How to build a mansard roof step by step instructions. Do-it-yourself step-by-step instructions for building a broken mansard roof. Serial assembly on site














Today we will talk about popular solutions for mansard roofs, their capabilities. After reviewing the illustrations, diagrams of the truss system, you will get a clear idea of ​​​​their device. And having studied the basics of calculation, you can optimize the cost of lumber. Get information about the important points of space planning. Find out in what sequence the mansard roof truss system is mounted.

The mansard roof is a complex structure and requires careful calculations. Source stroyland.su

Drawings of the truss system

Any mention of an attic is associated with a voluminous "pentagonal" roof in which you can live, but there are other options.

Shed

Extremely simple, reliable shed mansard roof. Thanks to the rectilinear forms, it looks modest, but elegant. Large floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows add special respectability, because such a design not only allows, but provokes their installation.

A house with a shed roof, with windows almost on the entire wall. Source drevogid.com

The rafter system is very simple: the straight rafters of a single slope rest on the mauerlat of opposite walls of different heights, and, if necessary, on intermediate supports. The proportions of the walls are selected for a slope of 35-45 degrees, which guarantees stability to wind loads and normal snowfall.

Source dvorakdesign.ru

The volume is used effectively - if desired, this is an additional full-fledged floor, since the usable area is equal to the area of ​​the previous floor.

gable

Relatively simple widespread roof. It looks unpretentious, but inspires confidence, as it maintains the traditions characteristic of the Russian style. As a result, it is rarely designed specifically for the attic, more often it is adapted in finished form.

The gable roof is traditional, and most often the choice falls on it. Source dekoriko.ru

Structurally simple - technical specifications and truss system like a conventional gable roof. Straight rafters rest on the Mauerlat, angled into a ridge. Gables are triangular in shape, straight, sheer, almost always glazed, often with access to a balcony.

Most often, a similar scheme is used for arranging an attic in a small house with a gable roof. Source csgoshik.ru

It is problematic to fully use the volume, but it is possible, even necessary. The useful area is relatively small, the ceiling is usually "broken". However, skillful layout of furniture, bold design solutions can turn disadvantages into advantages.

broken line

The most popular option is a sloping roof with an attic. Which is not at all surprising - despite the complexity, it is the most convenient and practical. Overall forms and broken lines symbolize solidity and professionalism. The appearance of this roof "by default" is associated with the "mansard". This is quite natural - it is purposefully designed for living quarters.

To add space on the attic floor, preference is given to a sloping roof Source lbuilding.ru

The rafter system is quite complicated, but its advantages are worth the money and effort spent. Characteristic pentagonal gables, with the functionality of a gable roof - the same opportunity to insert windows, arrange an exit to the balcony.

The scheme is more complex, but gives more space. Source moiton.ru

Spacious attic roof of a private house. The volume is used to the maximum - at full height, the useful area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room is equal to or slightly less than that of the previous floor.

Calculation basics

The purpose of the calculations is to find a compromise between aesthetics, reliability and cost.

aesthetic side. To begin with, a general sketch of the roof is being designed. The proportions are determined, compared with the size of the house.

The difference between a sloping roof and a gable roof is significant Source homemyhome.ru

After that, a constructive calculation is carried out, where factors are taken into account:

    Own weight structural elements of the roof. The load from it acts on each element of the truss system.

    Wind loads. They are variables and affect all elements.

    . It acts unevenly, it is transmitted from areas where the mansard roof slope is less than 30 °, snow does not linger on steeper areas. In this case, the load can be unevenly distributed over the left and right slopes. Affects beams and upper rafters.

    The weight people, interior elements and furniture. Loads only the floor.

Factors are processed, summarized. Based on the results, conclusions are drawn about the dimensions of the structural elements. For guaranteed strength, they are rounded up. But technological assembly is hampered by the individual width and thickness of each structural element of the truss system, and their customization is unprofitable. Therefore, the elements are combined into groups of standard lumber sizes. And standard solutions significantly reduce the cost of the project - after all, custom-made is always more expensive.

If the project is individual and non-standard, it is better to order accurate calculations. Taking into account the number of factors, their specific impact on the truss system, the conclusion suggests itself - an accurate calculation is the business of specialists. It makes no sense to do calculations on your own - there is a high probability of error. For standard and standard solutions, a ready-made existing project can be adapted.

