The construction of the attic is a very important process that is carried out both at the design stage of the entire house and after its construction. This room provides its owners with additional square meters of living space. On the features of the construction of the attic, we will consider further.
Attic construction: project and its development
The attic is a rather difficult part of the building to build. It is preferable to design it at the stage of building the house itself. Because, the construction of a residential attic already on a finished building is not always possible. First of all, due to the fact that the attic room has a considerable weight, and therefore loads the foundation.
The construction of the attic consists of a certain kind of stages, such as:
- attic construction blueprints;
- dismantling of old roofing materials, in the event that the attic is being built on an already finished building;
- strengthening the walls on the upper floor, strengthening the foundation, if necessary;
- erection of the walls of the attic room;
- roof construction, its insulation, waterproofing and finishing;
- installation of window structures;
- internal finishing works.
Compliance with all technological nuances in the construction of the attic will allow you to get a reliable and durable building.
The first and most important stage is the drafting of an attic room. At this stage, one should take into account such features as the size of the room, the material used in its construction, the roof and the level of its slope, and many other nuances.
There are three ways to design an attic. The first is the most budgetary, drawing up a project manually. However, this operation requires minimal design experience. The second way is to use ready-made project documentation, however, it’s not a fact that someone’s attic project is completely suitable for your home, so you still have to make some adjustments to it. The third way is to contact specialized organizations that, in the shortest possible time, will help you draw up an attic project for you, which is ideal for your home.
In the process of independent design, one should take into account the wall loads on the building, its appearance and finishing materials used both inside and outside the premises. In addition, it is imperative to take into account the load from the building on the foundation, it may need to be strengthened. If the attic is too heavy, then there is a risk of deformation or cracks in the house.
Experts will help you choose the best building materials, which, on the one hand, will ensure the durability of the attic in operation, and on the other hand, will help reduce its load on the base of the entire building.
In addition, after drawing up the project, it should be coordinated with special government agencies. In the presence of a competent project, this process will pass quite quickly.
Do-it-yourself attic construction in the house
We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the option of building an attic in an already built and commissioned residential building. In this case, the first step is to dismantle the old roof. Thus, it will be possible to expand the under-roof space, and increase the safety of the building under construction.
To dismantle the roof, it is not necessary to hire specialists, all work can be done by hand. To do this, you must first get rid of the external roofing finishing material. Next, you need to completely remove the crate and truss system.
After that, it is necessary to strengthen the walls on the adjacent floor, since the attic will exert a certain pressure on them. The design features of the attic put pressure not only on the surface of the base of the building, but also on its walls. Therefore, first of all, before the construction of the attic, it is necessary to strengthen the walls that lie close to it. To do this, you should use special calculations, according to which this process is performed and the level of strength of old walls is determined.
The next stage is the insulation and waterproofing of the attic floor, which is also the ceiling on the previous floor. With the help of this action, it will be possible to ensure a healthy atmosphere in the room. To insulate the attic, you can use various heat-insulating materials in the form of foam, mineral wool, etc.
Attic construction photo:
This is followed by the process of building walls in the attic room. The walls are made in relation to the project developed in advance. Most often, wood or timber is used to build walls. To insulate the attic, it is recommended to use mineral wool or expanded polystyrene. Choosing material for external and interior decoration walls, try to give preference to materials with a high level of fire safety.
The next process is the construction of the roof. In this case, the calculation of the correct angle of inclination of the roof is very important. Since too sloping roof will adversely affect the usability of the attic space. Please note that the roof must be properly waterproofed, since if there are the slightest leaks on its surface, moisture enters the attic.
In addition, the shape of the roof should be as simple as possible, the presence of broken and curly elements will only complicate the process of their construction. Also important is the issue of insulation of the attic. For these purposes, use different kind Construction Materials. When choosing a heater for the attic, try to give preference to materials that do not absorb moisture, are resistant to frost, temperature extremes and rodents. In addition, the heat-insulating material should not allow heat to pass from the room.
It is best to focus on internal thermal insulation work. To form it, follow a series of steps:
- install the finish in the form of a plasterboard or plywood base;
- form a layer of vapor barrier; special films are used for these purposes;
- lay insulating material - perfect solution - mineral wool;
- ensure proper waterproofing of the roof with a special kind of membranes;
- lay the outer finishing roofing material.
To build a roof, you will also need to install a truss system, mount a crate, the installation step of which depends on the type of roofing material. After the installation of the roof is completed, the windows should be mounted.
In order to ensure quality lighting in the room, several windows should be installed in it, the size of which directly depends on the size of the attic itself. The window in the attic ceiling must be of high quality. It must be resistant to precipitation, wind, temperature changes. In addition, with the help of window structures, high-quality ventilation of the attic is provided.
Further actions for the construction of the attic are associated with the conduct of internal finishing works, organization of heating, decoration and design of the premises. Strict adherence to all recommendations for the construction of the attic will help ensure long-term operation of this room.
Frame attic construction technology
A frame attic is a great solution for any home, garage and even a bathhouse. Among the advantages of frame-type attics, we note:
- ease of construction, so it does not load the main building, there is no need for additional strengthening of the walls and base;
- affordable cost of the attic - in comparison with its stone options;
- high level of thermal insulation and sound insulation;
- the possibility of building an attic of almost any shape and configuration;
- ease of construction work, since the materials for the construction are quite light and no special equipment is required to raise them to the surface of the house.
The construction of a frame attic allows you to get a finished building with excellent heat and sound insulation performance. In addition, the roof will remain intact, and the usable area of the premises will increase significantly.
A simpler process is the construction of an attic on a building that has not yet been erected. The construction of an attic on an already finished house requires the dismantling of the old roofing. Work should begin by studying the characteristics of the soil on the site and determining the bearing capacity of the foundation. If the foundation is not able to withstand the attic, then it will be necessary to carry out a number of works aimed at strengthening it.
