Still an unusual decoration country cottages– flat roof. It is believed that flat roofs are intended only for urban development or industrial buildings. But that's not true. The roofs of houses in historical neighborhoods are often pitched. And a private house can have a flat roof.
Now we will look at what it is, what are the advantages/cons and how to make a flat roof with your own hands.
Types of flat roof
Structurally, flat roofs are divided into two main types: on beams and those with a base concrete slab.
Flat roofs are never completely flat; there is still a slight angle (within a few degrees). This is necessary for water drainage. Otherwise it will stagnate on the roof.
Most often, internal drains are installed on flat roofs: funnels are mounted in the roof, risers from them pass through interior spaces. Funnels are placed on the lower part of the roof, at the rate of one riser per 150-200 square meters.
The waterproofing around the funnels is reinforced; cable heating is also recommended (so that the water in the riser does not freeze). If the roof is flat without a parapet, and the angle is decent (from 6 degrees), the drainage system can be a standard external one, as for pitched roofs: gutter and pipes.
Roofs are divided according to functionality, roofing structure and type of coating. Here are a few main varieties:
- The unused roof is flat. It is built solely for the sake of originality and saving material. Does not require structural reinforcement.
- Operable flat roof. It can be used for any purpose, from placing an outdoor swimming pool to constructing a parking lot.
The type of floor depends on the intended purpose: it is obvious that for high expected loads, the base should be a concrete slab. But this does not mean that the entire building must be brick or concrete. For example, a flat roof in a wooden house can also be used. Of course, it cannot be used as a helipad, but setting up a solarium, laying out a garden or putting up a gazebo for tea drinking is fine. Of course, you can’t make a sparse sheathing, only a continuous one.
- Traditional roofing. Classic performance roofing pie: waterproofing layer on top of the insulation, base – concrete, for water drainage – expanded clay concrete (inclined screed).
- Inversion roofing. Here the insulation lies on top of the waterproofing and protects it from damage. The floor can be finished with paving or ceramic tiles, you can also plant a lawn here. A mandatory requirement for an inversion design is an angle of 3-5 degrees.
Roofs can be attic or non-attic. Both types have their advantages: the presence of an attic allows you to place all the necessary communications on it (ventilation pipes, heating expansion tank, etc.), an attic-free roof can be made usable.
One of the options for a roofless design is a flat combined roof: attic floor combined with the roof, down side– ceiling in a living room.
note
The design of these roofs differs from simple attics; they cannot be used for use.When the height of the house is ten meters or higher, as well as on roofs in use, a parapet must be installed. For those in use - no less than 1.2 meters.
If the roof is not in use and the cottage is not high, you can make a flat roof without a parapet or install fencing bars instead, or even do without them.
General structure of a flat roof
It is obvious that roofs used for different purposes will have different structures:
The most common covering is flat roofing. It is cheap, simple and fast to install, with excellent waterproofing. Most cheap material, which can be used to cover a flat roof - roofing felt.
The disadvantages of rolled materials (and roofing felt in particular) are their low durability and low mechanical strength. For “high traffic” roofs, tiles are preferable.
A flat roof made of and a flat roof made of corrugated sheets can only be made in a non-operational version and with the required slope. When choosing a material, you need to read the instructions for the model: some types of corrugated sheets and metal tiles allow installation on roofs with a slope of less than 11 degrees.
Some brands of corrugated sheets can also be used as a base for an unused roof, instead of plywood or a concrete slab.
There are other coating materials for unused roofs:
- Polycarbonate;
Pros and cons of flat roofs
Advantages:
- Original look. Flat roofs on cottages are rare.
- Possibility of operation.
- Flat roof – easy installation and savings on materials. But it depends on how you plan to use the roof. Otherwise, construction will cost even more than an expensive pitched roof made of ceramic tiles.
- Laying covering, maintenance, and repairs on a flat roof are easier to perform than on a slope.
- Flat roofs are wind-resistant, pitched roofs have windage.
Minuses:
- A flat roof leaks more often than a pitched roof. Constant monitoring of the condition of the waterproofing layer is necessary.
- The need to clear the roof of snow.
- Rolled flat roofing requires more frequent repairs and replacement of the covering than metal profiles, tiles and other pitched ones.
So which roof is better, flat or pitched? Purely a matter of taste.
Building a flat roof
Let's consider the option when a corrugated sheet is used as the base of the roof:
1. Sheets are laid on the beams (rafters). The pitch between the rafters depends on the profile. For example, for load-bearing profiles with a corrugation height of 6-7.5 centimeters (H60, H75), the pitch between the beams is 3-4 meters.
2. Laying a vapor barrier film. The film is laid with an overlap, the joints must be sealed with mounting tape.
3. Thermal insulation. Mineral wool slabs are usually used for this purpose. Please note that the depressions of the corrugation also need to be filled with insulation.
4. Waterproofing. Polymer film is suitable for this purpose. If the insulation is mineral wool, you can also use built-up waterproofing, because cotton wool is a non-flammable material.
5. Finish coating. You can also use a welded one. The roll is slowly rolled out on the roof, heating it with a burner along its entire length. The deposited coating is pressed against the roof and smoothed.
6. On flat roofs, a fused roofing can be laid in several layers.
In other cases, a flat roof on wooden beams is arranged more traditionally: nailed onto the beams continuous sheathing made of plywood or OSB, lay a roofing pie (vapor barrier + basalt wool), direct the waterproofing layer and roll roofing.
If you are interested in a flat roof with a more complex structure, contact us: we will complete roofing of any complexity quickly and at an affordable price.
When building a house, the question of choosing a roof arises. The owner wants to choose the best option. Under what roof should he live?
Let's consider two fundamental options: pitched or flat roof shape.
Of course, individual preferences for the roof project as an architectural and design solution will be important. But there are also very practical, reasonable reasons for using a flat or pitched roof. Therefore, before deciding which roof to install, you need to weigh all the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
Let us remember that the main purpose of the roof is to protect the home from precipitation. How, more reliable roof protects us from rain, snow and hail, the better it is. That's why obvious advantage A pitched roof has a slope that allows water to drain away. But to create a slope, it is necessary to build a rafter system frame that will hold the waterproofing roofing material. This method is reliable, but also more expensive.
