A gable roof is used for various wooden houses. You can even assemble the structure with your own hands, since it is simple, unlike a hipped or attic one. The main building materials for installation are boards and beams made of timber or logs. After reading the article to the end, readers will learn what the main elements of a gable roof frame are, and how to assemble it with your own hands and calculate the cross-section and length of the beams. About.
Rafter system a gable roof for the construction of a house made of timber consists of: a rafter leg, a mauerlat, a filly, a ridge, struts, racks and sheathing. In order to assemble it with your own hands, you need to imagine the entire structure. We'll talk more about each element below.
Mauerlat
Mauerlat is the main load-bearing part of the gable roof frame structure. It consists of timber located around the entire perimeter of the house, on load-bearing walls. For the construction of a house from laminated veneer lumber or other type of lumber, it is secured using ties and metal brackets.
Through the Mauerlat, the load from the entire rafter system is transferred to the load-bearing walls of the house. Mauerlat size for wooden suitable for home 100x100 mm or 150x150 mm. Coniferous wood is used for this unit. Before laying, the timber is treated with an antiseptic and waterproofed using bitumen tape.
Rafter leg
The main contour of the future roof is assembled from the rafter legs. For the roof frame of a wooden house, material with a cross section of 50x150 or 100x150 mm is used. The rafter legs are laid in the shape of a triangle. The entire system rests on the rafter legs, and whether the roof can withstand wind and snow loads depends on the quality of the material.
The weight of the entire roof structure is transferred through the legs to the Mauerlat. The rafter legs are mounted in increments of 60-120 cm, depending on the weight and fastening of the future roof. The heavier it is, the more frequent the installation step of the legs of the rafter system.
Horse
The ridge is the connecting beam of the two rafter parts of the slope at the top. It is mounted strictly horizontally at the junction of the legs.
For a wooden gable roof, a beam with a section of 100x100 mm is used as a ridge. It is pre-treated with an antiseptic.
filly
The filly is an element that plays the role of a roof overhang. This part is attached to the rafter leg if its length is not enough to form an overhang of at least 200 mm. If the rafter leg is enough, then you don’t have to mount the filly.
For installation, boards of a smaller size and cross-section than the legs are used. The filly makes installation of the frame easier, since the beams for the legs no longer need a long length. If you assemble the roof yourself, then experts recommend choosing this option.
Sill
This is a beam that is placed horizontally on the internal load-bearing walls of the log house. The beam bears the main load from the racks of the rafter system, and it transfers it to the load-bearing wall.
The installation uses material with a cross-section of 100x100-150x150 mm.
Racks
The drains are attached vertically from the ridge to the internal load-bearing wall. For their manufacture, material with a cross section of 100x100-150x150 mm is used after calculations. In the rafter system, they play the role of redistributing the load from the ridge to the load-bearing wall. 
Puffs
The ties connected to the legs of the frame have the shape of a triangle. This is a fastening element in the system. It is thanks to the tightening that the legs do not run away in different directions under the pressure of the structure and roof.
Struts
The struts consist of pieces of boards mounted at an angle. With the help of struts, the load from the rafter legs is redistributed to the load-bearing walls. In connection with the tie rods, the struts form trusses. The truss consists of several struts and one tie. Trusses are used to transfer the load if the spans are too large.
Lathing
Roof sheathing device
The sheathing is made from boards or thin bars. In the rafter system, the sheathing is attached perpendicular to the legs. With the help of lathing, the load from the roofing structure (roofing, insulation, vapor barrier -) is evenly distributed over all rafter legs. Another function of the lathing is to connect the rafter legs together into a single system. Even an unedged board is suitable as a sheathing. But first you need to peel off the bark from it.
If the roof is rolled, for example bitumen, then instead of boards, plywood sheets are used as sheathing. This way the roofing substrate acquires a hard and even surface, on which it is easy to roll out the same roofing material.
All of the listed parts of the gable structure frame are dried and treated with antiseptic impregnations before installation; you can do this yourself. Otherwise, the rafter system will quickly rot.
What kind of rafter system is there for a gable roof?
The rafter contraction for a gable roof for the construction of a house made of profiled timber can be used suspended or suspended.
Hanging structure
This system has a structure based on the side load-bearing walls of the log house. But at the same time, the rafters negatively interact with the walls, pushing them apart. To avoid this, in the frame of a gable roof the legs are tightened with special ties. The ties and legs form a triangular mount, which has rigid ribs, and the structure does not deform over time.
In a rafter structure, the role of tie bars can be played by floor beams. This way the structure can be used as an attic. For greater strength, a tightening is also installed on top of the rafter part at least 50 cm from the roof ridge.
It is necessary to make such a design if the span between the load-bearing walls of the log house is no more than 10 cm. If this span is larger and there is a load-bearing wall between it that divides it in half, then a hanging system can be installed
Layered structures
The layered rafter system is installed on a log house with any span. Its peculiarity is the support beam, which is located in the middle of the wall span. It is advisable to use such a design when the distance between load-bearing walls is more than 10 m.
If there is a load-bearing column between the main load-bearing walls, then you can use the attic version of layered rafters. In this case, the rafters will be attached to the column, and additional rafters will be made between the columns. But doing it without certain skills is difficult.
How to calculate roof rafters
Before you start making a roof frame with your own hands, you need to calculate the length and thickness of the beams.
Calculation of beam sections
The cross-section of rafter beams is directly related to their length and fastening pitch. To determine the ratio of these indicators, there are special calculators with which it is not difficult to make calculations and GOST standards.