Next, you should examine the walls of the house for their susceptibility to additional loads. In this case, if necessary, it is necessary to strengthen the walls. After that, the old roof is dismantled and the ceiling is strengthened.
The construction of a wooden attic consists of the following stages:
- production of a frame system;
- wall installation;
- performance of attic wall insulation;
- installation work related to the installation of the roof;
- attic finishing with roofing materials and roof insulation;
- interior decoration of the attic.
In addition, the construction of an attic involves the installation of window and door structures, the manufacture and installation of stairs, etc.
In order to carry out the construction of an attic from a bar, it is necessary to prepare edged board, plywood, self-tapping screws and directly the beam itself. The frame structure should be comfortable in height for the movement of an average person. The optimal height of the attic is at least two meters. The height of the ridge zone should be about 350 cm.
The easiest way is to assemble the frame on the ground, and then raise it to the roof. The top beam or frame frame will act as a hearth in the attic. To fix the frame structure on the surface of the house, special plates or plywood are used. Thus, it is possible to obtain a special platform. The knots and quality of fastening depends on the material from which the walls of the attic are made. Self-tapping screws are used to connect the timber in the upper part of the structure. After manufacturing frame walls it is necessary to insulate and waterproof the roof. After that, external and internal wall cladding is performed, windows and doors are mounted, internal finishing work is carried out.
When planning an attic, you should carefully analyze the general condition of the main building. The attic can be one room or will consist of several rooms. At the design stage, the design and shape of windows, as well as their location, should also be taken into account.
The attic should be built from lightweight, but at the same time durable materials. Since the materials should easily rise to the roof and exert a minimum load on the base of the building.
Most optimal materials for the construction of an attic - a tree or a steel profile. An attic made of stone or concrete will load the main building. Roofing materials should also be lightweight, but at the same time durable and reliable. Preferably used for roofing shingles or piece metal. We recommend using plasterboard for interior wall decoration and for leveling them.
Since the attic is located above the main building, it is more in contact with cold air. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure proper thermal insulation of this room. The heated air in the room should not penetrate through the insulation. In addition, in order to prevent moisture from entering the room, it is necessary to ensure its waterproofing.
In relation to design features attic, it consists of a system of rafters, which is installed in compliance with a step of sixty centimeters. To fill the gaps between the rafter system, it is recommended to install heat-insulating materials such as mineral wool inside them. It is possible to lay insulation in one, two or even three layers. To calculate the total thickness thermal insulation material, the total heat loss coefficient in the room should be taken into account. To protect the roof from the inside of the room, a vapor barrier should be installed. Next, you should finish the roof with drywall, lining or finishing panels.
Do not forget to leave a ventilation gap, the main function of which will be to get rid of excess moisture in the roof space. The width of this gap depends on the type of roofing material. FROM outside of thermal insulation material, a vapor-permeable wind protection should be installed.
An excellent vapor barrier material is polyethylene film, glassine or roofing material. The insulation is laid with an overlap of 15 cm. Construction tape is used to glue the seams. Please note that foil waterproofing is laid with a foil coating inside the room. Thus, the foil will reflect the heat that comes from the room.
Attic construction video:
A modern mansard roof is a great opportunity without extra hassle greatly expand the living area of your home. But, if you involve builders in the work, then this can cost a pretty penny. It is quite understandable that each of us thought about the question of whether it is possible to do everything on our own without experience. We assure you that a do-it-yourself mansard roof is more than real. We provide you with comprehensive instructions.
Currently, the best option is a broken attic. It is quite spacious and can really become a full-fledged living space with a large area. Naturally, for this you need to make accurate calculations.
Construction mansard roof will require you to consider many factors before. Let's list the main ones.
Video about the mansard roof of the house with your own hands
It is quite clear that the smaller the angle of inclination, the more usable space will be in your attic. But it is far from always necessary to strive for the most gently sloping placement. Here are some features of the choice:
- If your house is located in a temperate area, where it is often windy and snow is rare, then you can safely make a roof with a slight slope;
- If snowfalls and downpours are common in your area, a sloping roof should be discarded;
- Do not forget that you need to take care of high-quality heat, sound and waterproofing. The attic is such a living space, like the rest of the rooms in your house;
- The best roofing materials are tiles or slate. Many mistakenly put metal coating, but with the advent of cold weather, they face problems of heat conservation in the attic. Please note that the materials must be fireproof and moisture resistant. The roof always consists of wooden elements. In order to better preserve, it is recommended to treat all such surfaces with an antifungal solution;
- An outdoor staircase for the attic will significantly save space in the house. An internal staircase is a much more convenient option, but it also takes up a lot of space. Great if you take care of installing a ceiling ladder. She practically does not take up space. As an alternative, you can install a spiral staircase, but its convenience is often questionable.
An outdoor staircase for the attic will significantly save space in the house
- To get started you will need wooden beams 10x10 cm in section. They are applied over waterproofing. The best material for her is roofing material or roofing felt, which is sold in rolls. Working with them is quite convenient and you do not need any additional skills. If your ceiling is also made of wood, then there is no need to lay an additional beam under the main beams.
- The next step is to install the racks on the beams. The same bar with a section of 10x10 cm will suit you. These racks are a kind of skeleton of the walls of your attic. In order for them to fully fulfill their functions, they must be placed no further than two meters from each other. Make sure each one is perfectly level. We recommend checking each with a level and, if necessary, filing in the right places. When the racks are installed, they must be sheathed on both sides. For inside great option- drywall or ordinary plywood, for the outside - slab. It is important not to forget at this stage to lay the insulation between the racks. Each rack is separately fixed with spikes and staples. So that at the same time they do not lean, we recommend that they be properly fixed with temporary braces.
- Next, lay the top beam. Its cross section should be the same as in the previous paragraphs. You can fix it the way you want. But make sure that the beams are held firmly and firmly.