The optimal roof slope angle is considered to be 45°. But if there is a lot of snow in the region, then the slope of the roof is significantly increased. In regions where it is very windy, it is better to reduce the roof angle to -30°. Also, in a pitched version, the attic can serve as an additional room, and if necessary, it is possible to carry out roof maintenance from the inside. The use of thermal insulation roofing cake allows you to create residential attics. In this case, external walls on the top floor will not be needed, which allows you to save money and get additional living space without changing the dimensions of the building, which is a big advantage.
For a flat roof, the main advantage is that its area is significantly smaller than the area of a pitched roof.
You can save on materials and construction time. But if desired and with additional investments, the roof with flat shape can be used, such roofs are called inversion roofs. Using special materials and technologies, you can lay paving stones on a flat roof, arrange a lawn, put some furniture to create a separate location for open air. It is also much easier to install antennas, solar panels or air conditioners on a flat roof. But for a flat roof, you still need to provide at least a slight slope of 3-5° so that the water does not accumulate in puddles, but gradually drains away.
A serious test for a house with a flat roof is snow load. Snow pressure per 1 m2, depending on the region, reaches 130 kg or more (in Kyiv - 160 kg/m2). An additional load of 15-20 tons may fall on a cottage with an area of 100 m2 in winter. It is necessary to take these loads into account when designing both the floors and the foundation of the house. Such loads are also extreme for roofing materials. There should be no leaks or loss of waterproofing properties throughout the entire area of the building. Special requirements are imposed on the joints and junctions of the roofing covering to parapets, chimneys and other protrusions. And to prevent breakthroughs from happening, snow from a flat roof must be cleared, as well as regular cleaning of internal gutters. So, the benefits and conveniences of a flat roof may turn out to be insignificant or even in vain if you do not maintain it properly. There is still less hassle with a pitched roof if everything is done according to technology.
All these differences show that for each individual case the choice of roofing will be individual, and you need to approach this stage as an investment in your health and well-being.
When choosing a project for your future private home, you inevitably face the choice of which roof to prefer - a traditional pitched roof or an extraordinary flat one? Should we sacrifice the space on the last level or build a full floor? Believe me, having decided in favor of a flat roof, you not only do not lose in volume, but also gain additional space on the roof to realize your wildest desires. Whether it's a picnic area, solarium or blooming garden.
Increasingly, when constructing low-rise country houses, their owners strive to use as much usable space as possible. In the context of the continuously growing cost per square meter, this is especially important. Therefore, when choosing a roofing option, functionality is one of the most important arguments. And a flat roof wins over a pitched roof in this debate. But it also has quite a lot of other advantages.
Blooming roof garden
Steep, ridged roofs became common in Europe in the 17th century. The French architect Francois Mansart used just such a roof in his projects to give elegance to the facade and, at the same time, create the possibility of installing premises under the roof structures for residential and commercial purposes. Attics are also loved in Russia. Having become a traditional part of Russian huts, pitched roofs were used as an attic. And in the 19th century they gained popularity as housing for poor people.
But nothing is as changeable as fashion, including architectural fashion. In the second half of the 19th century, the builder Karl Rabitz, famous for his ingenuity, created a real garden on the roof of his own mansion in Berlin. However, if we look back into ancient times, his “modern” hanging garden is not so new. The idea of using an exploitable roof was realized even before our era during the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
Flat roofs reached their peak in popularity in the 20th century. Moreover, this roof design has become trendy in modern architectural projects. Built in 1936-1939, the famous “Waterfall House” by architect Frank Lloyd Wright is a classic example of a structure with an exploitable roof in the form of balconies located at different levels. The cottage has earned recognition in America, becoming an architectural monument that fits into the natural landscape.
And finally, under Le Corbusier, the design of a flat exploitable roof became the main one in architectural projects. To this day, the popularity of such “green” roofs does not fade. For example, in New York, about 8,000 roofs are green. In Germany, the use of flat roofs as a front garden is supported by law and is mandatory.
Such examples prove that thanks to a flat roof structure, it is possible not only not to lose precious space and volume of the home, but also to use additional space on the roof. At your request, you can create a flowering garden here or organize a place for sunbathing, an area for active sports, or just a relaxation area with a swimming pool.
Economic side of the issue
Proponents of pitched roofs are trying to outshine fans of flat roofs in a dispute over costs. Of course, the roof area with a slope is larger. Consequently, more building materials will be required. In addition, the production of piece elements of pitched roofs also increases their cost. The customer must also take into account the costs of a more detailed calculation of structures with a slope, complicated by wind loads, and the design of snow barriers. 
Despite the fact that a flat roof will require fewer materials, by themselves, they belong to the middle and premium segment. Pros: quick and easy installation. Builders do not need to repeatedly lift materials onto the roof: work is carried out safely on a level surface. The solution does not require a rafter system.
The arguments are clear, but in fact, experts believe that the costs of installing a flat and pitched roof are comparable. Sometimes a flat one turns out to be cheaper than a pitched one. Therefore, it is not the price criterion that should be decisive when choosing the type of construction.
Competing with bad weather
During periods of heavy rain or snowfall, the roof of the house is the main barrier against bad weather. To better protect against precipitation, it must be thought out to the smallest detail. Of course, the main one protective function carries an insulating coating. But the shape of the roof is no less important. When designing a pitched roof, it is necessary to take care of additional drainage measures, such as drainpipes, hangers for gutters, etc. But that’s why it’s sloped - water “rolls off” it. In the case of a flat roof, timely and effective removal moisture - not so simple task. Even the most advanced materials will not help if the roof is made without a slope. To drain water, either overflow parapet funnels or internal drain funnels are used, discharging water into the sewer riser. On the surface of the roof itself, slopes and counter-slopes must be provided, which can be created using wedge-shaped thermal insulation. Modern manufacturers have already made this task easier for consumers by offering modern thermal insulation materials for easy construction of the desired slope (for example, slabs from stone wool TECHNORUF N WEDGE or extruded polystyrene foam TECHNONICOL CARBON PROF SLOPE from the TechnoNIKOL company).
But in addition to rain, the roof must protect residents from snow. Every winter, owners of cottages with pitched roofs face difficulties in removing accumulated snow. You should also be wary of icicles, which threaten the lives of not only the owners, but also their property, such as a car parked near the house.