Calculation of the ratio of the length and cross-section of beams in the form of a table:
| Rafter beam length, m | Section of the material used, mm | Rafter pitch, m | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beam or board | Log | ||
| From 1-3 | 80x100, 90x100, 90x160 | 100, 150, 160 | 1 – 1,35 |
| From 3-4 | 80x160, 80x180, 90x180 | 160, 180 | 1,40 – 1,70 |
| From 4-5 | 80x200, 100x200 | 200 | 1,40 – 1,75 |
| From 5-5.8 | 100x200 | 200 | 1,10 – 1,40 |
| From 5.9-6.5 | 120x220 | 240 | 1,10 – 1,40 |
Judging by the numbers, if the length of the rafters is large, then the distance between them decreases and the cross-section increases. If you take rafters of a smaller cross-section and do not make the necessary calculations, then over the years the roof will sag.
After the calculation has been made, you need to saw off the leg beams to the same length and mount each pair on that straight line.
Subtleties of installing a gable roof
The main stages of building a roof frame with your own hands consist of:
- Mounting the Mauerlat
- Installation of rafter legs
- Ridge installation
- Bunch of legs
- Lathing
How professionals install a roof can be seen in the video provided:
In the video you can see the finished frame made of timber and its description, each node clearly. Readers will find in the video the mauerlat, rafter legs, their fastening, etc.
Mauerlat fastening
IN wooden houses There is no need to mount an additional Mauerlat. Its role will be played by the top log or timber. But if the roof structure should be higher, then the timber must be tied.
The laying of the timber begins with its insulation; for this, the walls are covered with a double layer of roofing material on top. The timber is processed and laid. In the corners it is connected with your own hands using metal staples and half-section cuts.
The Mauerlat is placed strictly parallel to the opposite wall so that the rafter legs are subsequently identical.
More details on how to attach rafters to the Mauerlat can be seen in the video below:
The video clearly shows how the fastening of legs - beams to beams should look like from professionals.
Installation of rafter legs
For the exact location of the rafter legs, pencil and meter marks are made on the mauerlat. But before this, it is necessary to draw up a diagram or calculation of their location.
The preparation of the rafter legs begins with a cut from the bottom side, 1/3 of the width is made. Their leg will rest on the mauerlat. The option of their fastening depends on what material the rafters will be made of.
The slope of the future roof will depend on the angle at which the leg beams are secured. It should not be made very flat and steep. It is better to first make a calculation according to the regional indicators. If wind loads are high in the area where you live, then the angle cannot be more than 20°C. At high precipitation rates, the slope is made at 35-40°C. This way, snow and precipitation will not accumulate, and the roof will begin to clean itself.
In the upper part, the rafter legs are connected to the ridge using iron brackets into a single structure.
Bundle of rafter legs in a hanging structure
Beams - legs are assembled together before their installation. The connecting elements can be bolts or nuts with iron plates. After completing the collection of triangular fasteners with rafter legs, they begin to install from the two outer ones. Then the next two are installed. The frame needs to be fixed with temporary jibs. At the end of installation they are removed.
After the legs are fully installed, the fillies are attached to them. The size of the overhang of the future roof will depend on their length. For a wooden house, this distance is taken as maximum to prevent water from getting on the walls.
Installation of rafters in a layered structure
With this installation, the rafters begin to be mounted from a laying on which two supports are installed. A ridge beam is mounted on top of the supports. The jibs provide additional rigidity to the structure.
The rafter legs are attached to the ridge beam. If you take the length of the rafter legs a little longer and file them circular saw after twisting, the work will be more productive.
Installation of sheathing
After the installation of the rafter legs is completed, they begin to attach the sheathing. In this case, marking begins from the ridge, where two massive wide boards are first mounted.
The sheathing must be installed along the entire length of the gable roof in increments of a certain roof.
When the rafter system is completely assembled, the overhang and gables of the roof are sewn up. After this, the roofing material is laid and the structure is insulated. We talked about how to properly insulate a roof HERE.
As you can see from the article, it’s not difficult to do the work yourself, and by imagining what the structure of a gable roof looks like, you can easily make a plan and calculation for your log house. It is advisable to choose the best and highest quality material that will be used during installation.
When designing any residential building, architects special attention pay attention to the roof, since it performs not one, but several functions at once, depending on its design features. It must be said that not all future homeowners are satisfied with an ordinary gable roof, although it can be called the most reliable, since it has only two pitched planes and one joint between them. Many people are more attracted to complex designs, which add special attractiveness and originality to the building. Other, more practical homeowners prefer attic structures, which can simultaneously serve as a roof and a second floor.
The basis of any roof is an individual rafter system, which has its own design features. It will be much easier to choose the right roof frame if you figure out which ones in advance. types and diagrams of rafter systems used in construction practice. After receiving such information, it will become more clear how difficult such structures are to install. This is especially important to know if you plan to build the roof frame yourself.
Main functional tasks of rafter systems
When arranging pitched roof structures, the rafter system serves as a frame for covering and for holding the materials of the “roofing pie”. With proper installation frame structure the necessary conditions will be created for the correct and non-insulated types of roofs, protecting the walls and interior of the house from various atmospheric influences.
The roof structure is also always the final architectural element of the exterior design of a building, supporting its stylistic direction with its appearance. However, the design features of rafter systems must first of all meet the strength and reliability requirements that the roof must meet, and only then the aesthetic criteria.
The frame of the rafter system forms the configuration and angle of inclination of the roof. These parameters largely depend on natural factors characteristic of a particular region, as well as on the desires and capabilities of the homeowner:
- Precipitation in different periods year.
- The direction and average speed of the wind in the area where the building will be erected.
- Plans for the use of space under the roof - arranging residential or non-residential premises, or using it only as an air gap for thermal insulation of the rooms below.
- Type of planned roofing material.
- Financial capabilities of the homeowner.
Atmospheric precipitation and the strength of wind currents place a very sensitive load on the roof structure. For example, in regions with heavy snowfall, you should not choose a rafter system with a small slope angle, since snow masses will linger on their surface, which can lead to deformation of the frame or roofing or to leaks.
If the area where the construction will take place is famous for its winds, then it is better to choose a structure with a slight slope of the slope so that sudden gusts that occur do not tear off individual elements of the roof and roofing.
Main elements of roof structure
Parts and components of rafter systems
Depending on the type of rafter system chosen, the structural elements used can vary significantly, however, there are parts that are present in both simple and complex roof systems.
The main elements of a pitched roof rafter system include:
- Rafter legs that form the roof slopes.
- - wooden beam, fixed to the walls of the house and used to fix the lower part of the rafter legs on it.
- A ridge is the junction of the frames of two slopes. It is usually the highest horizontal line of the roof and serves as the support to which the rafters are anchored. The ridge can be formed by rafters fastened together at a certain angle or fixed on a ridge board (purlin).
- Sheathing is slats or beams mounted on rafters at a certain pitch and serving as the basis for laying the selected roofing material.
- Supporting elements, which include beams, purlins, racks, struts, ties and other parts, serve to increase the rigidity of the rafter legs, support the ridge, and connect individual parts into an overall structure.
In addition to the mentioned design details, it may also include other elements, the functions of which are aimed at strengthening the system and optimally distributing roof loads on the walls of the building.
The rafter system is divided into several categories depending on different features of its design.
Attic space
Before we look at different types roofs, it is worth understanding what the attic space can be, since many owners successfully use it as utility and full-fledged residential premises.
The design of pitched roofs can be divided into attics and attics. The first option is called this way because the space under the roof has a small height and is used only as an air layer insulating the building on top. Such systems usually include or have several slopes, but located at a very slight angle.
An attic structure that has a sufficiently high ridge height can be used in different ways, be insulated and not insulated. Such options include an attic or gable option. If you choose a roof with a high ridge, then it is imperative to take into account the wind loads in the region where the house is built.
Slope slope
To determine the optimal slope of the roof slopes of a future residential building, first of all you need to take a closer look at the low-rise neighboring houses that have already been built. If they have been standing for more than one year and can withstand wind loads, then their design can be safely taken as a basis. In the same case, when the owners set a goal to create an exclusive original project, unlike standing nearby buildings, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the design and operational features of various rafter systems and make the appropriate calculations.
It should be taken into account that the change in the tangent and normal values of the wind force depends on how large the slope of the roof slopes is - the steeper the angle of inclination, the greater the importance of normal forces and the less tangent forces. If the roof is flat, then the structure is more affected by the tangential wind load, since the lifting force increases on the leeward side and decreases on the windward side.
Winter snow load should also be taken into account when designing the roof. Usually this factor is considered in conjunction with the wind load, since on the windward side the snow load will be much lower than on the leeward slope. In addition, there are places on the slopes where snow will certainly accumulate, putting a large load on this area, so it should be reinforced with additional rafters.
The slope of roof slopes can vary from 10 to 60 degrees, and it should be chosen not only taking into account the consolidated external load, but also depending on the roofing that is planned to be used. This factor is taken into account because roofing materials differ in their weight; to secure them, a different number of elements of the rafter system is required, which means that the load on the walls of the house will also vary, and how large it will be also depends on the angle of the roof. The characteristics of each coating in terms of resistance to moisture penetration are also important - many roofing materials in any case require one or another slope to ensure free descent storm water or melting snow. In addition, when choosing a roof slope, you need to think in advance about how the cleaning process will be carried out and repair work on the roof.
When planning a particular angle of the roof slopes, you need to know that the fewer joints between the sheets of roofing, and the more airtight they are, the less you can make the slope of the slope, of course, if you are not planning to arrange a residential or utility room in the attic space.
If a material consisting of small elements is used to cover the roof, for example, ceramic tiles, then the slope of the slopes must be made steep enough so that water never lingers on the surface.
Considering the weight of the roofing material, you need to know that the heavier the covering, the larger the angle of the slopes should be, since in this case the load will be correctly distributed over the rafter system and load-bearing walls.
The following materials can be used to cover the roof: or profile sheet, galvanized steel, corrugated asbestos concrete and bitumen-fiber sheets, cement and ceramic tiles, roofing felt, soft roofing and other roofing materials. The illustration below shows the permissible slope angles for various types of roofing coverings.
Basic designs of rafter systems
First of all, it is worth considering basic types rafter systems relative to the location of the walls of the house, which are used in all roof structures. Basic options They are divided into layered, hanging, and also combined, that is, including elements of both the first and second types of systems in their design.
fastenings for rafters
Layered system
In buildings where internal load-bearing walls are provided, a layered rafter system is often installed. It is much easier to install than a hanging one, since the internal load-bearing walls provide for its elements reliable support, and in addition, this design will require less materials.
For rafters in this system, the defining reference point is the ridge board, on which they are fixed. The non-thrust type of layered system can be arranged in three options:
- In the first option, the upper side of the rafters is fixed on a ridge support, called a sliding one, and their lower side is fixed by cutting to the mauerlat. Additionally, the rafters in the lower part are fixed to the wall using wire or staples.
- In the second case, the rafters in the upper part are cut at a certain angle and connected to each other using special metal plates.
The lower edge of the rafter legs is attached to the Mauerlat with movable fasteners.
- In the third option, the rafters are rigidly fastened in the upper part with bars or treated boards located horizontally, parallel to each other on both sides of the rafters connected at an angle, and a ridge girder is clamped between them.
In the lower part, sliding fasteners are used to secure the rafters, just as in the previous case.
It is necessary to explain why sliding fasteners are often used to secure rafters to the mauerlat. The fact is that they are able to relieve load-bearing walls from excessive stress, since the rafters are not rigidly fixed, and when the structure shrinks, they are able to move without deforming general design roofing system.
This type of fastening is used only in layered systems, which also distinguishes them from the hanging version.
However, in some cases, for layered rafters, a spacer system is used, in which the lower end of the rafters is rigidly fixed to the Mauerlat, and to relieve the load from the walls, tie-downs and struts are built into the structure. This option is called complex, as it includes elements of a layered and hanging system.
