The article contains information about a seemingly not particularly significant, at first glance, element of the house - roof stairs. Let's look at what types they come in, why they are installed, and how they are mounted on the roof. And, in general, is a staircase structure on the roof necessary?
Stairs for roofs of private houses Source rmnt.mirtesen.ru
Types of roofing stairs
Let's start with the enumeration varieties roof ladders:
wall;
attic;
emergency.
It should be noted right away that pitched and wall-mounted ones are usually installed as a set, but sometimes there may be exceptions.
Pitched
From the name itself it becomes clear that these structures are laid on roof slopes and attached to them. Mounting method: brackets. True, the latter are presented on the market different designs, because the method of attachment to different roofing materials is carried out differently.
Ready-made pitched stairs are modular designs, which are fastened together with bolts. By selecting the length of the modules and their number, you can select a structure according to the length of the slope.
Staircase on the roof slope Source goldkryshi.ru
Installation of pitched structures begins with the cornice. Each section is secured to the roof with four brackets, each of which is secured to the sheathing roofing screws. Installation is carried out in the following stages:
laying the staircase module on the roof slope at the required location;
attach brackets to it on bolts, and the first ones should be installed so that the step on top rests on them;
if you are installing a ladder for a roof made of metal tiles, corrugated sheets or ondulin, then the brackets must rest with their legs into the lower wave roofing material;
through mounting holes on the roof marks are made, in which holes are drilled to the sheathing;
carry out fastening brackets with roofing screws with rubber gaskets installed between the legs and the roofing.
Please note that the staircase module itself must protrude 10 cm beyond the eaves. The staircase is attached to the ridge of the roof using special flat brackets, which are metal strips with mounting holes. They are attached to the upper section with bolts, and to the ridge, or rather to top elements lathing, roofing screws.
Video description
Watch the video on how to properly attach a pitched staircase model to the roof:
On our website you can find contacts construction companies who offer the service of developing and implementing extension and roofing projects. You can communicate directly with representatives by visiting the “Low-Rise Country” exhibition of houses.
Wall mounted
As mentioned above, wall-mounted models are often mounted with pitched ones as one structure. Therefore, such ladders are sold as a set. But you can also purchase wall-mounted varieties on the market as a separate option.
Installation of such stairs is carried out vertically, and they are attached to the walls using special brackets wall type on anchors or screws, depending on what material the house is built from. The brackets themselves are fixed to the stairs bolted connection. In principle, everything here is the same as with pitched ones, only the installation is carried out vertically. And if a pitched-wall set is used, then the second type must be installed in the opening of the first. That is, one should become a continuation of the other.
Wall stair structures are attached to the walls of buildings Source srubbani.net.ru
There are some features of installing wall stairs that must be taken into account:
bottom step from the ground surface should be at a height of 0.8-1.2 m;
top step should be located above the cornice at a distance of 10 cm;
ladder fastening produced both to the walls of the house and to the eaves of the roof;
location from the wall within 0.2-1.3 m;
step steps– minimum 10 cm;
between the pitched structure and the wall one is required install handrails for safe transition from one model to another;
often installed between these modules walkways or platforms, the handrails of which must rest on the guides of the pitched stairs.
In private housing construction, wall stairs can serve as emergency stairs if they are installed next to the windows of the upper floors.
Attic
It cannot be said that the ladder to the roof mansard type– this is something unusual in terms of constructive content. It is no different from a pitched one, and is mounted in the same way. It’s just that products of this type are presented on the market in two models: prefabricated (modular, like pitched ones) and non-removable.
And one more distinctive point. Such stairs are installed near attic windows, because access to the staircase structure is possible only through an opening in the roof. That is, this option is not equipped with a wall part.
Staircase on the attic roof, mounted near the windows Source en.decorexpro.com
Emergency
Ladders to the roof of this type of house are often called fire ladders because their main purpose is to be ready in case of fire. But depending on the design, some are used only by firefighters, while the second can be used to evacuate people from the upper floors apartment buildings, public or office buildings. In private housing construction, such structures are rarely used.
It should be noted right away that emergency ladders are manufactured with strict requirements regarding their strength and reliability. In addition, installation of structures can only be carried out by specialized companies. Amateur activities are prohibited here.
Vertical fire escapes Source silamet.ru
Classification of stair products of this type- These are two varieties that differ greatly from each other.
Vertical, they are wall-mounted.
Marching. They are also wall-mounted, but are assembled from several inclined flights and platforms between them.