Sometimes the owner has to call a steeplejack or clean the roof himself, risking his own life. There is no need to clean a flat roof! The bearing capacity of floor slabs far exceeds the snow load. Properly designed under-roof structures will withstand the load from snow and heavy rainfall. Especially for cold regions, TechnoNIKOL's product range includes the LOGICROOF V-RP Arctic PVC membrane. This material guarantees excellent waterproofing even in arctic climates. In general, LOGICROOF membranes provide reliable protection against any atmospheric influences: ultraviolet radiation, hail. High resistance to wind loads is confirmed by tests of the European research institute BDA Keuringsinstituut B.V., the Netherlands. Flat roof with polymer coating from LOGICROOF also differs in its ease of installation.
Ease of installation
Proper installation is the basis for the “longevity” of your roof. According to the TechnoNIKOL company, among the reasons for reducing the service life of a flat roof, 45% are installation errors. In addition, it is important to choose the right roofing materials.
TechnoNIKOL offers customers a wide range of products and ready-made solutions, which are easy to install and which save time on setting up the system. For insulation of flat roofs of private houses, the TN-ROOF Ballast, TN-ROOF Terrace, and “green” roofs waterproofed with polymer membranes LOGICROOF and ECOPLAST are suitable. They allow you to make your roof even more durable.
The TechnoNIKOL company has several completed low-rise projects where roofing systems were used in construction trademark LOGICROOF. LOGICROOF waterproofing PVC membranes were used in private construction on the roofs of country houses in the Olshanets Park village in the vicinity of Belgorod. Another object was the cottage complex " Cote d'Azur" in Sochi. The projects were implemented in different climatic zones of Russia, but residents of both complexes do not have to worry about protecting their homes from heavy rainfall and the scorching sun. In addition, due to the solution with flat roofs, houses have an extraordinary architectural appearance. And the owners can arrange the additional space on the roof as an area for relaxation, healing and recovery.
If you dream of a modern, stylish, unique and reliable country house, choose projects with flat roofs. And the TechnoNIKOL company will provide you quality systems with waterproofing based on roofing polymer membranes, guaranteeing durability and safety, and will also provide a full package of individual services for installation and operation.
When starting the construction of a private house or cottage, every developer wants to know which roof is better and be confident in its reliability. One of the main factors that influence these parameters is the roof of the house, which must correspond design feature and the general architecture of the building, as well as the material used for the roof.
The pitched roof of a house is the most common in the Russian region, because... The snow comes off well.
In the construction of private houses, various types of roofs are used, which differ in the number of slopes, their angle of inclination, and the possibility of installing an attic.
Basic roof elements
- Rafters are a building structure made of special beams arranged in a certain way. Rafters are designed to support the roof and evenly distribute the load from the roof onto all load-bearing walls of the house.
- Lathing is a flooring made of boards laid and secured to the rafters, which is the base on which the roofing material is laid. Depending on the roofing material used, the laying of the sheathing can be sparse (individual boards are fixed at a certain distance from each other) or continuous (the sheathing boards are fixed without gaps).
- Roofing is a covering material that is laid directly on the sheathing. Roofing material is selected depending on financial condition and the wishes of the developer.
- The ridge is the junction of the roof slopes.
Advantages and disadvantages
Exists a large number of various roof options that are used in modern low-rise construction. They have different configurations, their advantages and disadvantages, and the material used.
Flat roof. This design does not have any slope. It is practically not used in the construction of an individual house, since the flat surface retains precipitation on its plane. These factors cause the roof to quickly deteriorate, resulting in roof leaks.
Shed roof
In this embodiment, it is assumed that one inclined surface(slope) over the entire area of the house. Such a roof rests on two load-bearing walls of different heights. This type is not particularly popular among private construction. Most often used in the construction of garages or utility rooms. By design they can be ventilated or non-ventilated. Ventilated roofs have a slope of 5-20 degrees, and unventilated roofs have a slope of 1-5 degrees.
Advantages pitched roof
Scheme for calculating the roof slope angle.
- Simplicity of design, which does not require special calculations of the rafter system, slope angle and load calculations. Possibility of installation by people without special knowledge and skills.
- Ease and speed of the device, repair during operation. Lack of complex rafter systems.
- Due to the absence of stressed elements, reduced wear of elements.
- Low installation cost.
Disadvantages of a pitched roof
- A small under-roof space, which eliminates the possibility of constructing an attic or attic space.
- Impossibility of providing complete thermal insulation.
- With a strong wind blowing from a high side, there is a sharp decrease in reliability.
- With a slight slope, it is necessary to regularly remove snow from the roof surface.
Gable roof
This option consists of two equal opposite slopes, one side of which rests on the load-bearing walls of the house, and the other two are connected at the ridge. The plane (wall) that is formed between two slopes is called a pediment. The pediment can be made either with an opening for a window, which is used to illuminate the attic space, or as a solid one. Beautiful attic windows make everything light construction and airy. This type of roof is the most popular and common in individual construction. As a rule, such roofs are made in houses that are not particularly architecturally sophisticated.
The gable roof has an attractive appearance and is very practical. Any material intended for this purpose can be used for the roof. Can give a home a sophisticated look decorative finishing pediments.
When building a gable roof, it is necessary to take into account the own weight of the structural elements, as well as the additional load from snow and rainwater.
Advantages of a gable roof
Types of rafter systems for single-pitched and gable roofs.
- Practicality of use. If the under-roof space is sufficiently large, it is possible to construct an attic or a full-fledged attic space for household needs. In such cases, the most rational design would be a “broken” shape. The plane of the slopes from the ridge has a slight slope, which at a certain level turns into a more acute angle of inclination.
- Possibility of installing heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in the attic.
- Effective removal of snow and water from roof planes.
- The construction of a gable roof does not require complex technological solutions.
- Attractive appearance. During construction, you can choose an option with the same angles of inclination and slope areas, or with different ones.
- If necessary, repairs do not require significant costs.
- Only a pitched roof is cheaper.
Disadvantages of a gable roof
- Dependence of roof height and slope angle on the size of the house. The larger the area of the house, the more material will be required to install such a roof.
- When constructing an attic, there is a need to increase the height of the structure, increase the number and strengthen the load-bearing elements (rafters), which in turn increases the cost of construction.
- If you have an attic, a device is required dormer windows The greater the number of windows for the attic, the more complex the design of the gable roof becomes.