The gable roof structure is very convenient both in installation and in its operation. This design can serve not only as a reliable covering for the house, but also become extra room, if you choose the right one internal structure and optimal slope angle. A gable roof of a house can be installed with your own hands if you have skills in working with wood and a basic understanding of engineering design schemes, as well as if you have assistants who are ready to take part in this rather labor-intensive process.
There are several types of gable roof designs, and before deciding and choosing the right one, you need to think about what will be located under the roof - just an attic or a living space.
DIY gable roof of a house - design options
Gable roofs can have a hanging or layered structure. They differ in the location of the supporting and fastening elements.
Video: main elements of the roof truss system
Hanging truss roof structure
If there are no permanent partitions in the house, and the rafter system will rest only on the side walls, then a lighter hanging roof structure is used. It can be used if the distance between the walls is from 6 to 14 m. One way or another, hanging rafters place a fairly large load on the main side walls, so in order to reduce it, various horizontal or diagonal connecting elements are used. They fasten the rafters together and have different names: struts, tie rods, headstock or crossbar.
The elements supporting the system can be attached to the rafters or ridge beam anywhere in the system. For example, tie rods installed at the bottom of the rafters can be used as floor beams for a building.
It should be noted that for rafters and ties you need to choose fairly thick blanks, especially if there is a living space in the attic. The boards for the rafters are selected with a size of approximately 55 × 200 mm, but only a specialist can accurately calculate the system and the cross-section of all its elements.
Installation of the hanging rafter system is carried out sequentially:
- Waterproofing material is laid on the load-bearing opposite walls of the building - usually several layers of roofing felt.
- The Mauerlat is secured on top of it with anchors. This is a powerful beam on which the rafters will rest and be secured. A tension block is placed on it, which will also serve as a floor beam. Typically, the size for the Mauerlat is a beam with a cross section of 120 × 120 or 150 × 150 mm.
- Next, at a distance of 500 ÷ 600 cm from each other, the attic floor beams are laid end-to-end against the mauerlat on the load-bearing wall.
- For convenience and safety further work Plank flooring is laid on the floor beams. You will get an excellent platform on which you can fasten the rafters together.
- Rafters can be fastened in two ways. In the first of them, the corners of these elements are cut at a selected angle and fastened wooden overlays or mounting plates.
- In the second case, half-wood grooves are cut at the ends of the rafters, which are superimposed on each other and fastened with a bolt. For rigidity, the parts can be fastened with a crossbar. Sometimes the grooves are not cut, and the rafters are simply fastened together, also with bolts - this method is called overlapping fastening.
- When the first two rafters are fastened together, they must be carefully aligned on the mauerlat, since the evenness of the alignment and fastening of all other rafters will depend on this.
- In order for the first and subsequent pairs to be installed correctly, a groove is cut into them, which will allow the rafters to fit tightly onto the mauerlat.
- In addition to the groove connection, for rigidity of installation of rafters they use metal corners, with which they are fixed to the Mauerlat using self-tapping screws.
- After installing the first pair of opposing rafters, the second pair is installed with the same “bundle” on the other side of the building.
- A cord is stretched from one pair to another on top - it will become the level by which the remaining rafter pairs can be leveled.
In order for the article about the gable roof to remain multiple step by step instructions We have included step-by-step information on attaching rafters to the Mauerlat in a separate section. step-by-step technology — .
1. Sheathing the system from the inside - this can be plywood, boards or moisture resistant drywall. This layer will be fixed last.
2. A layer of vapor barrier film.
3. Rafters.
4. Insulation - usually one of the types of mineral wool in mats is used for this layer.
5. Waterproofing film.
6. Counter rails.
7. Slate (or other roofing covering)
- A waterproofing material is laid on the rafters - this can be one of the modern composite membranes that are produced today large number, A May be and ordinary high-density polyethylene film.
It is stretched over the roof surface, overlapped by 200 ÷ 250 mm, and secured with staples to the rafters using a stapler.
- On top of the waterproofing, a counter-batten with a thickness of 30 ÷ 50 mm is placed on each rafter. It will create a separating ventilation space between the waterproofing and the roofing material.
- Next, the sheathing is laid perpendicular to the counterbattens. The distance between its adjacent guides is calculated depending on the length of the sheets of material that will cover the roof.
- Before you start laying the roofing material, holders in the form of hooks or a cornice strip are attached to the bottom batten of the sheathing.
- Then you can move on to laying the roofing material. They begin to lay it from the cornice strip, that is, from the bottom, row by row, rising to the ridge. Roofing sheets are laid from left to right, overlapping on one wave and secured to the sheathing with special screws with an elastic nozzle that will cover the formed holes from moisture penetration.
- After completing the fastening of the roofing material, the ridge roofing element is immediately installed and screwed. Each roofing material has its own version of the ridge covering.
After the roofing covering has been laid and the attic is no longer threatened by precipitation, you can begin to finishing works from inside the room.
- Insulation is laid between the rafters, starting from the attic floor and gradually rising to the ridge. If the attic space is residential, then the insulation is fixed in two or even three layers. To do this, a sheathing of bars is placed on the rafters at a distance of the width or length of the insulating mats.
Laying insulation mats on the inner surface of the slopes
- Next, the insulation is covered with a vapor barrier film, which must be secured with brackets on the sheathing.
- Then the entire internal area of the attic roof is covered with finishing material.
Insulation of a gable roof
In terms of insulation, a gable roof resembles an attic.
If you are confident that the entire roof will be covered in one day and will not get wet by rain, you can proceed in the reverse order.
Bottom-up work order
- The vapor barrier is stretched from the inside of the attic and the finishing material is fixed, and the rest of the work is carried out from the outside.
- It is laid between the rafters, in the figure it is shown as No. 2 .
- Next, a windproof, waterproofing material (3) is laid on top of the insulation. It is secured with a counter rail (4).
- Then the sheathing (5) is stuffed.
- This is followed by laying the roof covering (6).