Each rack is individually secured with spikes and staples
- Now you need to install the Mauerlat. This is a kind of support for the rafter leg, which is located at the bottom of the structure. For Mauerlat, you will need a beam with a section of 40x40 cm or a board with the same thickness. Thanks to the Mauerlat, high strength of the roof rafters to the walls will be ensured. It allows you to redirect the weight of the roof directly onto the walls. More than 40 cm cross section is optional. All the same, the Mauerlat lies directly on the wall and the load on it is relatively small. Just remember to put waterproofing under it, otherwise it will start to rot over time.
- High-quality fixed mauerlat protects your roof from the effects of wind, snow mass in winter and other loads. Therefore, make sure that it is fixed carefully. To do this, you can use a wire with a diameter of up to 5 mm. It is best to choose annealed wire, which is just designed for strapping. In order to make the walls more durable, the wire is embedded directly into them.
- Now you need to install rafter legs. Make markings on the rafter frame and Mauerlat in places where the rafters will be installed. Usually the step is 1-1.2 m. For rafters, a board with a section of 4-5 cm and a width of 15 cm is suitable for you. Choose only perfectly flat boards. It is better to overpay a little money for them, but be sure that a do-it-yourself residential attic will not cause you to collapse the attic roof.
For rafters, a board with a section of 4-5 cm and a width of 15 cm is suitable for you
- Rafter legs should rest on the ridge beam. If your attic has a large area, then the weight of its roof will be large. Therefore, the beam is an indispensable structural element. It is not needed only if the length of the rafter is less than eight meters. In this case, you can do with the usual stretch marks.
- Filly installation. Produce it in the same way as the rafters. To simplify the process, start with the two extremes, pull the twine between them and align with it when installing the next ones.
- Now it is necessary to nail the hem board to the fillies. It will become an obstacle to wind and almost any precipitation.
- Before you make a mansard roof, you must consider where the windows will be installed. Remember that their area should occupy at least 12-13% of the area of the side walls. Where you decide to put windows, you need to strengthen the rafters. To do this, install the cross bars. They will take on the role of the lower and upper parts of the opening, where the window frame will be installed and attached.
Before you make a mansard roof, you must consider where the windows will be installed.
When the previous ten points are completed, you need to carefully double-check everything that has been done. Already at this stage, you will understand how to make a roof with an attic without any problems, but you always need to play it safe. Especially if you are doing it for the first time.
Carefully go through the level along all the rafters and beams, check whether they really hold tightly and securely, whether there is insulation everywhere, whether problem areas need to be finalized. It will be better if you ask one of the more experienced builders to assess with a trained eye whether everything is really done the way it should. Remember that the roof in your house must be safe and strong. But if everything is fine and the design is held securely, you can proceed to further work:
- You have already created the roof skeleton. Now you need to nail the battens to the rafters. The pitch depends on which roofing material you choose for your roof.
- When the crate is installed, a hydrobarrier must be installed on it. In most cases, plain plastic film works best for this. It is inexpensive, qualitatively protects the attic from moisture ingress and is easily attached with construction brackets. The main thing to remember is that the layers of the film must be laid from the bottom up with the layers overlapping each other.
- A heat-insulating layer must be placed on top of the film. One of the best materials, which serves for these purposes - mineral wool. It is lightweight, retains heat well and is completely safe for your health, unlike many other heat-insulating materials. In addition, it effectively prevents the spread of rodents in your home.
On top of the film it is necessary to put a heat-insulating layer
- When you get to the roof, proceed in the same way as in the case of plastic wrap. The roofing ball also lies from the bottom up, and the elements are superimposed on each other. Make sure that in those places where there is a break in the roof, the upper ball of the roof protrudes above the lower one. It is very important. Otherwise, with the slightest rain, your roof will leak, and the structure will gradually rot.
- The installation of the ridge should take place in such a way that its design completely excludes the possibility of rain falling under the roof of your roof.
Completion of installation
The main part of the work has come to an end. It is recommended to make mansard roofs multi-layered so that they provide the best heat, noise and waterproofing of the entire attic. Do not forget also that the attic must "breathe". Modern windows and doors are an essential element of any such roof.
If you have not fully decided on the installation of stairs, then for a start it is better to install an external one. It will be cheaper and easier that way. In any case, if you feel that this option does not suit you, you can make a staircase indoors at any time, sacrificing space in the house.
Video about a gable roof
Now you know how to build a mansard roof according to all the rules and not resort to the help of an expensive team of builders. Be patient, choose quality materials and tool, and then follow our instructions. Good luck!
You can use the attic space more rationally if you equip living rooms there, which are called the attic.
The attic floor can occupy the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe house or only part of it (or a garage). Sometimes the attic floor serves as a replacement for the second floor.
What is an attic floor?
Simply put - a living room (s) in the attic (i.e. an attic-type room)
According to construction terminology, an attic (or attic floor) is a living space located on the top floor of a house with a mansard roof (i.e., the attic facade is partially or completely limited by roof surfaces).
The difference between the attic and the second floor - comparative characteristics
If you try to compare which is better, the attic or the second floor, you get something like the following picture.
| Parameter | Attic | Second floor |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Below. The amount of savings depends on the type of attic | Above |
| Work duration | Lower compared to floor construction | High |
| Height of vertical walls | Up to 1.5 m.p. | Over 1.5 r.m. | Below | Above |
| Air volume | Lower due to sloping walls | Above |
| Area | The usable area is smaller due to the "blind" zones at the junction of the roof to the wall | Above |
| Room layout | layout attic floor carried out taking into account the presence of dead zones | free |
| Land area | Doesn't change | Doesn't change |
| illumination | Better, due to slanted windows, more light penetrates | Depends on the number and location of windows. In addition, the deep slope of the window blocks 2/3 of the sunlight. |
| Glazing area | 25% less than with vertical windows | Minimum 1:8 to wall surface area (depending on location) |
| Window | Inclined attic | vertical |
| Temperature regime | With the correct implementation of all stages of work, almost the same | |
| Heat loss | Above | Below |
| The need for thermal insulation material | Below | Above. The ceiling above the floor needs to be insulated |
| Aesthetics of the structure | A house with an attic floor looks more elegant and unusual | Typical design |
However, it is worth noting that there are cases when it is impossible to build an attic floor. For example:
- bearing walls and the foundation may not withstand the additional load;
- the walls are built of porous materials that can collapse.