Hip roof
This type of roof consists of two slopes, which have a triangular shape, and two trapezoidal slopes. When constructing a hipped roof, there is no need to install gables. To illuminate the attic, attic windows are used, which are mounted directly on the roof slopes. Such a roof also has another name - hip, since triangular-shaped slopes are called hips. If the roof consists of four equal slopes connecting at one point, then this type of roof is called a hip roof. Such roofs are most often installed in areas with a mild climate.
Advantages of a hipped roof
- By reducing the lower size of the hip, it becomes possible to make attic space more functional. The option of installing an attic cannot be ruled out.
- Houses with such roofs have a rather attractive and original look, which can be made unique by choosing appropriate roofing materials.
- Increased strength and reliability of the structure.
- High resistance external loads in the form of strong wind, snow and rain.
- Uniform heating of the attic space from all sides, which helps maintain a comfortable temperature regime.
Disadvantages of a hipped roof
The envelope-shaped roof is difficult to implement, but it looks impressive.
- The complexity of construction, which requires certain engineering calculations.
- Larger area of slopes, and, accordingly, greater weight of structures.
- When building a hipped roof in areas with a cold climate, it is necessary to use special insulating materials, which increases the overall cost of construction.
- The installation of a hipped roof requires the services of qualified craftsmen.
- Increased cost when installing an attic, since construction is required additional walls for the perimeter of the attic, as well as installing windows directly in the roof.
Multi-gable roof
It is an original, complex architectural structure that can include a different number of slopes. Such a roof is most often installed in houses that have several levels, attics, attics, various extensions, etc. When installing a multi-gable roof, long sunken angles are formed between the slopes, called “gutters” or “valleys”.
The process of constructing a roof of this type is very labor-intensive and lengthy. When planning the construction of a multi-gable roof, you can realize even the most daring design ideas.
Advantages of a multi-gable roof
- Unique appearance of the house, beauty and grace.
- Possibility of application on structures of complex architectural shape.
- Increase in living space due to the construction of an attic.
Disadvantages of a multi-gable roof
- Availability large number complex structural elements, ribs and internal corners.
- Costly and labor-intensive construction. The consumption of materials is approximately 4-5 times more than when constructing roofs of other types. This is due to a large amount of waste.
- Complexity of design and calculation work.
- The roof may experience additional load from snow between the slopes at the inner corners.
- Enough a complex system water drainage.
Spire roof
This roof option consists of a certain number of triangular-shaped slopes, connected at one point and mounted at an acute angle. Spire-shaped roofs are used in cases where the project involves the construction of towers. This roof is bright solution to create a unique look for the house under construction. Very often, such towers, if space allows, are used for arranging living rooms.
Roof spire diagram. All sides of the roof spire should be the same.
Advantages of a spire roof
- Unique and attractive appearance.
- Due to the sharp angle of inclination, no additional snow removal measures are required.
Disadvantages of a spire roof
- Complexity and duration of construction.
- The need to carry out calculation work.
- The need to attract qualified craftsmen.
- Impossibility of installing an attic.
All options presented are considered fundamental. Each type can be well complemented with various details that can decorate the appearance of the house. But before choosing an acceptable option, it is necessary to take into account factors such as physical and climatic conditions, as well as the performance indicators that characterize the roof.
For areas with heavy snowfall, it is recommended to choose structures with a large slope angle; the roof will be protected from rapid damage, and the attics from leaks, which will extend the service life of the entire structure.
Main types of materials
Regardless of what type of roof is chosen, whether there are attics or not, the main role in reliability is played by the roofing and the material used for this purpose.
The main materials for reliable protection of a home from adverse weather conditions are:
- material based on minerals and ceramics (natural slate, ardogress, etc.);
- bitumen-based material (roofing felt, shinglas, fiberglass or fiberglass impregnated with a modified mixture);
- metal material (metal tiles, galvanized profiled sheets with and without polymer coating, roofing made of copper or aluminum sheets);
- cement-based material (asbestos-cement corrugated sheets, cement-sand tiles)
- material on polymer based(polycarbonate, etc.)
According to the form of execution, roofing materials are divided into:
Roof made of various types materials have their advantages and disadvantages, so the choice depends on the desires of the developer and his capabilities.
Determining which roof and roofing is cheaper, as well as making a choice of roof design is a crucial moment, since the comfort of living and the duration of operation of the entire structure depend on this.
Which roof is best for a home?
Choosing the type of roof is a crucial moment before starting construction of a house. So which roof is best for your home?
Which roof is better for a country house, cottage or cottage?
Which roof is best for country house
Main types of roofs
- Flat roofs
- Pitched roofs
Classification of pitched roofs
Classification of pitched roofs
Roof structural elements
- Roofing material.
Rafters and their types
Types of rafters:
- hanging, used for long spans;
- inclined, used for span lengths up to 6.5 m. With additional support, the span length can increase to 12 m.
Types of rafters
Roof bases
- sheathing
- solid flooring
- climate;
- durability of the material;
- material cost;
Roofing materials
- purpose of the building;
- construction budget;
- climate features;
- aesthetic impression.
Which roof is better and cheaper for a country house, cottage or cottage?
The house project is almost ready, all that remains is to choose the type of roof. Which type will be optimal, functional and reliable. Everything is described structural types roofs and rafters. Tips for choosing a roofing material
Which roof is better and cheaper for a country house, cottage or cottage?
One of the most important parts of the house is the roof - its quality determines the warmth and comfort, noise level and frequency of repairs of the building.
Naturally, when planning a development, the question arises, what type of roof to choose, or which roof is better - cheaper, more expensive, broken or gable, or maybe hipped?
It is not enough for a roof to be simply durable and attractive. She still has to be near important properties: provide good protection from rain and snow, protect from heat and cold, be fireproof. Let's look at the main types of roofs and their characteristic features, because the choice of roofing material depends on the type of roof.
Main types of roofs
- Flat roofs. They are usually erected above utility and utility buildings, garages, bathhouses, sheds, as well as houses with a terrace on the roof.
- Pitched roofs. This type of roof is more widespread, and there are several classifications of pitched roofs, one of which we will present below. Among other things, pitched roofs can be divided into warm and cold, with an attic and without an attic.
Classification of pitched roofs
Let us list the main structural types of pitched roofs.
Their surface is a plane resting on opposite walls different heights, i.e. is at an angle to the horizontal.
They consist of two planes located at an angle and rest on opposite walls of the same height. This is perhaps the most common type of pitched roof.