Video: installation of insulated roofing “pie”
Prices for popular types of insulation
Insulation
If a soft roof is used to cover the roof, then the design of the “pie” will look slightly different.
- Sheets of plywood are attached to the rafters according to the diagram shown in the figure. This method of fastening is designed for compensatory expansion of the material under the influence of temperature changes.
- Then, a layer is laid on top of the plywood. For this roofing option, roofing material laid with an overlap is well suited. The sheets are laid from the bottom of the roof and nailed along their upper side to the plywood, and the joints between them (at least 100 mm wide) are coated with mastic.
Laying soft roof- flexible tiles
- After the mastic has dried, they begin to lay a soft roof from the lower part of the roof slopes according to pre-made markings. The material is laid overlapping and nailed with special nails. Each row begins to be laid on one side of the roof, for example, from left to right.
- Having finished on both slopes of the roof, you need to carefully close the gap on the ridge.
Design of the gable roof gable
Any roof will not look complete if the pediment of the building is not decorated. If the house is made of stone and has fairly thick walls, then the pediment can also be built from brick or foam blocks. Very often, this part of the roof, if it is made from the materials mentioned, is erected even before installing the rafter system and installing the roof.
A wooden house requires light gable finishing, and this is most often done after the installation of the roof structure and roofing has been completed.
If the required sheathing is missing on the gable part, it must be installed. The proposed diagram clearly shows the proportions of such a sheathing if the sheathing boards are installed vertically. With horizontal cladding, the sheathing is fixed vertically. In the case where it is planned to install a window or door in the front part, the frame sheathing system must take this into account - the necessary openings are left, which are framed with a bar.
The covering can be made of clapboard made of wood or plastic. If sheathed gable of the attic, in which there will be a living space, it, like the roof slopes, will need to be thoroughly insulated.
When installing several layers of insulation, you will have to mount another sheathing from the inside of the gable wall, between the bars of which insulation will be laid, and on the bars themselves it will be fixed interior decoration premises.
If selected plastic material for the external design of the pediment, it is best to install it on plywood, which is secured to the sheathing with self-tapping screws. Since plastic has high thermal conductivity, it can only be used as decorative material– he will not be able to cope with the task of thermal insulation.
We must not forget about the layer of windproof and waterproofing film. It is fixed to the sheathing before sheathing it with wooden or plastic clapboard.
The insulation, just like on the slopes, is tightened inside the attic with a vapor barrier, and only the interior finishing is installed on it. All joints between the roof and the gable part must be well sealed. This can help polyurethane foam, tow or mineral wool, which is compacted to the limit in the cracks. The cracks on top should be sealed with wood putty for decorative purposes.
Video: pediment cladding option
Building a roof is a rather complex, time-consuming and even dangerous task, so it must be carried out by specialists who know the installation technology and safety rules when performing work. If the owner of a house under construction does not have this knowledge and experience, then it would be better to turn to professionals.
To install a gable roof yourself, you only need average carpentry skills and an understanding of its manufacturing technology. It's not hard to figure all this out. It is also necessary to involve an intelligent assistant in the process, because many operations cannot be performed by one person. Therefore, many undoubtedly take on this work and cope with it successfully.
Do-it-yourself gable roof installation
Construction country house is associated with considerable costs. Therefore, many people are looking for options to reduce the cost of this process through the use of modern materials and technologies. Currently, frame buildings with gable roofs have become very popular. This happens largely for the reason that even a person with minimal knowledge of construction can carry out such a design with appropriate preliminary preparation.
A gable roof is formed by triangular trusses connected to each other by a longitudinal upper beam (ridge girder) and sheathing
However, constructing a roof is a crucial moment that requires serious consideration. You need to calculate:
- correct angle tilt;
- rafter length;
- the distance between them;
- methods of connecting various parts to each other.
Without experience in performing such work, you should not take on complex structures, but build small house with a simple gable roof it is quite possible to do it yourself.
Design features of gable roofs
Such a roof consists of two inclined planes located at a certain angle. Along the end walls there are pediments, which are a vertical continuation of the walls. In shape they are isosceles or arbitrary triangles if the slopes are arranged at different angles to the horizontal. In the case of a gable sloping roof, the pediments have the shape of trapezoids.
When building a roof, a rafter system is created, which is the supporting element of the roofing pie. The rafter system can be made in the form of hanging rafters if there are no permanent partitions inside the building box. If they are available, a deck frame is installed when the span rests on three or more points.
Depending on the configuration of the building, a gable roof can be erected according to different schemes How to make a gable roof yourself
Depending on the design of the rafter system, its main elements may be different, but the main details are present in all options:
- Rafters - main load-bearing element structures onto which roofing material is mounted through the sheathing.
- The ridge girder, also called the center beam, combines all the rafter legs into a single whole and evenly distributes the load on the mauerlat.
- Rack - used in deck structures as additional support for a permanent internal partition.
- The bench is a horizontal beam on which the racks rest, serving to evenly distribute the loads on the power plate.
- Mauerlat is a support beam between the walls and the upper structure of the building, intended for fastening rafters.
- Sheathing is a 25 mm thick plank flooring for attaching the finishing roof covering.
Regardless of the type of rafter system, it always contains several basic elements Roof design
In the process of designing a rafter system, it is necessary to optimally place all frame elements to ensure uniform roof load over its entire area. The main types of load are:
- Snow - occurs under the influence of a layer of snow that lingers on the roof. At high rates for the construction region, the angle of inclination of the roof is increased so that the snow falls off as it accumulates.
- Wind - associated with the force of the wind. In open, windy places it is higher. A means of counteracting wind loads is to reduce the angle of inclination of the roof.
Thus, it is necessary to find the optimal combination of these indicators with simultaneous exposure to wind and snow. Data on specific loads for the construction region can be found on the Internet.
Gable roofs with a simple design give the house an elegant and festive look.