Purely structurally, the first option is two beams attached to the wall of the building and connected by steps. If such a staircase is installed on a building with a height of no more than 6 m, then it is mounted without a fencing structure. If the height of the building is more than 6 m, then fencing is required. Please note that evacuating people using vertical models is prohibited. Although it should be noted that in emergency situations all means are good, so no one will forbid strong people to go down them.
March structures are installed only on buildings whose height exceeds 20 m. They are directly intended for the evacuation of people in case of fires and other emergencies.
Marching fire escapes Source ispitaniya.by
Materials for stairs
Strength staircase design- the main requirement for them, because a ladder for working on the roof or evacuation must support the weight of at least one person. Therefore, most often manufacturers offer metal products. But since the building is located with outside building, then all natural loads act on it. Therefore, structures made of black steel in their pure form are not used here. Today they are either painted or coated with a polymer layer.
These products are also presented on the market in other materials: galvanized profiles, stainless steel, aluminum alloys.
Ladder structure for a roof made of aluminum Source metallnn.ru
Conclusion on the topic
The classification of the presented stairs (roof ladders) is purely formal. Because the models are from different groups replace each other. It should be noted that today not all roofs are equipped with staircases. This especially applies to low-rise construction. This is a major inconvenience and is faced by workers who are tasked with inspecting the roof for quality conditions. Not to mention those who will carry out repairs.
Owners of private houses undertake the maintenance and repair of the building. The roof is a critical area of construction; it requires preventive inspection, seasonal cleaning of leaves and snow, and periodic repairs. A ladder installed on the roof of the house will allow you to safely perform any work. A wooden or metal structure will provide access to skylights, chimney pipe, antennas placed on the roof. The assortment of hardware stores always includes various models stairs, but if you do it yourself, you will save money and be confident in the reliability of the product.
Several types of ladders are used to work on the roof:
Parameters and choice of material
Before making a staircase for the roof, you will need to select a material. Metal products are strong, durable, attractive appearance, but their production requires special tools. Wooden structure has its advantages: lightness, affordable cost, simple drawings and the manufacturing process. It will allow you to repair a sloping attic roof, inspect a pipe or antenna. For a private house, a staircase made of coniferous species, not susceptible to rotting, will the best option.
You will need the following materials and tools:
- wooden beam 40x40 mm, treated with antiseptic and fire retardant;
- boards 25×60 mm;
- nails 100 mm;
- saw;
- hammer;
- roulette.
It’s better to start by drawing up a simple drawing where the size of the product will be determined. In order not to damage the surface of the roof made of slate, ondulin and corrugated sheets, it is necessary to make the distance between the vertical bars a multiple of the distance between the waves. If the ridge pitch is 10 cm, then the appropriate width is 50-60 cm.
The size of the stairs must match the length of the slope. The crossbars are packed with a step convenient for movement, it is 40 cm. For roofing made of ondulin and metal tiles, wider boards are taken, this will protect the coating from damage.
Product assembly
The places where the steps are attached are marked on the vertical blanks. The first is stuffed 10 cm from the edge, the rest with the selected step. The crossbars are fastened with nails, the part protruding from the reverse side is bent and recessed into the wood. After filling all the steps, they move on to making the hook. This element is responsible for the safety of the structure, because it bears the main load. To make it, you will need two boards 30-40 cm long, which are screwed with self-tapping screws or nailed at the end of the stairs at an angle, equal to the angle skate. You can make a reinforced counterweight by stuffing wooden slopes and a cross bar to the part protruding on the opposite side roofs. Making a reliable hook will save you from possible injuries.
A universal design option that can be used not only on a roof made of ondulin or corrugated sheets, but also on the ground, is assembled with a removable hook. In this case, the element is secured with a bolted connection, which can be unscrewed if desired. The ladder is assembled on the ground; two people are needed to climb to the roof; you need to carefully install it in place so as not to damage the ondulin or scratch the corrugated sheeting.
Features of stairs for metal tiles
A wooden structure is not suitable for a broken roof made of metal tiles; it violates the aesthetic perception of the roof of the house. Therefore, finished metal products are installed on it. This is often lightweight and corrosion-resistant aluminum. When installing stairs on sloping roof from metal tiles, the fasteners should be in the lower part of the wave. The process starts from the eaves upwards. Brackets are placed on the side parts of the product and placed every 1.5 meters. Holes are drilled in the sheets of metal tiles into which bolts are placed that connect the fasteners to the sheathing. Help protect the coating from damage rubber gaskets. The upper edge is attached to the ridge with two brackets.
Metal ladder for safe work on the roof requires minimal maintenance. It is coated with durable powder paint in common colors. The factory kit includes everything necessary details. If the size of the slope is more than one span, then you will have to buy several sets and connect them together.