- small house size. With a mandatory height of 2.3 m (according to sanitary standards, SNiP is limited to 1.5 m), it is difficult to equip a full-fledged living space with a small surface area. If the width of the house is less than 5 r.m. there is no point in building an attic. The resulting area will be insignificant, and the cost of it will be high.
Does the attic count as the second floor?
According to urban planning standards, the attic superstructure does not affect the number of storeys of the building. Those., private house, in which the second attic floor is arranged is considered (is) a one-story house.
Documentation regulating the calculation and construction of the second floor of the attic type.
The superstructure of the attic floor is regulated by the provisions of the following regulatory documents:
- SNiP 2.08.01-89 "Residential buildings";
- SNiP II-3-79 "Construction heat engineering" (norms the arrangement of enclosing structures, including roofs);
- SNiP 23-05-95 "Natural and artificial lighting";
- SNiP 21-01-97 " Fire safety buildings and structures”;
- SNiP 2.01.07-85 "Loads and impacts";
- sanitary and hygienic standards.
Types and types of attic floors - dimensions and dimensions of the attic
The height of the attic floor determines its type (view):
- full floor. Vertical wall above 1.5 m;
- attic. The height of the smaller of the walls is in the range from 0.8 to 1.5 m;
- semi-attic. The height of the wall is less than 0.8 m.
Depending on the needs of residents, it is possible to equip rooms on the attic floors for various functional purposes.
But, most often there are bedrooms and lounges.
If the requirement for a building height of 2.3 m is met, then according to the standards prescribed in SNiP, the attic floor area cannot be less than 16 sq.m. In this case, the bedroom must be at least 7 sq.m.
If the height of the walls of the attic floor exceeds 2.3 m, then the construction of a smaller bedroom is allowed. The rationale for the reduction in area is the large total cubic capacity (volume) of the room.
Armed with this theory, you can start building the attic floor with your own hands. Construction is not troublesome if there is a detailed step-by-step instruction.
Construction of the attic floor (mansard)
Before starting construction, you need to create a project for the attic floor. The project can be done independently or contact professionals.
Note that the construction of the attic with their own hands is quite within the power of everyone. But to take into account all the determining factors and calculate the loads without special knowledge pretty hard.
First, let's find out what affects the attic project.
Choosing the appearance of a mansard roof is quite difficult, because. This is influenced by a number of factors:
- visual effect. First of all, subjective feelings are taken into account. The final choice may fall on another model, but the starting mark is here;
- living space. truss system gable roof“steals” the area and creates “deaf” zones, but the hip roof allows you to use almost the entire space of the attic superstructure;
- financial opportunities. shed roof- the cheapest option;
- roofing material. Some types of roofing material can be used if a certain angle of roof slope is maintained. For example, for tiles, the angle should be at least 25 °, and for PK-100 corrugated board (wave height 100 mm.), 3-4 ° is enough;
- general architecture of the building;
- wind and snow load. Snow should slide off the roof;
- condition of load-bearing walls and foundations. The condition of the load-bearing walls can be judged after a visual inspection. The presence of cracks indicates a problem. The use of porous material in the construction of a house reduces the ability of the wall to withstand the load created by the attic. It's hard to judge the foundation. But knowing its appearance and what materials and technology were used in its construction, it is possible to calculate what load it can withstand;
- device of internal communications and ease of connection to them;
- window selection. Installation of special skylights(sloping windows - sliding, turning, sliding) is carried out directly into the rafter part. They are more expensive, but allow for better ventilation. To install vertical windows, you need to build walls or gables. The surface area of light-transmitting structures should be at least 12.5%;
- choice of material for construction. The cheapest and most popular option for performing work is the use of wood. Technology frame construction simple enough. It is a mistake to assume that it is unacceptable to build a wooden attic floor. According to SNiP 21-01-97 use wooden structures during the construction of the attic floor, it is allowed with proper processing of wood and a building height of up to 75 m.
- complexity of calculations. During the construction of a shed roof, the load on the load-bearing walls is unevenly distributed. Ignoring this fact will lead to the subsidence of the walls and the destruction of the foundation.
The main forms of roofs are shown in the figure.
Nuance. The smaller the angle at the junction of the roof to the wall, the more usable area you get.
Some projects of houses with an attic floor are shown in the photo.
Before starting work, you should have a drawing, sketch, diagram or drawing with all dimensions in your hands.
The drawings of houses with an attic presented below will give an idea of \u200b\u200bwhat needs to be applied to the diagrams.
Calculation of the attic floor area
The ability to use the attic for living space is calculated by the formula
AxB + 0.7xC
BUT- the total area of premises, the height of which exceeds 2.5 m;
IN- the total area of the premises, the height of which is in the range from 1.1 to 2.5 m;
FROM- the total area of premises, the height of which is in the range from 0.8 m to 1.1 m.
0,7 - correction factor. He says that theoretically this area can be used, but with significant limitations.
You can reduce the number of unused square meters by raising the walls to a height of more than a meter. This is achieved through the construction of attic walls. The attic walls of the attic floor are a superstructure above the load-bearing walls.
The material was prepared for the site www.site
Arrangement of the attic floor (mansard)
Next, we proceed directly to construction work or to reconstruction (alteration of the attic space into the attic floor). For those who want to convert the attic into an attic, you need to dismantle the old coating.