A type of gable roof in which each slope consists of two rectangles located at an obtuse angle.
They are a combination of several ordinary gable roofs, as if cut into each other at right angles.
These are hip roofs with two long trapezoidal slopes and two short triangular ones.
A type of hip roof, sometimes called a Dutch roof, in which the end slopes do not reach the eaves. Thanks to this design, the house is better able to withstand the wind, and its gables are less exposed to precipitation.
A type of 4-slope roof, consisting of four equal slopes of a triangular shape.
When choosing a roof type, you should take into account not only its intended operational properties, but also its decorative qualities. In low-rise buildings, the roof has a large relative volume and its appearance largely determines the architectural design.
In private houses, mainly the roofs of high structures are erected. This allows you to build an attic, and the house takes on a more presentable appearance. Also, steep slopes do not allow water and snow to linger on the roof. In areas with strong winds, it is preferable to build low roofs or high ones, with additionally reinforced rafter systems.
You should also consider which roof the developer can afford. Naturally, the roofs are more simple designs cheaper and most economical options are flat and pitched roof. An additional convenience of a pitched roof is that it allows you to increase the internal volume of the building, and in outbuildings at the same time serve as a ceiling.
If the attic space will be used for household needs, it is better to build gable roof. In areas with strong winds best choice There will be a type of hip roof, but its construction will not be cheap. In addition, the construction hip roofs requires high professionalism, and should only be trusted by experienced craftsmen.
In houses of complex shape, cross-shaped roofs are usually used. This is a rather complex structure, consisting of many intersecting slopes. The difficulty of installing a cross-shaped roof is to ensure the tightness of the internal corners of the roof. Such roofs are expensive; they must be erected by experienced craftsmen and always from high-quality materials.
Roof structural elements
After choosing the type of roof, you can begin selecting materials. Therefore, let’s get acquainted with the main structural elements of roofs:
- Basic structure. Its type depends on the type of roof. It is usually constructed from wooden beams and rafters.
- Roof base. It can be constructed in the form of a lattice or be solid.
- Hydro- and heat-insulating layers.
- Roofing material.
Rafters and their types
Rafters perform an important function in the roof structure. This is a support for the sheathing, taking on not only the weight of the roof, but also the wind load, as well as snow pressure.
Types of rafters:
- hanging. used for long spans;
- inclined. used for span lengths up to 6.5 m. With additional support, the span length can increase to 12 m.
The design and construction of rafter systems is work that requires great qualifications. Its quality determines the load-bearing capacity and, consequently, the strength of the roof.
Roof bases
The type of base for the roof is selected depending on the intended roofing material.
There are two main types of roofing base:
- sheathing(used for roofing made of metal tiles, slate or metal profiles)
- solid flooring(when using rolled materials)
Continuous flooring is constructed from two layers of boards. The first layer is called working, and the second – protective. The latter is located at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the worker and is constructed from narrow boards. Between these layers a windproof material is placed, usually roofing felt RRP-300 or 350.
When installing the sheathing, a number of rules are observed:
- all sheathing elements are securely fastened to the rafters;
- their joints are located staggered on the rafters;
- the distances between them must be maintained over the entire surface of the roof being constructed.
Roofing materials and works
The top part of the roof is called the roof. It is in direct contact with the external environment, taking on the full power of wind and precipitation. Therefore, the main qualities that it must have are strength and water resistance.
There are many roofing materials, and when choosing one of them, you should take into account its performance characteristics, as well as a number of other factors:
- climate;
- functional purpose of the building;
- durability of the material;
- material cost;
- its noise-insulating and heat-saving properties;
- labor intensity and cost of roof maintenance;
- external attractiveness of the material.
It is difficult to give unambiguous and comprehensive advice on choosing which roofing material will be best, since it is influenced by all the listed factors, and ideal building materials, as we know, do not exist. In addition, the determining criteria may differ, for example, if there is insufficient funding, the price becomes the main thing, and all other factors are considered less meticulously. On the contrary, if consumer properties come to the fore, then price, as a rule, is not of decisive importance. For some, perhaps the main factor will be beauty or color, since according to the owners, the house should not be similar to the others.
The choice of material should be made at the stage of creating a house project, since the type of roof structure depends on it, and changes should be made to finished project it will be difficult and expensive.
Selecting a roof structure and roofing material is an important stage in building a house. The best solution can only be found by taking into account a number of factors:
- purpose of the building;
- noise insulation and heat saving characteristics of the roof;
- construction budget;
- climate features;
- aesthetic impression.
Only by taking into account the listed factors and weighing each of them can you choose best option roofs and type of roofing material.
Which roof is better and cheaper for a country house, cottage or dacha - My Life
Which roof is better and cheaper for a country house, cottage or dacha? One of the most important parts of the house is the roof - warmth and comfort, noise level and frequency of building repairs depend on its quality.
Which roof is cheaper?
One of the most important parts of the house is the roof, because... the service life of the entire constructed building will depend on its strength and durability of the selected roofing material. That is why you need to be very careful when choosing a coating. For some, the most important question will be which roof is cheaper, while for others the aesthetic side of the roof or the price-quality ratio will be more important.
In order to decide on the choice of roof you need to know the features and properties different types roofing coverings. The roof must have thermal insulation properties, provide protection from weather conditions and moisture, and maintain fire safety standards.
Roofs are divided into two types - pitched and flat.
Pitched roofs can be cold or warm, have an attic or not. In private construction, pitched attic roofs are usually used, because... This type of roof is easiest to convert to create additional living rooms or storage areas. Flat roofs are used for sheds, garages or other outbuildings. You can also make a roof in a residential building, on top of which you can arrange a comfortable terrace.
How to choose a roof
To choose the right type of roof for your home, you need to consider not only which roof is cheaper, but also the weather conditions in the area where the house is located.
Please note that for areas where there is heavy snowfall, a regular gable roof, because it removes sediment best. Flat roofs need to be installed in windy areas; they have little windage.
Mostly people prefer pitched roofs because... they allow the house to look more solid, proportional, and most importantly, it is possible to make attic floor. To carry out such a roof, it is better to involve specialists, since this work is quite complex and requires a certain precision to ensure reliability. This type of roof will exert minimal pressure on the floors.
If the price-quality ratio is more important to you, then it is better to make a flat or pitched roof, because they are simpler and cheaper to install.
