Attic extension. What do you need to build a high-quality attic roof with your own hands? What roofs can be used for attic buildings

Construction attic floor possible both during the construction of the house itself and after, if these actions were not planned initially. In both cases, a do-it-yourself attic is a good way.

Construction of an attic floor with attic walls

With an attic wall, as a rule, an attic is installed, as in the diagram above. In the case of making a hipped sloping roof, such walls do not need to be built. The design provides the height necessary for comfortable use of the room.

Do-it-yourself frame attic: construction is carried out from wood, there is no need to attach attic walls

Reinforcing lining of the walls of the attic floor

Now it is necessary to perform the reinforcing lining of the walls. Its installation is required regardless of whether we laid attic walls or not. This will ensure the strength of the structure made of aerated concrete or brick and will prevent it from creeping to the sides. Also, by tying the floor, the mauerlat will be attached, on which, in turn, we will build.

The reinforcing strapping is made monolithic and runs inextricably along the entire perimeter of the walls. It is assembled from longitudinal reinforcement rods intercepted with clamps. In the picture below you can see what this design looks like. The distance between the longitudinal rods may vary depending on the thickness of the walls.

How to build an attic: construction of an armored belt in cross section

Important: The reinforcing strapping must be connected only with clamps; welding cannot be used. The structure of the building will never be 100% static, and even with small movements the welded frame may break. The use of clamps will give the armored belt the necessary elasticity.

We arrange permanent formwork for strapping. To do this, we use either U-shaped blocks, as in the upper part of the picture, or, if the walls are brick, we make prefabricated formwork. You can see both options in the photo.

Do-it-yourself attic: photo of laying the armored belt frame in foam block formwork

When the framing frame is laid in the formwork, we install studs or anchors with threads and a nut into it for the subsequent installation of the Mauerlat. Studs must be taken with a diameter of 12 mm, the distance between them is 1.0 m.

Attic construction: the reinforcing belt is filled with concrete, anchors are visible from the outside

Important: It is necessary to lay a layer of insulation between the frame and the outer wall of the formwork. In the future, it will have to dock with, so the same material should be used in both. Thermal insulation should protrude to the surface to the thickness of the Mauerlat.

We fill the frame with concrete and wait until it hardens completely, after which we can continue construction.

Attic floor superstructure: an armored belt with insulation is installed on the attic wall

Now we build the gables. They can be either with or without windows - in this case the window openings are made in. After this, you can begin installing the Mauerlats. In the photo you see the construction of an attic floor with your own hands with the construction of attic walls.

Do-it-yourself attic, photo taken during the construction of the gables

DIY attic: the video contains useful information that is worth studying before starting construction.

Mauerlat installation

The Mauerlat is made of timber with a cross-section of 150 mm. If there are no beams of the required length, then we connect several short ones using anchors. We drill holes in the beams for the anchors, which we previously installed in the reinforced belt of the attic floor.

We lay a layer of moisture insulation on the armored belt. Roofing material cut into strips is suitable for this purpose. The material is overlapped and fused. Now we lay the Mauerlat so that the anchors fit into the holes made for them, and tighten everything with bolts from above. We leave the structure to stand for two or three days, then tighten the bolts again. The figure below shows a diagram of attaching the Mauerlat to the armored belt of the attic floor.

Attic design: installation of a Mauerlat frame

If the house is built of logs, then the installation of a mauerlat will not be required; the rafters will rest against the upper logs of the load-bearing walls.

How to properly attach an attic floor: resting the rafters on a load-bearing wall log

Do-it-yourself attic construction: video of mounting the Mauerlat.

Important: Before installation, the Mauerlat beams, like the entire rafter system, must be treated with an antiseptic compound. If this is not done, the frame will be susceptible to fungal infections and rotting, which can lead to loss of strength and, consequently, destruction of the entire attic roof structure.

Now that the installation of the Mauerlat has been completed, you can begin construction and laying thermal insulation on the gables and walls and finishing work.

Making an addition to the attic floor

Building an attic that was not previously planned will cause you certain troubles: both the construction itself and obtaining permission for it. However, the result will fully justify the effort expended. Despite some temporary and financial costs, building an attic with your own hands will be more profitable than purchasing separate house or apartments.

Important: before making an attic on old house, in which it was not planned, it is necessary to first determine whether this is possible. The extension will increase the load on the walls and foundation of the house, and to assess their bearing capacity you will have to call a specialist who will carry out the necessary

Construction work on the attic floor

Once all permits for the superstructure have been obtained and its drawing has been made, construction can begin. First of all, we need to dismantle the roof and the old rafter system, and then the floor gables. The latter are dismantled due to the fact that we will need to increase their height.

Raising the pediments should be carried out to the height of the mauerlat - approximately two bricks, or to the height of the attic wall, if one is being built. The picture shows what it will look like. Alternatively, stone gables can be replaced with sip panels, which will reduce the load on the foundation and walls.

We build an attic with our own hands: raising the gables

The next step in the addition of an unplanned attic floor is the installation of the Mauerlat. If we are building an attic with an attic wall, then further actions can be carried out using the technology described above for complex construction. If this wall is not built, then the Mauerlats will have to be secured using staples and wooden plugs. In the figure below you can see how this can be done.

How to make an attic with your own hands: fastening mauerlats using brackets

Important: the beams for the construction of the mauerlat should be as long as possible. The fewer butt joints there are, the stronger the entire structure will be. In addition, if the Mauerlat is made under frame roof and has the shape of a closed frame, it must be reinforced at the corners with brackets.

If you have made such a decision on how to build an attic, it will be correct. Before building an attic in an existing house, you first need to decide on its shape, and whether the roof will be completely converted into an attic floor or not.
After all, the construction of an attic is considered not only more economical, but is also a process for which it will be necessary to spend a lot less labor in comparison with the construction of the next floor. It is these facts that make the construction of an attic very popular. Projects of country houses with an attic, as a rule, have a special or, as builders call it, a “broken” roof, since it makes it possible to make maximum use usable area.

When deciding how to build an attic, special attention must be paid to the quality of the roof. Since it must have not only aesthetic appearance, but also have excellent thermal insulation, and also have good waterproofing. The best thermal insulation material for roofing is either slate or ceramic tiles, but under no circumstances use metal tiles, as they tend to get very hot in the sun. In this case, how to build an attic with your own hands? At the initial stage of building construction, it is possible to make calculations of the supporting structure with maximum accuracy.