In addition to the main points, a few practical recommendations will come in handy:

    Rafter step corresponds to the dimensions of the heater.

    Rafter width corresponds to the thickness of the insulation.

layout

The stairs are key. Its position must be linked with future floor beams. If the pitch of the rafters allows, we simply orient it between the beams. Otherwise, we design a reliable convenient entrance to the attic.

At the planning stage, it is useful to think over the interior. At this stage, decisions are made about partitions and additional natural light - skylights. Of course, it's too early to think about decorating, but the engineering part should become clear - what functionality will be implemented.

In the attic you can equip an office with a corner for music lessons Source pinterest.co.uk

After all, the features of such premises: broken-inclined ceilings, their reduced height, unusual walls and non-standard lighting.

Therefore, a specific layout of the premises is necessary, and in them, the distribution is correct - space zoning:

    For the main life activity, are allocated bright and well ventilated premises.

    Uncomfortable areas are equipped under the storage.

    "Unusual conditions" to give away at the disposal of children.

Interior design and ultimate comfort are created by the skillful use of the potential of finishing materials, furniture and accessories.

Assembly

In most cases, the construction of a mansard roof begins with a Mauerlat device. A strictly horizontal position, parallel, reliable fastening of its bars is important.

Mansard roof rafter structure Source kryshagid.ru

For the installation of the rafter system, two options are practiced: the elements of the truss system on the ground are assembled into trusses, lifted and installed ready-made. Or everything is collected separately at the top - "in place", observing procedure:

    Roof beams are laid. This takes into account the step of the truss system and the possibility for arranging stairs.

    Straightaway laying a rough ceiling, or temporary flooring for safe work.

    Racks are mounted. Temporary braces are arranged to keep them in a vertical position. Runs are laid on the racks.

    Over runs stacked puffs.

    Mounted lower rafters.

    Temporary braces change to permanent wind connections in the longitudinal position.

    Installed top rafters.

    exhibited pediment frame, taking into account the design, openings are organized for: windows, balconies, other options are provided.

    Further down the rafters roofing membrane is laid, and is pressed against them with a counter-lattice - bars with a section of 50x50 mm. To organize the ventilation gap. These are preparatory measures for warming. They need to be carried out at this stage. Missing is a huge omission.

    On the counter-lattice crate stuffed, with a step corresponding to the roofing.

    mounted roofing, its additional elements: wind boards, ridge.

The same house may look different and have different usable area Source 1dom.kz

Video description

About the features of the calculation of the mansard roof in the video:

Exactly according to the same principle, an attic floor with a gable roof is mounted. Moreover, its device is even simpler - all the rafters are solid.

The next step is to insulate the roof. Of course, it can be done from the outside, before the installation of the membrane, battens and roofing. But it is safer from the inside - there will be no threat of precipitation and work will be carried out more carefully, because successful operation depends on it.

The insulation from the inside of the room is protected by a vapor barrier film. And between it and the interior trim, a mandatory ventilation gap device - the interior trim is not mounted directly on the rafters. For her, specially, as well as outside for the crate, a counter-rail is stuffed, or a frame is arranged.

On our website you can find contacts of construction companies that offer a turnkey roof calculation and repair service. You can directly communicate with representatives by visiting the exhibition of houses "Low-Rise Country".

Conclusion

A mansard roof is an excellent solution that allows you to increase the usable area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe house without significantly increasing the cost of its construction. There are a lot of solutions for the construction of the attic floor - they can be both standard and designed for a particular house. But in any case, the installation of the attic requires specialized knowledge and this work should be done by professionals.

The attic floor is a more spacious and well-prepared attic for life. Features of the room dictate their own conditions in relation to the roof. The arrangement of the mansard roof does not require the performer to have any special knowledge and skills. It is enough to prepare the necessary tools, read the instructions in detail and follow its recommendations in everything.

There are several types of mansard roofs. Familiarize yourself with the features of each of these roofs and choose the most suitable option. The main points of the construction technology are common to all types of construction.

The simplest option is a shed mansard roof. This design is carried out with some bias. It is used quite rarely, because. due to the slope, the useful area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe attic space decreases.

