Flat house roof technology. Flat roof in the house: device, materials and technologies. What is remarkable about a flat roof and what are its features?

Flat house roof technology.  Flat roof in the house: device, materials and technologies.  What is remarkable about a flat roof and what are its features?
Flat house roof technology. Flat roof in the house: device, materials and technologies. What is remarkable about a flat roof and what are its features?

Flat roofs nowadays are undeservedly forgotten and not spoiled by the attention of developers. In private housing construction, they are found mainly in the southern regions, where heavy rains and snowfalls are rare. Hip roofs, on the contrary, have become firmly established in the projects and minds of homeowners.

This state of affairs can be explained simply: until recently, builders did not have reliable and durable waterproofing.

Standard roofing felt - cardboard impregnated with bitumen - cannot resist moisture and temperature changes for long. Even a thick 4-layer coating from it has to be changed after 6-8 years.

Today, interest in flat roofs is beginning to grow.

There are several reasons for this:

  • Economic benefit. The cost of arrangement is lower than that of a tent structure (simpler design and smaller area);
  • Additional usable space. There is a possibility of its rational use (flower garden, playground, recreation area, swimming pool);
  • Availability of maintenance and operation (cleaning drains, installing air conditioners, antennas, inspecting coatings, ventilation and smoke ducts);
  • A layer of snow acts as additional thermal insulation, reducing heating costs.
  • Original appearance building.

Types of flat roofs

Strictly speaking, you will not see a completely flat roof on a building. Any of them has minimum slope from 1 to 4% required for precipitation runoff.

There are four types of flat roofs:

  • unexploited;
  • exploited;
  • green (lawn);
  • combined.

Unused roofs are found on industrial buildings.

Operated roofs have found application in public and private construction. They are equipped with recreation areas, cafes and restaurants, and used as parking lots and helipads.

Green (lawn) coverings are made to decorate buildings, as well as when there is not enough space on the site. In addition to the aesthetic function, they perform an important practical task. A layer of plant turf is an excellent heat and sound insulator.

Combined roofs with a flat surface are the most common option. Comfortable relaxation in the fresh air surrounded by green grass and flowering plants everyone likes it.

According to the method of drainage, houses with a flat roof are divided into two types:

  • With internal drain;
  • With external water discharge (along the perimeter of the roof).

Internal drainage is cheaper than external drainage because it does not require a large number of gutters, pipes, funnels and high-rise work to install them. It is more difficult to execute. Errors when creating a slope, poor-quality sealing of joints lead to leaks and damage to the integrity of the protective layer of waterproofing.

In use flat coverings with internal drainage it is more profitable. In winter, icicles do not grow on the eaves of such a roof. Drainpipes run inside the building and therefore do not freeze. Cleaning debris funnels is easier and easier than hanging gutters.

Device Features

According to the method of arrangement and arrangement of structural layers, experts distinguish two types of flat roofs:

  • Classic;
  • Inversion.

The classic roofing “pie” is equipped using the following technology:

  • a slope is made from cement-sand mortar on reinforced concrete floor slabs;
  • lay vapor barrier and insulation;
  • lay a waterproofing membrane or roofing felt carpet;
  • if the coating is to be used, the waterproofing is protected with ceramic tiles.

Classic flat roof structure

The main disadvantage of the traditional design is the vulnerability of the outer insulating layer from solar ultraviolet radiation and temperature changes.

Working to solve this problem, engineers came up with the idea of ​​an inversion coating. In it, the main structural elements (insulation and waterproof membrane) are swapped. The waterproofing is hidden under the foam, which is protected from external influences by a ballast layer of gravel or tile trim.

Inversion coating design

The technology of work is changing accordingly. A waterproof carpet made of roofing felt or EPDM membrane is glued to the slab or spread on it, fixing it in places adjacent to the parapet.

The slope in this case is created in one of two ways:

  • Mortar screed on the slab;
  • Insulation, changing the thickness of its installation.

Installing thermal insulation on a flat roof

Water intake funnels and pipes are installed at the lowest points of the slope. In addition to them, ventilation is installed to remove water vapor that accumulates in the area of ​​contact between the vapor barrier and the insulation.

When arranging a covering designed for planting plants, the structure is supplemented with a top layer of waterproofing. Drainage layers of gravel are poured over it, geotextiles are laid and a fertile layer of soil is poured.

In addition to roofing coverings laid on reinforced concrete slabs, designs for houses with a flat roof on wooden beams have been developed.

Construction technology in this case may include the following operations:

  • Beams are mounted on the walls in increments of 50-100 cm, fixing them to the masonry with anchor pins. The cross-section of the beams depends on the span width, the design load and can range from 10x20 cm to 15x25 cm;
  • Lay on beams OSB boards, tightly joining them together;
  • Spread the waterproofing membrane in 2 layers, carefully gluing the joints of the sheets.
  • Thermal insulation is made from durable (extruded) foam, gluing it to the membrane. A slope for water drainage is created by laying insulation in layers of different thicknesses;
  • The heat insulator is protected from above cement screed, reinforced with mesh or tiled.

Examples of private houses

There are many supporters of flat roofs among developers. They are attracted by the ease of construction, low cost of work and the possibility of placing a site for summer recreation.

A thick layer of snow on a flat roof is not a problem, but additional insulation

The design of buildings with such a roof fits perfectly into the style of minimalism, providing project developers with a wide field for creativity.

Spacious, comfortable and nothing superfluous is the motto of everyone who chooses a house with such a roof. A pitched roof visually weighs down the building, while a flat roof, on the contrary, makes it light and airy.

External view of the facade one-story house with a flat roof compares favorably with the rather boring variations of the “teremkovy” character.

On it, most often you will not see gutters and pipes, the water from which gets on the walls and spoils the appearance of the finish. Internal drainage is efficient, practical and invisible.

For many people the name " flat roof» is associated primarily with multi-storey buildings. Flat roof- the pros and cons of which we will consider in this article - was practically not used in low-rise construction a dozen years ago. However, today creating such a roof in a country house is not a problem: modern materials and technologies make it possible to create a flat roof with appropriate consumer characteristics and at an affordable price.

  • A flat roof is significantly smaller in area than a pitched roof, which allows you to save on materials and construction work.
  • Thanks to the relatively smaller area of ​​the flat roof, it is possible to optimize costs.
  • The construction of a flat roof is carried out easier and in a shorter period of time compared to pitched roof th, because necessary materials for installation are located directly at the feet of workers on flat surface. The same can be said about the repair and maintenance of a flat roof - working on an almost horizontal roof is incomparably more comfortable than on a sloping one.
  • On a flat roof, installation and subsequent service work with all kinds of equipment (air conditioning systems, solar panels, antennas, etc.) is more convenient.
  • The use of a flat roof is an opportunity to obtain additional useful territory, which can be used as a place where you can relax in the fresh air, play sports, create a garden, flower garden, etc. Today, there are technologies that make it possible to cover the roof even with paving slabs or paving stones. A roof paved with beautiful tiles, combined with a green lawn, garden furniture, a gazebo and a fireplace, can become a place for a comfortable family holiday.

Houses with flat roofs are very popular now

A flat roof, in addition to its advantages, has a number of disadvantages:

  • As a result of heavy snowfalls, a lot of snow accumulates on flat roofs, which, when melted, often causes leaks.
  • Sometimes the use of internal drains is required.
  • There is a risk of the internal drain becoming clogged or freezing.
  • There is a need for mechanical cleaning of the roof from too large accumulations of snow.
  • Regular monitoring of the moisture content of the insulation and the tightness of the roof is necessary.

Types of flat roofs

There are four types of flat roofs:


Flat roof base

According to building codes a flat roof, the pros and cons of which we discussed above, must have a base in the form of reinforced concrete floor slabs or corrugated sheets.

Subtleties of waterproofing

The durability of the roofing structure and its resistance to various negative influences depends on the use of special mixtures and technological processes production of roofing materials. Depending on the roofing materials, they are usually divided into three categories:

  1. Bitumen roofs, as well as polymer-bitumen based on roofing felt. These materials are available due to their low cost. Fused bitumen-polymer compositions are roll waterproofing and roofing sheets based on synthetics, on both sides of which special bitumen is used, which retains elasticity even under extreme conditions. low temperatures(up to -50 degrees Celsius). During the installation of waterproofing, carried out using gas burners, the rolls are fused together. Roof waterproofing can also be carried out with self-adhesive materials based on polymers and bitumen. IN in this case The mastic is applied to the bottom surface of the roll and, when treated with a solvent, acquires the properties of glue. The disadvantage of bitumen roofing is its fragility.
  2. Membrane roofs with a base made of foil, rubber or polymers. This material has solid strength and is resistant to fire and other negative environmental influences. The membranes are glued to the screed or simply lie on the base, being loaded with ballast, or are attached mechanically or using glue. To connect membrane sheets, special welders, holding the material together with hot air.
  3. Roofing based liquid polymers, which after cooling do not form seams. Such materials are especially often used for structures with complex geometries.

It is very important to properly waterproof your flat roof.

Whatever material is chosen, the joints between the rolls and the junctions with various roof elements must be waterproof. One of the main components of a successful waterproofing device is a high-quality sealant. During the period of operation, the roof is subject to negative influences external environment(moisture, hail, stones, strong temperature changes, etc.). Therefore, a high-quality sealant must be resistant to mechanical and temperature influences.

Mastic is usually used as a sealant - putty, which is based on elastic polyurethane resins. After application to the roof, the mastic polymerizes, resulting in the formation of a continuous rubber-like membrane that has waterproofing properties and protects the roofing from mechanical damage.

The mastic is ideal for flat roofs, it is safe and has high adhesion to building surfaces, has high resistance to ultraviolet radiation, sediments and all kinds of microorganisms. It is applied with a brush, roller or airless spray - in two multi-colored layers, which allows you to control the quality, layer thickness and uniformity of distribution of the sealant.

