What roof to build a house with. Types of roofs of private houses by design and geometric shapes. Flat and pitched roofs

What roof to build a house with.  Types of roofs of private houses by design and geometric shapes.  Flat and pitched roofs
What roof to build a house with. Types of roofs of private houses by design and geometric shapes. Flat and pitched roofs

One of the last stages of private house construction is the installation of the roof of a private house, the correct design of which is of particular importance. The roof performs many different functions, but one of its main purposes is to protect the interior of the building from natural phenomena: wind, sun, precipitation. Not a single building, especially residential buildings, can do without roofing structures, during the construction of which it is important to avoid even the most basic mistakes inherent in inexperienced builders. Otherwise, after a few years of operation of the house, the roof will have to be repaired.

And repairing a roof structure is quite a labor-intensive job, accompanied by a number of difficulties, infringement on the comfort of living for a given period, and, of course, additional financial costs. Therefore, before installing the roof of a private house, you need a diagram with a detailed reflection of all the structural elements of the roof, the building materials used, and other details.

In this article

Options for roofing schemes for private housing construction

When constructing private houses, pitched roof structures are often used to cover them, which can be single-pitched or multi-pitched.

The shed roof drawing is used mainly for small simple outbuildings.

Types of multi-slope roofing structures

  • Gable roofs. The most common type of construction, under which any roofing material can be used. Such a roof is quite simple in terms of its installation, but at the same time reliable and durable.
  • Hipdesigns– envelope roofs according to the hipped roof scheme, when two slopes are made in the shape of a trapezoid, the other two in the form of a triangle. They are most often used to cover houses in the southern regions, as they are distinguished by their excellent ability to withstand significant wind loads.
  • Half hip roofs. This is a subtype of a hip structure, in which the length of the side slopes along the slope line is less than the main slopes. Most of these structures are located in regions with unfavorable climate conditions.
  • Hip roofs. Their design consists of four triangular slopes, the tops of which connect at one point.
  • Broken roof structures. Such roofs are classified as gable roofs and consist of four surfaces that intersect each other at an obtuse angle.
  • Multi-gable roofs. Such roofs have a rather complex design scheme, which is most often used to cover elite-class houses with a complex geometric configuration.

Pitched roofs, depending on their design features, are divided into attic and non-attic roofs. In the first case, an attic space is installed between the ceiling and the roof (separate type of pitched roof). In the second case, all load-bearing components of the roof structure are also the ceiling of the outermost floor of the building (combined type of pitched roof).

To cover private houses, an attic-type roofing design is often used.

Structural features of the attic roof

When constructing roofs with an attic space, it is worth considering the following details:

Particular attention must be paid to the parameters of floor spans. If the width is sufficiently large, then the rafter leg should have a maximum cross-section. For example, the span of a pitched roof is 5 meters, then the cross-section of the timber used to make the rafters should be 15x5 cm, and the installation step should be about one meter.

If you make a partial section of the roof with attic space, you can consider its main components:

  • roofing surface material;
  • ridge beam;
  • load-bearing internal wall;
  • rafter legs;
  • support posts;
  • Mauerlat;
  • struts;
  • sheathing;
  • metal fasteners.

Be sure to take into account the slope angle. A roof that has slopes at a large angle will be freed from precipitation faster, since water and snow are not able to stay on such a surface. Therefore, for roofs with a slope of 50º or more, rafters with a smaller cross-section can be used than for roofs with a slope of less than 20º. This data must be reflected in the roof structure arrangement plan.

It is also worth remembering the service life of individual parts of the roofing structure, depending on the building material used for their manufacture. For example, load-bearing elements made of natural wood can serve for about 30 years without loss of initial strength, structures made of reinforced concrete - 50 years. With proper organization of the wooden rafter system and proper care during operation, it can not be replaced for 100 years. When choosing the design of a future roof, you need to take into account the expected conditions of its operation.

When arranging the roof, special attention is paid to the fire resistance of the material used, which is additionally treated with specialized non-flammable compounds.

When designing a roof scheme, its thermal properties must be taken into account.

When calculating the cross-section of timber for a rafter system, you also need to take into account the mass of the roofing “pie”.

The main nuances that must be taken into account when making a rafter system with your own hands

  • In order to prevent deflection of the construction legs in the case of manufacturing rafters of insufficient cross-section when calculating the required roofing material, the truss must be equipped with additional support posts, struts, and tie-downs.
  • When calculating the roof, it is necessary to take into account the possibility of the roofing material being torn off by strong gusts of wind. To prevent this, the rafter legs must be secured with staples and additional steel wire (with a cross-section of up to 8 mm, but not less than 4 mm).
  • To make the roof ridge purlin, it is recommended to use logs (boards in the most extreme case, the thickness of which should be 5 cm or more).
  • If the roof scheme is for an attic structure, then the tie-downs are not arranged, they will be compensated for by the overlap of the floors, which will subsequently serve as the floor base of the attic.
  • The density of the sheathing will depend on the roofing used, the main building materials for which are logs (boards) and planks. The main purpose of the lathing is to take on the load from the entire roof covering and then transfer it to the rafter system.
  • Depending on the type of roof being installed, the sheathing can be sparse or continuous. The peculiarity of the continuous type of lathing is as follows: it is made of two layers; a gap of no more than 2 mm is allowed between the boards. In this case, the first layer is sparse, the second relative to the first is mounted at an angle of 45º. This is due to the peculiarities of laying certain types of roofing materials. When arranging a sparse type of sheathing, a distance of 6 to 14 cm can be maintained between the boards (depending on the snow cover of the region in which the house is being built).
  • You also need to remember that continuous sheathing is always performed on the roof slopes and the joints of the rafter system.

The main features of the roof structure are necessarily reflected when drawing up the diagram.

When planning to cover the roof of a house with your own hands, it is necessary to take into account that when choosing a scheme for its arrangement, you should rely not only on the conditions of its further operation, but also on your own financial capabilities.

One of the last stages of private house construction is the installation of the roof of a private house, the correct design of which is of particular importance. The roof performs many different functions, but one of its main purposes is to protect the interior of the building from natural phenomena: wind, sun, precipitation. Not a single building, especially residential buildings, can do without roofing structures, during the construction of which it is important to avoid even the most basic mistakes inherent in inexperienced builders. Otherwise, after a few years of operation of the house, the roof will have to be repaired.

And repairing a roof structure is quite a labor-intensive job, accompanied by a number of difficulties, infringement on the comfort of living for a given period, and, of course, additional financial costs. Therefore, before installing the roof of a private house, you need a diagram with a detailed reflection of all the structural elements of the roof, the building materials used, and other details.

It is also important to understand that the safety of the residents of the house will depend on the quality of installation of the roof of the house with your own hands. Before using a specific roofing structure scheme, you can first study their features from photographs on the Internet.

When constructing private houses, pitched roof structures are often used to cover them, which can be single-pitched or multi-pitched.

The shed roof drawing is used mainly for small simple outbuildings.

Options for roofing schemes for private housing construction

  • Gable roofs. Types of multi-slope roofing structures
  • Hipdesigns– envelope roofs according to the hipped roof scheme, when two slopes are made in the shape of a trapezoid, the other two in the form of a triangle. They are most often used to cover houses in the southern regions, as they are distinguished by their excellent ability to withstand significant wind loads.
  • Half hip roofs. This is a subtype of a hip structure, in which the length of the side slopes along the slope line is less than the main slopes. Most of these structures are located in regions with unfavorable climate conditions.
  • Hip roofs. Their design consists of four triangular slopes, the tops of which connect at one point.
  • Broken roof structures. Such roofs are classified as gable roofs and consist of four surfaces that intersect each other at an obtuse angle.
  • Multi-gable roofs. Such roofs have a rather complex design scheme, which is most often used to cover elite-class houses with a complex geometric configuration.

Pitched roofs, depending on their design features, are divided into attic and non-attic roofs. In the first case, an attic space is installed between the ceiling and the roof (separate type of pitched roof). In the second case, all load-bearing components of the roof structure are also the ceiling of the outermost floor of the building (combined type of pitched roof).

To cover private houses, an attic-type roofing design is often used.

The most common type of construction, under which any roofing material can be used. Such a roof is quite simple in terms of its installation, but at the same time reliable and durable.

When constructing roofs with an attic space, it is worth considering the following details:

Particular attention must be paid to the parameters of floor spans. If the width is sufficiently large, then the rafter leg should have a maximum cross-section. For example, the span of a pitched roof is 5 meters, then the cross-section of the timber used to make the rafters should be 15x5 cm, and the installation step should be about one meter.

If you make a partial section of the roof with attic space, you can consider its main components:

  • roofing surface material;
  • ridge beam;
  • load-bearing internal wall;
  • rafter legs;
  • support posts;
  • Mauerlat;
  • struts;
  • sheathing;
  • metal fasteners.

Be sure to take into account the slope angle. A roof that has slopes at a large angle will be freed from precipitation faster, since water and snow are not able to stay on such a surface. Therefore, for roofs with a slope of 50º or more, rafters with a smaller cross-section can be used than for roofs with a slope of less than 20º. This data must be reflected in the roof structure arrangement plan.

It is also worth remembering the service life of individual parts of the roofing structure, depending on the building material used for their manufacture. For example, load-bearing elements made of natural wood can serve for about 30 years without loss of initial strength, structures made of reinforced concrete - 50 years. With proper organization of the wooden rafter system and proper care during operation, it can not be replaced for 100 years. When choosing the design of a future roof, you need to take into account the expected conditions of its operation.

When designing a roof scheme, its thermal properties must be taken into account.

When calculating the cross-section of timber for a rafter system, you also need to take into account the mass of the roofing “pie”.