The most popular option is a gable mansard roof. Inside the roof space will be comfortable and spacious. The gable roof is simple and profitable in arrangement.

It is a type of duplex design. In this case, the slopes will not be even, but broken. Typically, broken roofs are used in cases with small houses.

hip roof consists of four slopes. The truss system of the hip roof is somewhat more complicated.

Half hip roof is a type of hipped roof. In this case, a half-hip is usually understood as the slope, which, as it were, cuts off part of the end side of the gable roof. The cut can pass from below and form a trapezoid, or at the top and create a triangle.

Interesting varieties of hipped mansard roof are pyramidal and conical roofs. These designs look best on polygonal houses and round buildings. Perfectly combined with other types of roofs.

They are used quite rarely. This design has a smooth parabolic or circular shape. Previously, such roofs were widely used in the arrangement of rectangular houses.

What is the structure of the attic roof?

The mansard roof in the section is a "pie", consisting of several layers.


Mansard Roof Calculation Guide

The attic roof is calculated according to an extremely simple scheme. It is important to take into account not only the useful, but also the deaf area of ​​​​the attic space. In this case, a zone in which the distance between the ceiling and the floor is more than 90-100 cm will be considered useful. The rest of the places are traditionally considered a dead zone. It is impossible to live in such areas, but in their place you can install a variety of shelves and other household items.

Calculate the total area of ​​the roof. At this point, you will need a roof plan. Break the space into several simple shapes, calculate the area of ​​​​each of them, and then sum the resulting values ​​\u200b\u200bto determine the total roof area.

Before you start building a mansard roof, pay attention to a number of important little things, which include features of thermal insulation of the structure, the procedure for placing window openings etc.

Deserves special attention permissible angle of inclination of the roof slope.If the slope exceeds the permissible value, the area of ​​​​the attic space will decrease significantly. This moment is individual and is selected taking into account the attic area and other important parameters.

Select the appropriate type of rafter system. Rafters, as noted, contribute to an even distribution of the load on the walls. Additionally, thanks to the truss system, reliable protection of the house from various kinds of adverse atmospheric influences is provided.

The simplest version of the attic roof is a triangular shape. The most difficult thing is to make a mansard roof with a break. In the absence of appropriate skills, it is strongly not recommended to take on the independent arrangement of complex roofs.

Step-by-step instructions for building a mansard roof

There are no super complicated steps in the construction of a mansard roof. You just need to carefully read the instructions and follow all the recommendations step by step.

First step. Calculate the strength of the building. The attic increases the load on the walls and foundation of the house. It is better if qualified specialists are engaged in the calculation. If you do not plan to carry out work to strengthen the house, you can skip this step.

Second step. Calculate the attic and prepare a project for the future attic and roof. It is also recommended to involve specialists in this work. If you wish, you can try to create a project yourself or use some ready-made solution from available sources.

Third step. Do this as carefully as possible, try not to damage other structural elements of the house.

Fourth step. Make a truss frame. This is the most time-consuming stage of the instructions in question. It is better if at least 3 people are involved in arranging the frame at the same time.

Fifth step. Place and fix the Mauerlat. To assemble this element, use wooden blocks measuring 10x10 cm.

Sixth step. Install the frame for the roof space. The frame elements will simultaneously act as supports for the rafters. First secure the vertical posts around the edges of the building. Racks must be attached to long beams. Self-tapping screws and ordinary metal corners will help you with this.

Seventh step. Attach a jumper to the posts.

Eighth step. Make sure that the elements mentioned above are installed correctly. Any cord will help you with this - simply pull it between the formed arches. If the cord is in a strictly horizontal position, you have done everything right. If the cord deviates from the horizontal, trim the mismatched arches or even replace them with new elements.

Ninth step. Fix the arches together. Nail plates or stamping corners will help you with this.

Fasten the first rafters where the roof slope will have the maximum slope. To obtain the required slope, simply cut the bars to the required length.

The first step is preparing the rafters. Cut the bars in advance to the desired length and required angle. At the bottom of the rafter legs, select the grooves for connecting to the Mauerlat. Grooves can be made with a chisel.