A common practice is to combine a pitched and wall structure into one. The installation of handrails can increase the safety of the transition between them.
Ladder for roofing made of ondulin
The wooden structure has no heavy weight and does not load light material. Vertical boards fit well between waves if the size is chosen correctly. Their lower edges are carefully sanded so that they do not scratch the coating. For ondulin do not use heavy metal stairs from welded pipes.
Design nuances for corrugated sheets
A roofing ladder is necessary from the beginning of installation of corrugated sheeting and during its operation. This material is quite slippery and difficult to move on. The roof covering is attached under acute angle, which is at least 23 degrees, so the reliability of installation of its stairs is approached with special care. The features of corrugated sheets exclude the use of steel pipe construction. A heavy product may dent or damage polymer coating. A wooden structure, which is easy to make yourself, will be the best option for corrugated sheeting.
- If the staircase is not long enough, the vertical boards are overlapped, adding an additional section.
- It is prohibited to leave nails or tool hooks on the surface of the structure. It is easy for clothes to get caught on the sharp protrusion and lose your balance. Professional builders advise making a special belt for the necessary little things.
- The cross bars must be wide enough for the foot to stand comfortably, so they are made from bars. You should not make a large number of steps, this will make the structure heavier.
- Metal stairs must have an anti-corrosion coating. This will extend the service life and make operation safe.
- Moving the product is carried out by two people, one person is on the skate, and the second is on the scaffolding. They lift the ladder and carefully move it to the right place.
- The fastenings of the structure to the roof sheathing and the hook require periodic inspection. If you find loose fasteners and a place weakened by load, it is necessary to move the product to another place. Compliance simple rules will eliminate injuries during roof repairs.
Maintaining your own home involves certain expenses. A roof ladder will help reduce financial costs a little. The construction device is suitable for organizing the ascent and descent onto the flooring of a private house or outbuilding with a non-standard roof slope. Thanks to the steps, it is possible to reach the top during maintenance and repairs, as well as free movement along the surface.
Why are lifting structures needed?
A ladder to climb to the roof of your house can be used not only for unobstructed access to the roof. Its presence allows you to:
- clean the chimney, inspect the ventilation ducts, install an antenna;
- produce preventative work roof ridge;
- prevent and promptly repair damage.
A durable and reliable ladder is a guarantee of your safety. You can achieve maximum structural strength if you use quality materials. Carefully study the types of products - knowledge is needed for them the right choice and operation. 
Types of roof ladders
Manufacturers produce staircase structures in wide range. According to their purpose, they can be wall, roof or pitched, emergency. Products are made of steel, aluminum, wood or combinations thereof. Having considered the factory models, you can easily select options for home use.
Wall types of stairs
The structures are mounted on embedded parts provided in the wall of the house. The device must comply with building codes:
- the top step is located on the same level as the cornice;
- the distance from the bottom crossbar to the ground is 1 m;
- the use of fasteners to fix the ladder to the roof in the presence of additional pipes;
- placement of the rise 0.2–1.3 m from the wall ceiling;
- the minimum step pitch should be 10 cm;
- presence of handrails for safety.
In case of emergency, wall stair structures are used as an emergency exit or entrance. 
Pitched products
The installation process begins with pre-assembly parts on the ground - brackets are used. The lift is designed according to the building configuration or type roofing.
- The top of the step is attached to the gable roofing material at the ridge of the roof. Thus, the pitched staircase turns into a façade staircase;
- Installed walkway or a platform parallel to the eaves to safely climb and move along the roof;
- The length of the construction device is adjustable. Holes are made on the sides - with their help you can connect two products.
The ladder for working on the roof is made primarily of aluminum profiles. The structure is in demand due to its versatility, durability and corrosion resistance. A pitched roof staircase has a number of advantages achieved by a simple design:
- the sidewall of the product and steps are made of high-alloy aluminum;
- special holes on the back side ensure a high-quality connection of two stairs;
- minimum distance between the crossbars, which allows you to easily climb onto the roof;
- An alternative to roof hooks is a convenient flip-over bracket.
High operational properties, the strength of the light-weight steps guarantees them convenient use for the household needs of the owners. 
Firefighting types of structures
They are mandatory for residential buildings in the private sector, the height of which exceeds two floors. The evacuation design facilitates the unhindered movement of people. The specifics of the construction and placement of fire escapes are subject to particularly strict requirements according to GOST:
- location of rounded handrails at a height of one meter;
- the presence of additional fences if the height of the structure exceeds 6 m;
- equal width (25 cm) and height (22 cm) of steps, external flight of stairs 60 cm long;
- treatment of metal structures with fireproof paint.
