We are building an attic. We are building an attic on an old house with our own hands. Determining the total weight of the roof

Nowadays, the desire to effectively use the entire area of ​​the house is quite understandable, so many immediately plan to build an attic at the stage of designing a house, or convert the attic space in a certain way, as well as remove the roof and attach the attic floor with their own hands to the old house.

In fact, an attic is an attic, the design of which is regulated by SNiP standards, which entails modifications not only to the roof, but also changes in the thermal and waterproofing of the upper extension.

In order for a do-it-yourself attic to be reliable, warm, not to harm the load-bearing walls and foundation of the house, and to last for a long time, it is necessary to understand the specifics and know the design features of this type of superstructure. In the article we will talk about the main types of attic floors, what materials an extension can be made from, as well as the specifics and nuances of the stage-by-stage construction of an attic with your own hands.

DIY attic floor above the garage

Main types of attics

Do-it-yourself attic construction begins with choosing the type of extension, the most suitable design for the main building, and making the project. For the superstructure, shed, gable and sloping roofs are used: hipped, domed, etc. The appearance of the attic floor is determined by the materials, design features of the building and the specifics assigned to the completion.

Depending on the specific nature of the main building, standard solutions are usually used when constructing an attic.

1.Gable; 2. Broken gable; 3.Single-level; 4.Multi-level

1. A single-level with a gable roof is an ordinary attic under a gable roof, converted and insulated into an attic. Designing and building such a room is not difficult, but the main drawback is the small internal usable space with a low ceiling.
2. A single-level roof with a sloping gable roof has four pitched planes, which are located at different angles. The construction of an attic floor of this type is somewhat more expensive and more complex to design, but the result is a large interior space.
3. A single-level attic with remote consoles presents some difficulties during design and construction. But the spacious interior space and the possibility of installing vertical windows compensate for the difficulties during construction. A feature of the construction of such an attic frame is the displacement and extension of the extension beyond the sides of the house, and the attic roof is identical in appearance to a pitched one.
4. Multi-level extension with mixed roof support. This is a complex attic design that requires professional calculations and design of not only the room itself, but also the stairs to the attic. As a rule, such attic floors, with multi-level rooms, are planned together with the construction of the main house, as a solid structure.

Materials

The house is built on a foundation that is specially designed to support the weight of the structure. If the attic floor is planned initially, the load is calculated and applied at the attic design stage, so the attic floor can be built from any materials: a monolithic attic made of concrete, brick, foam concrete, metal structures, or galvanized logs. But if the superstructure of the attic floor is carried out after the construction of the house, then the weight of the superstructure must be calculated in accordance with the load on the foundation and load-bearing walls. Accordingly, in order for the superstructure not to damage the house, the material must be light, for example, wooden beams, frame-panel structures, in some cases the building is made of aerated concrete, which has good heat and vapor barrier properties, and vulture panels.

Attic construction

Projects for attic floors involve the use of various materials for the walls, but, in essence, the attic structure is pitched roofs resting on the walls. Of course, different options for attic floor extensions have their own characteristics, but in general they consist of the following elements:

• Roof.
• A sheathing made of wooden boards on which the roofing and insulating materials are attached.
• Ridge purlin is the top of the rafter structure.
• Rafters for the attic roof are stiffening ribs, layered or hanging. In the attic, layered rafters are usually made.
• Mauerlat are beams that are laid along the perimeter of external walls and connected to the walls with special fasteners. A rafter structure is attached to the Mauerlat.
• Diagonal connections (bevels) for the reliability and strength of the attic; they are used to connect rafters, longitudinal beams and vertical posts.
• Internal supports give the attic stability, if the attic area is large, they support the ridge girder and rafters.
• An insulating layer consisting of waterproofing, insulation, sound and vapor insulators. Provides temperature conditions and moisture exchange between the main walls and roof.

The minimum distance from the floor to the highest point of the ceiling in accordance with SNiP should be 2.5 m. If the height is less, then the room is an attic.

We build an attic with our own hands, the main connecting nodes:
A – ridge knot. B – rafter+screed+stand. B – rafter + ceiling beam D – ceiling beam + rack + strut. D – rack + strut

Construction technology

The attic walls are drawn as close as possible to the walls of the main building, so achieving comfortable heat exchange is extremely difficult. It is very important to choose the right materials for insulation, make ventilation, the entire structure must be erected in accordance with the drawings and calculations, and the wooden parts must be treated with a fire-fighting compound.

Do-it-yourself attic installation, how to properly attach the components

Rules for the installation of the attic floor

In order for a do-it-yourself attic to serve for many years, it is necessary to fulfill the conditions specified in SNiP standards:

• The rafters should be 250 mm or more; it is better to use laminated veneer lumber. This thickness is due to the possibility of laying insulation between the rafters with a thickness of at least 200 mm.
• Insulation materials should not lose their properties at high humidity; it is best to use foamed polystyrene, which is lightweight and has a low heat transfer coefficient. Mineral wool absorbs moisture and breaks down.
• There must be adequate ventilation between the thermal insulation and the roof, with hoods and vents, so that air can circulate freely under the entire surface of the roof of the attic floor.
• It is imperative to install a vapor barrier layer inside.
• A waterproofing layer is laid on the outer side of the rafters; it is recommended to additionally lay a layer of sound insulation.

Step-by-step instructions on how to make an attic with your own hands

Building an attic with your own hands is fraught with some difficulties, since the elements of the superstructure are at an angle, the installation of broken slopes and dormer windows requires compliance with SNiP standards in the part “Loads and impacts”.

When making a drawing of the installation floor yourself, you need to accurately calculate the loads, angles of inclination, permissible weight of the structure, and, in accordance with preliminary calculations, select the appropriate type of attic and materials for construction.

Do-it-yourself attic construction begins with the installation of mooring strips around the perimeter of the house, usually timber with a cross-section of 100*100 mm is used for this.

Next we build the frame for the room. The racks can be made of timber with a cross-section equal to the longitudinal beams, possibly from foam concrete or metal. We fix the vertical posts at the corners of the post structure, and then install the beams between them, with a step of no more than 2 meters, equal to the location of the attic rafters. All parts are attached to metal corners, nail plates or self-tapping screws.

We build the frame of the internal attic space; instead of vertical wooden posts there may be a wall made of foam concrete blocks or a metal frame

We tighten the jumper over the rack and secure the structure. Use a construction cord to monitor the geometry of the building.

We attach the lower rafters to the resulting frame. The beam is cut to the calculated length, a groove is made at the base for reliable fastening to the Mauerlat, the top of the beam is cut off according to the calculated angle of inclination. The installation of the lower rafters is carried out in place and securely fixed.

Do-it-yourself attic installation, photo of fastening the lower rafters, instead of vertical wooden posts there can be a wall made of foam concrete blocks or a metal frame

The next step is to install the upper rafters. The difficulty lies in maintaining the angle and centering of the structure as a whole.

Do-it-yourself frame attic, installation of the upper rafter structure

Construction of an attic, construction of sheathing for roofing material

The next step is creating an insulating layer. It is recommended to use non-toxic and non-flammable materials, this is especially true if a nursery or bedroom will be located on the attic floor. We lay a vapor barrier on the inside of the rafter frame and secure it with staples. Then a layer of insulation is installed, it is important that it fits tightly to the rafters, without gaps. We install lathing on the heat-insulating layer with a pitch of 500 mm, which will fix the insulation.

We build an attic with our own hands, installation of roofing material

We lay a waterproofing layer on the sheathing, which will protect the wooden elements from moisture. The roof is laid on the waterproofing.

Do-it-yourself attic construction, video materials clearly demonstrate how to correctly install rafters in practice.

This video shows typical mistakes made when installing an attic floor.

Features of adding an attic with your own hands to an old house

If you plan to complete the attic in an old private house or country house to create additional living space, then in this case the issue of dismantling the roof is relevant. You can dismantle it yourself; be sure to follow safety precautions so that the beams do not fall on your head.

The construction of an attic involves certain loads on the foundation and walls of the building. It is especially important to correctly distribute the loads on the walls, so before building the attic, the load-bearing wall structures are carefully strengthened.

The ceiling of an old house is both the ceiling of the adjacent floor and the floor of the attic, so it is necessary to take into account the movement of warm and humid flows so that condensation does not form in the ceiling, and as a result, rot and fungi. To avoid problems, you need high-quality insulation and waterproofing of the ceiling.

After completing the preparatory procedures, you can begin to join and construct the attic floor. During completion, it is important to strictly adhere to the design scheme for the construction of the walls and roof of the attic. Violation of the project not only entails deviations from the design of the attic floor, but also improper distribution of the load on the supporting structures can lead to the destruction of the walls and foundation of the house.

The easiest and most reliable way to increase useful living space in an old house is to create an attic with your own hands. A video on how to build an attic floor in a frame house will help you avoid global mistakes and tell you the nuances of how best to build an attic with your own hands. Work carried out in accordance with the attic floor construction technology guarantees the reliability and safe operation of the extension.

Absolutely everyone understands that an attic is, in principle, a converted attic. But this re-equipment has its own nuances, design solutions, as well as work with thermal insulation and roofing. In fact, building an attic with your own hands in a country house is almost no different from building any other roof. Anyway, let's take a closer look at this process.

So, to build an attic, you need to purchase:

• wooden beams, the cross-section of which is 50x180 centimeters for the rafters (as for the length, everything will depend on the planned size of the building and what the slope of the slope will be);
• wooden boards for sheathing;
• material to cover the end walls, for example, wall panels;
• fastening elements for the roof: nails, screws, metal corners, metal profiles to further strengthen individual structural elements;
• thermal insulation material;
• vapor barrier material;
• waterproofing material;
• roofing material;
• material for interior decoration of the attic.

So, the first step will be the task of strengthening the floors between the attic and the first floor. This is mandatory work, since the load that will be placed on the floor will increase significantly.

As soon as the ceiling is strengthened, you need to work on the rafter system. Do not forget that constant quality control of the connection of individual elements is necessary.

If you use a sloping roof, first of all, you will need to install the support beams and end walls; only after this is done, you can begin assembling the frame of the rafter system. The individual elements of the frame are fastened using a groove-tooth connection; metal plates are used to increase strength.

Do not forget that each wooden element needs pre-treatment with a special composition that will protect the wood from insects and moisture. You will also need treatment with fire retardants, which slow down the combustion process of wood.

When the rafter structure is installed, it is necessary to nail the sheathing. To do this, you can use either ordinary boards or sheets of plywood or chipboards. It all depends on what type of roofing materials you have. You also need to take care of the bevels of the walls and internal partitions in the attic.

Creating an insulation pie

Another job that should not be forgotten is creating a layer of insulation. First of all, to do this you need to lay a vapor barrier along the inside of the rafters and secure it with staples.

After this, the thermal insulation material is laid, which must be laid close to the rafters, without leaving any gaps. On top of the thermal insulation, in increments of 50 cm, the sheathing is stuffed - it is this that holds all the thermal insulation on itself.

The waterproofing layer is laid on the outside of the rafters, creating protection against accidental penetration of moisture. The final stage is laying the roof on a waterproofing layer.

An attic roof is one of the best ways to increase the total area of ​​your home, with minimal financial costs. By erecting such a structure, you get an additional fairly spacious room, which can become a good nursery or your personal office. You can also simply invite guests there; in general, there are a lot of options for you to choose from. When arranging it, you need to be prepared that it is important to do everything correctly and step by step. The mansard roof itself is a converted attic; its creation requires a structural approach to the overall redevelopment, roofing and thermal insulation. The construction of an attic-type roof of a country house is almost no different from the construction of a regular roof. Below we will carefully study how to properly build an attic roof with your own hands.

First of all, you need to consider the advantages and disadvantages of such a roof in order to finally decide whether it is worth starting its construction.

Advantages and disadvantages of an attic roof

The advantages of attic roofs include:

• additional room. As we have already discussed above, the main advantage of the attic is the additional spacious room, which you can equip as you please to suit your taste;
• moderate financial costs. The second factor of such a floor is the relatively low cost of its construction. Indeed, the construction of an attic will cost you much less than adding additional rooms to the house due to the general expansion of the area of ​​the house;
• view from the window. The beautiful view from the attic window will not leave anyone indifferent, since the view of the world around us from above is always beautiful.

One of the disadvantages of the attic floor is the need for additional heating. In the video you can clearly see the construction process:

Types of mansard roofs

If you decide to start building an attic roof, then first of all you need to start by designing what your work will look like in the end result, and also how exactly to implement your plan. Basic decisions regarding the type of roofs must be made taking into account the design features of the house.

The main types of roofs include:

In the video you can see how a mansard roof is erected:

Below we will look at the structure of this roof, which you can build yourself

Attic construction

Mansard roofs are very similar to simple pitched roofs. Each type of similar roof has its own design features, but in general they all have common elements, let’s look at them:

1. Roof. The surface of the roof, which is located outside, serves to protect against rain, snow and other bad weather;
2. Lathing. Basically these are boards of wood, the roofing is attached to them;
3. Ridge run. The outer part of the entire roof structure;
4. Rafters. These are layered or hanging stiffening ribs of the entire structure. For the attic, it is layered rafters that are used;
5. Internal supports. Vertical beams serve to ensure the strength and stability of the roof;
6. Insulating layer. An insulating cake of several layers is placed between the walls of the premises and the roof, which allows maintaining the temperature regime throughout the attic. Insulation includes sound insulation, vapor barrier, and a thick layer of thermal insulation. Of course, the safety of the roof itself directly depends on proper roof insulation.

Video to help you with your work:

Construction of the attic. Technology

Quite often, architects, when designing a roof, overlook significant errors in ventilation and insulation. These mistakes are fraught with the fact that mold and mildew appear on the roof and, in general, it begins to leak within just two years. This happens because the attic construction technology is violated. Due to the fact that it is strongly pressed against the wall indoors, it is very difficult to achieve good heat transfer. The entire attic structure must include good ventilation, thermal insulation, as well as a rafter structure, which will be made of wood treated with fire retardants.

The thickness of the thermal insulation should be at least 20 cm, since the climate in our area is quite cold in winter and quite hot in summer. The main disadvantages of the attic design are that a lot of heat is lost in winter, and in the summer it is very hot in the attic. Proper thermal insulation can completely solve this problem; it will keep the heat inside in the winter, and will also not allow a large amount of heat in during the extreme heat in the summer.

It is also necessary to properly arrange roof ventilation. In summer, at a fairly high temperature, the roof tends to heat up very much, this process significantly increases the temperature inside the attic. Properly installed ventilation guarantees comfortable living indoors and also protects the roof from damage during the winter. Sound insulation is necessary in order to reduce the noise level inside the attic when there is hail, rain or strong gusts of wind outside.

Important! It is preferable to carry out installation of any type of insulation in tandem with a person who has experience in this matter.

Step-by-step construction of an attic

Well, it’s time to consider how you can build this roof step by step with your own hands. To build an attic, you will need some experience in such work. Building an attic is much more difficult than a regular roof, since the angles of the slopes must be respected. To learn how to build such a floor correctly with your own hands, you need to carefully study the work plan:

We should start, of course, with the development of the floor itself. A specialist can help you with this, or, if your computer knowledge is at a sufficient level, you can do everything yourself in a special program. Next, you absolutely need to correctly calculate the slopes of the roof angles, loads, etc. To do everything correctly, you need to carefully study a book such as “Loads and Impacts.”

Advice! The book “Loads and Impacts on Buildings and Structures,” ed., will help you understand everything correctly. Perelmutera A.V. 2007 or ed. Gordeeva V.N. and others, 2008 or 2009, which can be downloaded http://dwg.ru/dnl/4183

This video will help you to make rafters correctly:

How to build a rafter frame

At this stage you will have to work hard and to complete the task efficiently, you need at least 3-4 workers. We begin the construction of the roof by laying and securing mauerlats over the entire area of ​​the house. In this case, a beam with a cross section of 100x100 mm is used.

This should be followed by installing the frame of the room; its racks will be used as supports for the entire rafter structure. The sections of the beams must correspond to the sections of the longitudinal beams, because the racks will rest on them. First, you need to install vertical posts on both sides of the building. They need to be secured to the longitudinal beams, using self-tapping screws and metal corners.

Advice! A screwdriver will greatly facilitate the fastening process.

So, we got two arches, a cord should be stretched between them, if its direction is strictly horizontal, then this will mean that everything is done correctly, but if not, then one of the arches will have to be shortened a little. Next, with the required spacing for the rafters, we place the following arches strictly along the cord. Using jumpers we secure the arches, and to secure the jumpers themselves we use special stamped corners.

Next comes the installation of the upper rafters, and this is quite a difficult job. They must be installed at certain angles and alignment, this is where the difficulty lies. Make a template from two boards, they must completely match the connected rafters that we plan to make. When using this template, you should trim the rafters that are on the ground, and then put them in the right place. Installation of rafters occurs in the same way as during the construction of an interior room.

The installation of the rafter structure ends with the need to nail the sheathing. The material from which it can be made is plywood, chipboard or simple boards.