It should be taken into account that the rafters must be installed at an angle (from 30 to 60°), since an increase in the degree of inclination leads to a decrease in the usable area of the attic.
To solve the problem, you can insulate the attic from the inside using mineral wool.

A residential attic space requires a large layer of insulation. The material must meet the requirements fire safety and not be toxic. Mineral wool is one of the most suitable options.

Types of material

Main types mineral wool– this is basalt wool and glass. Each has its own properties, pros and cons.
Basalt wool

Basalt wool is produced from gabbro-basalt rock. Carbonate rocks are specially added to it, which allows you to regulate the acidity module. Material with higher acidity is more resistant to moisture and more durable. Adding binders to basalt wool: bitumen, synthetic, composite, bentonite clays holds the fibers together and helps give the desired shape.

Glass wool

Glass wool is a mineral material, the production of which uses raw materials used in glass production, as well as waste and broken glass.

The properties of glass wool are different from basalt, its thickness is 3–15 microns, and its length is several times greater than basalt. Therefore, glass wool slabs are more elastic, have greater strength, and are resistant to vibrations. Glass wool is fire resistant and can withstand temperatures up to 450 °C.

Despite all the advantages of glass wool, there is one significant drawback that reduces the popularity of its use. When laying this material, many small particles are formed that are harmful to health. Therefore, installation is carried out in special clothing, shoes, and a protective mask. You won’t be able to clean them after work; you’ll have to throw them away.

Nuances of isolation

When insulating a roof, it is better to use cellulose wool; it provides better moisture conductivity and does not allow moist air to accumulate under the roof.

The main difficulties of insulation appear when working on the slopes of a roof that has a truss structure.

Here it is necessary to use dense wool, which can be securely placed between the rafters. It should be light and elastic.

The main advantages of mineral wool remain its non-flammability, soundproofing, good thermal insulation properties, vapor permeability, high environmental friendliness, and relatively affordable price. It is produced in slabs, mats, cylinders, and there are options coated with foil.

If the size of the insulation is larger than the distance between the rafters, it is cut into the necessary pieces, adding a few centimeters for a tight fit.

This method is well suited for insulating attics and living spaces located directly under the roof. The disadvantage can be considered a decrease internal dimensions due to a layer of wool, drywall and additional finishing.

Thermal insulation methods

Depending on which structural element of the building is insulated, there are 2 ways to insulate the roof from the inside.

Thermal insulation of the floor

The first option is to insulate the floor. The method is inexpensive and very easy to implement. Consists of laying cotton wool on concrete slabs base or, in the case of a wooden floor, between structural elements. Any type of mineral wool will do, even soft and granular. Installation is simple, there is no need to go around the rafters, as when insulating roof slopes, you can easily fill all the gaps and cracks.

Thermal protection of stingrays

The second option is to insulate the roof slopes. If the room in the attic is not used, then this option is not economically viable. The consumption of materials increases significantly; more time is required due to bypassing the rafters and additional fastening of mineral wool.

Insulation of slopes can be done in two ways: on top of open rafters or between them. With the first option, wooden beams remain visible indoors and have an additional decorative function.

Sequence of work

Regardless of which method of mineral wool insulation is used, the general algorithm of actions is as follows: surface preparation, waterproofing, installation of insulation, laying a vapor barrier, sheathing.

Preparatory activities

Before starting work on thermal insulation, the surface to be insulated must be prepared. The structure is inspected, if necessary, identified defects are eliminated, and cleaned of dirt and debris. TO preparatory work This also includes calculating the amount of material.

The thickness of the insulating layer should be at least 15–20 cm, so if you choose wool of a smaller thickness, it will need to be laid in two layers.

Waterproofing

To protect the roof from moisture, waterproofing is installed on the insulated surface. It is laid overlapping, secured with a stapler and gluing the joints with tape.

It is important to install the waterproofing membrane so that there is a gap between it and the insulation. ventilation gap, and the material completely covered the entire rafter system and slightly extended onto the walls.

Then, over the insulation, a batten of battens is nailed to the rafters, which will secure the material and provide a ventilation gap. It is better to treat all wooden structural elements with a special antiseptic.

Laying insulation

After installing the waterproofing, you can begin installing the insulation. To do this, mineral wool is cut into pieces approximately 5 cm wider than the distance between the rafter beams. Then, after installation, the material will straighten out and better fill the space. Installation of mineral wool should be carried out in such a way that the material fits as tightly as possible to the beams and there are no gaps left.

Arrangement of vapor barrier

After laying the insulation, it is necessary to protect it from water vapor coming from inside the room. If this is not done, the mineral wool will gradually become wet and lose its thermal insulation properties. Therefore, a vapor barrier is installed on top of the insulation. Special foil materials are used as a vapor barrier, polyethylene films or roofing felt.

To ensure tightness, the vapor barrier is laid with overlapping layers, and the seams are taped. It is important to install foil vapor barriers with the metallized side inside the attic. Fix the structure wooden slats, onto which the sheathing (lining or drywall) is subsequently attached.

Roof insulation with mineral wool is one of the most affordable ways to provide warm and cozy attic. The main thing is to strictly follow the technology. And then everything will work out.

Try to pay attention to insulating the attic roof special attention. If the roof is not insulated, do not expect heat in the attic. A roof is a roofing covering. An attic roof is a “roofing cake” consisting of several layers: a vapor barrier layer on the inside, a waterproofing layer on the outside, insulation between them and an air gap.

Various materials are used as insulation. The characteristics of the materials used depend on several factors: the functional purpose of the room, humidity level, critical temperatures, loads, and so on. Non-flammable, basalt materials- the best option.

Various materials are used as insulation for the attic from the inside. The most popular and simplest is mineral wool.

Polystyrene foam is not recommended. It's flammable. Has poor vapor conductivity. Mineral wool is perfect. It is pressed into a slab. WITH inside, a vapor barrier layer is located. WITH outside– waterproofing (special layer).

Nowadays, the use of sprayed polyurethane foam to insulate the attic from the inside has become quite popular. This method is also quite economical and very effective.

If an attic is made from an old attic, then, as a rule, the rafters are retained. The load is minimized by using low-density insulation materials, since they are much lighter. The disadvantage is that they are blown by the wind. Additionally, windproof, vapor-permeable material is laid.