Structural features of the attic roof

  • In order to prevent deflection of the construction legs in the case of manufacturing rafters of insufficient cross-section when calculating the required roofing material, the truss must be equipped with additional support posts, struts, and tie-downs.
  • When calculating the roof, it is necessary to take into account the possibility of the roofing material being torn off by strong gusts of wind. To prevent this, the rafter legs must be secured with staples and additional steel wire (with a cross-section of up to 8 mm, but not less than 4 mm).
  • To make the roof ridge purlin, it is recommended to use logs (boards in the most extreme case, the thickness of which should be 5 cm or more).
  • If the roof scheme is for an attic structure, then the tie-downs are not arranged, they will be compensated for by the overlap of the floors, which will subsequently serve as the floor base of the attic.
  • The density of the sheathing will depend on the roofing used, the main building materials for which are logs (boards) and planks. The main purpose of the lathing is to take on the load from the entire roof covering and then transfer it to the rafter system.
  • Depending on the type of roof being installed, the sheathing can be sparse or continuous. The peculiarity of the continuous type of lathing is as follows: it is made of two layers; a gap of no more than 2 mm is allowed between the boards. In this case, the first layer is sparse, the second relative to the first is mounted at an angle of 45º. This is due to the peculiarities of laying certain types of roofing materials. When arranging a sparse type of sheathing, a distance of 6 to 14 cm can be maintained between the boards (depending on the snow cover of the region in which the house is being built).
  • You also need to remember that continuous sheathing is always performed on the roof slopes and the joints of the rafter system.

The main features of the roof structure are necessarily reflected when drawing up the diagram.

When planning to cover the roof of a house with your own hands, it is necessary to take into account that when choosing a scheme for its arrangement, you should rely not only on the conditions of its further operation, but also on your own financial capabilities.

The main nuances that must be taken into account when making a rafter system with your own hands

Types and construction of roofs of private houses

Roofing is the final stage of construction, which requires strict adherence to and implementation of building rules and regulations. The main task of the design is to provide protection from the negative effects of natural phenomena (snow, rain, wind), as well as to give and complement the image of the house. With high-quality work, the roof of a house can provide high noise insulation, waterproofing and act as a thermal barrier. In this article we will tell you what it consists of, and also look at what designs there are.

Types of structures in private houses

The design and construction of the roof in a private house can be pitched or flat. As a rule, flat structures are used in countries with hot climates, and pitched structures are more common. This is due to the fact that a pitched roof does not retain precipitation on the surface. In the design of a pitched roof, an angle of 10 degrees or more must be observed, and the structure of the roof itself makes it possible to equip an attic. Designs can be:

  • single-pitched;
  • gable;
  • hipped hipped roofs;
  • four-slope hip;
  • attic;
  • tent;
  • spire-shaped.

For information! The roof structure of a private attic-type house can be insulated or cold; the non-attic type can be an unventilated, partially or fully ventilated room.

Device and design

In the process of designing a future structure, you must immediately decide on the type of roof for the house. You can build the roof of a private house yourself; to do this, you need to use special architectural programs or contact a company that will help you choose a roof design and also recommend roofing materials. If you decide to build the roof yourself, it is recommended that you carefully study the manual, which will describe step by step how to design a roof. Experts recommend starting construction on a small project; this will help avoid possible mistakes and significantly save costs on the purchase of building materials.

For information! Roof structures and rafter systems must be strong and reliable, because If heavy material is used, the walls and foundation of the house may be damaged.

Today, the roof of a private house can be made of wood, metal, reinforced concrete and steel. Do-it-yourself roof construction consists of the following steps:

  • mounting the Mauerlat;
  • assembly and installation of the sling system;
  • installation of horizontal couplers;
  • laying waterproofing;
  • fixing the rafters on the ridge;
  • installation of sheathing;
  • finishing treatment of the front side of the surface.

Important! The rafter system can be hanging or layered. For the roofs of private houses with several spans, both types of rafter systems are used, i.e. where there is no place for support, hanging ones are used, and where there is support, layered ones are used.

The photo shows a diagram of the roof of a house with a layered and hanging rafter system

The roof and structure are fixed to the walls of the house using special construction pins, and support niches are installed under the rafter system, which are connected to each other with strong steel wire. The following factors influence the choice of roof and design:

  • size and shape of the future structure;
  • the presence of internal load-bearing walls;
  • presence of an attic;
  • appearance of the structure.

Rafter systems for roofs of private houses must meet the following requirements:

  • the rafters must be strong and reliable, this allows you to evenly distribute the load on the walls of the house;
  • the material used for the roof of the house should be light;
  • the rafter system must exclude possible thrust on the building;
  • When constructing a rafter system, it is necessary to use high-quality materials, because Repair or replacement is quite expensive.

The roof structure plays an important role in the design of the architecture of the house. As a rule, specialists use a roof covering that prevents water stagnation and is not deformable (corrugated wall, arched, soft sheet tiles). Therefore, when designing a house, it is important to initially take into account not only the type of future structure, but also decide on the material.

Roofing device

The roof for a private house is an important element, the installation of which completes the entire structure of the building. The roof of a house can have a different slope, and the choice of roofing material depends on this. The roof structure can be:

  • single-layer - it can be made from asbestos-cement, polymer and metal sheets or tiles;
  • multilayer - rolled material or wooden products (shingles, shingles, planks) are laid on the roof.

When using multilayer materials, the number of layers can be from 2 to 5, it all depends on the type of roofing material. In practice, the roof is a complex structure; in appearance it is a multilayer sandwich consisting of several layers. The sandwich consists of: waterproofing, vapor barrier, wind protection, insulation and other important components. The photo shows the roof diagram

A properly designed roof of a house and a high-quality roof provide reliable protection of the structure from condensation, insulates heat and allows ventilation of the under-roof space.

Construction of a house roof

When the design documentation is ready and the material has been purchased, the construction of the rafter system is carried out. The roof of a house begins with the manufacture of the necessary structural elements. Installation consists of the following steps:

  • the mauerlat is laid and fastened to the longitudinal and load-bearing walls, they are secured using anchor bolts;
  • Next, a rafter template is made, for this, two boards are connected using nails, the free edges are fixed to the mauerlat, the desired angle level is selected by spreading the boards;

Important! When fixing the rafter system template, the ridge must be in the center; to avoid errors in the design, it is necessary to use a plumb line.

  • the finished template is fixed to the beams and cut to the desired angle;
  • when the first rafters are ready, they should be connected and fixed with nails at their intersection;
  • then the finished rafters are lifted and installed, after which you can move on to the next production of parts;
  • the second rafters are mounted in another part of the building;
  • a construction cord is stretched between the installed rafters, which must be stretched horizontally;
  • then the remaining rafters are made and installed along a stretched construction cord, taking into account the step prescribed in the project;
  • The final stage is the installation of support posts; this design will give greater strength and stability.

For information! To firmly fix all elements of the rafter system, experts recommend using stamped metal parts.

When the rafter system is installed, you can begin to insulate the roof.

The roof of a house is an important element of the structure; if the structure is calculated and installed correctly, it will last a long time, provide protection and comfort for living.

Construction of the roof of a private house

Types of roofs of a private house

Flat roof

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Gable roofs


Hip roofs


broken roofs


Multi-gable roofs





Stage 1 - Attaching the Mauerlat




Stage 3 - Installation of sheathing

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Construction of the roof of a private house

Before we talk about how to build the roof of a house with your own hands, let’s dwell a little on the existing types of roofs.

Scheme of a gable roof design for a house

Types of roofs of a private house

All roofs of private buildings are divided into two large groups: flat roofs and pitched roofs. The latter, in turn, are divided into single-, double- and four-slope, as well as broken and multi-gable. Let's look at each one separately.

Flat roof

Its undeniable advantages include the following:

  • It can be built quite simply and quickly;
  • Reliability and strength of the structure;
  • Long service life;
  • Original appearance (although many ordinary people try to argue with this statement made by experts);
  • Possibility of additional functional load on the roof (arrangement of an observation deck, a place for relaxation and sunbathing, a summer mini-garden, etc.).

However, despite all the advantages of flat roofs, there are also several significant disadvantages. Firstly, precipitation in the form of snow accumulates on such roofs, which requires regular cleaning.

Float:="" left="" margin:="">Design and installation of a pitched roof for a cottage

In addition, it is almost impossible to create an attic space on such roofs.

Gable roofs

A gable roof is very often used to cover private houses. It is especially relevant for small country houses. This is due to its advantages, which include the following:


Among the disadvantages of such roofs, one can highlight the need to install a ridge, as well as two drainage lines. In addition, if you compare gable roofs with single-pitch roofs, their weight will be greater, which requires adjustments in the calculation and construction of the foundation. In addition, making such a roof with your own hands is much more difficult than a pitched roof.

Hip roofs

In house designs, hipped roofs are not as common as gable roofs, although they have a more attractive appearance. This is due to the fact that such a roof structure is very complex in execution and its weight is very large.
But such roofs make it possible to create a more spacious and bright attic space inside, which will always be warm due to the fact that it will be heated on four sides.

Rafter system of a hipped roof

broken roofs

Broken roofs are the most popular type of roofing in private construction. This is due to the fact that, if built correctly, such a roof is practically free of disadvantages. But it has a lot of advantages:

  • Possibility of expanding the living space of the room due to the attic, equipped with a sloping roof;
  • Reduced level of heat loss through the roof;
  • Gives originality to the appearance of the house;
  • Under the arch of such a roof you can make a two-level attic.

There are also disadvantages that can be easily eliminated with proper roofing. These “disadvantages” include:


The roof windows themselves are more expensive than regular ones, which also cannot be attributed to the advantages of sloping roofs.