How to arrange a room under a roof, you can see this in the video:

How to insulate an attic roof with your own hands

Once the installation of the sheathing and rafters is completed, we can begin the insulation layer. The vapor barrier is laid on the inside of the roof; for this we attach it with brackets to the rafters. Then comes the installation of thermal insulation. It is necessary to carefully ensure that the layer of thermal insulation is tightly laid on the surface of the rafters. There should be no gaps, otherwise it will lead to very negative consequences in the future. The lathing is attached to the thermal insulation in increments of 50 cm.

Waterproofing is laid on the outside of the rafters, its direct function is to protect against moisture getting inside. The roofing is placed on the waterproofing surface.

Attention! When carrying out construction work, it is necessary to strictly observe safety precautions.

How to build an attic with your own hands can be seen in the video:

I think you have noticed that the construction of an attic is quite a serious event. The durability of your creation depends on how responsibly you approach the matter.

There are many examples of what a mansard roof can look like. Among its varieties, everyone can choose something of their own. If you need sufficient daylight, you can install a large window. Attic shapes can be rounded or with strictly right angles and lines. Whatever choice you make, your approach to this matter must be serious and well thought out.

Modern people try to make the most of the space in their home. Therefore, the proposal to arrange additional space under the roof is always met with enthusiasm. It is much easier to plan the construction of an attic at the stage of building a house, but you can make an additional superstructure over an old building.

How to make an attic on an old house

The presence of an attic not only increases the living space, but also gives the building a colorful look.

The attic turns a country house into a fabulous building

An old house can be updated by building an extension in accordance with existing codes.

The attic addition begins with calculating the strength of the old house

First you need to decide whether the existing foundation and walls can withstand the load of the attic floor and the new roof. If they have a sufficient margin of safety, then you can begin to remodel the house. Otherwise, they should be strengthened.

Old brick walls sometimes seem strong, but with additional load, cracks may appear in the mortar over time. Therefore, it is necessary to immediately examine their condition, and, if necessary, tie them with a rigid belt. This is done as follows:

• metal pillars with a cross section of 10x10 cm are inserted into the foundation with their lower edge, and connected with the armored belt of the first floor with their upper edge. Installed around the perimeter of the house every 2 meters;
• metal reinforcement with a cross-section of 12 mm is laid in grooves and tied around the walls of the house: from the bottom of the window every 2 meters upward;
• A metal mesh with a mesh size of 2x2 cm is laid over the reinforcement, which is covered with plaster after all work is completed.

The foundation is strengthened by tying it with a reinforcing belt on all sides.

If the old foundation cannot support the attic, then it must be sheathed with reinforcement

Having decided on the strengthening of the building, you can proceed to choosing a project for the future superstructure. It should look harmonious against the background of other buildings and match the style of the entire house.

The calculation of the dimensions of the internal upper room and the necessary materials for construction will depend on the type of attic roof

There are several types of attics:

• single-level with a gable roof - low ceilings with a small living space;

  A single-level attic with a gable roof is the simplest type of superstructure for small buildings

• single-level with a sloping gable roof - increased internal space, but serious costs of money and time for construction;

  A one-level attic with a sloping gable roof is usually built on a brick house

• single-level with cantilever extensions - a complex design that allows you to get even more space, since the attic frame extends beyond the building and the windows are installed vertically;

  A single-level attic with cantilevered extensions allows you to get a lot of internal space by increasing the upper structure

• multi-level with mixed roof support - used in the construction of a new house, built only by specialists.

  A multi-level attic with mixed roof support is usually not installed on old houses due to the complexity and large volume of work

Video: converting half of an old roof into an attic - an easy way

Converting the roof into an attic is a relatively cheap way to increase living space. A private house usually has a pitched roof, so you can make an additional spacious and bright room with your own hands.

Internal wood lining makes the attic warm and bright

And if the house is large enough in length, then the attic can turn into a real floor: with several rooms and even a balcony.

A large attic allows you to divide the area into different living areas

Advantages of creating an attic:

• the possibility of installing one or more new living rooms;

  It is most convenient to furnish an attic with low ceilings under a gable roof with low sun loungers

• low costs compared to the construction of a full floor or side extension to the house;
• updating the external appearance of the building;

  A house with an attic under construction always attracts the attention of passers-by and makes them interested in the final result.

• opportunity to observe a beautiful view from the attic window.

  A lot of sunlight comes through the windows in the attic, illuminating the room all day long.

