

When choosing a rafter system, you can choose the following options:

• hanging rafters;
• inclined type;
• ridge run;
• combined design.

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

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

On large area it is better to fasten a metal rafter 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 rafters;
• distance from the edge of the roof to the rafters;
• the size of the sheathing boards and the spacing between them;
• size, type of roofing material and overlap between its sheets;
• type of steam, hydro and heat insulating material.

The roof is divided into simple shapes and the required amount of each material is determined. Simple mathematical formulas are used for this.

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, when doing independent calculations, errors occur when determining the required amount of insulation. If the climatic conditions are harsh, then its volume will have to be increased, otherwise it will not be possible to create in the attic comfortable conditions accommodation. The insulation is installed on the floor of the house, gable walls and roof slopes. But the thickness of the insulation can be different everywhere.

Video: calculation of a mansard roof with diagrams and load

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