How to arrange water drainage

Regardless of the materials used, a flat roof must have a certain slope to drain water (usually within 3-5%) that appears on the roof as a result of precipitation. The drainage system should be thought out at the building design stage. Gutters determine how effectively moisture will be removed from the roof surface. To prevent gutters from freezing in winter, they are equipped with special thermal cables.

Drains can be organized, when both external and internal water supply is created, and unorganized. When creating an internal water supply system, the roof surface is divided into approximately equal parts of 150-200 square meters each. In places with a slope they arrange drainage funnels equipped with baskets for catching debris. Typically, funnels are located in the center of the roof, and the pipes are located inside the building.

Rules for insulation and vapor barrier of a flat roof

A flat roof needs insulation. In the absence of a layer of thermal insulation, condensation forms on the roof surface as a result of the contact of warm air masses and the cold surface of the roof. Condensation appears as water stains on the ceilings of the house, and the roof structure gradually collapses.

The roof design involves a base on which a layer of vapor barrier material is laid. The function of a vapor barrier is to protect the insulation from diffuse moisture coming from the premises of the building. The vapor barrier layer includes a glass fiber reinforced membrane (based on bitumen and polymers) or a vapor barrier film. The layer is laid on top of the screed, and along the edges of the roofing structure it is placed vertically to a height exceeding the height of the insulating material. The seams are sealed.

Insulation is placed above the vapor barrier layer, and a bitumen-based waterproofing carpet is placed on top of it. If expanded clay is used as insulation, then it is necessary to make a cement screed over it, then laying a couple of layers of waterproofing. If the roof is planned to be light (in the case where significant loads are not expected on it), then the waterproofing is simply glued along the entire perimeter of the roof.

For roofs without attics, both external and internal insulation methods are used. External method is used more often, so its execution is easier. There are two options for thermal insulation: double-layer and single-layer. The decision about which option to use in practice depends on heat engineering calculations and roof strength requirements. Thermal insulation slabs are placed on the roof structure based on the principle of “staggered seams”. With a two-layer coating of thermal insulation, the joints of the lower and upper slabs are also separated. In the area where the slabs adjoin the parapet, lanterns and walls, thermal insulating edges are created. Thermal insulation materials are attached to the base mechanically(screws, dowels), ballast (pebbles, paving slabs) or glue.

Features of roof ventilation

The roof structure must be equipped ventilation system. As a result of a violation of the tightness of the vapor barrier layer, moisture enters the insulating layer. A thick layer of waterproofing prevents evaporation from occurring, and moisture accumulates in the insulation. As a result, the material loses its insulation characteristics, and moisture appears on the ceilings of the building in the form of stains. In addition, water causes the waterproofing to swell, and at low temperatures, freezing water tears the waterproofing material away from the base. Temperature changes and mechanical damage contribute to the formation of cracks in the roof, which results in roof leaks.

To avoid these problems, the roof must “breathe”. For this, aerators are used - special devices in the form of plastic or metal pipes. They are covered with umbrella caps and are evenly distributed throughout the entire roof area, gravitating towards its highest points. The aeration mechanism works based on the principle of different pressures, which are created by air flows, removing excess moisture vapor from under the roof and preventing water bubbles from forming.

The installation of the roof is a responsible technological operation. Any, even minor, mistake in the design or construction of a roof can cause it to leak in the future. Therefore, when creating a roof you need to pay special attention correct selection hydro- and thermal insulation materials, accurately calculate the upcoming loads on the roof structure, and also select a team of competent builders.

Flat roofs are in demand in modular construction. Among the advantages of this method are the affordable cost and high speed construction of housing, as well as the possibility of gradually increasing its area

Architects and developers are attracted to these unusual buildings, where they can build an observation deck or even build a real one. hanging garden. Of course, in practice everything turns out to be more complicated than in theory.

Designing a flat roof raises many questions regarding its cost, choice of materials for insulation and waterproofing, organization of water flow, maintenance, etc. Finding answers to them is not so easy. The fact is that domestic contracting companies working in the field of cottage and rooftops are well familiar with the most popular design - pitched, but, as a rule, they have no experience in constructing flat roofs, which are designed completely differently.

Flat roof cost

What immediately attracts attention is the fact that the area of ​​a flat roof is smaller than a pitched roof, which means that less materials will be required, and the work will be cheaper. However, this statement is only true for regions with a warm climate and low snow load, especially if we are talking about an unused roof. IN middle lane In Russia, to ensure the reliability and durability of a horizontal roof, it is necessary to use quite expensive engineering solutions.

Beam floor

In principle, when constructing a floor, you can use a combination of beams (wooden, steel) and load-bearing corrugated sheeting. However, experts do not recommend using wooden beams (with the exception of those made of LVL beams with a cross-section of 200 × 100 mm) in regions where the snow cover pressure exceeds 1.2 kPa (about 120 kgf/m2) - that is, in most of the territory of the Russian Federation. A roof covering made of steel I-beams and corrugated sheets with a wave height of 60 mm and a wall thickness of 0.7 mm allows you to cover a span of up to 12 m and can withstand a pressure of at least 6 kPa. But in general it is less durable than concrete, and is relatively rarely used in individual construction. It makes more sense to use corrugated sheeting as permanent formwork, which, by the way, does not replace the need to build a reinforcement frame.

It turns out that 1 m2 of a flat concrete or steel base, the load-bearing capacity of which will allow it to withstand the weight of snow cover, costs 2–2.5 times more than a wooden one beam structure pitched roof. The difference in the volumetric consumption of insulation is leveled due to the fact that a flat roof requires more expensive high-density material. There is still hope to save on roofing, but modern polymer membranes - the optimal waterproofing for horizontal roofs - are no cheaper (and sometimes much more expensive) than flexible tiles. There is no need to install snow guards, but you cannot do without a roof hatch and a drainage system. If you try to cut costs according to the estimate, you will subsequently have to pay the price of having to repair the roof every 10–15 years.

The durability of a flat roof largely depends on the ability of the load-bearing base to withstand operational loads without significant deformation

Finally, it should be noted that flat roofs are only suitable for houses modern architecture- With large area glazing and sophisticated finishing with the latest facade materials. Both will not be cheap at all.

On a solid foundation

As a rule, in low-rise housing construction, the flat roofing is a prefabricated or monolithic reinforced concrete slab. Reinforced concrete slabs (PB, hollow PC, PV, etc.) are capable of covering a span of up to 9 m in length and can withstand a pressure of 8, 9 or 12.5 kPa (this value is indicated by the last digit in the product labeling). They can serve as a “base” for any roofing pies, including those with a top layer of paving slabs or fertile soil. However, to install the structure, it will be necessary to ensure that a truck crane can enter the site (while steel beams and flooring can be easily lifted using winches). The depth of support of the ceiling on the wall depends on the material of the latter - for example, for brick this parameter should be equal to the thickness of the slab. Before proceeding with the installation of the roof, it is important to seal the joints of the elements with mortar and additionally seal them with elastic polymer tape.

The main advantage of membranes based on artificial rubber is that they retain elasticity at low temperatures, that is, they can be installed in winter

Classification of flat roofs

Flat roofs are divided into unused and used. The former visit only for inspection, prevention and repair; for this purpose, a roof hatch is installed, to which it leads attic staircase. The roof in use in cottages most often serves as a terrace, that is, a durable wear-resistant coating must be laid on it, and the load-bearing base is designed for increased loads. A type of exploitation is a roof with landscaping, laid with a turf layer on top of the main heat-waterproofing pie; Usually there are paths and a recreation area on it. A convenient exit to the roof in use should be provided, for example from a vestibule superstructure.

A monolithic reinforced concrete floor is erected from heavy concrete using removable (for example, from OSB boards on jack stands) or permanent (from corrugated sheeting) formwork. It is reinforced with a two- or four-level welded frame made of rods with a diameter of 12 mm. The dimensions of a monolithic slab are not regulated (unlike a prefabricated one), which provides the architect with freedom when designing a building; other advantages are the absence of seams, the comparative simplicity of the installation of passage units (chimney, ventilation ducts) and high load-bearing capacity (subject to compliance with technological regulations).

Roof protection from cold and heat

In the low-rise sector, mostly flat roofs without attics are in demand, because the attic requires additional costs and disrupts the architectural proportions of the house. This means that the roof must protect against winter cold and summer heat. A common feature of flat roofs is that the heat-insulating layer is located on top of the supporting structure (in pitched roofs it is usually located between the rafters). If you insulate the room from below, the dew point may shift into the thickness of the ceiling, which will lead to a reduction in the service life of the latter.

Mastics should be used primarily on roofs of complex configurations

As for roofing options, there are dozens of them. Suffice it to say that more than 40 “recipes” are given in SP 17.13330.2011 alone. At the same time, companies producing coatings and insulation materials are offering more and more new engineering solutions. However, they are always based on one of two fundamental schemes - traditional or inversion.

TechnoNIKOL roof installation diagrams

“TN-ROOF Terrace”: 1 - ceiling; 2 - vapor barrier; 3–5 - EPPS (including the slope-forming layer); 6 - fiberglass; 7 - LOGICROOF V-GR membrane; 8 - geotextile; 9 - tiles on supports

Traditional design in general outline is as follows: laid on top of the supporting base vapor barrier film(polypropylene, polyethylene, butumen-polymer), followed by insulation, for example, mineral wool slabs with a compressive strength at ten percent deformation of at least 30 kPa, in one or two layers with a total thickness of 200 mm. Above is a separating layer (for example, made of polyethylene film), along which a reinforced slope-forming screed is poured (a flat roof must be given a slope of 2-3% towards the center or edges to ensure water drainage). The dried screed serves as the basis for a roll or mastic waterproofing coating.