Approach the installation of insulation with due care. Do not forget about the presence of sufficient ventilation space between the roof covering and the insulating layer.

The attic is warm in winter and cool in summer only when all the work on insulating the walls and roof is done correctly. Do not ignore these rules and your budget will have a tangible effect.

Attic - fashionable architectural element. F. Mansara (French architect) three centuries ago was the first to use attic space not only for economic purposes, but also for housing.

Nowadays it is quite widely in demand in civil and industrial construction. In individual construction, the attic is experiencing a real boom. It is equipped both during the construction of a new house and during the repair of attic spaces (roofs).

The house accepts expressive look, and the attic space is used functionally and efficiently. The area occupied by the attic is decent. Additional space for a nice recreation room (billiard room) or a wonderful summer bedroom. Keeping it warm and dry will make it habitable.

A well-insulated and well-made attic can become an excellent relaxation and work room.

How to properly insulate an attic from the inside? A pre-developed project is required. It will allow you to prepare well and provide for all the nuances. A competent approach to attic insulation and mandatory use quality materials will help you avoid mistakes that can play a very bad role over time.

In a private home, as a rule, there are big losses heat. Basically, this happens through the ceiling and upper floors. The processes of wetting (drying) the insulation occurring under the roof worsen its quality. Microclimate disturbances often cause cold inside the house. This arises mainly due to poor quality construction work associated with the attic.

It is recommended to insulate the attic not only from the outside, but also from the inside. Insulation is a technically quite complex process. The impressive area of the attic floor, its maximum contact with the external environment, the complexity of the design - requires certain knowledge and skills from the one who will be involved in its insulation.

Attic structures are distinguished by the fact that they can be constructed from a variety of materials, for example, wood, metal, reinforced concrete. There are no restrictions here, you just need to ensure stability and proper insulation. Ceilings in rooms can also be very different: inclined, flat with one inclined wall, formed by two slopes converging under acute angle. All this and much more has made the attic so popular for more than four hundred years.

The main advantages of such a roof are as follows:

1. The possibility of adding an attic, that is, using the infrastructure of an existing building. In this case, there is no need to completely disassemble the entire roof, which allows significant savings during the work. This is an additional floor that can be used for its intended purpose.

2. The living space of the house is increased due to the reconstruction of unused attic space. This allows you to add a full second floor at relatively low cost.

3. In places with fairly dense buildings, an attic second floor is the best way out.

4. The external appearance of the building improves, the structure acquires a finished, holistic appearance.

5. Attics can be built on more than just one level. If necessary and if all rules and requirements are met, it is possible to build a two-tier attic, which will decorate any building, adding additional living space to it.

6. When constructing an attic, heat loss through the roof of the house is greatly reduced. This also results in lower heating costs during the winter months.

7. Construction of attics is possible even in a residential building without the need to move out residents. To do this, it is not necessary to use heavy construction equipment; all work is carried out directly on the roof of the building in the shortest possible time. A new floor can be erected with virtually no problems or costs.

But the construction of an attic also has its disadvantages, as with any structure. It is worth noting such disadvantages as:

1. When constructing such a room, some of the usable space is lost.

2. Sloping and sloping ceilings greatly reduce the height of the walls; ceilings in attics are usually low, not exceeding 2.4 meters.

3. In many cases, windows can only be located in the ceiling, which is not always convenient.

4. Rafter structures begin to quickly degrade due to lack of ventilation. Typically, their service life is about three times less than with a cold attic.

5. Large amounts of snow often accumulate on roof windows in winter, which reduces the level of already insufficient lighting.
Types of designs

When deciding how to make an attic, you must first decide what type of rafter system will be used. Characteristic feature The attic structure is its broken, rather steep configurations, but we must not forget that this is not an aesthetic function, but a purely practical one. Such broken shapes provide:

· correct transfer of all loads to load-bearing walls;

· allow you to effectively protect the entire structure from atmospheric precipitation;

· give resistance to such negative phenomena as temperature sharp changes, showers, snowfall, formation of large amounts of ice.

The most simple form a residential attic is a triangle, the most complex one is with a break. All horizontal joists and vertical racks It is recommended to make it from thin wooden beams.

Among the rafter systems used for the attic floor, the most commonly used are:

1. Hanging type rafters. They rest on the walls, creating a horizontal load. If you decide to build an attic second floor using this type of rafter system, then you need to take into account the design features. To connect the beams, intermediate supports are not used here, only special ties made of metal or wood.

2. The inclined type of rafter system is recommended for small cottages, in which the load-bearing wall is located in the center or there are intermediate supports. The rafters rest on the outer walls, the middle part of the structure rests on interior wall. Such a simple system can only be used for those houses in which the distance between separate load-bearing walls is no more than six and a half meters.

3. Hanging and inclined rafters can be in the form of right triangles, which have a stop behind the load-bearing wall. In this case, there is no need to erect a mauerlat; ordinary beams are used for rafters. Struts are required, all racks cut into the floor beams, rafters are secured with anchors.
Construction stages

So how to properly assemble an attic structure? The sequence of all work should be strictly observed, which will allow you to build a strong, reliable attic. Correct determination of all loads is mandatory, which only experienced designers can do.

The construction of the attic involves the following work:

1. Dismantling the old roof. In this case, it is not necessary to completely disassemble the ceiling. Unless this is provided for by the project.

2. If necessary, the floor structures are strengthened. This is done so that the second floor (attic) does not give unnecessary loads. If necessary, an additional layer of waterproofing is laid at this stage.

3. Construction of the rafter system, insulation of the attic itself.

4. Installation of windows.

5. Internal and external finishing of the building.

To build an attic, it is recommended to use wooden beams that have a cross-section of fifty by one hundred and fifty centimeters. In this case, the following sequence of work is observed: first, the frame of the future structure is made, after which the support beams and rafters are strengthened. After installing the stepped bevels, waterproofing work and installation of insulation are carried out. Now you can strengthen the sheathing and lay roofing material. Finishing work carried out last, after all the windows have been installed.

The attic second floor must be insulated to ensure the safety of the structure and comfortable living conditions. For such a process to become effective, it is necessary to observe the construction of a multi-layer “pie”, which includes:

· internal finishing material on the ceiling of the attic room: moisture-resistant plywood, plasterboard, etc.;
· vapor barrier membrane;

· insulation (usually mineral wool in rolls or slabs);

· laying waterproofing;

· installation of roofing covering (tiles, corrugated sheets, etc.).

The insulation layer should be two hundred and fifty to three hundred millimeters; often a special frame is made for its installation, attached perpendicular to the rafter system. When laying, it is impossible to allow gaps and cavities to remain between the insulation boards, as this will lead to significant heat losses and low thermal insulation efficiency.

The attic is not only beautiful, but also a very functional architectural element that is capable of fulfilling the numerous tasks assigned to it. This is a great place for living space. Here you can arrange a children's room, a playroom or a large gym.

The technology of attic construction consists of high-quality and consistent performance of the following work:

1. Development of a project for the construction of an attic floor or its conversion.

2. Dismantling of old roofing structures.

3. Strengthening wall structures top floor.

4. Installation of waterproofing and thermal insulation of ceilings.

5. Construction end walls attic room.

6. Construction of the attic roof, its insulation and finishing.

7. Installation of attic windows.

8. Arrangement of a new living space.

To work, you will need to purchase materials and tools. It is usually necessary to have wall panels (or other material) for cladding the end walls of the attic space, thermal insulation materials for the walls and pitched roof, roofing materials, beams for roof structures, finishing materials, etc.

After preparing everything that is required for construction and developing the project, you can begin the main work. First you need to make a frame for the roof. The rafters can be made from beams measuring 50x150 cm. The structure must be well secured, install slings, support blocks, erect attic walls and install rafters. The rafter structure must be installed securely and accurately. After this, stepped wall slopes and attic partitions are installed, and work on insulation and waterproofing of the attic is carried out. Next, you should build a sheathing for the attic roof, lay a heat insulator on it, strengthen it and then finish the roof with roofing material. After this, the doors and windows are installed, interior decoration and arrangement of the premises.

Attic roof

In order to understand how to make a roof in the attic correctly, knowledge about the features of such a room will not be superfluous. Leaks in the roof and other roofing defects will negatively affect the entire building to a much greater extent than the same defects in a regular roof. attic roof. In this case, water will flow into the living room, which will most likely lead to repairs to the room.

The main feature of an attic roof is that it is exposed to moisture both from the outside and from above (snow, rain, etc.) and from below (the formation of condensation from the moisture in the air in living spaces on the lower floors). To eliminate this problem, the attic construction technology provides for the installation of a special vapor barrier layer that prevents the penetration of moist and warm air from living rooms to the tiles.

It is also necessary to waterproof the roofing material and ensure sufficient ventilation of the roof. attic space. As a roofing covering, you can use soft bitumen shingles or metal tiles.

Insulation and arrangement of the attic

Due to the fact that the attic is usually used as a living space, attention is paid to its thermal insulation great value. High-quality insulation of the attic roof ensures the creation of a comfortable microclimate in such a room and other rooms of the house, effective heat retention and a long service life of the entire building. There are several ways to insulate an attic. Insulation from the outside implies general insulation of the entire house.

The optimal and most effective way is additional internal insulation, which involves the use of a multilayer thermal insulation structure consisting of the following layers:

· The first layer (internal) – finishing material, for example, sheets of plasterboard, plywood and other materials that form the ceiling of the attic room

Second layer – vapor barrier film

· The third layer is a porous thermal insulation material (mineral wool, etc.)

· Fourth layer – waterproofing material, laid to form a small gap and allow water to easily drain out

The fifth layer is roofing (metal tiles, soft roof etc.).

Advice from the master!

In addition to insulating the attic roof, it is also necessary to insulate its walls and floor. Arranging a room in the attic includes performing such work as installing skylights, internal partitions, doors, as well as decorative trim.

Installing pitched roof windows is the best solution for an attic. Glazing can occupy a significant surface area of the attic, minimally 12.5%. The glass used in such windows is special: it does not break under strong pressure or impact, but crumbles into granules that do not have sharp or cutting surfaces.

Specifics attic premises allows you to arrange them in a special way, decorate them in an unusual and original way. Many designers recommend using translucent plastic partitions or partitions decorated with translucent fabrics to zone these rooms. When choosing a shade for wall decoration, it is recommended to give preference light colors, which will make the interior light and pleasant. It is not recommended to decorate roof windows with curtains, but it is better to choose light-colored blinds.

Having learned how to build an attic yourself, arrange it, create a comfortable, cozy and unusual room, you can try to build an upper floor at home. This is a great way to make your home unique and individual, increase its usable area and equip additional living space.

You should also take into account that the attic must be at least 3 meters wide, and the height in the center of the room is at least 2.2 m. But in this case, how to build an attic that was not originally planned? Additional questions always arise, such as, for example, the arrangement of stairs. You can place a ladder in the area attic hatch, which will simplify construction, and the spiral staircase will also make it possible to save space. In order to prevent the wood from rotting and being damaged by pest beetles, all wooden elements of the roof must be treated with an antiseptic.

To increase fire resistance, it is necessary to impregnate with fire retardants (special wood fire retardants). Also, when deciding how to build an attic, it is necessary to take into account that the attic and the attic differ primarily climatic conditions. The attic is a less ventilated room, which causes condensation to form on the insulation. Therefore, it is necessary to leave a space between the insulation and the roof (at least 50 mm), and another layer of vapor barrier should be laid on the inside of the insulation. When carrying out thermal insulation work, you should also not forget about insulating the walls, which are thinner in attic structures. Their thermal insulation layer must have a thickness of at least (250-300 mm). Independent construction of an attic floor is possible, but for this it is necessary to carefully plan the implementation of all work and thoroughly follow the existing technology.
Of course, it would be much easier not to disassemble it, but to reinforce the ceiling above the premises of the house. Beams or channels can be used as load-bearing structures.

After the ceiling has been strengthened, you need to decide on the size of the attic rooms; their height at the walls should not be lower than 1.5 m, and in the middle part it should be a standard height of 2.5 m, or even more. After this, a guide profile (PN) is attached to the floor for drywall, and above it, the same profile is attached to the rafters. Markings are made using a plumb line, tape measure, or strong cord. Then the profile of the racks (PS) is installed in the guide profiles, the pitch of which should be 600 mm. On inclined ceiling surfaces, the metal profile can be mounted horizontally. After this, when the location of the rooms is clearly visible, several skylights can be installed on the roof so that the rooms are well illuminated with natural light. In addition, it will be necessary to make an opening in the ceiling to install a staircase to the attic. The least amount of space on the ground floor will be occupied by a single-flight staircase with goose-step steps.

After this, with outside the frame of the attic partitions can be sheathed with waterproof plasterboard, and then laid inside the frame electrical wiring, for connecting switches and sockets. Next, mineral wool slabs with a thickness of 100, or, in extreme cases, 50 mm are placed in the frame. On the inside, they are covered with a vapor barrier, and an internal lining made of waterproof plasterboard is attached, holes are made in it for installing sockets and switches, and wires are brought out into them for connection. Then the ceiling and inclined surfaces are hemmed, which are also insulated with a mineral wool board.

Reading time ≈ 3 minutes

If you look into history, the attic first began to be used in France. Poor people lived in it, but today everything has changed, and having an additional room for living or comfortable rest has become fashionable and prestigious. In this article we will look at step by step instructions, in which we will tell you how to build an attic with your own hands. In addition, you can see photos and videos of the attic structure with your own hands.

Before starting any work, it is worth understanding that the additional living space will be located in the place of the attic, which means that the roof structure will need to be completely changed.

Materials for attic construction

So, to build an attic with your own hands you will need the following materials:

Reiki.
Wooden bars.
Boards.
Metal corners.
Fastening elements.
Metal staples.
Mineral wool.
Waterproofing.
Window designs.
Mineral wool.
Ladder.

In addition to all these materials, you need to prepare a set construction tools such as a screwdriver, drill, hacksaw, stapler, chisel, level.

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

1. Project of the future attic

The main element in this work is the roof, which is distinguished by its unconventional structure. Very often, window openings are installed in the roof. Their differences are that they are located at an angle. A do-it-yourself attic roof often involves changes to the profile, making it broken.

2. Roof shape

Imagine in advance what shape the future roof should be and the angles of inclination of the planes.

The attic roof can be:

Broken gable.
Standard gable.
Single slope (rare).

Proceed to the drawing. It should be made in different projections. Be sure to indicate the dimensions and indicate the relative position of all elements.

3. Construction of the frame of the future attic

Experts believe that this stage of construction is considered the most labor-intensive. You cannot do this work on your own; it requires the involvement of a partner. It is necessary to lay a mauerlat along the perimeter of the upper part of the house. Next, attach the two outer posts with slings to the mauerlat (horizontal bars connected to each other) using metal corners. After this, install a longitudinal jumper along the top of the racks.

4. Arched design

Pull the cord. Place the internal frame elements between the resulting ones. Consider the fact that their size must correspond to the side arches. There should be the same step between all the stools. Elements of the arched structure should be secured using metal brackets and corners. When placing inclined roof elements, maintain the calculated slope angle and alignment. After this, nail the sheathing of slats or boards on the outside of the resulting roof using a hammer and nails. Don't forget to leave openings in it for future windows.

5. Hydro- and thermal insulation

Hydro and thermal insulation is an important step in building an attic with your own hands. The best option for protecting the attic from moisture is a membrane-type film.

It is laid on top of the sheathing. Mineral wool is an excellent material for insulation. The cotton wool is attached to the inside of the rafter system. It is important that the installation is carried out without gaps.

Creating an attic - a popular type of room - with your own hands today is not difficult. Let's look at all the stages of construction, as well as the pros and cons of this design.

Peculiarities

Home is a place where we would like to surround ourselves with comfort, have the opportunity to relax with our family and work. Sometimes this becomes impossible due to lack of square meters. How to make your home spacious and comfortable? Construction technologies have stepped far forward - resources have appeared that allow you to expand the occupied space with your own hands through extensions. But if there is not enough land, then the attic would be the most successful option!

Currently, this is a fashionable design for private homes. Back in the 17th century, the attic was conceived as a way to expand housing for the poor. And thanks to the French architect Mansard, converting roofs into residential apartments has become very popular among the rich. This, by the way, is where the name came from - attic.

Many people ask the question: “Attic or additional floor?” It’s worth clarifying right away that these are two different things. Before choosing one or another option, weigh all the pros and cons, pros and cons, consider the purpose of your home (dacha or permanent place accommodation), your marital status, and budget. It will be much more economical to build an attic than a full second floor.

In this article we will tell you how to significantly transform your usable space with minimal investment. And you can handle all the necessary activities on your own.

Installation and arrangement of an attic, the facade of which is completely or partially formed by the surface of a sloping roof, is a vast scope for imagination and creativity. So much space shouldn't be wasted! This would be a great studio, office or place to store unnecessary things. But isn't it too wasteful to turn precious meters of space into a warehouse?

Typically, attic spaces are provided for children who like to be located at high levels, and besides, low beams often cause some inconvenience for adults. This is the very last floor, and the higher, the better the view, without a doubt. The presence of pipes, proximity to the roof, remote balcony, flat ceiling - all this will become a stylish aid for creating an architectural design.

An objective assessment of the specifics and knowledge of the constructive qualities of this type of superstructure give a chance that everything will work out as well as possible, no damage will be caused to the load-bearing walls and foundation of the house, and the home will last a long time. Believe me, the attic is very useful thing!

The most good decision- This is a frame attic. Before you begin designing plans for the addition, you must ensure that the floor below can support the additional load. After all, every person who comes across a building knows that the main building is placed on a supporting structure, which is calculated based on the entire mass of the structure. Therefore, at the beginning of construction it is necessary to do necessary calculations, and also check the foundation to see if there are cracks or any damage on it. If necessary, the base will need to be strengthened. At this stage, it is best to turn to professionals.

Based on how the roof is constructed, the appearance of the attic can vary. As a rule, the attic occupies the entire top floor, although sometimes there are options located on one side of the longitudinal axis of the building. It is not often that you see attics extending beyond the lower structures.

Most often, the roof is gable or sloping. A more complex type of gable configuration is popular: the roof consists of two planes. But we will discuss each of them in more detail a little later. Windows, large or small, located on the ceiling, let in many times more light than regular windows in rooms on the lower floors.

When choosing a roofing covering, maintain harmony so as not to disturb the combination of the shape of the attic floor and the roof.

You can also immediately insulate the room with SIP panels. As a result, you will get a lightweight structure that consists of more than 50% lightweight polystyrene foam, therefore, it does not create a load on the walls and ceilings.

There are several design considerations that cannot be ignored.

take thermal insulation seriously, which should be strengthened, because it is the roof that often “suffers” from frequent and sometimes severe temperature changes;
it is important to carry out waterproofing conscientiously so that over time the insulation does not get wet;
Proper ventilation must be provided between the thermal insulation layer and the roof.

The parameters of the rafter structure must be determined by the further construction of thermal insulation, which is placed between the timber rafters and has a thickness of at least 20 cm. The rafters must be at least 25 by 25 cm.

The main indicators of wood that are important for the design of the system are resistance to bending and compression, the required density and humidity.

Wooden rafters, in turn, require treatment with antiseptics or fire-bioprotective structures and must have fire resistance limits.

Designers advise leaving the attic space intact. However, if there is a need to separate rooms, then it is better to build partitions using plasterboard.

Let's also consider the disadvantages of this type of adjustment:

due to the sloping roof, unlike a regular floor, the size of the attic area will be smaller;
the height must be optimal, otherwise there will be problems with closing/opening doors;
psychological factor: sometimes it seems to people that there is not enough air, every time they want to bend down, a person may feel discomfort;
regardless of the type of roof covering and even correct installation soundproofing, sounds from rain will penetrate into the room;
it is important to properly think through the heating system;
the stairs leading to the attic may be too steep and therefore unsafe.

Design options and materials

Using expert advice, carefully develop future project attic space. After this, prepare the design of the attic, since it is not just a certain number of square meters, but the individuality of the facade - the pride of the building. It depends on the coating methods and roofing materials appearance and interior.

There are several types of roofing.

Single-pitch

The simplest option, which is a sloping area fixed to load-bearing walls. Advantages: simplicity of calculations and installation work, due to its low weight, it is suitable for buildings on simplified foundations. Disadvantages: not the most attractive appearance, sensitivity to loads (snow).

Gable

One of the most common options. This structure consists of two opposite slopes, resting on the walls of the building that serve as support and connecting at the top with a ridge. Material investments in a gable roof are quite small, but it looks aesthetically attractive. The structure of a gable roof includes: rafters, sheathing, inclined planes, Mauerlat, horizontal ribs, ridge, valleys, overhangs.

Broken

Broken roof structure is a subtype of the gable roof, but with a more complex configuration. Because of the shape and the presence of broken lines, this name came about. Such a roof gives the house solidity and solidity.

Hip or hip

One of the strongest and most resistant to strong winds and leaks during precipitation roofing systems, where instead of pediments two triangular slopes are installed. Complex installation is a disadvantage of this design: it requires precision when calculating the rafter system and installing the frame. For this reason, design is usually left to professionals.

Multi-forceps

Among all the structures, the most complex, but at the same time the most interesting, is considered to be the multi-pincer one. It is characterized by the presence of several pediments (3 or more). A big plus is the ability to cover several rooms with one level. But in general, this type of attic works mainly on the architectural style and design.

The attic part is divided into two types. It could be:

single-level– a fairly practical option in execution that does not require complex development and serious calculations;
two-level- This is a complex building to construct, the design of which is created immediately together with the house.

Current construction technologies make it possible to make different types of balconies in the attic. To choose the right design, you should consider the design features of the lower floor. And it doesn’t matter whether the balcony was included in the plan in advance, it can be done at the end of all stages of construction.

The most successful location option is at the end. In this case, the balcony will resemble a loggia. It is erected together with the attic, which allows you to use part of the roof as a canopy, and the ceiling of the floor as a floor.

Another type of construction is the option when the balcony is located in the roof part. At the stage of covering the roof, part of the building is left without covering so that a balcony can be arranged there.

Drawings and calculations

The main parameter when planning an attic floor is the ceiling level, optimal height which should be at least 2.5 m. Make a drawing before actual construction, evaluate everything and indicate accurate calculations so that everything can be built accurately. Most ideal option- this is a broken line gable roof, but then as many load-bearing supports as possible should be installed for sufficient reliability, since this type of roof increases the pressure on the walls.

In your calculations, do not forget to include the ventilation system, as well as windows and stove heating pipes, if any.

The height of the superstructure itself has no limit, but the lower ends must be at least 90 cm.

The plan must contain all the information about the shape features, geometric dimensions and slope angles of the slopes.

After an accurate calculation of the rafter system of the attic roof has been completed, you should purchase everything necessary materials and prepare the roof. Only after this can construction begin.

Stages of making an attic with your own hands

It is very important to choose the design and style of the interior at the initial stage, as well as decide on finishing materials. You should listen to the opinion professional designers who advise using only high-quality raw materials. We will tell you step by step about all stages of construction.

Roof

So, the first stage is the development of a new project future roof in the old premises. It doesn’t matter whether it is single-pitch, gable or broken, without a doubt, the appearance of the result will directly depend on the structural properties of the roof, as well as the raw materials used. Make a diagram from different perspectives to better understand how to place the elements of the rafter system. It is most important to accurately calculate the height of the roof ridge, because the size of the area under it depends on it.

We take the height of the ridge to be approximately 3.5 m - with the independent construction of the frame, which allows you to straighten up to your full height.

It is important to remember that in order to build a frame with your own hands, you must know about the existence of two types of rafter systems: inclined and hanging. They differ from each other in the method of attaching the units to the walls.

In houses where there is no load-bearing wall, a mechanism will be used hanging rafters, which will be held only on the walls of the house and connected to each other with nails or screws using corner pads. In this case, the width of a single-span building, where this particular type of rafters is assumed, cannot exceed 6 m. If the parameters of the house are larger, for example, when the span width exceeds 9 m, then more struts have to be made.

In two-span houses, where there is only a middle supporting wall, layered rafters are made. In this case, three foundation points (two on the outer walls of the house and one on the inner) depend on the width of the building: more than 10 m - one support, and with a width of about 15 m, two supports will be needed. The rafters are attached to each other using corner pads. The sheathing itself is made of slats or boards.

Steam and thermal insulation are key stages in creating an attic. A membrane-type film is laid on top of the sheathing, which will protect against moisture penetration, and glass wool is laid on the inside for insulation.

The next stage is the installation of the roof, internal processing and design of walls and partitions, as well as installation of windows.

As we have already said above, the most successful would be to use metal tiles or corrugated sheets as a roofing material.

Floors

First, take care of sound and thermal insulation from the floor below. This task can be accomplished in several ways: backfilling expanded clay or laying mineral wool slabs. Both methods require protection from moisture with hydrofilms. Also pay attention to the wooden interfloor ceiling. Here, insulation is performed by bandaging the seams of the insulation and beams.

Choose flooring to suit your taste. It can be ceramics, parquet or laminate.

Windows

Loft windows are a fairly labor-intensive process, although worth it, so consider whether you can do it yourself. In fact, they are not particularly different from facade ones, but there is one serious difference - a special type of opening. In addition, during installation you will have to disassemble the metal tiles, while trying to maintain waterproofing. But this is not scary, because it is thanks to the windows that the room becomes much lighter and more spacious!

It is very important to know that if snow and ice are not regularly cleared, the window may be subject to temperature changes, so it is important to select models in accordance with the climate in which you live.

Heating selection

For comfortable living and use of the premises, you also need to take care of heating the attic. It should not only maintain and retain heat inside, but also be safe and economical.

All details must be taken into account initial stages design. We bring to your attention several methods of heating the attic floor.

Fireplace. An effective, comfortable and completely safe way.
If your home already has a heating system downstairs, then you only need to install additional pipes and batteries.

Installation of an independent heating system only for the attic - the most the right decision. It is possible to install absolutely any heating boilers, while observing the necessary safety measures. But more comfortable - turbocharged ones gas boilers, not requiring separate room. They are wall mounted and very easy to use.
"Warm floors". To create a comfortable indoor microclimate, you can install heated floors. This can be done either with your own hands or with the help of specialists. In any case, this is a fairly economical option.

Important point– proper arrangement of ventilation. This is the only way the attic heating will work well.

Insulation and ventilation

Since the attic has the largest area of contact with the street compared to the lower floors, its insulation should be treated very carefully. Today the market offers a variety of insulating materials. However, when solving this problem regarding complete thermal insulation and vapor barrier for a home, do not forget about the main conditions, and then this will reduce not only heat loss and heating costs for the house, but also protect the ceiling and walls from dampness, rot and wetness, and the formation of ice on the roof . The choice of materials for the “roofing cake” must be carried out in accordance with the requirements of SNiP.

When you choose finishing in a store, focus primarily on the characteristics of your home. For example, where it is hot in summer and frosty in winter, the insulation must be resistant to external circumstances. Therefore, one of the main conditions will be thickness. The colder it is, the denser it should be, and, conversely, if you live in the south, where in winter the temperature practically never drops below zero, you can choose a thinner material.

The most versatile and most budget-friendly is based on mineral wool; expanded polystyrene is less commonly used. Sometimes an insulation layer can be used, consisting of modern backfill agents or materials in the form of a liquid that is sprayed onto the walls and hardens into a durable form. In all these cases, the roof will be no less stable.

With the correct assembly of the “roofing cake”, the structure of which consists of metal tiles or corrugated sheets, sheathing, waterproofing membrane, rafter system, properly equipped ventilation of the under-roof space is sure to extend the life of your roof. Never play the “whether it will blow or not” lottery, but take the advice of experts on your toes.

To create a beautiful and cozy living space, you can use wood as a finishing material on the inside. various types composite panels, NPL panels (or in Russian LVD - laminate high pressure). No less popular is the attic, decorated with your own hands using plasterboard sheets (GKL).

The roofing should be made of lightweight materials: corrugated sheets, metal tiles and similar materials that can lighten the weight of the mechanism, taking into account the load that will be transferred to the existing building.

To begin with, before remodeling the attic, you need to make drawings and draw up an estimate. This way you will see in advance what difficulties you will have to face.

It is quite difficult to develop a plan for an attic roof alone: certain knowledge and skills in design and carrying out specific calculations are important here. You cannot make mistakes: then the structure of the building will be unreliable, and it can also damage the overall building. Although if the idea is not too complicated, then you can do it yourself.

Everything must be included in the estimate: from the start of construction to the decoration of the premises.

Partitions

One of the simplest tasks that you can definitely handle with your own hands is the device interior partitions. Typically, plasterboard and metal profiles are used for these purposes. Everything is done quite quickly and at minimal cost.

The design is simple: a frame, and plasterboard slabs are attached to it. At the end, the partition is sheathed. To do this, you can use clapboard, block house, imitation timber or even plywood with wallpaper - a matter of taste.

Finishing work

After insulating the attic, you should think about finishing. Of course, it all depends on how you will use this room. The peculiar geometry provides excellent prospects for creative solutions registration Let us immediately note that the finishing process is a complex of tasks, each of which has its own function. Let's take a closer look at finishing materials.

The most popular material is plastic lining . Advantages: unique, budget-friendly, environmentally friendly. The installation of the board can be different: diagonally or in a circle, horizontal or vertical. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting fragility and, perhaps, weak resistance to negative factors.

Not the most expensive material - plywood sheet. It is quite easy to cover walls with it. It also has excellent sound and thermal insulation properties, no preliminary leveling of the surface is required before installation.
Finishing the attic with plasterboard will allow you to realize the most original design solutions: with its help you can create suspended ceilings, arches and even columns. At the same time, this material easily absorbs moisture, which is its negative side. But if you choose a special type that is resistant to moisture, then this finish will last you a very long time.

So, let's summarize and summarize the above.

To design a beautiful and high-quality attic you will need:

careful design of the future extension;
strengthening load-bearing walls and foundations;
roof removal;
erecting a frame (it will be quite easy for you to assemble it with your own hands);
roof insulation, waterproofing;
window installation;
interior finishing and insulation.

If you save too much, as practice shows, the house may end up being of poor quality and unattractive. Therefore, choose materials wisely, take into account the recommendations of experts, consult with relatives and friends, as well as with those who already have similar experience.

The attic allows you to significantly expand the usable area of the house. At the same time, the arrangement of the under-roof floor can be carried out even in an already finished building. At the same time, financial expenses will be relatively small, because basic necessary designs will already be present, and you can handle all the necessary activities on your own.

First of all, you must make sure that the foundation of the house can withstand the additional load from the attic floor. If necessary, the foundation must be strengthened or an attempt must be made to transfer new loads to a separate foundation. At this stage, you may need professional help.