Second step. Fasten each bar to its designated place.

Third step. Proceed to the installation of the upper rafters. At this stage, be especially careful. Observe the desired slope angle and overall alignment of the structure.

Fourth step. The crate can be made from plywood sheets or ordinary wooden boards. The type of lathing must correspond to the selected roofing material. As a rule, continuous flooring is made. This is the most versatile and most reliable option.

Laying of protective materials and completion of work

Mansard roofing requires the organization of high-quality protection from various adverse factors.

The first step is laying the vapor barrier material. The vapor barrier must be fixed on the inside of the truss system. The material is attached to the bars with the help of special building brackets.

The second step is laying the insulation. Mineral wool is traditionally used for insulation. If you wish, you can opt for a more modern and expensive material. Insulation plates should fit snugly together and also fit snugly against the rafters.

The third step is the device of the crate. On the laid insulation you need to fill the crate. Use ordinary wooden blocks. Fasten the elements of the crate in increments of about half a meter. Thanks to this system, the insulation will remain in place.

The fourth step is laying the moisture-proof material. Attach the waterproofing to the outside of the truss system. Polyethylene film is most often used as a moisture-proof layer. Waterproofing will protect the elements of the roof from atmospheric moisture.

The fifth step is laying the finish coat. Roofing material choose at your discretion. The best option in terms of cost and quality characteristics is a metal tile. From budget materials, slate or its more modern counterpart ondulin can be recommended.

After you fix the selected roofing material, the construction of the mansard roof can be considered complete. Thus, there is nothing complicated in arranging the considered system with your own hands. Understand the instructions, and you will successfully cope with all the tasks without outside help.

Video - Do-it-yourself mansard roof step by step

The attic is not only a beautiful appearance of the house, but also a real opportunity to increase living meters, to use all the space under the roof of the house in the most practical and functional way. The most relevant is the installation of a mansard roof in individual private construction, in a country house or in the country.

In order for the building to be reliable and safe, not to collapse under additional loads, you should choose the right type of roof, calculate the slope, size, materials.

In the article, we will analyze in detail how a mansard roof is built with our own hands, we will dwell on construction technologies and structural features.

Types of mansard roofs

Today it is difficult to surprise with architectural delights in private buildings, people strive for the comfort and aesthetics of their homes. The design of the attic is striking in scope: high and low, broken and ordinary pitched, turrets and domes, complex multi-level and most ordinary mansard roofs crown the buildings, giving each one its own unique individual style.

Shed mansard roof the simplest in design, it is supported by a truss system, or truss, on external load-bearing walls located at different levels. Typically, such roofs are arranged during the construction of attics on small country houses, verandas.

Gable or gabled mansard roof- a classic design, which is built using inclined or hanging rafters. The slope angles of the slopes can be uniform or uneven.

The hip roof is a four-pitched structure that does not have gables. Two large slopes - trapezoids, slopes from the end walls - triangles-hips. Half-hipped roofs are roofs that have trapeziums on the sides, and a vertical wall comes first from the fronts, and it is cut off at an angle to the ridge.

Hipped mansard roof- it's almost hip, but all the slopes are isosceles triangles that meet at one point. This design is symmetrical and has no ridge, suitable for square buildings.

- this is, in fact, a combination of several gable roofs. The design is arranged on houses with complex geometry, with kinks and a polygonal base. Such a roof has many ribs and slopes, therefore it requires complex calculations and professional skills; making such a roof with your own hands is a very difficult task.

A sloping roof is a classic of the attic structure, the shape of the attic roof allows you to significantly increase the usable area, and equip a full-fledged living room, bedroom, nursery, office, etc. inside. stingrays. The design of the roofing system of the attic is complicated to the farm, the slopes consist of two rafters, reinforced with racks and reinforced at the break points with stretch marks. The lower belt of the truss is also the basis of the floor.

Vaulted, conical, domed attic roofs are used in elite private housing construction, the design of such attics impresses with its delights. The truss structure of such attic floors is quite complex and is made of materials that can be bent.

When combining several types of roofs, complex and unusually spectacular, beautiful attic structures are obtained. Such an unconventional approach to the design of a mansard roof is necessary if the house has a complex shape: with ledges, height differences, and additions. