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 to the design features and overall 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 they are used Various types roofs that differ in the number of slopes, their angle of inclination, and the possibility of installing an attic.
Basic roof elements
- Rafters – building construction from special beams arranged in a certain way. The rafters are designed to support the roof and evenly distribute the load from the roof throughout load-bearing walls Houses.
- 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 options roofs 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. During construction individual house practically not used, since the flat surface retains precipitation on its plane. These factors cause the roof to quickly deteriorate, resulting in roof leaks.
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 of a pitched roof
Scheme for calculating the roof slope angle.
- Simplicity of design, which does not require special calculations 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 with an opening for a window, which is used for lighting attic space, and whole. Beautiful attic windows make everything light construction and airy. This type of roof is the most popular and widespread 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 there is an attic, the installation of dormer windows is required; 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 the 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 to external loads such as 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 to arrange living rooms in them.
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 polymer coating and without it, roofing made of sheet copper or aluminum);
- 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:
Roofing made from different types of materials has its own 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 length 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 characteristics, 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 of 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.
This hipped 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 roofs are erected tall structures. 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, roofs of simpler designs are cheaper, and the most economical options are flat and pitched roofs. 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 a 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 of 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 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 scrupulously. 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’ plans, 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.
Selection of roof structure and roofing material – important stage in building a house. Find best solution is possible only 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 the optimal roof option 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 of 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 weather 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 structure. 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 it more massive and heavy truss structure, then the entire frame will be more expensive than if it is done for soft covering. The base for the roof is always made depending on the coating used. If soft or roll covering, then 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.
More budget option is the coating of 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.
The important issue of choosing the type of roof structure and roofing material for a house arises at the design stage. I want architectural harmony and beauty, reliability and quality. A mistake cannot be made here, because the service life of the roof should be several decades under severe loads and constant fluctuations in temperature and humidity. In most regions of our country, the roof can withstand snow and rain in winter, heat in summer, and all year round- wind and dust. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of “house cap” to find out which is the most reliable.
Design features and the use of roofing materials with different properties allows you to choose optimal type roofs both in price and complexity of installation, and in the specifics of the planned loads - for example, heavy snow cover during winter months, humid coastal climate or dry, hot southern summer. The possibility of constructing a residential attic or a technical floor in the attic is also important.
Based on the presence of internal volume, roofs are divided into two types:
- attics, which do not have an additional ceiling and are at the same time the ceiling of the room. This is an ideal solution for a private home in southern regions with a mild climate, such a roof makes the room more spacious and cooler, and patios or mini-gardens are often arranged on top of the roof;
- attics, which have an internal volume and ceiling, allow you to insulate the roof and reduce the cost of heating the house, create a full second floor in the attic, increasing the usable area. Such qualities are suitable for use in cold climates, attic roofs are very popular.
Flat straight
A roofless roof is a straight flat roof.
This is the most inexpensive and simplest option; it is often used for outbuildings and garagesIts disadvantage is the small angle of inclination (3º), in winter snow accumulates on the surface and needs to be cleared off, and in summer the risk of leakage increases. But such a roof requires much less materials and is made much faster and easier than other types; you can place a terrace or flower garden on it, or install solar panels.
Attics with slopes
- rafter system;
- sheathing;
- roof;
- layers of waterproofing and insulation;
- dormer or attic windows;
- ridge, gutters.
Roofs are divided according to the number and shape of slopes and can be complex design.
The main advantage of pitched roofs is natural self-cleaning due to the slope to the horizon, ranging from 5 to 70º.
Single-pitch
A pitched roof rests on the walls of the building of different heights and consists of one inclined flat slope. Large windage can be a disadvantage: in strong winds there is a risk of failure.
This is an inexpensive and easy to implement option that will last for many years. Gable
Most often, home owners choose gable structures, resting on walls of equal height and consisting of two halves, closed at the junction with a ridge. The slopes can be the same or different in length.
The vertical walls of the attic are called gables and are traditionally equipped with attic windows Such a roof has many advantages:
- the optimal angle of inclination promotes the natural drainage of water and snow;
- opportunity to pave high-quality insulation between the sheathing bars;
- the permissibility of arranging an attic and installing windows, laying electrical wires;
- installation technology proven over centuries;
- durability and ability to be repaired;
- large selection of available materials.
hip
The hip roof is distinguished by the absence of gables, instead of which two more slopes are installed, as well as a more complex shape and installation technology. At the top of the hips there are dormer windows. It is not recommended to build such a roof yourself; it is better to trust the professionals.
The four-slope design perfectly withstands even strong winds and precipitation Half-hip
The half-hip form has two types:
Tent
This variety consists of several slopes converging at one upper point and has the shape of a tent. An excellent solution for a building with walls of square or regular polygonal shape, there is no need to build gables.