Owners are strongly advised to carry out an annual scheduled inspection to identify damage and confirm the suitability of the staircase.
Attic products are relevant for use in suburban conditions. To speed up access to the room under the roof, they are used during construction work or during summer season when there is no point in constructing large steps. 
How to make a staircase yourself?
Work begins with a drawing and purchase of materials. The easiest way is to make a wood product yourself, since the activity does not require any cash outlay.
Product design
Before starting construction, select the length of the stairs, based on which, make a drawing. Plan the number of steps and the distance between them. When drawing up a project, also consider:
- the optimal length for users of average height is from 40 to 50 cm;
- the configuration of the product, if it is located near the wall and provides for lifting;
- the width of the structure - it is calculated based on the length. The feet of adults will naturally be placed on slats 150 cm long.
Try to keep the stairs within the standard parameters, but take into account the distance from the beginning of the roof to the ground surface. It is advisable to independently make portable products made of metal or wood. 
Required Tools
It’s best to start equipping your home with a roof lift with your own hands by purchasing the following tools:
- electric saws;
- jigsaw;
- hammer,
- screwdriver or screwdriver;
- roulette;
- nails or screws.
The main building materials are boards and beams made of hard rocks. Inspect them for mechanical damage, mold, select substandard elements. The size of the parts must correspond to the parameters of the roof. 
Making a wooden structure
The staircase structure protects roof elements from damage that can be caused by tools when performing repair work or shoes. How to make a ladder to the roof yourself? Thanks to the drawing, you will determine the amount of building material needed and the dimensions.
We build the staircase structure ourselves using the following algorithm:
- Choose the size. Length finished structure should be from 70 to 80% of the length of the roof.
- We maintain a distance between the crossbars of 40-50 cm so as not to clutter the structure.
- We cut out two guide steps according to the drawing, sand the lumber to a smooth and uniform surface.
- Using screws or weaving nails (length 100 mm), we mount the beams on the side boards.
- We use a special hook to fix the structure to the ridge on the roof. Taking into account the heavy load, the hook must be mounted securely - you can use metal corners.
- For the strength of the staircase, it is recommended to nail the slopes along the edges.
Wide side boards will help avoid deformation of the coating and evenly distribute the load over all surfaces. 
How to make a staircase out of metal?
Such lifts to the roof of a house are particularly durable and are qualified depending on the design and purpose. Let's consider the features of the construction of monolithic and prefabricated options.
Prefabricated structures
They are made mainly of aluminum or steel pipes, which have high strength and low weight. Prefabricated stairs consist of wall and roof sections, which are created as follows:
- Selecting tools and materials - metal profiles, electrodes, welding machine, grinder, hammer drill and hammer.
- The required dimensions of the elements are marked with a marker or pencil, and the profile material is cut according to them.
- Using brackets, modules are built onto slats. The structure remains portable or is fixed to the roof façade.
Stairs from aluminum profiles It is heavy and therefore creates certain operational inconveniences. 
Monolithic products
Metal structures are used primarily for covering metal tiles and are not suitable for fragile roofing felt or profiled sheets. It is more difficult to make one-piece metal roof ladders yourself. They require special tools and experience with a welding machine.
When performing work, it is worth considering several nuances:
- Before installation on steel pipes different diameters Apply powder corrosion protection in a variety of colors
- To install a piecework metal structure, place the fasteners at the bottom of the tile wave
- Install the brackets on the side parts of the guides every 1.5 m.
- Safety handrails that help you climb up should be secured at the junction of the wall and the roof.
WITH metal material it is advisable to work if you plan year-round accommodation in the house. Wooden products– lightweight, inexpensive to manufacture, can be quickly transported and installed. Metal structures are protected from slipping by rubber linings with corrugation; wooden stairs only need to be treated with anti-rot compounds. 
Tips on how to make a ladder for working on a roof should start with correct selection material. His choice depends on your wishes and financial capabilities. How to create a strong and durable structure?
- stair structures made of metal or wood are located in the open air. To prevent exposure to weather conditions, it is recommended to expose the surface with paint.
- develop comfortable staircase taking into account the safety of the roof surface during repairs various types roofs. A counterweight made of boards attached to hooks will help preserve the structure, which has a gable slope;
- the short model can be upgraded with additional boards on the sides. For convenient movement of the lift, small wheels are attached to it.
- The staircase structure and fastening elements require periodic inspection.
Proper organization of stairs for home roof will help you climb to the desired height and maintain balance when performing construction work. So that the ladder lasts long time, must be adhered to technological process construction and choose only high-quality materials. 