Photo gallery: projects of houses with gable roofs
A gable roof allows you to arrange a small attic room on the second floor. The angle of inclination of the gable roof is selected based on the intensity of the winds and the average snow load in the construction area. Despite the simplicity of the design, a gable roof can be the central element of the overall design of the building. The inclination angles of the roof slopes do not have to be the same
Calculation of gable roof parameters
Determining the main characteristics of the roof is necessary already at the foundation design stage to calculate the impact total weight buildings on a supporting base.
Area calculation
With a symmetrical gable roof, it is enough to determine the area of one slope and double the result.
The height of the roof depends on the selected slope angle. Usually it is in the range of 30–45 degrees. In the first case, the height will be half the distance from the projection of the ridge to the axis of the Mauerlat. Using the Pythagorean theorem and carrying out calculations, we find that the length of the slope for a 10x9 m building will be equal to 5.05 meters. The area of the slope is determined as 5.05 x 10 = 50.5 square meters. And the total roof area will be 50.5 x 2 = 101 m2.
In cases where a gable roof has an unbalanced roof, i.e. the ridge axis is shifted from the building axis, the area of each slope separately is calculated using the same method and the results are summed up.
However, this calculation does not take into account the area of the roof overhangs. They are usually 0.5–0.6 meters. For one slope, the overhang area will be 0.5 x 5.05 x 2 + 0.5 x 10 = 4.1 + 5 = 9.1 m2.
Total area roof will be 101 + 9.1 x 2 = 119.2 m 2.
Most calculations of rafters are made according to the Pythagorean theorem, reducing the structure to a set of rigid figures - triangles Calculation of rafter cross-section
The cross-sectional size of the rafters depends on several factors:
- the magnitude of the load on them;
- type of materials used for rafters: logs, timber - homogeneous or glued;
- rafter leg lengths;
- wood species;
- distances between the axes of the rafter legs.
All these parameters have been calculated for a long time, and to determine the cross-section of the rafter legs, you can use the data below.
Table: rafter section size
As the installation pitch of the rafters increases, the load on each of them increases, which leads to the need to increase the cross-section.
Common dimensions of the main parts of the rafter system:
Determining the angle of inclination
The angle of inclination of the roof slope is determined by the requirements of its finishing coating:
One of the reasons for reducing the angle of inclination is the desire to make the attic or attic space as large as possible. This intention is also the reason for installing a sloping roof.
Calculation of the distance between rafters
This parameter depends on the type of finishing coating, or rather, its weight. For the most heavy material the distance should be minimal, from 80 centimeters. In the case of using a soft roof that is light in weight, the distance can be increased to 150 centimeters. The number of rafters and translations is calculated as follows:
- The length of the building (10 meters) must be divided by the distance between the rafters, presumably 120 centimeters: 1000 / 120 = 8.3 (pieces). We add 1 to the result obtained, it turns out 9.3.
- Since the number of rafters cannot be fractional, the result is rounded to the nearest whole number - 9.
- The distance between the rafters is finally set: 1000 / 9 = 111 centimeters.
With this distance, all rafters will be equidistant, and the load from the roof will be distributed evenly.
The length of the rafters is calculated using the Pythagorean theorem, as already shown above.
Do-it-yourself gable roof installation
Work on the installation of the rafter system begins with the installation of the Mauerlat.
Mounting the load-bearing device on the wall
Mauerlat is made from high-strength wood - oak, larch, etc. If such materials are not available, pine can be used.
The timber comes in standard lengths - 4 or 6 meters. Therefore, connecting several parts along the length is inevitable. It is made with cutting of the connected ends “half-tree”, for example, for a beam with a cross-section of 150x150 millimeters, a sample of size 75x150 with a length of 300 mm is made. The ends are overlapped. Fastening is carried out with two or four M12 or M14 screws with the installation of large diameter washers. Using the same principle, the beams are connected at the corners. The finished structure is a regular rectangle, which is installed on the upper plane of the wall along the perimeter.
Two beams are spliced using a sample of wood on each of them. They are then bolted together The technology for installing the Mauerlat provides for its placement strictly along the axis of the wall or offset in any direction. In this case, you cannot place the support beam closer than 5 centimeters from the edge. To increase the service life of the Mauerlat, it should be installed with waterproofing along the wall surface. Most often, roofing felt is used for this.
Methods for attaching the Mauerlat to the wall
- Installation on anchor bolts. Ideal option with monolithic walls. Threaded rods are embedded in the wall when it is cast.
- Wood dowels. They are nailed into a drilled hole. For this type of fixation, additional metal fasteners are used.
- Forged staples. They are used with pre-installed wood embedded parts.
- Stud or fittings. The pins are walled up during the laying of the wall and are removed through the support beam along drilled holes. The diameter of the fasteners should be 12–14 millimeters, the protrusion above the surface of the beam should be 10–14 centimeters.
- Steel wire. A bundle of two or four wire strands is installed when laying the wall 2-3 rows before its end. The Mauerlat is tightened using a crowbar. Often used as an additional fastening of the support beam.
- When installing a reinforcing belt, fastening with studs or anchor bolts is also used.
The mounting locations should be approximately halfway between the rafter legs.
Video: installing a Mauerlat on an armored belt
Photo gallery: methods of mounting the Mauerlat on the wall
The studs are embedded in the wall while it is being poured, then the Mauerlat is put on them and secured with bolts. The wire is also installed at the stage of laying the wall. The Mauerlat can be secured using wire ties passed through holes in the beam. In the spaces between wall blocks wooden plugs are inserted into which the staples are then secured
Types of rafter systems and their installation
The choice of roof truss design is determined by the configuration of the building. If there are no internal capital partitions, a hanging rafter system is constructed.
If there are permanent partitions, it is necessary to use a floor installation scheme.
Manufacturing of rafter pairs
This is the name of a pair of rafter legs connected into an arch with the installation of a spacer element in the form of a tie for a hanging system or a crossbar for a decking system.