How to choose material
How the material will be used will depend on the roof design. However, it is worth saying that approximately the same amount of materials will be required to construct a gable and a shed roof, so it will be more difficult to say which roof is cheaper.
To begin choosing roofing materials, you should know the roof design. Its main components are:
1. The basis of the structure is beams, trusses and rafters;
2. Base – lathing or solid;
3. Insulation or insulator;
4. Roof covering.
Rafters and trusses are the main frame for the roof. They should be chosen carefully; this is best done by professionals. The rafters will take on the entire load and distribute it across the structures below: supports and walls. If you make a more massive and heavier rafter structure, then the entire frame will be more expensive than if it is made for a soft covering. The base for the roof is always made depending on the coating used. If soft or roll coating is used, it is best to make a solid base.
If you use metal tiles or just tiles, you can also make a mesh base. Which coating is better, everyone will choose according to their needs: aesthetic appearance, durability and strength, waterproofness and thermal insulation, and most importantly - financial capabilities.
In light of financial possibilities, it is worth considering budget options. From this side, quality will be relegated to second place after cost.
When aesthetics are not a priority, you can use rolled polymer materials (for example, roofing membranes); they are excellent for flat roofs. Pitched roofs can also be covered with similar material, but only if the planks are secured on top. The basis for such a coating will be fiberglass to insulate sounds, moisture and heat.
Another budget option is to cover the roof slope with ondulin. Although it is susceptible to warping due to weather, it is still quite common.
After the previous options, it is worth mentioning corrugated sheets and metal tiles. The color options are huge. The accessories include everything needed to install the roof. The disadvantage of the material will be low noise insulation, for example, during rain. But this can be corrected if the backing is made of polyethylene foam.
It is also important to provide excellent thermal insulation of the roof to protect the entire building from temperature changes. In most cases, glass wool is used for insulation. The cheapest material today is polystyrene foam. However, it is very fragile and has low noise insulation. In this case, glass wool has several advantages, because it is not subject to combustion, the influence of temperatures, does not shrink or stretch.
Roof waterproofing can be easily done using vapor barrier film and non-woven polypropylene.
It is worth paying attention that it is better not to use too cheap materials for roofs, because... most often they are not the most environmentally friendly, and this will affect the health of the residents. But here it’s up to you: either choose which roof is cheaper or more environmentally friendly.
The roof must be reliable and solid. Otherwise, the entire structure will have a minimum service life.
Which roof is cheaper?
Which roof is cheaper to install? Tips on how to choose the type of roof and roofing material. Video about calculating the cost of constructing a roof.
Flat roofs are in demand in modular construction. Among the advantages of this method are the affordable cost and high speed of construction of housing, as well as the possibility of gradually increasing its area
Architects and developers are attracted to these unusual buildings, where you can equip an observation deck or even set up a real hanging garden. Of course, in practice everything turns out to be more complicated than in theory.
Designing a flat roof raises many questions regarding its cost, choice of materials for insulation and waterproofing, organization of water flow, maintenance, etc. Finding answers to them is not so easy. The fact is that domestic contracting companies working in the field of cottage and rooftops are well familiar with the most popular design - pitched, but, as a rule, they have no experience in constructing flat roofs, which are designed completely differently.
Flat roof cost
What immediately attracts attention is the fact that the area of a flat roof is smaller than a pitched roof, which means that less materials will be required, and the work will be cheaper. However, this statement is only true for regions with a warm climate and low snow load, especially if we are talking about an unused roof. IN middle lane In Russia, to ensure the reliability and durability of a horizontal roof, it is necessary to use quite expensive engineering solutions.
Beam floor
In principle, when constructing a floor, you can use a combination of beams (wooden, steel) and load-bearing corrugated sheeting. However, experts do not recommend using wooden beams (with the exception of those made of LVL beams with a cross-section of 200 × 100 mm) in regions where the snow pressure exceeds 1.2 kPa (about 120 kgf/m2) - that is, in most of the territory of the Russian Federation. A roof covering made of steel I-beams and corrugated sheets with a wave height of 60 mm and a wall thickness of 0.7 mm allows you to cover a span of up to 12 m and can withstand a pressure of at least 6 kPa. But in general, it is less durable than concrete, and is relatively rarely used in individual construction. It makes more sense to use corrugated sheeting as permanent formwork, which, by the way, does not replace the need to build a reinforcement frame.
It turns out that 1 m2 of a flat concrete or steel base, the load-bearing capacity of which will allow it to withstand the weight of snow cover, costs 2–2.5 times more than a wooden one beam structure pitched roof. The difference in the volumetric consumption of insulation is leveled due to the fact that a flat roof requires more expensive material high density. There is still hope to save on roofing, however, modern polymer membranes - the optimal waterproofing for horizontal roofs - are no cheaper (and sometimes much more expensive) than flexible tiles. There is no need to install snow guards, but without a roof hatch and drainage system not enough. If you try to cut costs according to the estimate, you will subsequently have to pay the price of having to repair the roof every 10–15 years.
The durability of a flat roof largely depends on the ability of the load-bearing base to withstand operational loads without significant deformation
Finally, it should be noted that flat roofs are only suitable for houses modern architecture- with a large glazing area and sophisticated finishing with the latest facade materials. Both will not be cheap at all.
On a solid foundation
As a rule, in low-rise housing construction, the flat roofing is a prefabricated or monolithic reinforced concrete slab. Reinforced concrete slabs(PB, hollow PC, PV, etc.) are capable of covering a span of up to 9 m in length and can withstand pressure of 8, 9 or 12.5 kPa (this value is indicated by the last digit in the product labeling). They can serve as a “base” for any roofing pies, including top layer from paving slabs or fertile soil. However, to install the structure, it will be necessary to ensure that a truck crane can enter the site (while steel beams and the flooring is easy to lift using winches). The depth of support of the ceiling on the wall depends on the material of the latter - for example, for brick this parameter should be equal to the thickness of the slab. Before proceeding with the installation of the roof, it is important to seal the joints of the elements with mortar and additionally seal them with elastic polymer tape.
The main advantage of membranes based on artificial rubber is that they retain elasticity when low temperatures, that is, they can be installed in winter
Classification of flat roofs
Flat roofs are divided into unused and used. The former visit only for inspection, prevention and repair; For this purpose, a roof hatch is installed, to which an attic ladder leads. The roof in use in cottages most often serves as a terrace, that is, a durable wear-resistant coating must be laid on it, and the load-bearing base is designed for increased loads. A type of exploitation is a roof with landscaping, laid with a turf layer on top of the main heat-waterproofing pie; Usually there are paths and a recreation area on it. A convenient exit to the roof in use should be provided, for example from a vestibule superstructure.