Then the truss system is installed, for which you will need:
- log (diameter not less than 180 mm) or timber (the best glued, dimensions 80x80 or 100x100);
- board (40x1500) for crates;
- hardware, burnt wire, anchors or fittings. In order to perform a secure fastening of all elements;
- floor beams. A finishing floor will be laid on them;
- finished staircase to the attic floor. It can be located outside the attic or inside. Outdoor placement creates inconvenience when using it in the cold season and in the rain. The interior steals the useful area of the lower floor. A compromise can be a spiral staircase. Even in the smallest room, a compact folding or retractable ladder is installed.
- roofing material;
- protective films;
- thermal insulation material;
- material for wall and ceiling decoration.
Roof system of the attic floor - device technology
Device truss system begins with the installation of the Mauerlat, then the rafter legs are assembled and installed. It is easier to collect them on the ground. Installation begins with two opposite legs. Then a rope is pulled between them. It regulates the accuracy of the setting.
After installing the frame of the truss system, the legs are fastened together. That is, the crate is stuffed. The step of the lathing depends on the type of roofing material.
The process of building an attic floor - video
The frame is ready. A properly executed roofing pie has the form shown in the figure.
Windows on the attic floor
Skylights are installed between the rafters. To make the fastening more reliable, horizontal lintels from a bar are installed at the window installation site (above and below on the truss system).
Insulation of the attic floor
You need to take care of energy saving. The absence of an air gap created by the attic increases heat loss through the attic roof.
Modern people try to use the area of their home as efficiently as possible. Therefore, the proposal to equip additional space under the roof is always met with enthusiasm. It is much easier to plan the construction of an attic at the stage of building a house, but you can make an additional superstructure above the old building.
How to make an attic on an old house
The presence of an attic not only increases the living space, but also gives the building a colorful look.
Attic turns Vacation home in a fabulous building
An old house can be updated by building a superstructure in accordance with existing standards.
The attic superstructure begins with calculations of the strength of the old house
First you need to decide whether the existing foundation and walls can withstand the load of the attic floor and the new roof. If they have a sufficient margin of safety, then you can start remodeling the house. Otherwise, they should be strengthened.
old brick walls sometimes they seem strong, but with additional load, cracks may appear in the solution over time. Therefore, it is necessary to immediately consider their condition, and, if necessary, tie them with a rigid belt. This is done as follows:
- metal poles with a section of 10x10 cm are inserted into the foundation with the lower edge, and connected with the armored belt of the first floor with the upper edge. Installed around the perimeter of the house every 2 meters;
- metal fittings with a cross section of 12 mm are placed in strakes and tie the house along the walls: from the bottom of the window every 2 meters up;
- lays over the reinforcement metal grid with a cell size of 2x2 cm, which, after completion of all work, is covered with plaster.
Strengthening the foundation is carried out by tying with a reinforcing belt from all sides.
If the old foundation cannot withstand the attic, then it must be sheathed with reinforcement
Having decided on the strengthening of the building, you can proceed to the choice of the project of the future superstructure. It should look harmonious against the background of other buildings and match the style of the whole house.
The type of mansard roof will determine the calculation of the dimensions of the inner upper room and necessary materials for construction
There are several types of attics:
- single-level with a gable roof - low ceilings with a small living space;
A single-level attic with a gable roof is the simplest type of superstructure for small buildings
- single-level with a sloping gable roof - increased interior space, but serious costs and time for construction;
A single-level attic with a broken gable roof is usually built on a brick house
- single-level with cantilever extensions - complex structure, allowing you to get even more space, since the attic frame extends beyond the building, and the windows are installed vertically;
A single-level attic with cantilever extensions allows you to get a lot inner space due to the increase in the upper structure
- multi-level with mixed roof support - used in the construction of a new house, built only by specialists.
A multi-level attic with a mixed roof support on old houses is usually not installed due to the complexity and large amount of work.
Video: converting half of the old roof into an attic - an easy way
Alteration of the roof under the attic is a relatively cheap way to increase living space. In a private house, a pitched roof is usually placed, so you can make an additional spacious and bright room with your own hands.
Internal wood paneling makes the attic warm and bright
And if the house is large enough in length, then the attic can turn into a real floor: with several rooms and even a balcony.
A large attic allows you to divide the area into different residential areas
Advantages of creating an attic:
- the possibility of arranging one or more new living rooms;
Attic with low ceilings under a gable roof it is most convenient to furnish low sunbeds
- low costs compared to the construction of a full-fledged floor or a side extension to the house;
- renovation of the exterior of the building;
A house with an attic under construction always attracts the eyes of passers-by and is interested in the final result.
- opportunity to observe beautiful view from the attic window.
A lot of sunlight comes through the windows in the attic, illuminating the room all day
However, this solution also has certain disadvantages that must also be taken into account:
- the need for insulation and soundproofing of the ceiling and a new roof, the installation of several double-glazed windows;
- the difficulty of conducting additional heating and lighting in the upper part of the old house - you will have to combine it with home wiring or use an autonomous connection;
To heat the attic with access to the balcony, you can use a potbelly stove
- layout of a part of the home space under the stairs leading to the attic;
The stairs leading to the attic must be fenced for safety.
- the need to purchase special furniture for a sloping roof or purchase squat models: low cabinets, sofas and tables.
Low furniture is best suited for attic interiors
The presence of sloping walls makes the room unusual and romantic, but with this decision you will have to take a more responsible approach to design development. You can make furniture for an inclined superstructure yourself or assemble a single complex from existing multi-level models, painting everything in one color.
Furniture that repeats the slope of the attic can be made independently
So, the main disadvantage of converting an attic into an attic is the need to invest, but it's worth it.
Building an attic will cost much less than creating an additional floor, regardless of what materials will be used to build the walls. Indeed, to create them, you will need the main material, insulation and decoration, while for the attic superstructure you only need roof insulation and a new truss system.
The superstructure is made in a symmetrical or asymmetrical shape. Internal walls are designed both inclined and vertical.
Having studied the schemes of single-level attics with different types roofs, it is easier to make a choice when planning
Alteration of the attic into an attic does not require the dismantling of all existing structures. But you need to make sure that the ceiling is reliable: check its condition, reinforce it with wooden or metal beams, sheathe it with a new board. Then it will be able to withstand the weight of furniture and people.
For frequent climbing to the attic, you will need to do comfortable stairs, provide for the installation of ventilation, natural and artificial lighting, perform interior decoration - all this will create a cozy and comfortable room.
The sloping roof superstructure, decorated in light colors, visually enlarges the space, while splashes of color add brightness to the interior.
When building an attic floor, the following conditions must be met:
- the rafters are made of glued timber with a thickness of at least 250 mm, so that the required amount of insulation can be laid;
- foamed polystyrene is used for insulation due to its low weight and high thermal insulation characteristics;
- a gap is left between the thermal insulation and the roofing material to provide natural ventilation;
- a hydro- and sound-proof layer must be laid.
Alteration of the roof under the attic do it yourself
During the construction of a house, there is usually not enough money, so many refuse to build a second floor. Or another situation may arise when an old one-story house of a small area is purchased along with the site. In both cases there is affordable option increasing space for living - do-it-yourself restructuring of the attic space into an attic.
Create a project
Before starting work, you need to draw up a plan and develop a project with accurate drawings. The correct calculation will allow you to get a cozy, durable and reliable room. You can perform all the calculations yourself or entrust it to specialists.
You can draw a plan and develop a draft design yourself by studying different variants in the Internet
Strengthening the walls and foundation may be necessary in the event of a complete replacement of the rafters. If the roof is partially redone, then reinforcement may be needed only for overlapping. You also need to immediately decide what types of windows will be used in the attic: the reinforcement in the truss system will depend on this.
The location of all windows in the attic roof must be thought out in advance and this data entered into the project plan
truss system
Rafters can be layered or hanging. The first is based on internal walls houses or additional supports, and the latter - on external walls.
In the attic, layered and hanging rafters are used.
Hanging rafters are best suited for the attic.
An attic with hanging rafters looks prettier and wins in the size of the internal area
The attic usually occupies the entire space of the attic, and its walls are combined with the outer ones.
The best option for creating an attic is a layered truss system.
The rafter system consists of different load-bearing bars. To understand the structure of the entire structure and build it correctly, you need to understand the purpose and operation of its individual elements.
The image of the individual elements of the truss system helps to understand the structure of the entire structure
Refurbishment of the premises
With a sufficient height of the attic, the truss system does not need to be redone. It is enough to inspect the old rafters, identify possible flaws and eliminate them.
If the truss system is in good condition, you can proceed to the arrangement of the floor. Insulation is first laid between the lags, after which the surface is sheathed with ordinary boards or sheets of OSB, chipboard.
The floor in the attic is insulated and covered with boards
Before laying the insulation, all necessary communications are mounted between the rafters, places are cut in the roof for installing windows. carried out before warming.
All wires and pipes of communications must be placed in special corrugations
Care must be taken to create natural ventilation under-roof space through the vents so that moisture does not accumulate inside the room.
Roof insulation
It is necessary to insulate the roof correctly and efficiently - the microclimate under the roof will depend on this. Typically, mineral wool, polystyrene foam or sprayed polyurethane foam is used as insulation.
A thick layer of heat insulator is tightly laid and fixed between the rafters so that there are no gaps or gaps anywhere. On the upper part of the roof - between the roof and the insulation - waterproofing is mounted, then heat-insulating material is laid from the side of the room. Then from the inside the insulation is covered with a vapor barrier film.
For better ventilation, a small distance is left between the roofing material and the insulation: this is how air circulates through the holes in the cornice and ridge. If the roof is covered with corrugated sheets, then the thickness of the gap should be 25 mm, if flat material, then it is necessary to bring it to 50 mm.
When creating attic thermal insulation, it is necessary to strictly observe the sequence of layers
When planning an ascent to the attic, you need to take care of the convenience and safety of movement. Therefore, the ladder is usually mounted inside the house. It is constructed from wood or metal: it can be either a screw or a marching structure.
The stairs to the attic can be different kind and design, which allows it to fit into any interior
An opening is cut in the ceiling of the first floor, which is reinforced along the perimeter with metal or wooden strapping.
The design of the stairs to the attic must be durable, reliable, safe and beautiful.
Interior decoration
For wall cladding, in most cases, gypsum boards are used, the seams between them are plastered. Wallpaper is glued on top or superimposed decorative plaster. Alternative option- lining or natural wood.
If some rafters protrude through the walls into the attic, then they can be designed as decorative elements and even use it as a horizontal bar for hanging a hammock, swing, chandelier and other fixtures.
The design of the visible parts of the rafters in the interior of the attic is an interesting and creative business.
It is not recommended to use heavy finishing materials in the attic, as they increase the load on the walls, ceiling and foundation of the building.
There are many options for interior decoration of the attic, but it is advisable to use only light materials.
To cover the floor, you can use a laminate or linoleum, and it is better to refuse tiles or porcelain stoneware.
Roof of the attic floor
The roof of a residential superstructure should consist of the following layers (in order - from the street to the interior):
Video: why and how to properly lay layers on the roof of the attic
Mansard roof calculations for a house
Determination of the total weight of the roof
To calculate the total weight of roofing materials, it is necessary specific gravity multiply one square meter of coverage by total area mansard roof. To obtain the weight of one square meter, it is necessary to add up the specific gravity of all the materials that make up the roofing cake, and multiply it by the safety factor (1.1).
If the thickness of the crate is 25 mm, then its specific gravity is 15 kg / m 2, a 10 cm thick insulation has a specific gravity of 10 kg / m 2, and ondulin roofing material has a weight of 3 kg / m 2. It turns out: (15 + 10 + 3) x1.1 \u003d 30.8 kg / m 2.
According to existing standards, the load on the ceiling in a residential building should not exceed 50 kg / m 2.
Roof area determination
To calculate the surface of a sloping roof, you need to break it into simple shapes (square, rectangle, trapezium, etc.) and determine their area, and then add everything up. To determine the surface of a gable roof, it is necessary to multiply the length by the width, multiply the resulting value by two.
Table: determination of the attic roof area
When calculating the angle of inclination, the climatic zone in which the house is located is taken into account, and that it is convenient to move in the attic in full growth
It is also necessary to calculate the slope of the roof. Usually the angle is 45–60 degrees, but when determining it, one must take into account the climatic zone in which the house is located, the type of attic construction, snow, wind loads, and the architectural design of the house.
The greater the angle of inclination of the roof, the less will be the load on the truss system, but the consumption of materials will increase.
Calculation of the truss system
When choosing a truss system, you can stop at the following options:
- hanging rafters;
- oblique type;
- skating run;
- combined design.
If the length of the roof is more than 4.5 m, then support runs and struts can be used for reinforcement. With a length of more than 7 meters, a ridge beam is installed.
For wooden rafters, a bar with a thickness of at least 70 mm is used. The step of their installation should be 50 cm.
On a large area, it is better to fix a metal truss system: due to the increase in the distance between the rafters, the absence of spacers and struts, the weight of such a structure will be less than that of a wooden one, and the strength will increase significantly.
If the attic area is large, then it is better to install metal rafters
Calculation of the required amount of materials
To carry out the calculation, you need to know the following parameters:
- width, thickness and pitch of the rafters;
- distance from the edge of the roof to the rafters;
- the size of the boards for the crate and the step between them;
- size, type of roofing material and overlap between its sheets;
- type of steam, hydro and thermal insulation material.
The roof is divided into simple shapes and the required amount of each of the materials is determined. For this, simple mathematical formulas are used.
The results obtained are converted into standard values: for a tree - into Cubic Meters, for roofing materials, steam, hydro and thermal insulation - in square meters. And you can go to the store.
Common Mistakes
Most often when independent calculation errors are obtained during the determination of the required amount of insulation. If the climatic conditions are severe, then its volume will have to be increased, otherwise it will not be possible to create comfortable living conditions in the attic. The insulation is laid on the floor of the house, the walls of the gable and the slopes of the roof. But everywhere the thickness of the insulation can be different.
Video: calculation of a mansard roof with diagrams and loads
The attic floor allows you to get additional living space and gives the private house a modern attractive appearance. It is not difficult to create an attic with your own hands, you just need to correctly draw up a project, perform calculations and carry out quality installation all materials. And the result will please the owners for a long time.
Many modern projects private houses provide for the construction of an attic floor in a planned residential building. The attic can also be equipped in an already operated building by constructing an additional superstructure to it or by converting an unused attic space.
Extra square meters won't hurt anyone!
An attic is understood as a residential floor or a small room on the upper tiers of private houses. Such an extension makes it possible to expand the living space of housing construction without excessive costs and hassle. Especially if the attic is equipped with your own hands. This process is not as complicated and time-consuming as it may seem to novice self-taught builders. You just need to understand the technology for the construction of such extensions and clearly follow it.
Attics can have different designs. The specific version of the superstructure is selected so that it is optimally suited to the decor and design of the house. Attics are classified into different categories depending on the type of roof (broken, gable, shed roofs) and other features. In private construction, the following types of structures are popular:
- 1. Single-level superstructure with a gable simple roof. In fact, it is an ordinary attic space, which is available in almost any private house, converted into living room. It is easiest to design and make such an extension yourself. True, the resulting room will be distinguished by a low ceiling and an objectively small space.
- 2. Attic in one level with a gable sloping roof. A more complex and expensive construction to implement. In this case, the roof will have slopes located at different angles. The constructed premises due to this will have significantly more useful square meters.
- 3. A multi-level construction in which the roof stop is made using a mixed technique. It is almost impossible to design such an additional floor on your own; you have to resort to the help of specialists. And it is not easy to build a multi-level structure without the participation of professionals. Important point! Structures of this type are not built in the old house. They are initially equipped with the main building.
- 4. Superstructure with retractable console. Another difficult project to implement. It involves the removal of the frame outside the boundaries of the house. Such designs are suitable for old and new houses. If desired, they can be built with your own hands. But you have to work hard. The key advantages of portable attics - the possibility of location window openings vertically, large area.
When choosing the right type of additional floor, there are many nuances to consider. We will talk more about them later.
The choice of the type of attic and the subtleties of its device is a must-read!
A private house is built on a foundation, the calculation of which is made taking into account the total weight of the building. In cases where the attic floor is planned initially (the dwelling is being built from scratch), the necessary load from it is taken into account in the project. This means that an additional tier is allowed to be built of any design and from almost all available building materials. If the calculation of the foundation was carried out without taking into account the load from the attic, the task becomes more complicated. It is necessary to choose a suitable roof structure and use materials whose weight cannot damage the main structure.
To expand the area of \u200b\u200bthe dwelling through the construction of an attic structure and at the same time not harm the house, you need to take into account the following recommendations:
- As materials for the construction of the superstructure, light-weight building materials should be used - SIP panels, aerated concrete products, natural wood.
- In regions with a continental climate (little snow, moderate wind throughout the year), it is allowed to build attic roofs with a slight slope. But in areas with frequent and heavy rains and snowfalls, it is better not to build such structures. Their service life will be minimal.
- To cover the roof of the superstructure under construction, slate sheets or tiles are usually used. Any other materials with high moisture resistance, fire resistance and relatively low weight are also suitable. IN Lately attics are often covered with metal products. You can stop your choice on such coatings. But then be prepared for the fact that it will be quite cool on the attic floor in frosty weather. Will have to spend additional funds for the arrangement effective thermal insulation extensions.
The ease of use of the attic depends on the design of the staircase that will connect the superstructure with the main floors. If your house has a small area, it is most reasonable to make a ceiling staircase. It requires a minimum of free space. Unfortunately, it is not very convenient to use it. More comfortable to use is a full-fledged internal staircase. But it can be equipped exclusively in large-area dwellings.