Installation of rafter pairs is carried out in three ways:
- Assembly is done at the top after installing the translations. They are covered with plank flooring nailed down.
- The formation of rafter pairs is carried out on the ground in the immediate vicinity of the house. Only blanks that represent a rigid triangular structure are assembled. Lifting of products is carried out when the rafter pairs for the entire system are ready. For this purpose, it is possible to use lifting devices in the form of a manual or drive winch, which represents certain inconveniences and additional costs. On the other hand, assembly on the ground is much easier and more accurate.
- The roof is assembled directly at the installation site in detail.
In any option, the rafter legs are mounted according to the template, which is the first truss. For higher assembly accuracy, it is advisable to fix the parts of the next pair to the previous pair with clamps.
When assembling rafter systems on the ground, all structures are made according to a template, which is the first manufactured truss. This makes the installation more accurate Procedure for installing the rafter system
Prefabricated roof elements are installed in the following sequence:
Fastening rafter system parts
To reliably connect the elements of the roof frame, various auxiliary elements are used, made of galvanized steel up to 1.5 millimeters thick.
The use of additional fasteners ensures a strong assembly of the rafter system When assembling using additional connectors, labor productivity increases and the strength characteristics of the structure increase.
Special fastening devices are used to connect roofing elements of wooden buildings. Thus, the upper joint of the rafters is often connected using a hinge. This is due to frequent movements of the building, including seasonal ones.
The hinged connection allows you to avoid large stresses at the junction of the rafters during seasonal movements of the log house For the same purpose, sliding fastenings are used on houses made of this material.
A reliable sliding connection of the rafters with the Mauerlat relieves this unit from stress during deformations of the structure Video: quick production of rafters
Before installing the sheathing, the roof is insulated. To do this:
- The internal sheathing is filled from the attic or attic side.
- The vapor barrier film is stretched.
- Insulation is being installed.
- A moisture-proof film or membrane with one-sided permeability is laid.
Thus, in addition to insulation, it creates ventilation system under-roof space. It starts working after installing the coating.
It is more convenient to lay the insulation layer on the outside on the internal sheathing with a vapor barrier coating In certain conditions, roof insulation can be done from the inside; this is not so convenient, but you can safely work in any weather conditions. The formation of the roofing pie is carried out in reverse order. Each layer of insulation as it is laid must be strengthened in the openings between the rafters.
Creating a frame pediment
Before you start decorating the gable, you need to arrange the sheathing and lay the finishing roof covering.
When forming the sheathing, the type of future roofing is taken into account. It is made from edged boards 25 millimeters thick. Lathing happens:
- Solid - boards are packed at a distance of 2–4 centimeters from one another. Used when using tiles or soft roofing.
- Sparse - the distance between the boards is 15–25 centimeters. This sheathing is installed under metal tiles, corrugated sheets, slate and other similar materials.
- Rare - the distance between the boards is from 0.6 to 1.2 meters. Used when the length of the covering sheets is equal to the length of the slope with an overhang. This coating is made only to order.
The sheathing should be brought out beyond the gable rafters to create an overhang.
A frame is mounted on the front rafter trusses for fastening the front finishing material Roofing installation
Before laying the sheathing, the roof is insulated and a moisture-proof layer is laid. Next:
- The roof covering is being laid. The installation sequence is from bottom to top in rows. The straightness of the first row is controlled by a stretched cord.
- Roofing sheets are fastened with self-tapping screws using shock-absorbing gaskets.
When installing the final roof covering, you cannot skimp on fasteners; the protective layer must be durable and able to withstand wind and snow loads.
Sheets of metal tiles are laid from bottom to top, starting from the corner of the roof Installation of gables
The sheathing of frame gables is done based on the characteristics of the material intended for the front finishing. The following products can be used for this:
After installing the sheathing, it is necessary to lay a moisture barrier made of polyethylene film 200 microns thick. It can be secured with construction staples. This work is done outside. Using the film, you can cover the outer surface with the selected finishing material.
The gables must be insulated with roll or tile insulation. The thickness of the protective layer should be at least 10 cm, and for areas with cold climates - at least 15 cm. An internal moisture-proof layer of film is stretched over the insulation.
A lathing for the front finishing is placed on top of it, for which bars measuring 50x50 millimeters are used. The entire building is finished at the same time, after the roof is insulated.
During the process of facing the pediment, windows are installed if they are provided for in the project, and in some cases, doors.
The pediment of a wooden house with a gable roof is most often finished with clapboard Decoration of overhangs
Roof overhangs, both gable and eaves, in addition to a purely decorative function, are intended to protect walls and foundations from water or snow. Their sizes are usually 50–60 centimeters. The design of overhangs is carried out various materials:
- planed board, installed end-to-end or overlapped;
- tongue and groove lining;
- block house lining;
- sheet plastic;
- sheet profiled or smooth metal;
- finished goods made of metal or plastic - soffits.
There are several ways to install overhangs:
According to the filing, you need to complete ventilation holes. They can be of any size, but large ones must be covered with a fine-mesh mesh made of any material. This allows you to avoid birds and harmful insects from entering the under-roof space. Soffits are sold ready-made ventilation grilles.
Ventilation is arranged only on eaves overhangs, it is not needed for gable projections.
When finishing with soffits, there is no need to drill ventilation holes - they are already made at the factory Video: do-it-yourself gable roof installation
With modern abundance building materials and as such, you can install a gable roof yourself. The cost savings will be quite significant. But it can also result in losses if you do not carefully think through every step during construction. Good luck to you!
Erection of the roof is one of the most critical stages of building a house. To the most simple designs These include gable roofs with straight slopes. If you decide that you will build a gable roof with your own hands, then you need to carefully read the step-by-step instructions and video. The functional parameters of the roof also depend on proper insulation, characteristics and quality of installation of the finishing coating.