A monolithic reinforced concrete floor is erected from heavy concrete using removable (for example, from OSB boards on jack stands) or permanent (from corrugated sheeting) formwork. It is reinforced with a two- or four-level welded frame made of rods with a diameter of 12 mm. Dimensions monolithic slab are not regulated (unlike prefabricated), which provides the architect with freedom when designing a building; other advantages are the absence of seams, the comparative simplicity of the installation of passage units (chimney, ventilation ducts) and high load-bearing capacity (subject to compliance with technological regulations).
Roof protection from cold and heat
In the low-rise sector, mostly flat roofs without attics are in demand, because the attic requires additional costs and disrupts the architectural proportions of the house. This means that the roof must protect against winter cold and summer heat. A common feature of flat roofs is that the heat-insulating layer is located on top of the supporting structure (in pitched roofs it is usually located between the rafters). If you insulate the room from below, the dew point may shift into the thickness of the ceiling, which will lead to a reduction in the service life of the latter.
Mastics should be used primarily on roofs of complex configurations
As for roofing options, there are dozens of them. Suffice it to say that more than 40 “recipes” are given in SP 17.13330.2011 alone. At the same time, companies producing coatings and insulation materials are offering more and more new engineering solutions. However, they are always based on one of two circuit diagrams- traditional or inversion.
TechnoNIKOL roof installation diagrams
“TN-ROOF Terrace”: 1 - ceiling; 2 - vapor barrier; 3–5 - EPPS (including the slope-forming layer); 6 - fiberglass; 7 - LOGICROOF V-GR membrane; 8 - geotextile; 9 - tiles on supports
Traditional design in general outline is as follows: a vapor barrier film (polypropylene, polyethylene, butumen-polymer) is laid on top of the load-bearing base, followed by insulation, for example, mineral wool slabs, which have a compressive strength at ten percent deformation of at least 30 kPa, in one or two layers with a total thickness of 200 mm. Above is a separating layer (for example, made of polyethylene film), along which a reinforced slope-forming screed is poured (a flat roof must be given a slope of 2-3% towards the center or edges to ensure water drainage). The dried screed serves as the basis for a roll or mastic waterproofing coating.
“TN-ROOF Green”: 1 - overlap; 2 - ramp made of expanded clay; 3 - reinforced screed; 4 - bitumen primer; 5 - “Technoelast EPP”; 6 - “Technoelast Green”; 7 - geotextile; 8 - EPPS; 9 - PLANTER GEO membrane; 10 - fertile layer
Other options are also possible. For example, a slope-forming screed can be located at the very bottom of the pie; in this case, the roofing waterproofing is fixed with gravel ballast, paving slabs on supports or special dowels. Some materials, say the “RUF SLOPE” system (Rockwool) or “TechnoNIKOL Slope”, allow you to do without a screed altogether: the slabs have variable thickness, and with their help it is not difficult to create smooth changes in level to ensure water drainage.
An inversion roof is designed differently: in it, insulation resistant to constant exposure to water (usually extruded polystyrene foam - EPS) is located on top of the waterproofing. At the same time, the latter is reliably protected from mechanical damage and is located in a zone of positive temperatures (freezing-thawing cycles are destructive for almost any material). It is easy to turn an inversion roof into a usable one, for example, by covering the insulation with a drainage layer of sand and gravel and laying paving slabs. The disadvantages of the design include more complex drainage. However, we need to talk about gutters separately.
There are special requirements for thermal insulation for flat roofs. The material must not only have a low thermal conductivity coefficient, but also have good resistance to mechanical loads - both distributed (pressure from the overlying layers of the roofing pie, equipment, snow) and local ones that arise during installation. In addition, it is important that the material has hydrophobic properties and is non-flammable. At the moment, there are several ways to install thermal insulation: using mechanical fasteners, adhesive and free laying. In addition to traditional two-layer insulation, single-layer installation is becoming an increasingly popular solution. Rockwool offers unique dual-density slabs that consist of a rigid top layer and a lightweight bottom layer, which speeds up work and improves its quality.
Grigory Gromakov
Specialist in development of the “Flat roofing” direction of the ROCKWOOL company
Water drainage on a flat roof
The flat roof is equipped with a parapet (attic) 30–90 cm high, which helps ensure an organized roof; on a roof in use it also serves as a safety fence. At the same time, the design of gutters should be approached very responsibly, because in case of an error, a huge puddle can form above your head, which can also lead to damage to supporting structures.
As a rule, the choice is made in favor of an internal drain. Such a system is less exposed to the atmosphere and is therefore more durable and reliable than an external one. Let's talk in more detail about its main elements.
Water intake funnels are installed on low areas of the roof. As a rule, on roofs with an area of up to 150 m2, two funnels are installed - the main one, connected to the riser, and the emergency one - with water discharged through a hole in the parapet. With an increase in the number of funnels and risers, the reliability of the system increases, but its cost also increases.
For inversion and green roofs, special funnels with drainage rings have been developed to collect moisture from the intermediate layers. Water receivers must be equipped with electric heating based on a self-regulating cable - then they will properly perform their function during alternating thaws and frosts.
Traditional covering with external drainage 1 - ceiling; 2 - slope-forming screed; 3 - vapor barrier; 4, 5 - mineral wool insulation; 6 - waterproofing; 7 - drain
In a new type of system, the so-called siphon-vacuum system, special funnels are used to prevent air from being sucked into the water flow. Thanks to them, the speed of fluid movement in the pipe (and hence the throughput of the latter) increases, which makes it possible to reduce the diameter of the system elements. However, for low-rise buildings, the savings turn out to be insignificant; moreover, such systems require more accurate calculations than gravity systems.
The drain riser is made from sewer pipes- polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and it makes sense to use sound-absorbing products, for example RAUPIANO Plus (REHAU), or soundproof the riser, otherwise you will hear the murmur of water for hours. The riser is connected to the funnel using an elastic coupling. When laying pipes, the number of bends and the length of horizontal sections that reduce throughput systems.