This is a reliable option, it is wind resistant and suitable for regions with snowy winters and abundant rainfall in spring and autumn Multi-forceps
If the building has the shape of a complex polygon and it is impossible to install a simple roof, design a multi-gable structure with several valleys and slopes, projections and other elements that reduce reliability and increase installation costs. Its disadvantage can be considered the valleys, joints and seams, which bear the main weather load.
A complex rafter system and gables are not cheap, but they allow you to create an original building with unique design Attic
That's what the broken line is called gable roof. Two parts of the canvas are located under different angles and form large volume usable space inside, which allows you to arrange a spacious additional residential or technical floor.
Many types of roofs have been developed for this type of roof. various models skylights, including balcony type Dome and conical
Such types are rarely used for homes - more often for decorative turrets and architectural landmarks.
Domed and conical roofs were previously used in towers and churches, but in our time they have become one of the revived elements of architecture Table: which roof is the most reliable
| Roof type | pros | Minuses |
| Flat |
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| Single-pitch |
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| Gable |
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| hip |
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| Half-hip |
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| Attic |
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| Multi-forceps |
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| Tent |
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| Dome, conical |
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All these varieties can be used together, combining them into a single system in a project. Such a roof may include multi-gable and conical, single-pitched and half-hipped parts, windows and balconies. Construction will require significant investments of money and time, and Maintenance it will be needed more often and will be more difficult. After all, every joint and seam increases the possibility of leakage.
Of course than simpler design, those more reliable roof. However, compliance with building regulations and strict adherence modern technologies will allow you to equip high-quality and reliable pulp coverings of the most complex shapes. It is important to remember that, in addition to strength, it must fit harmoniously into the architecture of the building, forming a single integral image with it. A massive house has an impressive heavy roof, and a stylish structure will look great with a visually light and elegant design.
When it's time to build your own outside the city own house, many future homeowners already have their own preferences about what it will be built from and what it will look like. Such things are usually thought out in advance: architecture, facade design, windows, etc. Then the project is carefully selected, every little detail is thought out, all materials are carefully selected.
Economic crisis recent years changed this trend. Today, most buyers of suburban housing try to save on literally everything. And developers are naturally happy to take advantage of this.
We see how advertising has also changed - that quality has faded into the background, everyone around is competing to see who will give the lowest price, and the advertised price itself is for square meter built house has reached simply indecent values. And still, people call such developers and buy something from them, but ask yourself the question - what kind of real estate could it be that costs the price of a barn?
If you look at everything realistically, you should understand that it’s not possible to build a normal house (not a barn or barracks) very cheaply. However, there are 3 things that can significantly reduce your construction budget:
- foundation - you can choose a lightweight and inexpensive foundation on piles;
- walls - you can replace brick with foam blocks, wood concrete or sip panels;
- roofing - you can choose cheap slate or ondulin instead of tiles, or you can... choose a flat roof
How to save money on building a roof for a country house?
Most buyers and developers country houses roofing is chosen not according to functional qualities, but according to appearance or according to the “like everyone else” principle. And the choice most often stops at a pitched roof. Meanwhile, there is a much cheaper and functional option- This is a flat roof.
The main arguments of opponents of flat roofs usually sound like this:
- “she’s not beautiful”;
- “I don’t want my house to look like a gas station”;
- or “a house with such a roof will resemble a box of canned food.”
What do you think? We invite you to compare these 2 photos:
Which of these two projects do you think looks more interesting? And from the others, below?
Of course, a lot here depends on personal taste, but it still seems to us that our buyers and developers are too conservative, and ideas and projects are stuck somewhere in the 80s of the last century. The USSR is long gone, but for some reason most summer residents stubbornly continue to build houses “the old fashioned way.”
A flat roof can not only add a “trick” to your home design, but it will also cost significantly less. To answer this question, let’s first figure out what materials both of these types of roofs are built from.
Any pitched roof consists of 3 main elements:
- rafter system;
- roofing;
- insulation and waterproofing system.
The main part of this structure is the rafters. In private homes they are made exclusively from wood, and correct installation rafters can only be made by experienced roofers.
Both wood and construction labor are expensive. And in general, you will have to fork out money for the roof, since the cost of its construction, even in the cheapest option, will amount to at least 25% of the budget for building a house. This can also include: roofing, insulation and waterproofing materials, as well as wages for roofers and other specialists. And that's not to mention operating costs.
A flat roof consists only of insulation and waterproofing, and these materials are required an order of magnitude less than for a pitched roof of the same perimeter. You can insulate and waterproof such a structure with your own hands: no special skills or experience are required, the main thing is to follow the instructions from the manufacturers.
Having calculated all the costs, and subtracted from here the cost of insulation and waterproofing, it is easy to calculate that installing a flat roof is several times cheaper pitched version. Besides, doing it somehow incorrectly is possible only on purpose.