Multi-gable roofs

Houses with a multi-gable roof are original in their design and are suitable for private houses of any architectural form. But besides this, they also have the following advantages:

  • Reliability and durability, which is ensured by a special rafter structure;
  • Under the arch of such a roof it is possible to equip a spacious, comfortable attic, which will significantly increase the living space in the house;
  • Atmospheric precipitation does not accumulate on the roof, but flows off it through a complex system of gutters due to the steep angle of the roof slopes.

However, such a roof also has disadvantages, which boil down to the complexity of constructing a rafter system for a gable roof, an increased amount of building material, and also the complexity of arranging drainage systems.

Ready-made project for a two-story house with a multi-gable roof

You are unlikely to be able to build this type of roof on your own, and therefore in our article we will not dwell on it, as, in fact, on the rarely in demand - hipped roof.
Let us consider in detail the technology for constructing roofs such as single-pitched and gable roofs, since they are the most popular in private construction.

DIY pitched roof

Before you start building a pitched roof, you need to decide on several points.

Features of installation of pitched roofs

First, you need to understand where the only slope of the roof will be directed. Experts recommend that the non-windy side be considered a guideline for the direction of the roof slope. Secondly, you need to decide on the angle of the roof. Here it is worth adhering to the following pattern: the more precipitation falls in your area, the steeper the pitched roof needs to be made.

Installation of joists for a pitched roof frame

But you shouldn’t overdo it, because by increasing the angle of the roof, you increase the windage of the structure. Thirdly, depending on the chosen angle of inclination of the roof, it is necessary to decide on the type of roofing material. Thus, for different roof inclination angles, a variety of roofing materials are recommended:

Having decided on all the above parameters, you can begin building a pitched roof.

Materials and tools needed for construction

Construction of a pitched roof will require you to purchase the following building materials. First, you need to stock up on wooden beams for the rafter system, boards and nails for installing the structure.


Secondly, do not forget to purchase a wood preservative that protects it from insects, moisture, mold and mildew. Thirdly, purchase the required number of rolls of steam, hydro and thermal insulation, roofing material, as well as fasteners in order to install the roof.
As for tools, you don’t need any specialized tools; all you need is a hammer, a hacksaw, an axe, a stapler, a measuring tape, and a building level. In addition, you will need a knife, pencil and brush for working with wood.

Stages of construction of a pitched roof

The construction of a pitched roof comes down to several stages.

Stage 1 - Attaching the Mauerlat

Mauerlat is a beam that is the lowest part of the roof structure. It is mounted on the wall of the house and serves as a support for the rafters.

An example of fastening the Mauerlat of a pitched roof

It can be made from 10 x 15 cm timber, which is attached to the wall in one of the following ways: using wire, using construction pins or anchors. The sequence of installation of the Mauerlat is as follows. First of all, to ensure the durability of the roof, the Mauerlat must be waterproofed from the wall of the house using a sheet of roofing material or polyethylene, which is laid between them.

Further steps will vary depending on the fastening method you choose. If you decide to use anchors or studs, then you need to make holes in the wall and in the Mauerlat, matching each other in step.

To facilitate this process, use a board with marks for the holes. Alternatively, the studs can be fixed into the wall while laying the last row of bricks (blocks).
You need to insert bolts into the holes in the wall, and then simply place the Mauerlat on them.

Name of structural elements of a pitched roof

All that remains is to tighten it using nuts and washers for fastening the Mauerlat.
If the Mauerlat is planned to be mounted using wire, prudently installed in the top row of the wall masonry, then the process is significantly simplified. Then in the Mauerlat at a distance of at least 25 mm from the edge it is necessary to drill a through hole parallel to the edge of the beam. The ends of the wire are passed through it and tightened tightly.

Stage 2 - Installation of the rafter system

The pitched roof has a fairly simple rafter system in design.

Rafter system of a pitched roof

As rafters, either a beam of a smaller cross-section (up to 50 mm) or a board (5 x 15 cm) is used. It is necessary to take into account the nuance that the rafters must protrude beyond the wall level by at least 30 cm. This is necessary in order to protect the walls of a private house from rain and other precipitation.
To ensure a tight fit of the rafter legs to the mauerlat, it is necessary to make cutouts in the rafters for the base beam. The pitch for placing the rafters is selected based on the width of the insulation roll. The rafters are secured with nails (10 cm).

Stage 3 - Installation of sheathing

Now you need to fill the sheathing boards across the rafters. As a rule, small cross-section beams (up to 5 cm) are used for it. The sheathing pitch depends on the type of roofing material you choose. For example, when using rolled roofing materials, it is recommended to make the sheathing continuous. Installation of the sheathing is also carried out using nails (10 cm).

Stage 4 - Creating a roofing pie

At this stage, the main thing is to correctly follow the sequence of laying hydro-, steam- and heat-insulating materials. So, a waterproofing layer is laid on the sheathing, and steam and heat insulators are mounted on the inside of the roof (thermal insulation is adjacent to the sheathing, which is covered with waterproofing material on top). It turns out that the thermal insulation is closed between layers of vapor and water insulators.

Float:="" left="" margin:="">Installation of corrugated sheeting on a pitched roof

Let's start laying the waterproofing membrane. The peculiarities of its structure are such that it will not allow moisture from the outside to get onto the insulation layer, but at the same time, vapors from the heat-insulating layer will escape outside. The waterproofing is attached in the same way as a vapor barrier film. Finally, a pitched roof requires the installation of a finishing coating and drainage.

Construction of the roof of a private house

Before we talk about how to build the roof of a house with your own hands, let’s dwell a little on the existing types of roofs.

Scheme of a gable roof design for a house

Types of roofs of a private house

All roofs of private buildings are divided into two large groups: flat roofs and pitched roofs. The latter, in turn, are divided into single-, double- and four-slope, as well as broken and multi-gable. Let's look at each one separately.

Flat roof

Its undeniable advantages include the following:

  • It can be built quite simply and quickly;
  • Reliability and strength of the structure;
  • Long service life;
  • Original appearance (although many ordinary people try to argue with this statement made by experts);
  • Possibility of additional functional load on the roof (arrangement of an observation deck, a place for relaxation and sunbathing, a summer mini-garden, etc.).

However, despite all the advantages of flat roofs, there are also several significant disadvantages. Firstly, precipitation in the form of snow accumulates on such roofs, which requires regular cleaning.

Float:="" left="" margin:="">Design and installation of a pitched roof for a cottage

In addition, it is almost impossible to create an attic space on such roofs.

Gable roofs

A gable roof is very often used to cover private houses. It is especially relevant for small country houses. This is due to its advantages, which include the following:


Among the disadvantages of such roofs, one can highlight the need to install a ridge, as well as two drainage lines. In addition, if you compare gable roofs with single-pitch roofs, their weight will be greater, which requires adjustments in the calculation and construction of the foundation. In addition, making such a roof with your own hands is much more difficult than a pitched roof.

Hip roofs

In house designs, hipped roofs are not as common as gable roofs, although they have a more attractive appearance. This is due to the fact that such a roof structure is very complex in execution and its weight is very large.
But such roofs make it possible to create a more spacious and bright attic space inside, which will always be warm due to the fact that it will be heated on four sides.

Rafter system of a hipped roof

broken roofs

Broken roofs are the most popular type of roofing in private construction. This is due to the fact that, if built correctly, such a roof is practically free of disadvantages. But it has a lot of advantages:

  • Possibility of expanding the living space of the room due to the attic, equipped with a sloping roof;
  • Reduced level of heat loss through the roof;
  • Gives originality to the appearance of the house;
  • Under the arch of such a roof you can make a two-level attic.

There are also disadvantages that can be easily eliminated with proper roofing. These “disadvantages” include:


The roof windows themselves are more expensive than regular ones, which also cannot be attributed to the advantages of sloping roofs.

Multi-gable roofs

Houses with a multi-gable roof are original in their design and are suitable for private houses of any architectural form. But besides this, they also have the following advantages:

  • Reliability and durability, which is ensured by a special rafter structure;
  • Under the arch of such a roof it is possible to equip a spacious, comfortable attic, which will significantly increase the living space in the house;
  • Atmospheric precipitation does not accumulate on the roof, but flows off it through a complex system of gutters due to the steep angle of the roof slopes.

However, such a roof also has disadvantages, which boil down to the complexity of constructing a rafter system for a gable roof, an increased amount of building material, and also the complexity of arranging drainage systems.

Ready-made project for a two-story house with a multi-gable roof

You are unlikely to be able to build this type of roof on your own, and therefore in our article we will not dwell on it, as, in fact, on the rarely in demand - hipped roof.
Let us consider in detail the technology for constructing roofs such as single-pitched and gable roofs, since they are the most popular in private construction.

DIY pitched roof

Before you start building a pitched roof, you need to decide on several points.

Features of installation of pitched roofs

First, you need to understand where the only slope of the roof will be directed. Experts recommend that the non-windy side be considered a guideline for the direction of the roof slope. Secondly, you need to decide on the angle of the roof. Here it is worth adhering to the following pattern: the more precipitation falls in your area, the steeper the pitched roof needs to be made.

Installation of joists for a pitched roof frame

But you shouldn’t overdo it, because by increasing the angle of the roof, you increase the windage of the structure. Thirdly, depending on the chosen angle of inclination of the roof, it is necessary to decide on the type of roofing material. Thus, for different roof inclination angles, a variety of roofing materials are recommended:

Having decided on all the above parameters, you can begin building a pitched roof.

Materials and tools needed for construction

Construction of a pitched roof will require you to purchase the following building materials. First, you need to stock up on wooden beams for the rafter system, boards and nails for installing the structure.


Secondly, do not forget to purchase a wood preservative that protects it from insects, moisture, mold and mildew. Thirdly, purchase the required number of rolls of steam, hydro and thermal insulation, roofing material, as well as fasteners in order to install the roof.
As for tools, you don’t need any specialized tools; all you need is a hammer, a hacksaw, an axe, a stapler, a measuring tape, and a building level. In addition, you will need a knife, pencil and brush for working with wood.

Stages of construction of a pitched roof

The construction of a pitched roof comes down to several stages.

Stage 1 - Attaching the Mauerlat

Mauerlat is a beam that is the lowest part of the roof structure. It is mounted on the wall of the house and serves as a support for the rafters.

An example of fastening the Mauerlat of a pitched roof

It can be made from 10 x 15 cm timber, which is attached to the wall in one of the following ways: using wire, using construction pins or anchors. The sequence of installation of the Mauerlat is as follows. First of all, to ensure the durability of the roof, the Mauerlat must be waterproofed from the wall of the house using a sheet of roofing material or polyethylene, which is laid between them.

Further steps will vary depending on the fastening method you choose. If you decide to use anchors or studs, then you need to make holes in the wall and in the Mauerlat, matching each other in step.

To facilitate this process, use a board with marks for the holes. Alternatively, the studs can be fixed into the wall while laying the last row of bricks (blocks).
You need to insert bolts into the holes in the wall, and then simply place the Mauerlat on them.

Name of structural elements of a pitched roof

All that remains is to tighten it using nuts and washers for fastening the Mauerlat.
If the Mauerlat is planned to be mounted using wire, prudently installed in the top row of the wall masonry, then the process is significantly simplified. Then in the Mauerlat at a distance of at least 25 mm from the edge it is necessary to drill a through hole parallel to the edge of the beam. The ends of the wire are passed through it and tightened tightly.

Stage 2 - Installation of the rafter system

The pitched roof has a fairly simple rafter system in design.

Rafter system of a pitched roof

As rafters, either a beam of a smaller cross-section (up to 50 mm) or a board (5 x 15 cm) is used. It is necessary to take into account the nuance that the rafters must protrude beyond the wall level by at least 30 cm. This is necessary in order to protect the walls of a private house from rain and other precipitation.
To ensure a tight fit of the rafter legs to the mauerlat, it is necessary to make cutouts in the rafters for the base beam. The pitch for placing the rafters is selected based on the width of the insulation roll. The rafters are secured with nails (10 cm).

Stage 3 - Installation of sheathing

Now you need to fill the sheathing boards across the rafters. As a rule, small cross-section beams (up to 5 cm) are used for it. The sheathing pitch depends on the type of roofing material you choose. For example, when using rolled roofing materials, it is recommended to make the sheathing continuous. Installation of the sheathing is also carried out using nails (10 cm).

Stage 4 - Creating a roofing pie

At this stage, the main thing is to correctly follow the sequence of laying hydro-, steam- and heat-insulating materials. So, a waterproofing layer is laid on the sheathing, and steam and heat insulators are mounted on the inside of the roof (thermal insulation is adjacent to the sheathing, which is covered with waterproofing material on top). It turns out that the thermal insulation is closed between layers of vapor and water insulators.

Float:="" left="" margin:="">Installation of corrugated sheeting on a pitched roof

Let's start laying the waterproofing membrane. The peculiarities of its structure are such that it will not allow moisture from the outside to get onto the insulation layer, but at the same time, vapors from the heat-insulating layer will escape outside. The waterproofing is attached in the same way as a vapor barrier film. Finally, a pitched roof requires the installation of a finishing coating and drainage.

Roof installation is a multi-step, complex process. To independently install and assemble a rafter system, you will need to thoroughly study the methods of connecting elements, select the necessary materials, and calculate the angle of inclination and length of the rafters. Step-by-step instructions will help you make a roof with your own hands.

Roofing device

Having chosen a design for a gable roof, we proceed to design. You can create a project with drawing documentation yourself, if you have computer skills and knowledge of architectural programs (for example, ArchiCAD.) If you don’t have them, it’s better to seek advice and help from a professional. You can delegate all project work to specialized organizations.

You need to know the structural elements and materials for its construction in order to understand how to make a gable roof with your own hands.

A standard gable roof consists of the following elements:

Choosing a rafter system

When deciding how to make a gable roof, you should choose what the rafter system will be. A hanging rafter system is chosen when the distance between the external walls is no more than 10 m and there is no load-bearing wall in the middle. With this system, the upper ends of adjacent rafters are sawn at an angle, connecting them with nails. The installation of beam ridges and racks is excluded. From below, the rafter legs rest on the external walls. The absence of racks allows you to use the attic space for arranging an attic. The function of tie bars is often performed by floor beams. To organize the upper structure, it is recommended to install the tie from the ridge at a distance of 50 cm.

It is more justified to equip a layered rafter system if there is a supporting central wall. A bench is laid on the wall and support posts are attached to it, and a ridge beam is nailed to them. This installation method is economical and easy to implement if the ceilings in the interior are designed at different levels. The attic is divided into two halves by a brick wall.

Mauerlat installation

The assembly of the rafter system begins with the installation of the Mauerlat strictly horizontally. Before you begin installation, you must carefully check the walls to which it is attached. If necessary, they are leveled with cement mortar. Work can continue when the solution reaches 50% strength.

Depending on the system, the Mauerlat can be a board measuring 50*150mm or a beam with a section of 150*150. It is attached to the top row of the wall masonry. In a wooden structure, its role is played by the upper crown.

If the walls are made of aerated concrete or foam concrete, a reinforced concrete reinforced belt must be made on top of the last row to redistribute the load. Embedded fasteners - pins or wire - are embedded into it. A board or beam is placed on them.

There are several ways to connect the Mauerlat and walls:

The distance between the wire (studs) should be less than 120 cm. Under the Mauerlat on the wall, cut-off waterproofing must be laid: hydrosols lm roofing material rolled in two layers. Can be coated with bitumen mastic.

Installation of rafters

First, you need to decide on the required cross-section of construction legs. This value is calculated depending on the distance between the rafters and their length. It is important to consider the use of insulation. The distance between the rafters should be such that there is no need to waste time and effort on cutting the insulating material.

There are several types of rafter systems (more than a dozen). Having chosen the one that suits you best, you should make a template from thin boards for notches, cuts and other details. Often the first mold is made on the roof, then a template is made from it.

The assembly procedure varies depending on the type of rafter system. Sloping rafters are installed gradually. They are assembled from elements on the roof. It is very convenient in this case if the ceiling beams and rough attic flooring have already been laid.

For a hanging rafter system, the truss is assembled on the ground. It consists of a triangle of rafter legs and a tie with all the posts and struts. First you will need to draw up a drawing, calculating the connection angle and the length of the rafters. Typically the roof angle is 35-40 degrees. However, in heavily blown, open areas it is done less - 15-20 degrees. To determine the angle of connection of the rafters, you need to multiply the angle of inclination of the roof by 2.

The length of the rafter legs is calculated based on the connection angle and the length of the run between the external walls. Taking into account the eaves overhang(50−60 cm wide), it is most often 4−6 m.

The upper ends of the rafters are secured in different ways:

They are fixed with bolts or metal plates. Next, install the upper and lower ties.

Having collected the required number of trusses, they are lifted onto the roof and attached to the Mauerlat. The outer trusses are attached first. The rafters are aligned vertically using a plumb line, adjusting the length of the overhang. The truss must be strengthened with temporary timber jibs so that it does not move during the installation process.

Having secured all the trusses, a board with a cross-section of 50*150mm, 20-30 cm longer than the cornice, is nailed to the upper edges of the slope. The same work is carried out on the other side of the roof.

Roof insulation

When thinking about how to make a gable roof, you should pay due attention to heat and vapor barrier. Parallel to the ridge girder, rolled material is rolled out and attached to the rafters from the inside. The joints are overlapped and sealed with tape.

The space between the rafters is filled with insulation from above- mineral wool.

To protect the thermal insulation from moisture, under-roof waterproofing should be installed. It is nailed to the outside of the rafters or secured with staples.

Manufacturing of sheathing

The final stage in the construction of a gable roof is the construction of the sheathing. To do this, use dry timber without knots and cracks. The sheathing bars are nailed to the bottom of the eaves. Two boards near the ridge are attached without a gap. To check the strength of the lathing, a person weighing 70-80 kg can stand on it. If done well, the grille will not bend.

Boards for sheathing a gable roof are selected depending on the type of roof:

The next stage is covering the rafter system with boards. They are stuffed starting from the roof eaves perpendicular to the slats. The sheathing pitch depends on the angle the slope of the slopes and the type of roofing. The larger the angle, the greater the distance between the boards.

Having completed the installation of the sheathing, they begin to sheath the overhangs and gables. The gables are covered with boards, clapboard, plastic panels, corrugated sheets or waterproof plywood. It depends on personal preference and financial capabilities. The sheathing is attached to the side of the rafters using screws and nails as fasteners. The lights are also hemmed with different materials, from siding to wood.

The main nuances that must be taken into account when making a rafter system with your own hands

Roofing is the final stage of construction, which requires strict adherence to and implementation of building rules and regulations. The main task of the design is to provide protection from the negative effects of natural phenomena (snow, rain, wind), as well as to give and complement the image of the house. With high-quality work, the roof of a house can provide high noise insulation, waterproofing and act as a thermal barrier. In this article we will tell you what the construction of the roof of a private house consists of, and also consider what types of structures there are.

Roofing is the final stage of construction, which requires strict adherence to and implementation of building rules and regulations. The main task of the design is to provide protection from the negative effects of natural phenomena (snow, rain, wind), as well as to give and complement the image of the house. With high-quality work, the roof of a house can provide high noise insulation, waterproofing and act as a thermal barrier. In this article we will tell you what it consists of, and also look at what designs there are.

Types of structures in private houses

The design and construction of the roof in a private house can be pitched or flat. As a rule, flat structures are used in countries with hot climates, and pitched structures are more common. This is due to the fact that a pitched roof does not retain precipitation on the surface. In the design of a pitched roof, an angle of 10 degrees or more must be observed, and the structure of the roof itself makes it possible to equip an attic. Designs can be:

  • single-pitched;
  • gable;
  • hipped hipped roofs;
  • four-slope hip;
  • attic;
  • tent;
  • spire-shaped.

For information! The roof structure of a private attic-type house can be insulated or cold; the non-attic type can be an unventilated, partially or fully ventilated room.

Device and design

In the process of designing a future structure, you must immediately decide on the type of roof for the house. You can build the roof of a private house yourself; to do this, you need to use special architectural programs or contact a company that will help you choose a roof design and also recommend roofing materials. If you decide to build the roof yourself, it is recommended that you carefully study the manual, which will describe step by step how to design a roof. Experts recommend starting construction on a small project; this will help avoid possible mistakes and significantly save costs on the purchase of building materials.

For information! Roof structures and rafter systems must be strong and reliable, because If heavy material is used, the walls and foundation of the house may be damaged.

Today, the roof of a private house can be made of wood, metal, reinforced concrete and steel. Do-it-yourself roof construction consists of the following steps:

  • mounting the Mauerlat;
  • assembly and installation of the sling system;
  • installation of horizontal couplers;
  • laying waterproofing;
  • fixing the rafters on the ridge;
  • installation of sheathing;
  • finishing treatment of the front side of the surface.

Important! The rafter system can be hanging or layered. For the roofs of private houses with several spans, both types of rafter systems are used, i.e. where there is no place for support, hanging ones are used, and where there is support, layered ones are used.

The photo shows a diagram of the roof of a house with a layered and hanging rafter system

The roof and structure are fixed to the walls of the house using special construction pins, and support niches are installed under the rafter system, which are connected to each other with strong steel wire. The following factors influence the choice of roof and design:

  • size and shape of the future structure;
  • the presence of internal load-bearing walls;
  • presence of an attic;
  • appearance of the structure.

Rafter systems for roofs of private houses must meet the following requirements:

  • the rafters must be strong and reliable, this allows you to evenly distribute the load on the walls of the house;
  • the material used for the roof of the house should be light;
  • the rafter system must exclude possible thrust on the building;
  • When constructing a rafter system, it is necessary to use high-quality materials, because Repair or replacement is quite expensive.

The roof structure plays an important role in the design of the architecture of the house. As a rule, specialists use a roof covering that prevents water stagnation and is not deformable (corrugated wall, arched, soft sheet tiles). Therefore, when designing a house, it is important to initially take into account not only the type of future structure, but also decide on the material.

Roofing device

The roof for a private house is an important element, the installation of which completes the entire structure of the building. The roof of a house can have a different slope, and the choice of roofing material depends on this. The roof structure can be:

  • single-layer - it can be made from asbestos-cement, polymer and metal sheets or tiles;
  • multilayer - rolled material or wooden products (shingles, shingles, planks) are laid on the roof.

When using multilayer materials, the number of layers can be from 2 to 5, it all depends on the type of roofing material. In practice, the roof is a complex structure; in appearance it is a multilayer sandwich consisting of several layers. The sandwich consists of: waterproofing, vapor barrier, wind protection, insulation and other important components. The photo shows the roof diagram

A properly designed roof of a house and a high-quality roof provide reliable protection of the structure from condensation, insulates heat and allows ventilation of the under-roof space.

Construction of a house roof

When the design documentation is ready and the material has been purchased, the construction of the rafter system is carried out. The roof of a house begins with the manufacture of the necessary structural elements. Installation consists of the following steps:

  • the mauerlat is laid and fastened to the longitudinal and load-bearing walls, they are secured using anchor bolts;
  • Next, a rafter template is made, for this, two boards are connected using nails, the free edges are fixed to the mauerlat, the desired angle level is selected by spreading the boards;

Important! When fixing the rafter system template, the ridge must be in the center; to avoid errors in the design, it is necessary to use a plumb line.

  • the finished template is fixed to the beams and cut to the desired angle;
  • when the first rafters are ready, they should be connected and fixed with nails at their intersection;
  • then the finished rafters are lifted and installed, after which you can move on to the next production of parts;
  • the second rafters are mounted in another part of the building;
  • a construction cord is stretched between the installed rafters, which must be stretched horizontally;
  • then the remaining rafters are made and installed along a stretched construction cord, taking into account the step prescribed in the project;
  • The final stage is the installation of support posts; this design will give greater strength and stability.

For information! To firmly fix all elements of the rafter system, experts recommend using stamped metal parts.

When the rafter system is installed, you can begin to insulate the roof.

The roof of a house is an important element of the structure; if the structure is calculated and installed correctly, it will last a long time, provide protection and comfort for living.

Roof roofing scheme: considering options

One of the last stages of private house construction is the installation of the roof of a private house, the correct design of which is of particular importance. The roof performs many different functions, but one of its main purposes is to protect the interior of the building from natural phenomena: wind, sun, precipitation. Not a single building, especially residential buildings, can do without roofing structures, during the construction of which it is important to avoid even the most basic mistakes inherent in inexperienced builders. Otherwise, after a few years of operation of the house, the roof will have to be repaired.

And repairing a roof structure is quite a labor-intensive job, accompanied by a number of difficulties, infringement on the comfort of living for a given period, and, of course, additional financial costs. Therefore, before installing the roof of a private house, you need a diagram with a detailed reflection of all the structural elements of the roof, the building materials used, and other details.

It is also important to understand that the safety of the residents of the house will depend on the quality of installation of the roof of the house with your own hands. Before using a specific roofing structure scheme, you can first study their features from photographs on the Internet.

When constructing private houses, pitched roof structures are often used to cover them, which can be single-pitched or multi-pitched.

The shed roof drawing is used mainly for small simple outbuildings.

Options for roofing schemes for private housing construction

  • Gable roofs. Types of multi-slope roofing structures
  • Hipdesigns– envelope roofs according to the hipped roof scheme, when two slopes are made in the shape of a trapezoid, the other two in the form of a triangle. They are most often used to cover houses in the southern regions, as they are distinguished by their excellent ability to withstand significant wind loads.
  • Half hip roofs. This is a subtype of a hip structure, in which the length of the side slopes along the slope line is less than the main slopes. Most of these structures are located in regions with unfavorable climate conditions.
  • Hip roofs. Their design consists of four triangular slopes, the tops of which connect at one point.
  • Broken roof structures. Such roofs are classified as gable roofs and consist of four surfaces that intersect each other at an obtuse angle.
  • Multi-gable roofs. Such roofs have a rather complex design scheme, which is most often used to cover elite-class houses with a complex geometric configuration.

Pitched roofs, depending on their design features, are divided into attic and non-attic roofs. In the first case, an attic space is installed between the ceiling and the roof (separate type of pitched roof). In the second case, all load-bearing components of the roof structure are also the ceiling of the outermost floor of the building (combined type of pitched roof).

To cover private houses, an attic-type roofing design is often used.

The most common type of construction, under which any roofing material can be used. Such a roof is quite simple in terms of its installation, but at the same time reliable and durable.

When constructing roofs with an attic space, it is worth considering the following details:

Particular attention must be paid to the parameters of floor spans. If the width is sufficiently large, then the rafter leg should have a maximum cross-section. For example, the span of a pitched roof is 5 meters, then the cross-section of the timber used to make the rafters should be 15x5 cm, and the installation step should be about one meter.

If you make a partial section of the roof with attic space, you can consider its main components:

  • roofing surface material;
  • ridge beam;
  • load-bearing internal wall;
  • rafter legs;
  • support posts;
  • Mauerlat;
  • struts;
  • sheathing;
  • metal fasteners.

Be sure to take into account the slope angle. A roof that has slopes at a large angle will be freed from precipitation faster, since water and snow are not able to stay on such a surface. Therefore, for roofs with a slope of 50º or more, rafters with a smaller cross-section can be used than for roofs with a slope of less than 20º. This data must be reflected in the roof structure arrangement plan.

It is also worth remembering the service life of individual parts of the roofing structure, depending on the building material used for their manufacture. For example, load-bearing elements made of natural wood can serve for about 30 years without loss of initial strength, structures made of reinforced concrete - 50 years. With proper organization of the wooden rafter system and proper care during operation, it can not be replaced for 100 years. When choosing the design of a future roof, you need to take into account the expected conditions of its operation.

When designing a roof scheme, its thermal properties must be taken into account.

When calculating the cross-section of timber for a rafter system, you also need to take into account the mass of the roofing “pie”.

Structural features of the attic roof

  • In order to prevent deflection of the construction legs in the case of manufacturing rafters of insufficient cross-section when calculating the required roofing material, the truss must be equipped with additional support posts, struts, and tie-downs.
  • When calculating the roof, it is necessary to take into account the possibility of the roofing material being torn off by strong gusts of wind. To prevent this, the rafter legs must be secured with staples and additional steel wire (with a cross-section of up to 8 mm, but not less than 4 mm).
  • To make the roof ridge purlin, it is recommended to use logs (boards in the most extreme case, the thickness of which should be 5 cm or more).
  • If the roof scheme is for an attic structure, then the tie-downs are not arranged, they will be compensated for by the overlap of the floors, which will subsequently serve as the floor base of the attic.
  • The density of the sheathing will depend on the roofing used, the main building materials for which are logs (boards) and planks. The main purpose of the lathing is to take on the load from the entire roof covering and then transfer it to the rafter system.
  • Depending on the type of roof being installed, the sheathing can be sparse or continuous. The peculiarity of the continuous type of lathing is as follows: it is made of two layers; a gap of no more than 2 mm is allowed between the boards. In this case, the first layer is sparse, the second relative to the first is mounted at an angle of 45º. This is due to the peculiarities of laying certain types of roofing materials. When arranging a sparse type of sheathing, a distance of 6 to 14 cm can be maintained between the boards (depending on the snow cover of the region in which the house is being built).
  • You also need to remember that continuous sheathing is always performed on the roof slopes and the joints of the rafter system.

The main features of the roof structure are necessarily reflected when drawing up the diagram.

When planning to cover the roof of a house with your own hands, it is necessary to take into account that when choosing a scheme for its arrangement, you should rely not only on the conditions of its further operation, but also on your own financial capabilities.

Scheme of the structure of the roof truss system

The roof scheme includes a large number of structural elements, the number of which depends on the type of roof and the roofing material used. The basis of the roof of a private house is the roof truss system.

The roof is an integral part of the house, as it is what protects it from the scorching sun and precipitation.

Features and functions of roofs

Roofs of private houses are divided into several different categories, which differ in several criteria:

  • shape;
  • structural elements;
  • complexity of the device and some others.

Dependence of materials on the angle of inclination of the roof.

The choice of roofing scheme during construction depends on many factors, the main of which are the following:

  • amount of precipitation;
  • structural strength;
  • interior layout;
  • the presence or absence of living rooms in the attic under the roof.

The roof of a building is designed to perform several functions, the most important of which are:

  • providing hydro- and sound insulation;
  • wind protection;
  • function of a thermal barrier between the internal and external atmosphere.

The durability of the structure depends on the quality of the materials used in the roofing and the quality of assembly. The costs of operating the roof and those required to heat the premises of the house depend on the quality of materials.

Variety of roof designs

The choice of roof scheme is carried out at the design stage of private housing construction. A house can have a roof, the design of which can be flat or pitched, attic or without attic.

In the construction industry, the following types of house roofs are distinguished:

  • single-pitched;
  • gable;
  • hip;
  • multi-pincer;
  • attic;
  • tent;
  • domed;
  • cone-shaped;
  • flat.

Shed roof types have a slope angle of about 20-30°. The attic roof has planes that are mounted at angles from 40 to 60° in the lower segment of the structure and 25-30° in the upper segment.

The tent design involves the arrangement of 4 to 8 planes, which facilitates better removal of various types of precipitation from the surface of the roofing material.

A beautiful roof is constructed if it is made up of several gable elements or combined from elements of various roofing structures. However, such structures require appropriate maintenance during operation, which is not an easy task, since the more complex the device, the more expensive the cost of operating the roof.

The most common types of arrangement of a private house are single-pitch, gable, hip and attic structures.

The most common types of roofs for private housing construction

The basis of any roofing device is the rafter system, which sets the shape of the roof and ensures the distribution of the applied loads. The financial costs of repair work and operation of the structure depend on the correct choice and structure of the rafter system.

Gable roof rafter system.

  1. The structure of a single-pitch type roofing scheme is the simplest. But such a scheme in the construction of residential buildings is extremely rare, since when it is used, the load on the system that drains rainfall increases significantly. Such systems have an unpresentable appearance. Most often, pitched roofs are used in the construction of outbuildings with a small area. When using this system, it is necessary to ensure the installation of enhanced drainage with high throughput.
  2. Gable devices, like single-pitch ones, have a fairly simple design. This type of rafter system is the most common among private housing construction, during the construction of low-rise buildings. The design of such a structure allows the use of almost any roofing materials.
  3. The four-slope, or hip, structure is most common in southern latitudes. This rafter system does not have gables; dormer windows in the roof are most often located at the intersection of the ridge with the hip ribs. The hip system is a much more complex structure than the gable system. The use of this rafter system makes the building attractive.
  4. The multi-tongs type is distinguished by a large number of different design variations, which depend on the size of the tongs used, called pediments. The construction of such a structure should only be carried out by a specialist, since this system has some design difficulties and requires the precise execution of all necessary work.
  5. The attic roofing scheme is used in cases where it is planned to arrange a living space in the attic under the roof. This option has a broken profile, which complicates the construction of the rafter system. Very often, such a rafter system is a variation of the structure of a multi-gable or gable roof.

Choosing the type and shape of roofing for house construction

When choosing the type and shape of a roofing scheme, factors that affect the performance properties of the system should be taken into account. First of all, you should pay special attention to the slope angle of the plane of the rafter system. In areas with a predominance of snowy periods, systems that have simple and steep shapes should be selected. The fact is that such shapes and angles of inclination of the planes do not allow snow cover to linger on the surface, and this, in turn, reduces the load on the roof.

When building a household in areas with windy weather, it is necessary to choose a tilt angle that is greater, the stronger the load. Additionally, when choosing a roofing system and type, you should take into account the fire safety requirements that apply to the load-bearing roofing system of the house.

Structure of the truss structure

Half hip roof rafter system.

Experts divide the loads exerted on the rafter system into two types - variable and constant. Constant loads depend on the weight of the elements used in the structure. The variables are the loads exerted on the structure by the weight of a person on the roof, snow lying on the roof in winter, and wind load.

Snow and wind loads exerted on rafter systems are determined using special load maps that are attached to building codes.

The main elements of the truss structure of private housing construction are the following:

  • rafter leg;
  • puff;
  • Mauerlat;
  • run;
  • rack;
  • sill;
  • strut;
  • wind beam;
  • filly;
  • truss;
  • narozhnik.

Rafter system of a pitched roof.

The elements perform the following functions:

  1. The rafter leg, or rafter, creates the angle of inclination of the roofing plane. This element is a support for the roof. The rafter is influenced by forces that tend to bend it and rotate it to a horizontal position.
  2. The tightening ensures the connection of the lower ends of the rafters, which are located opposite each other. This element is designed to prevent the rafter legs from spreading.
  3. The Mauerlat is a beam fixed to the outer wall. This structural element serves as a support for the lower ends of the rafter legs. The purpose of this structural element is to uniformly distribute the load on the walls.
  4. The purlin is a beam on which the rafters rest in the upper part.
  5. The racks provide support for the purlin and absorb vertical loads. The racks rest on internal load-bearing walls or on a bench.
  6. A bench is a beam that is laid on the wall.
  7. Struts are used to prevent deflection of rafter legs.
  8. The wind beam is a board that connects the rafter legs on the slopes. The board is attached to the rafters. The wind beam provides increased stability of the rafter structure to the wind loads exerted on it, which are directed along the ridge girder.
  9. The filly provides the creation of a roof overhang and is made of boards or timber.
  10. The sprengel is a beam that is laid on the corners of the house, supported by adjacent sides of the mauerlat.
  11. Narozhnik is a shortened rafter.

All of the listed elements are found in almost all rafter systems.

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To save money, owners of country houses prefer to do some of the construction work themselves. How to make a roof in a private house is a question many developers ask. But before carrying out work, you should study all the information about roofs. You need to know what roofs exist, familiarize yourself with their shapes and design features. It's no secret that these elements perform many functions. The range of their characteristics is not limited to protecting the interior of the house from the penetration of moisture, cold air currents and snow. Our article will tell you all about the features of roofs, and will also describe in detail the construction of the roof.

Roof installation of a private house and its types

Modern construction has found application for various types of house roofs. Of course, each type requires an individual one. Let's talk about the most common ones, as well as their advantages and features.


DIY roof of a private house: preparation

In addition to choosing the type of roof, think about what material will be used to cover it (more details: ""). Based on this, the parameters of the rafter system are determined. The weight of the roof covering affects its pressure and loads. Therefore, it is important to resolve the issue with the method of fastening the roofing elements. Finally, it is worth deciding on additional parts of the rafter system.

The best option for calculating the material for the rafter system and roofing is to have a roof drawing. The diagram usually indicates all the fastening points of the rafter system. They, in turn, strengthen the elements.


The roof made of ceramic tiles has the greatest weight. The rafter system and foundation (+ walls) must take into account the weight of this material. Coniferous wood is most often used for the rafter system. At the same time, its humidity should be no more than 20%. The wood should not contain knots or blue stains.

Tools for arranging the rafter system:

  • vapor barrier material;
  • waterproofing film;
  • insulation material;
  • iron staples;
  • self-tapping screws, nails, screws;
  • roofing tools.

How to build a roof for a private house: rafter system



The design of the rafter system involves supporting the lower end of the rafters on the mauerlat. In this case, the upper end rests on both the ridge and the opposite rafter. As a result, trusses are created. They are connected using a ridge beam or two boards that form a ridge. To strengthen the rafter legs, special struts, struts, jibs, braces and crossbars are installed. All these elements make the rafter structure quite rigid and durable.


When installing a gable roof, the first two structures of the rafter system (triangles) must be assembled on the ground. Only after complete assembly can they be lifted onto the roof. Spacers are used for temporary strengthening. Then, the elements are connected using ridge beams or boards on both sides. Next, the remaining rafter legs are installed. For the convenience of workers, floor beams are usually laid on the mauerlat. Temporary flooring must also be present.

To fasten the rafter system, not only mortises and notches are used, but also iron staples, metal corners, screws and nails. The rigid frame of the rafter system will be provided by struts, crossbars, ties and stops. Sometimes it becomes necessary to lengthen the rafter legs. In this case, the first step is to splice two rafter boards. Short pieces are installed at the joint on both sides.