“TN-ROOF Green”: 1 - overlap; 2 - ramp made of expanded clay; 3 - reinforced screed; 4 - bitumen primer; 5 - “Technoelast EPP”; 6 - “Technoelast Green”; 7 - geotextile; 8 - EPPS; 9 - PLANTER membrane GEO; 10 - fertile layer

Other options are also possible. For example, a slope-forming screed can be located at the very bottom of the pie; in this case roofing waterproofing fixed with gravel ballast, paving slabs on supports or special dowels. Some materials, say the “RUF SLOPE” system (Rockwool) or “TechnoNIKOL Slope”, allow you to do without a screed altogether: the slabs have variable thickness, and with their help it is not difficult to create smooth changes in level to ensure water drainage.

Inversion roofing is designed differently: in it, insulation resistant to constant exposure to water (usually extruded polystyrene foam - EPS) is located on top of the waterproofing. At the same time, the latter is reliably protected from mechanical damage and is located in the positive temperature zone (freezing-thawing cycles are destructive for almost any material). Inversion roofing It’s easy to turn it into a usable one, for example, by filling the insulation with a drainage layer of sand and gravel and laying paving slabs. The disadvantages of the design include more complex drainage. However, we need to talk about gutters separately.

Thermal insulation requirements for flat roofs are: special requirements. The material must not only have a low thermal conductivity coefficient, but also have good resistance to mechanical loads - both distributed (pressure from the overlying layers of the roofing pie, equipment, snow) and local ones that arise during installation. In addition, it is important that the material has hydrophobic properties and is non-flammable. At the moment, there are several ways to install thermal insulation: using mechanical fasteners, adhesive and free laying. In addition to traditional two-layer insulation, single-layer installation is becoming an increasingly popular solution. Rockwool offers unique dual-density slabs that consist of a rigid top layer and a lightweight bottom layer, which speeds up work and improves its quality.

Grigory Gromakov

Specialist in development of the “Flat roofing” direction of the ROCKWOOL company

Water drainage on a flat roof

The flat roof is equipped with a parapet (attic) 30–90 cm high, which helps ensure an organized roof; on a roof in use it also serves as a safety fence. At the same time, the design of gutters should be approached very responsibly, because in case of an error, a huge puddle can form above your head, which can also lead to damage to supporting structures.

As a rule, the choice is made in favor of an internal drain. Such a system is less exposed to the atmosphere and is therefore more durable and reliable than an external one. Let's talk in more detail about its main elements.

Water intake funnels are installed on low areas of the roof. As a rule, on roofs with an area of ​​up to 150 m2, two funnels are installed - the main one, connected to the riser, and the emergency one - with water discharged through a hole in the parapet. With an increase in the number of funnels and risers, the reliability of the system increases, but its cost also increases.

For inversion and green roofs, special funnels with drainage rings have been developed to collect moisture from the intermediate layers. Water receivers must be equipped with electric heating based on a self-regulating cable - then they will properly perform their function during alternating thaws and frosts.

Traditional covering with external drainage 1 - ceiling; 2 - slope-forming screed; 3 - vapor barrier; 4, 5 - mineral wool insulation; 6 - waterproofing; 7 - drain

In a new type of system, the so-called siphon-vacuum system, special funnels are used to prevent air from being sucked into the water flow. Thanks to them, the speed of fluid movement in the pipe (and hence the throughput of the latter) increases, which makes it possible to reduce the diameter of the system elements. However for low-rise buildings the savings turn out to be insignificant, moreover, such systems require more accurate calculations than gravitational ones.

Gutter riser made from sewer pipes- polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and it makes sense to use sound-absorbing products, for example RAUPIANO Plus (REHAU), or soundproof the riser, otherwise you will hear the murmur of water for hours. The riser is connected to the funnel using an elastic coupling. When laying pipes, the number of bends and the length of horizontal sections that reduce throughput systems.

A drainage pipe, laid in a basement or insulated underground, connects the riser to a rain drain or provides water discharge into a tray linear drainage. In the second case, there is a risk of blocking the outlet with ice, so the riser should be equipped with a “winter” outlet in domestic sewerage(the latter must be equipped with a water seal). The outlet pipe is cleaned through a collapsible connection or an inspection module.

Drawing: Vladimir Grigoriev/Burda Media

Inversion roof covering with internal drainage 1 - screed; 2 - PVC membrane; 3 - EPPS; 4 - funnel with drainage ring; 5 - drainage membrane; 6 - sand; 7 - paving slabs

When choosing the standard size of elements of a traditional gravitational system based on the intensity of rain in a given area, focusing on SP 32.13330.2012.

The external drainage system is more vulnerable than the internal one, and also affects the appearance of the facades, but it does not require holes in the roof and ceilings and does not eat up the usable area of ​​the house. Water is discharged through parapet funnels or pipes embedded in the parapet, under which classic funnels (like on a pitched roof) and down pipes attached to the walls with brackets are installed. When calculating, it is assumed that for each square meter The roof area should be 1–1.5 cm2 of the cross-section of the drainpipes. Elements of the external system can be made of PVC, steel, copper, zinc-titanium.

For roofs in use, as well as roofs installed in regions with harsh climatic conditions, the inversion scheme is ideal. Since the waterproofing layer is located under the thermal insulation layer, it is protected from mechanical influences, as well as from temperature changes and UV radiation, which significantly extends the service life of the roofing system. Waterproofing materials based on modified bitumen must be laid in at least two layers - this technology is more common, and in addition, it allows you to level out possible mistakes when fusing the material. One layer is enough for a polymer membrane, and reliability is ensured by automatic welding equipment, which greatly increases the speed of work. In addition, when installing a polymer membrane, it is not used open flame, therefore the technology is considered safer.

Dmitry Mikhailidi

Head of the Engineering and Technical Center of the Technical Directorate of the TechnoNIKOL Corporation

Roof landscaping

Since ancient times, turf-covered roofs have been used in countries with moderately cold and humid climates, and green carpet performed the main moisture-protective function in them.

Within modern concept green roof, a layer of fertile soil with plants is needed to give unusual features to the appearance of the building, decorate the terrace roof and extend the service life of the coating by covering it from ultraviolet rays. In addition, it absorbs rainwater, unloading gutters, dampens the sound of rain, protects premises top floor from overheating in summer and reduces heat loss in winter. It is believed that landscaping almost doubles the life of a roof. Its disadvantages include increased load on bearing structures buildings and increasing construction costs. In addition, a green carpet needs care, the intensity of which depends on the selected plant species. If you do not pay due attention to the plants, they will freeze and die from drought.

To green the roof, you should lay on top of the main waterproofing layer (in an inversion scheme - on top of the insulation) an additional cake made of materials that will ensure protection of the waterproofing layer from roots, filtration and drainage of rainwater. For these purposes, special films, dense geotextiles, gravel bedding or drainage and moisture storage membranes made of high-density polyethylene, for example PLANTER GEO or Delta-Floraxx, are used.

Then a mixture of minerals and fertilizers is poured - the so-called soil substrate. You can prepare it yourself by adding it to a light soil mixture of neutral peat. fine expanded clay(5–15%), sand (about 20%) and fertilizers. As for plants, the easiest way is to limit yourself to meadow herbs and drought-resistant ground covers - sedum, herbaceous carnation, thyme. They do not need to organize an irrigation system, and the thickness of the soil layer can be only 6–12 cm (this type of roof is called extensive). If you plan to walk on the roof among ornamental shrubs, you will have to provide irrigation and increase the soil thickness to 20–40 cm. Such a roof is called intensive, it creates a significant additional load on the ceiling, therefore it must be provided for at the design stage of the building.

The terrace design provides convenient communication between the living quarters of the cottage and the operated roof, which serves as a resting place


Rolled materials based on modified bitumen, as a rule, are fused with a gas burner, but it is difficult to prevent small flaws that can cause leakage (if there is no second layer)

Rolled PVC membranes , for example, Sikaplan WP, Logicroof, Ecoplast are strong and durable (up to 30 years without repair) and do not support combustion. However, they require professional approach for installation (the joints of the strips must be carefully welded with hot air) and are relatively expensive - from 320 rubles. for 1 m2. It is important to consider that this material does not tolerate contact with bitumen.

Rolled membranes made of ethylene-propylene rubber (EPDM) and thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO) , for example Firestone RubberGard, Logicroof P-RP, retain elasticity at low temperatures. Note that EPDM membranes are highly flammable (class G4) and are designed mainly for use in the construction of an in-use roof, where the waterproofing is covered with tiles, gravel or soil. EPDM and TPO membranes cost 1.3–1.5 times more than polyvinyl chloride membranes (mostly imported products).

Polymer-bitumen mastics They allow you to create a seamless coating, but they can only be applied to a strong, non-cracking base - a floor slab or a carefully reinforced screed, and this process is quite long and labor-intensive. The service life of a two-layer coating with a thickness of 5 mm is about 20 years, the price is from 120 rubles. for 1 m2. In practice, mastics are used mainly for roof repairs and gluing rolled materials.

Polymer and cement-polymer self-leveling waterproofing , say Aquascud, Osmolastic, Osmoflex, is highly elastic
and UV resistance. To improve performance, the materials are used in combination with special primers and lining films, and reinforced with mineral fiber (all components are supplied as a single system). Settlement period coating service - more than 50 years; price - from 700 rub. for 1 m2.

Flat roof: a pragmatist's view

Advantages Flaws
Eliminates snow avalanches and reduces the risk of falling ice. Requires significant costs to construct a foundation with high load-bearing capacity.
Provides easy access to the chimneys, ventilation risers, antennas; Compared to pitched ones, it is easier to maintain and repair. It is more susceptible to atmospheric factors than pitched, so durability is guaranteed only if expensive materials are used.
Can serve as a recreation area or terrace. Requires increased attention to the arrangement and condition of the drainage system (especially with internal drainage).
Slightly less susceptible to wind loads than pitched.
Allows you to implement the principle of phased modular construction (to make an extension to the house with pitched roof, we need to solve a difficult architectural and design problem).

If previously flat roofs were made only on urban multi-storey buildings and were associated with constant leaks, today the situation has changed radically. These structures are used not only during the construction of multi-storey buildings, but also in the construction of prestigious private houses. exclusive projects. Such changes became possible thanks to the emergence of completely new building materials and technologies.

Flat roofs are one of many types of roofing, and have both positive and negative sides. The advantages of such roofs include the following characteristics.

  1. Saving building materials and speed of construction. The effect is achieved through physical savings - the area of ​​a flat roof is much smaller than a gable roof. In addition, for this design there is no need to manufacture a complex rafter system with various purlins, supports, crossbars, mauerlats, etc. A small number of roof elements makes it possible to construct flat roofs independently without the involvement of expensive professional specialists.
    True, for this you should have basic skills in performing roofing work, understand modern technologies and materials. Otherwise, attempts to reduce the estimated cost of the structure may result in large additional costs for unplanned repairs. And not only the roof itself, but also the interior of the buildings.

  2. Possibility to use the roof as an exploitable one. On flat roofs you can build winter gardens, recreation areas, flower beds, small sports areas, etc. But in these cases, the roofs have a very complex structure and require a professional approach to all construction work.

  3. Flat roofs make installation and periodic maintenance easier. Maintenance various engineering equipment: air conditioning and ventilation systems, solar panels, antennas, etc.

Unfortunately, such people have architectural structures and disadvantages.


We have listed the real advantages and disadvantages; each developer should carefully analyze them before making a final decision.

Types of flat roofs in private houses

Thanks to new materials and technologies, designers have been able to create several types of flat roofs with unique performance characteristics.

Flat roof typeBrief description of technical and operational characteristics

The most commonly used, simplest and cheapest type of roof. It is most often found on commercial buildings; it is rarely installed on private houses.

A very prestigious roof allows you to use the area to increase the comfort of living in the building. The arrangement of such roofs requires quality materials And special technologies. The roof in use is often inverted.

Differs from ordinary arrangement layers of roofing cake. Waterproofing is done directly on the supporting base; this feature protects the coating from mechanical damage. Geotextiles, extruded polystyrene foam, another layer of geotextiles and a ballast layer are laid on top of the waterproofing. Geotextiles allow water to flow to the drainage system, and ballast prevents layers from being undermined by strong gusts of wind.

Important. The cost of flat roofs varies widely; some options can be several times more expensive than gable roofs.

Roofing pie device

All flat roofs in residential buildings must be insulated; the structures consist of several layers. Each of them performs its own function and is critical for the roof.

Base

Can be reinforced concrete or wood.


Professional builders prefer reinforced concrete slabs, but not all houses can use them. The slabs are mounted only on brick or concrete façade walls, for wooden or frame buildings such elements do not apply.

Vapor barrier

Prices for vapor barrier materials

Vapor barrier material

It is used only in two cases: the base of a flat roof is wooden and mineral wool is used as insulation.

But such options are rare; most often the base is made from concrete slab, and durable extruded polystyrene is used for insulation. Both of these materials are not only resistant to steam, but also do not react to direct contact with water. Accordingly, when constructing roofs made of such materials, vapor protection is not required.

Insulation

There are two types of insulation that can be used in the construction of flat roofs.

  1. Mineral wool or glass wool. On flat roofs, only pressed types are used; roll types do not meet existing requirements in terms of their technical parameters.

    The advantages of mineral wool are absolute resistance to open fire and environmental friendliness. She doesn’t have any more advantages, but she does have quite a few long list disadvantages: high cost, low mechanical strength, hygroscopicity, dependence of thermal conductivity on relative humidity, wind blowability. Additional disadvantages include the complexity of installation: you only need to work in good weather and wearing protective clothing.

  2. Polymer insulation. This category includes expanded polystyrene, polystyrene foam and other materials made on the basis of polymers. These insulation materials have two common disadvantages: they release harmful chemical compounds into the air and are inferior mineral wool on fire resistance. But such shortcomings in this case are very conditional for two reasons. The first is for roof insulation, the amount of allocated chemical compounds it doesn't matter, they don't go into living spaces. Second – modern achievements innovative technologies made it possible to produce polymer insulation materials with high performance resistance to open fire and permissible sanitary standards secretions of chemical compounds.

  3. Insulation can be installed in two ways.


    Currently, architects in most cases prefer the second option for insulating a flat roof, keep this in mind. But practitioners advise installing insulation from inside the premises. Each developer must make his own decision.

    Prices for thermal insulation materials

    Thermal insulation materials

    Practical recommendations for arranging a flat roof on a frame house

    For example, we will take the option of arranging a flat roof on a wooden frame house. These buildings are very popular among many developers; they are quickly assembled, are relatively inexpensive and provide residents with a modern level of comfort.

    How to make floors

    For ceilings you need to use I-beams, ordinary ones are not suitable due to very high loads. If you increase significantly linear dimensions ordinary beams, then their own weight will play a noticeable role in the calculations of the acting forces, and this is extremely undesirable for all structural loaded elements.

    Important. If the house is large, then it is much more profitable to order short beams and splice them on site. Due to this method, the process of transporting and installing structures is simplified. During installation ceiling beams you need to make a slight slope for the water to drain.