A drainage pipe laid in the basement or insulated underground connects the riser to the rainwater drainage system or ensures the discharge of water into a linear drainage tray. In the second case, there is a risk of clogging the outlet with ice, so the riser should be equipped with a “winter” outlet to the domestic sewer (the latter should be equipped with a water seal). The outlet pipe is cleaned through a collapsible connection or an inspection module.
Drawing: Vladimir Grigoriev/Burda Media
Inversion roof covering with internal drainage 1 - screed; 2 - PVC membrane; 3 - EPPS; 4 - funnel with drainage ring; 5 - drainage membrane; 6 - sand; 7 - paving slabs
When choosing the standard size of elements of a traditional gravity system, they proceed from the intensity of rain in a given area, focusing on SP 32.13330.2012.
The external drainage system is more vulnerable than the internal one, and also affects the appearance of the facades, but it does not require holes in the roof and ceilings and does not eat up the usable area of the house. Water is discharged through parapet funnels or pipes embedded in the parapet, under which classic funnels (like on a pitched roof) and down pipes attached to the walls with brackets are installed. When calculating, it is assumed that for each square meter The roof area should be 1–1.5 cm2 of the cross-section of the drainpipes. Elements outdoor system can be made of PVC, steel, copper, zinc-titanium.
For roofs in use, as well as roofs installed in regions with harsh climatic conditions, the inversion scheme is ideal. Since the waterproofing layer is located under the thermal insulation layer, it is protected from mechanical stress, as well as from temperature changes and UV radiation, which significantly extends its service life roofing system. Waterproofing materials based on modified bitumen, it is necessary to lay at least two layers - this technology is more common, and in addition, it allows you to level out possible mistakes when fusing the material. For polymer membrane One layer is enough, and reliability is ensured by automatic welding equipment, which greatly increases the speed of work. In addition, when installing a polymer membrane, an open flame is not used, so the technology is considered safer.
Dmitry Mikhailidi
Head of the Engineering and Technical Center of the Technical Directorate of the TechnoNIKOL Corporation
Roof landscaping
Since ancient times, turf-covered roofs have been used in countries with moderately cold and humid climates, and the green carpet performed the main moisture-protective function in them.
As part of the modern concept of a green roof, a layer of fertile soil with plants is needed to give unusual features to the appearance of the building, decorate the terrace roof and extend the service life of the coating by covering it from ultraviolet rays. In addition, it absorbs rainwater, unloading the gutters, dampens the sound of rain, protects the rooms on the upper floor from overheating in the summer and reduces heat loss in the winter. It is believed that landscaping almost doubles the life of a roof. Its disadvantages include an increase in loads on the supporting structures of the building and an increase in construction costs. In addition, a green carpet needs care, the intensity of which depends on the selected plant species. If you do not pay due attention to the plants, they will freeze and die from drought.
To green the roof, you should lay on top of the main waterproofing layer (in an inversion scheme - on top of the insulation) an additional cake made of materials that will ensure protection of the waterproofing layer from roots, filtration and drainage of rainwater. For these purposes, special films, dense geotextiles, gravel bedding or drainage and moisture storage membranes made of high-density polyethylene, for example PLANTER GEO or Delta-Floraxx, are used.
Then a mixture of minerals and fertilizers is poured - the so-called soil substrate. You can prepare it yourself by adding fine expanded clay (5–15%), sand (about 20%) and fertilizers to a light soil mixture of neutral peat. As for plants, the easiest way is to limit yourself to meadow forbs and drought-resistant ground covers - sedum, herbaceous carnation, thyme. They do not need to organize an irrigation system, and the thickness of the soil layer can be only 6–12 cm (this type of roof is called extensive). If you plan to walk on the roof among ornamental shrubs, you will have to provide irrigation and increase the soil thickness to 20–40 cm. Such a roof is called intensive, it creates a significant additional load on the ceiling, therefore it must be provided for at the design stage of the building.
The terrace design provides convenient communication between the living quarters of the cottage and the exploited roof, which serves as a resting place
Rolled materials based on modified bitumen, as a rule, are fused with a gas burner, but it is difficult to prevent small flaws that can cause leakage (if there is no second layer)
Rolled PVC membranes , for example, Sikaplan WP, Logicroof, Ecoplast are strong and durable (up to 30 years without repair) and do not support combustion. However, they require a professional approach to installation (the joints of the strips must be carefully welded with hot air) and are relatively expensive - from 320 rubles. for 1 m2. It is important to consider that this material does not tolerate contact with bitumen.
Rolled membranes made of ethylene-propylene rubber (EPDM) and thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO) , for example Firestone RubberGard, Logicroof P-RP, retain elasticity when negative temperatures. Note that EPDM membranes are highly flammable (class G4) and are designed mainly for use in the construction of an in-use roof, where the waterproofing is covered with tiles, gravel or soil. EPDM and TPO membranes cost 1.3–1.5 times more than polyvinyl chloride membranes (mostly imported products).
Polymer-bitumen mastics allow you to create seamless coating, but they can only be applied to a strong, non-cracking base - a floor slab or carefully reinforced screed, and this process is quite long and laborious. The service life of a two-layer coating with a thickness of 5 mm is about 20 years, the price is from 120 rubles. for 1 m2. In practice, mastics are used mainly for roof repairs and gluing rolled materials.
Polymer and cement-polymer self-leveling waterproofing
, say Aquascud, Osmolastic, Osmoflex, is highly elastic
and UV resistance. To improve characteristics, materials are used in combination with special primers and lining films, reinforced mineral fiber(all components are supplied complete as a single system). The estimated service life of the coating is more than 50 years; price - from 700 rub. for 1 m2.
Flat roof: a pragmatist's view
| Advantages | Flaws |
|---|---|
| Eliminates snow avalanches and reduces the risk of falling ice. | Requires significant costs to construct a foundation with high load-bearing capacity. |
| Provides convenient access to chimneys, ventilation risers, antennas; Compared to pitched ones, it is easier to maintain and repair. | It is more susceptible to atmospheric factors than pitched, so durability is guaranteed only if expensive materials are used. |
| Can serve as a recreation area or terrace. | Requires increased attention to the arrangement and condition of the drainage system (especially with internal drainage). |
| Slightly less susceptible to wind loads than pitched. | |
| Allows you to implement the principle of phased modular construction (to make an extension to the house with pitched roof, we need to solve a difficult architectural and design problem). |