Roof structure of a private house: sheathing

Having finished installing the rafters, you can fill the sheathing. To arrange it you will need boards (2.5 cm thick) or bars. The sheathing can be either continuous or have gaps. But before that, waterproofing should be laid along the rafters. When creating a living room in the attic, it is best to insulate the roof in advance. The insulation is installed in the space between the rafters. The material can be mineral wool or polystyrene foam.


To create a “warm” living space in the attic, lay insulation in a double layer. The thickness of one layer should not be less than 50 mm. The insulation layer helps absorb noise from outside the room. A vapor barrier membrane is laid on the insulation. It protects the material from the formation of condensation on it. To avoid spending extra money on repairing the roof of a private house, follow all the instructions and recommendations. Try to lay the layers of the roofing pie correctly.

Roof arrangement

Perhaps the main stage of all work. Arranging the frame with roofing material is a very important procedure. Today you can find a wide range of materials to suit every taste and price category. The most affordable and reliable material is slate. However, many are confused by his appearance. As an alternative, you can use modern polymer versions of slate - Euroslate or Ondulin.

Today, more and more often, developers give preference to another roofing material - metal tiles. The coating is relatively inexpensive, but at the same time it attracts buyers with its appearance and excellent performance characteristics. The disadvantage of metal tile coating is the low level of sound absorption.

Roof shapes, professional advice, details on video:

Thus, the roofs of houses are done both by one’s own hands and by specialists. But it is worth noting that the first option can sometimes outperform the work of experienced installers. This is due to the fact that the owners of country houses are trying to do high-quality roofing work. It is logical that a well-designed and executed roof will last for many years, so it is worth ordering from trusted specialists. At the same time, it is very important not to waste your financial resources on additional repairs. It’s better to carry out all the work efficiently once and arrange a comfortable home for yourself and your loved ones.

Having finished assembling the roof, you can begin arranging the drainage system. You can learn how to carry out such work from the article: "". We recommend watching photo and video materials on this topic in order to keep abreast of all the innovations in the construction market.

Many people want to have their own country house, where they can go on weekends and relax from the hustle and bustle of the city. Construction must begin with drawing up a project. However, special attention must be paid to creating a plan for the roof of the building.

Roof design

Roof designs today are created using special computer programs. If you have no experience in this matter, it is recommended to use the services of qualified architects, most of whom are able to offer ready-made roof options for private buildings. The appropriate option should be chosen based on personal preferences.

In the case of independently developing a roof construction plan, it is important to know its structure, as well as what materials should be used in a particular case. It is important to understand why each part of the roof is needed. If you don’t have knowledge of roof construction, you won’t be able to create a high-quality project. The main elements of the roof include the following:

  1. Lathing. Insulating material and roofing are attached to this part. The sheathing is attached to the rafter supports.

    The sheathing serves as the basis for fixing the insulation and roofing material

  2. Internal supports. They are installed so that the load from the roof can be distributed equally over the entire building structure.
  3. Ridge run. The rafters will be attached to this part. It is a long, often composite, beam of large cross-section.

    The ridge purlin sets the upper boundary of the roof and forms the junction of two slopes

  4. Rafters. They form the roof frame and are the basis for the sheathing. Can be layered or hanging type. If you plan to make a project with hanging rafters, then the two outer supports should be used as the basis for them. Elements can work in bending and compression. Hanging rafters are used mainly for attic buildings. Rafter legs of the layered type should rest on both extreme points of the supporting parts and on several internal ones. Elements can only work in bending.

    Layered rafters are installed if the house has a permanent partition

  5. Diagonal ligaments. With their help, the rafters and mauerlat are fastened together. Also called braces.
  6. Mauerlat. These are special slats that are laid along the lower perimeter of the structure. The rafter system will rest on them. Mounts flush with the wall. The elements should be carefully waterproofed from the wall side.

    The Mauerlat is laid along the upper end of the walls and serves as a connecting link between the building frame and the roofing system

  7. Roofing material. The outer part of the roof, which performs a decorative function and protects the building from atmospheric influences.

    Roofing material is the finishing coating for which the entire roof frame is assembled

The parts are fastened to each other by small pins called ruffs. In addition, in some cases, support niches are cut out under the rafter legs, which are fastened with steel wire approximately 4–6 mm thick.

To build a rafter system, you should use high-quality wood. Sometimes you can find metal structures, but wood is a more affordable material. For rafter supports, timber from 40x150 mm to 100x250 mm is used. The choice of material sizes will depend on the distance between the supports, the design load and the design features of the roof. The cross-section of the rafters is determined based on their length.

Table: roof material parameters

Roof shapes

In individual construction, there are several roof forms:

  1. Flat roof. Such a design becomes advantageous if an attic space is planned underneath it, rather than a full-fledged attic. It can be warm: since the slope is minimal, it is possible to lay a large amount of insulating material. The roof can be used for buildings of any configuration, even those in which the pitched roof seems broken and large. Flat roofs are often made to be used. Additional space for relaxation can be organized on it. However, the design of such a roof must include a snow melting system that will prevent the accumulation of snow and ice in large quantities. The design is not popular in Russia, so few companies are able to competently draw up a project for such a roof.

    Flat roofs are often used for exploitation: they are used for gardens, greenhouses, recreation areas and even parking lots.

  2. Roof with one slope. This design is the easiest to make. It is suitable for buildings with a span of 6–7 m. The tilt direction to the north will allow you to create large windows on the southern part of the facade. To the south, it is recommended to install solar collectors along the entire base of the roof. This type of construction allows the use of large sheet roofing materials. A roof with one slope is suitable for both large buildings and small buildings - garages or verandas. The project can provide for the presence of several structures with a single slope, which are combined into a single structure and have slopes in different directions. The slope should be small so that there is no need to build walls that are too high.

    When installing a pitched roof, there is always a compromise: the angle of inclination cannot be made too large so as not to build a very high front wall, but it must ensure free drainage of precipitation

  3. Roof with two slopes. This design is the most popular and affordable. The roof ideally covers any structure, forming a triangular-shaped superstructure. It is recommended to choose a gable roof if you want to arrange an attic space. Windows located in the gables will be able to provide the proper level of ventilation and illumination. For an attic room, a modified variation of a gable roof is quite often used - a broken structure, which is distinguished by a steeper slope of the lower part (70–80° compared to the upper 28–30°). This makes it possible to significantly increase the area of ​​the attic. A roof with two slopes also includes a vaulted structure, which is built in a circle. This type of roofing can decorate the protruding parts of the building.

    A gable roof allows you to arrange an attic space

  4. Half hip roof. This option is reliable and low-cost financially. The attic can be ventilated and illuminated using windows in the gables. Half-hip roofs are classified as types of buildings with two slopes.

    The half-hip roof structure has gables, with the help of which the attic can be illuminated and ventilated

  5. Hip roof. It has good resistance to wind loads. Quite often, such roof designs are used to cover buildings of a significant area and improve their appearance. This is a complex product that must have dormer and roof windows. They provide the necessary level of lighting and ventilation.

    The hip roof must have dormers and dormer windows.

  6. Hip roof. This is a subtype of hip roof. It is suitable only for square-shaped buildings - towers and gazebos.

    Hip roof is only suitable for square shaped buildings

  7. Broken hip roof. Combines the useful properties of two systems - broken and hip. It is advisable to build it if you plan to build a large, presentable house. The design is quite difficult to implement. Its main advantages include the ability to profitably manage the usable space of the attic and its excellent appearance.

    A sloping hip roof is suitable for large private houses

In the process of drawing up a project, it is necessary to take into account the material from which the roof is made. At the moment, you can find many types of roofing on sale:

  • iron;
  • cement-sand tiles;
  • slate;
  • reeds, straw or reeds;
  • wooden shingles;
  • metal tiles;
  • roofing felt;
  • metal profile.

How to determine roof slope

The slope of the structure is influenced by the type of roofing material. To simplify the calculation, you can use a special scheme, which makes it possible to select the roof material based on its slope.

The slope of the roof depends on many factors, including the covering material.

If the slope is from 0 to 25%, then materials in rolls can be used to cover the roof. If the angle of inclination is in the range of 12–25%, then installation of one layer is allowed, for example, material with filling. On roofs with a slope of less than 28%, it is possible to lay corrugated sheets of asbestos cement. Slate is most suitable. If the angle of inclination is more than 33%, then tiles are often used.

Once the angle of inclination of the roof and the material for covering the structure have been determined, it is necessary to calculate the height of the ridge. To do this, a mathematical method is used: you need to take the span width of the building and divide it by 2. The result is multiplied by a relative indicator, which is taken from the table.

Table: dependence of the relative indicator on the roof slope

For example, with a span width of 8 m and a slope of 25°, the height of the ridge will be 8 / 2 x 0.47 = 1.88 m.

In the process of drawing up a roof project, it is important to consider the following rules:

  1. The calculated wind load is 35 kg/m2. If the slope of the rafters is more than 30°, then an auxiliary structure should be installed in order to increase the resistance.
  2. The calculated snow load will depend on the slope of the slope. If it is less than 60°, then it will be at least 180 kg/m 3. If the slope is greater, then the load is most often not taken into account.
  3. To strengthen the structure, it is allowed to use iron elements. To protect them from moisture, rust or condensation, they should be treated with special products.

Designing the roof of a large house

If you plan to build a large private house, then it is not recommended to use a pitched roof. If you still want to make it, you should consider having several pitched roofs. They will need to be combined and placed at an angle in different directions. If you do not want to build high walls, then the roof should not have a large slope.