    Video - Wooden floor

    What to make waterproofing from

    Prices for PVC membranes for roofing

    PVC membrane for roofing

    For sealing, it is recommended to use a modern high-quality membrane that is protected from harmful effects ultraviolet rays. The membrane thickness is at least 1.5 mm, the service life of such coatings is more than thirty years. Membranes must retain their original properties at temperatures of -30° and below. It must be borne in mind that situations may arise when in winter it is necessary to remove snow from the roof; the waterproofing must withstand mechanical forces and not be damaged.

    How to install a funnel for receiving water

    The diameter of the funnel must correspond to the roof area and the maximum water flow. The data is available in comparative tables and is attached to the instructions for using the elements. If for some reason there is no such instruction, then you need to consult with the seller.

    The funnel is installed at the lowest point of the roof. The roof plane is divided into several sectors and each has a slight slope towards the drain. To prevent ice from accumulating in the funnel in winter, it is recommended to connect an electric heating system. Heating functions temporarily and only during the period when the temperature changes from positive to negative several times a day.

    How to properly lay a waterproof membrane

    The joints are boiled construction hairdryer and are additionally filled with a special two-component glue. You should start from the very bottom edge, the width of the overlaps is at least 10 cm. To increase the strength of the fastening, each strip of the membrane is separately fixed with special fasteners, and the wide washers are then closed.

    Along the perimeter of the parapet, the membrane is also screwed with washers of large diameter, the distance between them is approximately 20–30 cm.

    How to drain water from a roof

    Experienced builders do not recommend attempting to install external gutters and pipes on flat roofs to drain water to the ground. The best option is to let it go plastic pipes through interior spaces. Installation of the system should be done immediately after assembling the frame of the house, during cladding interior walls the pipes are hidden. Due to this installation location, the possibility of freezing is completely eliminated, and the reliability of the system is significantly increased.

    The best way to process OSB boards

    There are many options, efficiency depends not only on the materials used, but also on the professionalism of the master. But practice shows that, all things being equal, the greatest reliability is with bitumen mastics. Surfaces must be coated at least twice to ensure the tightness of the coating. a long period time. Of course, the top membrane must also be of high quality and correctly installed.

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

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

  • take into account maximum loads;
  • use beams with a good cross-section in construction;
  • use strong fastenings of all elements.

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

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

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

Flaws:

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

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

Device

Flat roof structural system for unheated room consists of the following:

  • load-bearing beams;
  • rack or metal lathing with small steps (50-70 cm);
  • roll coating.

Note! The angle of inclination of such a roof is ensured by the entire structural system, starting with the beams. Therefore, careful attention should be paid during installation to maintain the slope. To do this, you should check it every few meters. If desired, you can make a flat frame for the rafter system (angle of inclination - 10 degrees). To do this, you need to install it along the roof. After which you can attach the sheathing.

The design of a heated room has a slightly different appearance. It includes:

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

Monolith roof

Instead of wooden beams I-beams are being laid metal beams(from 12 to 15 cm), on the lower shelves of which there is a continuous plank sheathing. Roofing felt is laid on it. Then a frame made of reinforcement (profile with a cross-section of 10-15 mm) is mounted in two rows. It is important to maintain the distance between the reinforcement frame and the roofing felt. The next step is filling concrete mixture, which needs to be compacted periodically.

Note! If it's worth hot weather, a layer of concrete must be covered protective film made of polyethylene so that it does not harden quickly, but evenly and efficiently. It is advisable to remove the film no earlier than after three or four days.

If such a film is not available, you will have to monitor the concrete hardening process and periodically water it with a small amount of water. After the layer has dried, you should give the roof a certain slope using insulation, and then screed and lay a roll covering. On this device monolithic roof can be considered completed.

Roof base

Can be used for flat roofs reinforced concrete slab or corrugated sheet.

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

At the next stage, thermal insulation is laid, for which special slabs with a certain joint are used. The most commonly used is a two-layer thermal insulation system.

After this comes waterproofing equipment made of polymer film. She protects inner part roofs from the external environment. The waterproofing is fused and then laid in several layers.

When the hydro- and vapor barrier is ready, it’s time to apply the final coating. Its role is played by concrete screed and reinforced concrete slabs.

Polycarbonate base

Recently in construction work Polycarbonate was often used on roofs.
A roof made of this material may be suitable for you if you do not want to make a room under it. As an option, you can build an indoor greenhouse or gazebo.

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

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

Insulation and waterproofing

Waterproofing a flat roof can be done using the following components:

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

New to the technology market are the following: waterproofing materials, such as PVC, PDM and diffuse membranes. Super-diffuse material has become especially popular, which does not require making a gap between thermal and waterproofing, repels moisture efficiently and does not allow it to pass onto the thermal insulation layer. In addition, such membranes have a long service life (up to 25 years), are fireproof and environmentally friendly.

Mastic can be used as waterproofing. It is applied as flat roof, and on a roof with a slight slope.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now you know how to make a flat roof with your own hands. As you can see, this is not difficult at all. You just need to pay attention to the matter, and soon the coating for your home will be ready.

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