Features of the operation of flat and pitched roofs
A pitched roof requires constant maintenance and repair. Everything will look perfect until the first serious downpour, snow storm or a hurricane, then little by little it begins to collapse.
Wooden rafters, even impregnated with antiseptics and coated with fire retardants, begin to rot after just a couple of years, and this process cannot be stopped. Metal is not suitable for creating a rafter system for private houses, and other materials suitable for this have not yet been invented.
It is possible to slow down the deterioration of wooden rafters only if the attic is well insulated and waterproofed, but if the attic is planned to be unheated, then the tree is practically doomed. It is well eaten by mold and all sorts of insects; as soon as even a drop of moisture appears in the attic, fungus immediately appears.
No wood is required for a flat roof. Its basis is concrete plates ceilings that do not rot, do not burn, water does not seep through them, and besides, concrete perfectly accumulates heat emanating from the interior.
If this ceiling is well insulated from above, then the house will not be afraid of any frost, besides, if a thick layer of snow is piled on the roof, it will act as excellent additional thermal insulation, and completely free.
On the contrary, in the case of pitched roof, snowdrifts will not play the role of thermal insulation, but of enormous gravity, which can push through not only the roof, but also break the rafters, especially if the slopes are flat. Therefore, snow must be constantly cleared from such a roof, which, of course, is associated with a huge risk - you can slip and fall down. There is no need to clear snow from a flat roof; in winter there is no need to climb onto it at all.
Hurricane winds are also the enemies of a pitched roof, especially if it is covered with lightweight roofing materials: metal tiles, corrugated sheets or slate. There are often cases when, with a strong wind, the pitched roof is simply torn off the house.
A flat roof does not have this drawback, because it does not have a roof covering; moreover, it is not a barrier to the wind, since it does not protrude beyond the contours of the house. Only an earthquake can destroy it.
And one more advantage of a flat roof is that during heavy rain and even hail, it does not make any noise at all, unlike metal tiles or slate. Rainwater, no matter how much there is, very quickly flows from the flat roof along a slight slope, enters the drainage system and is discharged beyond the perimeter of the house. The main thing is that the waterproofing is done correctly.
By the way, waterproofing materials, in case of damage, can be easily replaced, although they are initially very durable - experience shows that the waterproofing layer on houses with a flat roof is without overhaul serves for half a century or more.
In the USSR, houses with flat roofs were built en masse and their surfaces were waterproofed with ordinary roofing felt and resin. At the same time, such roofs did not leak for a very long time; at least this issue was not on the agenda of repair organizations. These roofs still serve faithfully today, although, of course, their protection is made of higher quality and modern materials.
What about a house without an attic?
Of course, attics in our country houses very popular. An attic floor can only be arranged under a pitched roof, but not under a flat one. And this can be considered the main disadvantage of a flat roof. However, there are three points to consider here:
First: If you had a choice: an attic or an additional full floor? Which would you choose? From point of view usable area It’s definitely better to do a full-fledged one with flat roof. In addition, do not forget that a flat roof can be made usable.
Second point: A good attic floor, with a normal ceiling height and a slight slope, will be expensive, but a bad one (where you just hit your head) is usually not used or is used as an attic.
Third: Even through a well-insulated attic, a lot of heat escapes from the house. There is no way to “tightly” insulate the space under a pitched roof, unlike a flat roof.
Conclusion: If it is important for you to save as much as possible on building a house, then optimal solution there will be a choice in favor of a flat roof - it will cost an order of magnitude cheaper both during arrangement and in operation.
It’s not for nothing that private housing developers are looking for the cheapest roofing material. After all, the cost factor plays an important role when choosing a suitable roof. However, the economical price should not come to the fore without taking into account other factors: the architectural structure of the roof, the purpose of the building, the weight of the roofing material and the budget allocated for these purposes. That is, one should always proceed from the best price/quality ratio.
When choosing a roofing material, you need to take into account the architecture of the roof, the purpose of the building, the weight of the material and its cost.
One cannot discount the fact that the load from the roof consists not only of the weight of the rafters and roofing material, but also winter period from the weight of the snow falling on the roof and from the constant wind loads in the area. For middle zone In Russia, the last two indicators are usually taken equal to 200 kg per sq. m. The angle of inclination of the slope should also be taken into account.
How to cover the roof of a house so that everything suits you and is cheaper? Getting to know the diversity existing coatings on the market, the choice will not be so difficult.
Requirements for roofing.
Roofing material must be:
- high strength;
- durable;
- resistant to weather conditions (frost, heat, moisture, solar radiation, exposure to oxygen);
- good sound and heat insulator;
- anti-corrosion;
- fire resistant.
Variety of roofing materials
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Tiled roofing types
Ceramic tiles without additional fixation can be used for roofs with a slope of 22-60 degrees.