From an aesthetic point of view, the best solution is to use a hip sloping roof. It must be provided with dormer and dormer windows so that the roof can be ventilated.

If you plan to make a hip sloping roof, you should take care of installing dormer windows

In such a design, you can make an attic floor, which will add usable space to the building. When placing a dormer window, care must be taken to:

  • the roof angle was more than 35°;
  • the dimensions of the valves ranged from 80x60 to 120x80 cm;
  • the superstructure above the roof opening was removed from the outer walls a short distance.

To equip roof dormers, you can use the following facing materials:

  • tiles;
  • copper sheets;
  • sheets of steel.

In the process of drawing up a roof project, you will need to make a separate drawing of the dormer windows. When creating a project, you need to consider the following nuances:

  • the width of the opening for such a window should be more than half the width of the attic room;
  • the supports must be the same thickness as the roof rafters;
  • Frame elements should be secured with steel fasteners.

Video: roof dormer window project

Roof project for a chalet house

Chalet-style buildings were first made by residents of settlements in the Alps, but at the moment they can be seen in Western Europe, the USA, Canada and some regions of Russia.

A gable roof is suitable for a chalet-style house, but it must hang over the walls

A distinctive feature of the appearance of a chalet-style building is the roof, which hangs strongly over the walls. Under such a shelter, the base, blind area, basement and walls of the building will be reliably protected from precipitation and sunlight. The roof can be extended up to 300 cm to ensure that water drains away from the building after rain. Removing the roof can also help prevent dampness in the basement and first floor. This will help increase the possible period of use of the building.

The chalet roof structure has large extensions in the form of canopies, which can protect the terraces located along the front part of the building from wind and precipitation, or form a usable area, which will also be reliably protected from atmospheric influences.

In winter, such a roof will retain snow and can provide additional thermal insulation. It is worth noting that although such a roof visually seems large, it does not make the building heavier. However, for reliability, consoles should be built along the walls, which will serve as additional supporting parts for the roof overhangs.

This is done as follows:


For a flat roof, the project must include a reinforced rafter mechanism, since the rafters will need to withstand a large load from snow. With a slope of more than 45°, the snow load can be ignored.

Most chalet-style building designs include a large veranda, which is an advantage for a large family. It is important to remember that building such a house is an expensive process, but in the end the building will not only bring joy to the family, but will also highlight the status of the owner.

Chalet-style structures have the following features:

  1. A flat roof with two slopes, far protruding canopies and significant overhangs.
  2. A large terrace that extends beyond the perimeter of the building and is often supported by columns.
  3. High base made of stone.
  4. Second floor made of wooden parts.
  5. Balconies that are located under the roof overhangs.

There are no special requirements for the interior of such a house, which cannot be said about the exterior. However, projects most often comply with certain standards. The basic rule is the use of wood and stone. These natural materials will be able to create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort in the rooms. The ceiling and floor base are most often constructed from wooden parts. The walls of the lower floor can be plastered, whitewashed and decorated with decorative details.

Carrying out competent and complete load calculations will make it possible to obtain a strong and reliable roof that will meet all requirements. There are projects of small country houses where a “hut” type construction is used. The roof in these buildings practically reaches the ground, combining the functions of walls and roof. Such buildings have an extraordinary and beautiful appearance.

Program for designing a house roof

Roof calculations and project development are complex procedures. If you have no experience in performing such work, it is recommended to contact qualified specialists or use appropriate software. Today you can find a large number of specialized software, but it’s worth figuring out which one is the most convenient.

Many specialists traditionally make calculations manually, but it is worth understanding that the result of a computer program calculation will be more accurate and visual.

  1. One of the best programs for calculating roofs is FloorPlan3D. It is suitable even for a person who has no experience in the field of architecture. With its help, you can create three-dimensional roof plans and calculate the required amount of material. The main advantage of this software is the convenience and simplicity of the interface. The undoubted advantage of the program is one of the lowest prices on the market.

    In the FloorPlan3D program you can make a roof project without having any special skills

  2. If you need more complex and versatile software, you should pay attention to the ArCon application. This program allows you not only to create a project for the roof and the entire building, but also to understand the landscape design. If ArCon is considered as a tool exclusively for roof design, then in this regard the program is one of the best solutions.

    ArCon is one of the best programs for designing the entire building and surrounding area, but with its help you can also calculate the roof separately

  3. Another popular software is Autodesk Autocad. The program is in great demand and has advanced functionality, but its main disadvantage is its high cost.

    Autocad is not cheap, so it is most often used by specialists

If the roof project will be drawn up for yourself, it is recommended to use FloorPlan3D. For specialists who engage in this activity on a regular basis, ArCon and AutoCad programs are more suitable.

Video: developing a project for a roof rafter system in ArchiCad

Independent development of a house roof project

The work on drafting the project is divided into 3 stages:

  1. Preparing a sketch. The work consists of determining the roof structure to be manufactured, visualizing the appearance and choosing the material for the covering. It is important to agree on the basic style of the building and the roof, and then determine the color of the structure. This stage is preparatory. All thoughts and ideas must be transferred to paper.
  2. Development of main design diagrams. You will need to perform calculations taking into account the expected loads on the roof, and then select the material for the rafter legs and their dimensions. After this, you will need to make a drawing of the roof and think through the main details. Next, an estimate is drawn up: the required amount of materials is calculated, a list of tools and materials is prepared, and the cost of equipment and work is determined.
  3. Construction works. The project should be put into practice. During this period, you only need to carry out auxiliary calculations. They will be, since it is quite difficult to take everything into account. Certain adjustments will be made as the work progresses.

A private house on the plan should be divided into rectangles. Lines are drawn inside them, which indicate the junction of the planes of the slopes on the inside and outside. Next, you need to designate the placement of valleys and skates. Some of the parts will be located outside the boundaries of the external walls, since the roof must have an overhang. Projections of the front and side parts must be made taking into account the slope of the slopes. They are set when the entire house project is being drawn up, since it is important to take into account the purpose and type of structure, as well as the type of roofing material used.

On the roof drawing you need to indicate the exact location of the main parts, as well as indicate their dimensions and shape

The graphic part of the project is prepared using computer programs. The plan must have coordinate axes. With their help it will be easier to navigate in space. For this you will need:

  1. Draw a line around the plan of a private house.
  2. Transfer the boundaries of the main walls and other lines of the building design to the roof drawing.
  3. Above each building rectangle, draw an image of a roof, starting with the largest.
  4. Mark the projections of the skates with lines.
  5. Draw the valleys.

The design must necessarily indicate the placement of channels for smoke removal and ventilation. If you plan to install skylights, they must also be marked on the plan. The lines should determine the slopes of the slopes, as well as the directions of the drains. The actual dimensions must be indicated along all axes and contours of the project.

Separate items in the project need to include drawings of the connection points of various roof elements:

  • attaching struts, racks, tie rods and other elements;
  • fixing the rafter legs to the mauerlat;
  • fastening the ridge purlin, the place where the rafter legs are fixed to each other and to other parts.

The graphic section of the plan should include a sketch of the roof, which can give a general idea of ​​the roof. This is required primarily in order to evaluate aesthetics and appearance.

A sketch of the roof is needed so that you can evaluate its appearance.

If you plan to cut in any elements, they need to be displayed on a separate drawing. It is imperative to indicate the shape of the notch and its actual dimensions.

In the process of independently drawing up a project, it is important to take into account the following rules:

  1. The intersection of the planes of the slopes should form a ridge or valley. The corner of the rectangle should be divided into 2 equal parts using the projection of the slopes.
  2. Through two lines that converge or intersect in one place, there is almost always a third line.
  3. The lines of the ridge and eaves overhangs should be parallel. The projection of the ridge line should pass through the middle of the building.
  4. A flat structure design consists of several lines. A roof with several slopes has many projections of valleys and ridges. Such roofs have a complex shape and require the preparation of a reinforced rafter system and a large slope.

Video: drawing up a roof plan yourself

Calculation of roof area

At the project preparation stage, you need to know the data on the area of ​​the structure. This is required in order to be able to correctly calculate the amount of roofing material, insulation, fasteners and waterproofing.


Mistakes that are made when drawing up a project

When a plan is developed, there is a desire to begin implementing it. However, it is recommended that you consult with experts first. If miscalculations are made during the preparation of the project, then the rework may require a lot of time and money.

Quite often, designers make mistakes that can be divided into 2 types:

  • design flaws;
  • architectural miscalculations.

The latter are in most cases associated with shortcomings in the ventilation of roof elements. If the structure is insulated, it is important to pay attention not only to protecting the insulating material from moisture, but also to such details as the ventilation system for the eaves overhang or ridge.

The normal functioning of such mechanisms is affected by auxiliary parts, which include attics, parapets, etc. If they are installed incorrectly, they can have a negative impact on air intake. Therefore, it is recommended to increase the height of the vents or refuse to install some elements.

Another common mistake is an incorrectly designed drainage system.

The drainage system can be open or closed, but in any case it is necessary to correctly calculate the cross-section of its passage elements

Quite often, decorative gutters are used that are of insufficient dimensions. In this case, the water may overflow. This may result in damage to the façade of the building. Another mistake is a small roof slope. This quite often leads to a critical increase in the load on the rafter mechanism during frosts.

When choosing a material for covering a structure, be sure to take into account the following recommendations:

  • for metal tiles, the permissible tilt angle is 30°;
  • for corrugated sheeting, the minimum slope is 8°;
  • for slate, the optimal range of tilt angles is 25–30°;
  • for flexible coating, the permissible slope is 5° or more.

Particular attention must be paid to drawing up a roof project, since if even minor miscalculations are made, the roof will be fragile. Accordingly, unplanned repair work may be necessary shortly after production.