However, this solution also has certain disadvantages that must also be taken into account:

• the need for insulation and soundproofing of the ceiling and a new roof, installation of several double-glazed windows;
• the difficulty of installing additional heating and lighting in the upper part of the old house - you will have to combine it with home wiring or use an autonomous connection;

  To heat the attic with access to the balcony, you can use a stove-stove

• planning part of the home space for a staircase leading to the attic;

  The staircase leading to the attic must be fenced for safety

• the need to purchase special furniture for a sloping roof or purchase squat models: low cabinets, sofas and tables.

  Low furniture is best suited for attic interiors

The presence of sloping walls makes the room unusual and romantic, but with this decision you will have to take a more responsible approach to design development. You can make furniture for the inclined superstructure yourself or assemble a single set from existing multi-level models, painting everything in the same color.

You can make furniture that follows the slope of the attic yourself

So, the main disadvantage of converting an attic space into a loft is that it requires an investment, but it is worth it.

Building an attic will cost much less than creating an additional floor, regardless of what materials are used to build the walls. After all, to create them you will need basic material, insulation and finishing, while for an attic superstructure you only need roofing insulation and a new rafter system.

The superstructure is made of symmetrical or asymmetrical shape. Internal walls are designed both inclined and vertical.

Having studied the diagrams of single-level attics with different types of roof, it is easier to make a choice when planning

Converting an attic into an attic does not require dismantling all existing structures. But you need to make sure that the ceiling is reliable: check its condition, reinforce it with wooden or metal beams, and cover it with new boards. Then it will be able to withstand the weight of furniture and people.

To frequently go up to the attic, you will need to make a convenient staircase, provide for the installation of ventilation, natural and artificial lighting, and carry out interior decoration - all this will allow you to create a cozy and comfortable room.

A superstructure with a sloping roof, decorated in light colors, visually enlarges the space, and splashes of color add brightness to the interior

When constructing an attic floor, the following conditions must be met:

• the rafters are made of laminated veneer lumber with a thickness of at least 250 mm, so that the required amount of insulation can be laid;
• Foamed polystyrene is used for insulation due to its low weight and high thermal insulation characteristics;
• a gap is left between the thermal insulation and the roofing material to ensure natural ventilation;
• A hydro- and sound-proofing layer must be laid.

Converting the roof into an attic with your own hands

During the construction of a house there is usually a lack of funds, so many people refuse to build a second floor. Or another situation may arise when an old one-story small house is purchased along with the plot. In both cases, there is an affordable option for increasing living space - rebuilding the attic space into an attic with your own hands.

Creating a Project

Before starting work, you need to draw up a plan and develop a project with accurate drawings. Correct calculation will allow you to get a cozy, durable and reliable room. You can perform all the calculations yourself or entrust it to specialists.

You can draw a plan and develop a preliminary design yourself by studying different options on the Internet

Strengthening the walls and foundation may be necessary if the rafters are completely replaced. If the roof is partially redone, then reinforcement may be necessary only for the ceiling. You also need to immediately decide what types of windows will be used in the attic: the reinforcement in the rafter system will depend on this.

The location of all windows in the attic roof must be thought out in advance and this data must be included in the project plan

Rafter system

Rafters can be layered or hanging. The former rest on the internal walls of the house or additional supports, and the latter on the external walls.

In attics, layered and hanging rafters are used

Hanging rafters are best suited for the attic.

An attic with hanging rafters looks more beautiful and benefits in the size of the internal area

The attic usually occupies the entire space of the attic, and its walls are combined with external ones.

The best option for creating an attic is a layered rafter system

The rafter system consists of different load-bearing bars. To understand the structure of the entire structure and build it correctly, you need to understand the purpose and operation of its individual elements.

An image of individual elements of the rafter system helps to understand the structure of the entire structure

Refurbishment of premises

If the attic height is sufficient, the rafter system does not need to be altered. It is enough to inspect the old rafters, identify possible flaws and eliminate them.

If the rafter system is in good condition, you can begin arranging the floor. Insulation is first laid between the joists, after which the surface is sheathed with ordinary boards or sheets of OSB or chipboard.

The floor in the attic is insulated and covered with boards

Before laying the insulation, all necessary communications are installed between the rafters, and places are cut in the roof for installing windows. carried out before insulation.

All wires and pipes of communications must be placed in special corrugations

Care must be taken to create natural ventilation of the under-roof space through vents so that moisture does not accumulate inside the room.

Roof insulation

The roof must be insulated correctly and efficiently - the microclimate under the roof will depend on this. Typically, mineral wool, polystyrene foam or sprayed polyurethane foam are used as insulation.