Many owners of country cottages are interested in the question of how to make a staircase to the roof with their own hands. own home for its maintenance and repair work during operation? There are many options for staircase structures made of wood and aluminum. But for any product there are basic rules and safety requirements. In order to make a staircase with your own hands, you first need to study the assembly instructions, prepare necessary building materials and tools.
In this article
Types of staircase structures for the roof
The following types of ladders can be used to perform roofing work.
Wall-mounted
The scheme of this design involves fastening the stairs directly to the wall of the building, therefore, when erecting walls, mounting brackets are specially laid. Wood, aluminum and steel can be used as materials for wall-mounted staircase structures.
Basic installation requirements:
- The minimum distance from the stairs to the wall is 20 cm.
- The first (bottom) step should be one meter higher from the ground surface.
- The outermost (upper) step should be at the level of the cornice or 0.1 meter below it.
The wall ladder is additionally designed for evacuation!
Attic
This version of the stairs is intended for interior work in the attic, so its design can be sliding or folding. 
Roofing (pitched)
This version of the ladder structure is designed for work on the roof, therefore it is installed directly on the roof slope. The product is fixed by the ridge using a special hook. Factory versions of stairs are usually made of aluminum; at home, wood is used. With the help of such a ladder design you can move freely along the surface sloping roof with a large slope slope.
Recommendations for making a wooden roof staircase with your own hands
If you decide to make a roof staircase yourself at home, you first need to prepare the building material, necessary tools. Of course, metal products are much stronger and more durable, but to make them you need to have special tools, for example welding machine, accordingly, you need to be able to work with welding. This option will do not everyone. But to make a wooden staircase in living conditions Everyone is capable.
Wooden staircase structures have fairly simple drawings, they are easy to make with your own hands, they do not require special tools, and are much cheaper than their metal and aluminum counterparts. The best option for country cottage counts wooden staircase for the roof, made of coniferous trees. This product will not rot, so it will last quite a long time.
Required Tools
To make roofing stairs, wooden beams are most often used, so you will need the following tools:
- Hammer. Needed when fastening with nails individual elements wooden staircase structure.
- Hand saw (electric jigsaw). It will be needed to cut lumber to the required sizes.
- Construction tape. Needed for marking wooden pieces.
- Phillips screwdriver (screwdriver). Required if screws are used instead of nails to fasten individual structural elements.
- Nails - “weave” or screws.
- timber- 4x4 cm
- Boards- 2.5x6 cm
Important! The length of the board must be selected depending on the size of the roof - there is no single standard! A staircase structure intended for roofing work will last much longer if you use hardened self-tapping screws rather than standard nails to connect its elements. They are not subject to oxidation and do not wear out as a result of exposure to precipitation.
Instructions for making a wooden staircase
After preparing the building materials and tools, you can begin to make the stairs. The side boards of the product must be as wide as possible to prevent mechanical damage to the roofing covering (the entire load is in in this case will be distributed evenly over the roof surface).
Important! The wooden building materials used must be impregnated with special protective equipment from insects and natural precipitation, then the service life of the stairs will increase several times.
- The length of the staircase structure should be approximately 80 percent of the length of the roof. To make steps, it is recommended to take a wooden beam measuring 40x40 mm.
- Using a construction tape, the side boards of the product are marked and then cut hand saw or a jigsaw. The edges must be sanded to ensure safe operation of the product.
- Next, these blanks need to be placed parallel to each other (prepared for installing the steps).
- You can use nails to fasten the steps, but as mentioned above, it is better to use hardened self-tapping screws. If the second option is used, then holes must first be made in the workpieces to prevent cracking of the building material. When the ladders are attached to the side boards, the entire staircase structure is thoroughly sanded. This is necessary in order to remove all sharp ends on the product and, accordingly, prevent damage to the roofing covering (this especially applies to soft roofs).
- Next, to fix the roof ladder, a special hook, which will go to the opposite side of the roof. This is the most critical stage, since the finished hook will have to withstand the load of the staircase structure itself + the person who will carry out the work roofing work. The design of the hook is similar to the design of the ladder itself, only its length is much shorter - from 30 cm. It should be borne in mind that the longer the hook, the more reliable it will be.
There is another option for attaching a wooden ladder to the roof of a house - by the ridge. To do this, corners are first mounted on the staircase structure (screwed onto the side boards of the staircase). Next, these corners are screwed to the roof ridge using metal screws. This option for attaching a ladder to the roof is considered more reliable and safe for roofing work.
The basic rule for using a roof ladder
All fastenings of the staircase structure and the hook must be periodically checked for weakening and looseness. If such situations arise, the product should be moved to a new location and securely fastened to prevent possible injury to a person during maintenance or repair of the roof.