Preparatory stage
To determine the configuration and size of the roof, it is necessary to take into account the snow and wind load in the existing climatic conditions - the smaller the angle of inclination, the better design resists loads. But the small angle of inclination (40 degrees or less) does not allow full use of the attic space.
The shape and design of the roof are developed in accordance with the design plan of the house: the key support points of the roof truss system must coincide with the lines and location points load-bearing structures the floor below. Thus, it is necessary to take into account the width of the house, the presence of longitudinal load-bearing wall in the center. If you do not plan to use the attic as additional usable space for permanent or seasonal living, you can make a reliable roof with layered rafters. In this case, the rafters are attached to the ridge girder, which is supported by racks resting on the internal load-bearing wall.
Hanging rafters - the most practical and economical option for light buildings. In this case, the rafter legs are connected in pairs with crossbars - horizontal jumpers that provide the necessary rigidity of the structure. The hanging rafter system rests on the side walls of the structure.
If the width of the house exceeds 6 meters, in addition to the crossbars, which act as the basis for the ceiling, purlins and racks are installed. The purlin is a horizontal beam that acts as an additional support for the rafters that form the roof slope. Installation of the purlin requires the use of racks. The racks, in turn, rest on the beds - a special beam laid along the slope. The beds and racks serve as the frame of the walls of the attic room. This layered design allows you to create an attic or spacious attic for household needs with your own hands.
If construction is required simple and reliable roof, a gable design with an inclination angle of 45-50° is optimal. This rafter system is suitable for installation on residential buildings and buildings for various purposes. When calculating materials, it is necessary to take into account that the rafter system must be light enough to avoid excessive load on the foundation, but at the same time strong. The cross-section of lumber should be selected based on the dimensions of the rafter structure.
Mauerlat installation
Let's look at a step-by-step method of building a roof with layered rafters and an attic space with your own hands. At the first stage, the upper frame - Mauerlat - is installed on the longitudinal walls of the house. The strapping takes on the pressure of the entire roofing system and transmits it evenly building structures– walls and foundation.
The Mauerlat is made of timber (section from 50×150 to 150×150 mm), treated with special protective equipment to protect against rotting and fire.
Mauerlat can be made in various ways:
- V brickwork rolled wire is embedded, through which the beam is fixed to the wall (the wire is threaded through specially made holes and twisted tightly);
- Long metal pins with a diameter of 12 mm or more are embedded in the masonry;
- At the top of the wall there is a monolithic concrete beam with embedded steel studs.
The studs should be spaced at intervals of no more than 120 mm. The height of the protruding end of the fastening element should be 20-30 mm higher than the total thickness of the waterproofing and the timber in which holes should be made in advance. The beam is put on the studs and tightened tightly with nuts and wide washers.
Construction of the rafter system
The rafter system, which you can make with your own hands, consists of a number of elements combined into a single whole. The A-shaped rafter truss is a rigid structure that works “for expansion”. If the roof construction is carried out on timber house, opposite walls should be strengthened with ties made of 100x150 mm timber at the level of the ceiling beams. This is done to prevent the walls from moving apart under load.
On ceiling floors are laid - additional elements made of timber 150×150 mm or more, which serve as support for the racks and redistribute the point load on the floor surface. Laying the beds with your own hands should be done along the lines of the walls of the future attic space. If the attic is not planned to be used, the bed can be laid directly under the ridge to install support posts. If necessary, you can splice the timber, but only in places where the joint will lie on the beam. Tenon connection secured with a bracket or metal plate.
Repeating parts of the rafter system should be made completely identical to each other in order to build an isosceles gable roof, the weight of which will be distributed evenly even under atmospheric loads. For this purpose, templates of identical parts are made with your own hands.
50×150 mm boards are laid out on the floor of the house and a triangle is made required height of two rafter legs and a stand board (its length corresponds to the height of the future roof), connected with a nail. Two or three people lift the structure - the stand is installed on the central axis of the ceiling, the rafters are installed on the mauerlat.
In the process of preparing the template, you can lengthen the elements by varying the height of the roof and choosing the most suitable option.
Having decided on the dimensions, it is necessary to make curly cuts on the rafters at the points of their contact with the strapping. The rafter leg should rest firmly on the mauerlat. There are a number of fastening methods; you should choose the most convenient and reliable one; it is advisable to use metal pads. The intricacies of the technology can be found in the video. The resulting rafter structure subsequently acts as a template, and the support board helps control the height of the installed trusses.
Gable
The pediment is a continuation of the wall, limited by the roof slopes. If a gable roof is provided, the gables of the house have the shape of a triangle. When installing a truss structure, first of all, install extreme farms, which later serve as a frame for the pediments. It is necessary to strictly check the verticality of the structures and ensure that they have the same height. A ridge girder is attached to the upper part of the gables, to which the remaining rafter structures are subsequently mounted.
Usually the gables are sewn up after finishing roofing works, but this can be done at an earlier stage. Installation of boards 50×100 or 50×150 mm is carried out in a vertical or horizontal direction. The pediment, which you can build with your own hands, is often equipped with windows.
It is also necessary to provide for insulation of the gables.
Roof insulation and roof installation
A sheathing is placed on the rafter system, the pitch of which is calculated based on the characteristics of the roofing material - its size and rigidity, and installation method. If flexible materials are to be used ( bitumen shingles, PVC films, rolled bitumen roofing), it is necessary to make a continuous, even flooring.
Roof insulation must be treated with the utmost care, since otherwise heat losses will be very significant. Typically, a gable roof is immediately made taking into account the use of certain materials for insulation - when building a rafter system with your own hands, the pitch of the rafters is calculated relative to the width of the sheet insulation. This allows you to build a roof with minimal economic costs, since the material for insulation does not have to be cut. In addition, this approach speeds up and simplifies the installation of insulation and vapor barrier systems.
In this high-quality video you can see in detail how to make a gable roof yourself and make sure that there is nothing complicated about it.