A thick layer of heat insulation is tightly laid and fixed between the rafters so that there are no cracks or gaps left anywhere. Waterproofing is installed along the upper part of the roof - between the roof and the insulation - and then thermal insulation material is laid on the side of the room. Then the inside of the insulation is covered with a vapor barrier film.

For better ventilation, a small distance is left between the roofing material and the insulation: this way air circulates through the holes in the eaves and ridge. If the roof is covered with corrugated sheets, then the gap thickness should be 25 mm, but if it is covered with flat material, then it should be increased to 50 mm.

When creating thermal insulation for an attic, the sequence of layers must be strictly observed.

When planning to climb to the attic, you need to take care of the convenience and safety of movement. Therefore, the staircase is usually installed inside the house. It is constructed from wood or metal: it can be either a screw or a marching structure.

The staircase to the attic can be of different types and designs, which allows it to fit into any interior

An opening is cut in the ceiling of the first floor, which is reinforced along the perimeter with metal or wooden strapping.

The design of the stairs to the attic must be strong, reliable, safe and beautiful

Interior decoration

In most cases, plasterboard slabs are used for wall cladding, and the seams between them are plastered. Wallpaper is pasted on top or decorative plaster is applied. An alternative option is lining or natural wood.

If some rafters protrude through the walls into the attic, then they can be decorated as decorative elements and even used in the form of a horizontal bar for hanging a hammock, swing, chandelier and other devices.

Decorating the visible parts of the rafters in the interior of the attic is an interesting and creative matter.

It is not recommended to use heavy finishing materials in the attic, as they increase the load on the walls, ceiling and foundation of the building.

There are many options for interior decoration of the attic, but it is advisable to use only lightweight materials

To cover the floor, you can use laminate or linoleum, but it is better to avoid tiles or porcelain stoneware.

Installation of the roof of the attic floor

The roof of a residential superstructure must consist of the following layers (the order of arrangement is from the street to the internal space):

Video: why and how to properly lay layers on the attic roof

Calculations of an attic roof for a house

Determining the total weight of the roof

To calculate the total weight of roofing materials, the specific gravity of one square meter of covering must be multiplied by the total area of ​​the attic roof. To obtain the weight of one square meter, you need to add up the specific gravity of all the materials that make up the roofing pie and multiply it by the safety factor (1.1).

If the thickness of the lathing is 25 mm, then its specific weight is 15 kg/m2, insulation 10 cm thick has a specific weight of 10 kg/m2, and the roofing material ondulin has a weight of 3 kg/m2. It turns out: (15+10+3)x1.1= 30.8 kg/m2.

According to existing standards, the floor load in a residential building should not exceed 50 kg/m2.

Determining the roof area

To calculate the surface of a sloping roof, you need to break it down into simple shapes (square, rectangle, trapezoid, etc.) and determine their area, and then add everything up. To determine the surface of a gable roof, you need to multiply the length by the width, and multiply the resulting value by two.

Table: determining the area of ​​the attic roof

When calculating the angle of inclination, the climatic zone in which the house is located is taken into account, and that it is convenient to move in the attic at full height

It is also necessary to calculate the roof slope. Usually the angle is 45–60 degrees, but when determining it, it is necessary to take into account the climatic zone in which the house is located, the type of attic construction, snow and wind loads, and the architectural design of the house.

The greater the angle of inclination of the roof, the less will be the load on the rafter system, but the consumption of materials will increase.

Calculation of the rafter system

When choosing a rafter system, you can choose the following options:

• hanging rafters;
• inclined type;
• ridge run;
• combined design.

If the roof length is more than 4.5 m, then support purlins and struts can be used for reinforcement. If the length is more than 7 meters, a ridge beam is installed.

For wooden rafters, timber with a thickness of at least 70 mm is used. Their installation step should be 50 cm.

Over a large area, it is better to attach a metal rafter system: due to the increase in the distance between the rafters, the absence of spacers and struts, the weight of such a structure will be less than that of a wooden one, and the strength will increase significantly.

If the attic area is large, then it is better to install metal rafters

Calculation of the required amount of materials

To carry out the calculation you need to know the following parameters:

• width, thickness and pitch of rafters;
• distance from the edge of the roof to the rafters;
• the size of the sheathing boards and the spacing between them;
• size, type of roofing material and overlap between its sheets;
• type of steam, hydro and heat insulating material.