Solve the issue of attic design. The under-roof floor can have a variety of shapes. In this case, the internal space of the room is determined by the features of the roof structure.

The attic roof must be designed in a special way. You will have to get rid of the old rafters and related materials, replacing them new system, designed taking into account the upcoming loads, angle of inclination and other important design features.

Thus, the rafter structure must be calculated and designed separately, specifically for your attic floor.

The most optimal roofing structure for the attic floor is a broken line gable roof. A gable roof will place a much more significant load on the walls compared to single slope system. However, you will not find a more convenient roof option for the attic floor.

At the same time broken roof will “eat up” the least amount of free space in the attic compared to all other types of roofs.

It is important that the gable roof has a sufficient number of load-bearing supports. Typically, layered rafters are used to construct such a roof. In this case, the elements of the rafter system must rest on load-bearing walls that can normally withstand incoming vertical and horizontal loads.

Before starting construction, decide what area the under-roof floor should have, whether you will insulate it and whether you need to install heating in the attic.

In accordance with your own preferences, draw up (order, find in open sources) an attic project with sketches, drawings, calculations and explanations.

The design documentation should reflect the following important features attics:

the presence of additional partitions and load-bearing walls;
number of window openings;
peculiarities internal device roofs;
type of roofing material, etc.

After this, calculate the required amount of materials for arranging the attic. It is best to make an attic using the same materials from which the structure itself is built (brick, blocks, etc.).

If the attic is planned to be used exclusively for seasonal residence, you can make it out of more budget materials. Typically, wood is used in such situations. This material fits perfectly with most existing building materials and is perfect for furnishing an attic.

Proceed with the arrangement of the wooden frame - the basis of the roof. Select suitable places for placing blocks needed for arranging partitions.

First you will need to lay out the exterior and gable walls. Proceed with the installation of the attic roof only after the construction of the house itself has been completed.

To assemble the frame, use a high-quality wooden beam measuring 15x5 cm. When performing each stage of the work, be guided by the sketches and drawings you have. It is impossible to explain everything solely in words.

First step

Strengthen the existing structure with slings. To strengthen the purlins, use special support blocks in the shape of the letter U. The blocks are installed and filled with cement mortar. This strengthening will prevent further cracking of the walls.

Second step

Build solid gable walls and begin building the attic. After installing all the necessary walls, begin installing the elements of the rafter system.

Third step

Install the rafters according to project documentation and make sure the installed system is reliable.

First you need to install the purlins, and only after that fix the rafters. First you need to lay out the stepped wall slopes, and then arrange the partitions of the attic floor. Be sure to make sure that the elements of the rafter system are evenly positioned.

Fourth step

Align the slopes of the gable walls using a band saw.

Fifth step

Nail batten boards to the rafters to install the insulating material. Secure the waterproofing, insulation and vapor barrier, and then lay another layer of boards on top of the waterproofing.

Sixth step

Apply your chosen finish to the sheathing. It is better that the finishing roofing material is as reliable and high quality as possible, so that the attic is cozy, warm and safe.

After completing the work on arranging the walls and roof of the attic, proceed to insulation and interior arrangement of the under-roof room.

A wide variety of materials can be used to insulate the attic. For example, mineral wool insulation, expanded polystyrene, all kinds of blocks, etc. are very suitable for performing such work. One of the most preferred thermal insulation materials is fiberboard. Using this material as an example, the procedure for insulating an attic room will be considered.

In the case of using slabs with a thickness of 1.2 cm, the thermal insulation characteristics of such insulation will be similar to the properties of a wall laid in brick, or finishing made of boards about 5 cm thick.

In addition, the slabs have good noise insulation properties. Factory treatment with antiseptic preparations makes the material resistant to adverse external factors, but comparatively low price allows almost everyone to buy such slabs.

Most suitable material for attic insulation - fiberboard

On one side the slabs have a slightly corrugated texture, and on the other they are smooth. To cut slabs, you can use an ordinary sharp knife. The material is not particularly afraid of temperature and humidity changes. At the same time, work on thermal insulation of surfaces using fiberboard will not take much effort and time.

Finally, you can glue wallpaper onto the smooth side of the fiberboard (the smooth side is the front side) or do another finishing at your own discretion.

Walls

Traditionally, thermal insulation work begins with insulating the walls. It is enough to fix the slabs with nails. First, duralumin plates should be placed under the fastener heads. Place the nails themselves staggered.

If the walls are not made of wood, you may need to use other fasteners. Focus on the situation.

To attach slabs to plastered surfaces, you can also use PVA glue or various types of adhesive mastics.

Ceiling

At the stage of covering the ceiling, try to enlist the support of at least one assistant - the slabs are quite large in size and it is not particularly convenient to attach them alone.

The cladding is carried out according to an extremely simple scheme: the slab is carefully applied to the fastening point and fixed using T-supports made of boards, nails and duralumin plates. Wear safety glasses at this point.

The floor can be insulated using two methods.

In accordance with the first method, the surface is first covered with a double layer of roofing material, after which fiberboard is fixed on top, and then the finished floor is installed.

In accordance with the second option, fiberboard slabs are nailed to the floor, and carpet is glued on top of them. This coating is very convenient. For added convenience, it is recommended to soak it special composition, making further carpet maintenance easier.

Before gluing the carpet, it must be unrolled and kept in the room for 7-10 days. Fibreboard boards pre-coated with glue. After gluing the fiberboard, you need to additionally press it to the surface using boards and leave to dry for a day.

In conclusion, all you have to do is complete a number of works on the interior improvement of the attic. Start from the ceiling.

Ceiling

The best option – arrangement of the lung suspended ceiling. Lining is well suited for the construction of such a structure. You can also use hardboard, plywood or other suitable materials.

It is more convenient to first make the ceiling to size, and then attach it to the crossbar of the truss.

Walls

Nail crossbars made of high-quality material to the rafter posts. wooden beam. Nail the selected finishing material to the frame. The best option is wooden lining.

Niches

In places where niches form (and they will definitely be present due to the peculiarities of the roofing structure), you can nail plasterboard or other suitable material, creating compact cabinets for storing various types of accessories.

Depending on the available space on the attic floor, you can arrange a bedroom, study, or children's room. Focus on the specifics of your situation.

Lighting

Consider the procedure for arranging the attic lighting. The best option is to organize local lighting for each corner of the room. This way the interior of the attic will be most expressive.