Some opt for screw structures installed inside the house. They eat up less usable space. But, again, it is inconvenient to use such staircase structures. If you do not want to clutter up the house with an easy-to-use, but occupying too much usable area design, there is one option left - an external staircase. She does not eat precious squares in the dwelling and can be of any type that suits you.
Attic floor design - standard elements and key requirements for them
The superstructure of interest to us is a conventional pitched roof, which uses the wall bearing surfaces of the house as a support. It is clear that the attic different designs have a number of differences from each other. At the same time, all described extensions include the following standard parts:
- 1. Roof and lathing made of wood. The latter is of great importance. It is necessary for fixing the roofing system.
- 2. The system of rafters. It is carried out in the form of hanging or inclined wooden beams.
- 3. Upper section of the roof. The so-called skating run. It is located where the rafters of the structure are joined together.
- 4. Special beam - Mauerlat. This element provides fastening of the rafters. It is made in the form of a beam and is fixed along the perimeter (external) of the walls of a residential building.
- 5. System of internal supporting parts. It is installed if the area of \u200b\u200bthe attic being built is large. Internal supports ensure maximum stability of the entire structure.
- 6. Bevels-amplifiers. Such elements connect vertical supports, longitudinal beams and rafters directly into one whole.
- 7. Insulation. It is made in the form of a layered "sandwich", which includes steam, noise, heat and hydroprotective components. The insulation cake guarantees the creation of an optimal microclimate in the attic room.
The rafter system is recommended to be built from high-quality, well-dried timber with a section of 0.25x0.25 m (more massive products can also be used). If you take bars with smaller dimensions, there will be problems with laying heat-shielding materials (in most cases they are characterized by a thickness of 0.15 m and more).
Noise-proof and waterproofing layers are mounted on the outer part of the truss system.
Ventilation must be arranged between the roof and the layer of thermal insulation material. Attic insulation is best done with polystyrene foam boards. They are weakly susceptible to external natural influences, retain their initial insulating characteristics for a long time. It is undesirable to use mineral wool and other roll-type heaters in attics. Such products are quickly saturated with moisture, lose their properties, begin to exert additional pressure on the rafter system and on the whole house.
Phased construction of the superstructure - from design to interior decoration
At self erection the attic tier, it is important to act according to a strictly defined plan. The stages of manufacturing the superstructure are as follows:
- 1. We draw up a construction project. simple design we develop ourselves, more complex ones - with the help of design engineers. We choose the roof configuration that suits us.
- 2. Install Mauerlat.
- 3. We build the frame.
- 4. We mount the beams.
- 5. We carry out the insulation of the structure.
The project is done, all the dimensions of the attic are determined, work can begin. We take wooden beam 10x10 cm (no less). We make a power plate out of it with the required parameters and fix it around the perimeter of the walls. We fix the beam with wire twists. They must first be installed in the walls and securely fastened.
After installing the Mauerlat, we build a frame for an additional room. We use longitudinal beams and support posts of the same section. We put vertical elements at the corners of the structure. We mount bars on them every 150–200 cm. We fix all installed parts with self-tapping screws and metal corners.
Next, we tighten the racks in the upper part of the structure with a jumper made of wood. We take a building cord, check the accuracy of the geometry of the building. Then, if everything is fine, we fix the resulting structure. Now you can install the lower rafters. We need to cut the beam according to the given parameters and make grooves in the bases of the beams. We cut the upper ends of the rafters, focusing on the size of the designed angle. We install the rafters, connect them to the Mauerlat using the cut grooves.
The next step is the placement of the upper rafters. This is where you have to tinker. It is important to ensure that all corners of the structure are observed and correspond to the calculations, and the alignment of the elements is carried out as accurately as possible. If you are not confident in your building skills, this stage of work is best done together with specialists.
After installing the rafter system, we fix a layer of vapor barrier on it (from above) and equip the crate. We construct the latter from plywood, slats or boards. We fasten them with nails suitable sizes. Nuance. In the crate, we leave free spaces in the areas where it is planned to install windows later.
Basically, the hardest part is over. We proceed to the arrangement of the insulating pie. We mount the vapor barrier from below roof structure(from the inside), we fix it with staples using a construction stapler. On top we place a layer of heat-shielding material. Its fastening is carried out by means of another crate. The distance between her separate elements- 0.4–0.5 m. From above we lay a layer of moisture-proof material. It is desirable to use modern membrane products as vapor and water insulators. They are expensive, but the protection of the system from moisture provides a truly flawless.
Now we mount the roof on the waterproofing layer. It is difficult to give advice at this stage. The technology of laying roofing depends on what products will be used (slate, profiled sheets, tiles, and so on). It remains to install the window structures on the planned places and make inner lining constructed premises.
Most often, attic sheathing is made with plasterboard sheets or wooden clapboard. You can use other materials, it all depends on your personal preferences and, of course, on the available budget. Finishing drywall is very simple. First we will sheathe the gables and roof slopes, then the ceiling. The scheme of work is as follows:
- 1. We attach wooden bars horizontally to the rafters. We maintain a step between them of about 100 cm.
- 2. In the space between the horizontal bars, we install bars of a more modest section.
- 3. Cut drywall sheets according to the required dimensions.
- 4. Fasten pieces of finishing material.
- 5. We close up all the remaining gaps with putty.
Approximately in the same way we work with lining. We cut out the products, nail them to the base with nails. It is desirable to fasten hardware at the joints of the lining. In this case, the nail heads will be visually invisible. Important! After mounting each product with a level, we check the correctness of its placement. If we do not control the process, we will absolutely have a noticeable distortion at the end of the treated surface. We cover the mounted finish with varnish (apply 2-3 layers).
The attic floor is completely ready for operation. Equip in it a quiet and cozy study, a comfortable bedroom or other living room. Good luck!