The roof is divided into simple shapes and the required amount of each material is determined. Simple mathematical formulas are used for this.

The results obtained are converted into standard values: for wood - in cubic meters, for roofing materials, steam, hydro and thermal insulation - in square meters. And you can go to the store.

Common mistakes

Most often, when doing independent calculations, errors occur when determining the required amount of insulation. If the climatic conditions are harsh, then its volume will have to be increased, otherwise it will not be possible to create comfortable living conditions in the attic.

The insulation is installed on the floor of the house, gable walls and roof slopes. But the thickness of the insulation can be different everywhere.

The attic floor allows for additional living space and gives a private home a modern, attractive appearance. It’s not difficult to create an attic with your own hands, you just need to correctly draw up a project, perform calculations and carry out high-quality installation of all materials. And the result will please the owners for a long time.

In the modern world, the effective use of every square meter of living space is quite understandable, which is why many people who want to acquire their own private home plan to build an attic at the design stage. Also, do-it-yourself renovation enthusiasts often convert an old attic into an attic floor or attach an additional structure to an old house.

In order for a do-it-yourself attic to be reliable and not place unnecessary loads on the load-bearing walls of the building or foundation, you need to be aware of all the specifics design features of superstructures this type. Next, we will try to understand the types of attic floors, the specifics of its construction, examples of photos, structures of this type, as well as the main stages of how to make an attic.

Main types of attic structures

The construction of an attic, as in principle, any other construction with your own hands, begins with choosing the type of structure for this room that is most suitable for the main building. At the same time, the attic may differ structurally according to the type of roof: single-pitch, gable or sloping roof. If we talk about the appearance of the attic structure, it directly depends on the materials used during its construction. At the same time, depending on the design features of the main structure, the following types of attic spaces can be erected:

Features of the attic space

Every person who is faced with the construction of houses knows that the main building is placed on a foundation, which is calculated based on the mass of the structure. If the attic was included in the overall project, then the additional load from it is already included in the foundation parameters. In such a situation, an additional floor can be erected from any available material.

However, if this was not done, that is, the construction of the attic occurs after the construction of the main building, then it is necessary to calculate the additional load on the load-bearing structure of the room and the foundation. This is necessary so that the mass of the attic floor does not damage the building. Therefore, to construct a room of this type, lightweight building materials should be used: wood, aerated concrete or sip panels.

You can build an attic with your own hands from various building materials, but if you look at it, then, in fact, such a superstructure is nothing more than a pitched roof resting on load-bearing walls. Of course, each attic floor system is very different depending on the design features of its construction, but in general it consists of the following standard elements:

I would like to note that according to the standards prescribed in SNiP, the minimum distance from the floor surface to the highest part of the ceiling structure must be at least 250 cm. If the height parameters do not correspond, then such a room is considered an attic.

How to build an attic - construction technology

The most important thing when building an attic floor with your own hands is rationally provided insulation, ventilation and compliance with all technological processes, taking into account the drawn up floor plan. In this case, all wooden parts of the structure must processed by means protecting them from moisture and fire. In order for the attic floor to stand for many years, you must adhere to all the rules and conditions for its construction:

Step-by-step instructions for building an attic with your own hands

Due to the technological features of the attic design, its construction with one’s own hands is accompanied by certain difficulties. When drawing up a drawing of such a superstructure, it is necessary to make calculations take into account all possible loads, the angle of inclination of the roof slope and the permissible weight of the room. In this case, all stages of work on the construction of the attic floor will occur in accordance with the plan.

Features of an attic extension to an old building

If an attic was planned, the construction of which will take place on a building of an old structure in order to obtain additional living space, then it would be advisable to dismantle the old roof. Also, during the construction of a new roofing system, it is necessary to correctly calculate the load on the load-bearing walls and foundation of the house. It is important that the load is distributed evenly, and the walls are additionally strengthened.

It is also necessary to understand that the ceiling of the old building acts as the ceiling of the lower floor and the floor surface of the attic. Therefore, it must be taken into account that in the resulting interfloor space there may be warm and humid currents, which can lead to the formation of condensation and, as a result, fungus and rot.

After the preparation stage has been completed, construction of the floor allocated for the attic begins. During the construction process, it is important to strictly adhere to the design plan for the construction of the walls and roof of the room. Any deviation from the project may entail uneven load distribution, violation of the geometry of the attic structure and, as a consequence, destruction of the foundation of the building.