Shingles are among the oldest roofing materials. Houses in the old quarters of Europe are covered with this particular type of roofing with variegated colors. Previously, only ceramic tiles were made, but now the range of materials is much wider.
These pieces are pieced (the size of one plate is 30 by 30 cm), fired in a kiln and acquired a brownish-red tint. Glazed tiles look more attractive and are more convenient to use: neither snow nor rain moisture will remain on them. The weight of one piece after firing is over 2 kg.
The shape of the elements can be different: wavy, tape, grooved, grooved, etc. And at the same time, the mounting options will be different. But the properties of all products are similar to each other. When laying, try to lay the tiles so that the plate on top covers one third of the bottom.
The use of tiles is advisable for buildings of any number of storeys with a roof slope in the range of 22-60 degrees. With a greater slope, additional mechanical fixation of each tile is provided using a screw or nail. For a slight slope, provide high level roof ventilation and waterproofing.
Advantages: the coating is reliable, durable, non-flammable, frost-resistant over 1000 cycles, does not corrode, has good indicator sound insulation, easy to repair (only damaged areas are replaced, without resorting to dismantling the entire roof). The disadvantages include the heaviness and fragility of the material, the need for waterproofing, the use of additional fastenings and reinforcement of the sheathing for complex roof configurations.
Cement-sand tiles.
Cement-sand tiles are very similar to ceramic tiles, but their price is much lower.
The mixture of sand and cement hardens under pressure and is covered with glaze (not always). This is how these tiles are prepared. In appearance it is indistinguishable from ceramic products. 1 square meter of area is equal to a weight of 35-45 kg. Recommended for covering roofs with a slope of 20º-60º. It requires a backing in the form of a waterproofing carpet. Price - from 10 to 20 $.
Advantages: resistance to external influences (including ultraviolet radiation), high frost resistance. It gains strength over the years. The downside is that the material is heavy and can produce up to 10% scrap during transportation.
Bituminous tiles
During the manufacturing process, the bitumen plate is covered with cellulose, fiberglass or polyester. The shade is achieved by dyeing. The sheets have dimensions of 30 by 100 cm, their weight is 8-12 kg per square meter. Price - from 8 to 10 $ per sq. m. Purchased for structures with a slope greater than 12º. Requires a backing made of moisture resistant plywood. The flexibility of the bituminous material allows it to be used on arbitrary roof configurations with different curves. The bitumen-rubber layer, when exposed to the sun, glues the sheet plates into one monolithic surface.
The advantages include: strength, resistance to rotting and rust. Local dismantling and subsequent repairs are allowed. Suitable for triangular, rounded and multi-pitched roofs. Protects against noise. Choice of colors and materials. It is not included in the category of elite coatings, as it is flammable and loses color saturation from ultraviolet radiation.
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Metal types of coatings
Metal tiles.
It is not clear why this metal sheet, stamped like a tile covering, is called tile. The sheet is steel galvanized on both sides with a polymer layer applied. Thanks to this layer and the resulting shade, this coating was called that way. Sheet weight - 3-5 kg per sq.m. Cost - 7-15 $ per meter. Purpose: for roofs with a slope of more than 15º. A smaller slope requires sealing the joints of the sheets. Installation of sheets: along the slope - by 250 mm or more, across - by 1 corrugation.
When there is a budget deficit, this choice is considered the most optimal in almost any situation.
The material is easy to install, resistant to impacts, weighs little and is cheap. But you shouldn’t expect protection from noise from it.
Profiled sheets.
Most simple variety metal coatings, represented by corrugated sheets of galvanized steel. Waves have different heights, widths and shapes. The minimum slope for profiled sheets is 10º. It requires a sheathing with glassine reinforced with self-tapping screws. It is also permissible to lay sheets on top of the previous coating (for example, roofing felt).
The material is used mainly for buildings with 1-3 floors. The advantages are: accelerated and simple installation, durability, reliability. But there is no sound or heat insulation.
Folded metal roofs: made of steel, aluminum, copper.
They are made from smooth, untreated sheets. Steel can have a galvanized or polymer layer. Fastened by interlocking folded edges. The minimum slope is 20º. They require an anti-condensation film to be placed on the rafters. Steel is simple, cheap and not prestigious. It will rust if there is no coating.
Copper roofing looks more attractive: initially a bright yellow-red color, gradually becoming covered with a greenish patina. At the same time, in addition to protecting against corrosion, the material acquires a certain nobility.
However, the price of copper and aluminum is not cheap.
Aluminum roofing is the lightest: it weighs 2-3 kg per square meter. Heavier steel - 4-5 kg per sq.m. And copper is the heaviest of all - 10 kg per m.
Despite the decorativeness, fire resistance, light weight and the ability to give different shapes, the folded material does not insulate sufficiently from noise and heat leakage and is not impact resistant.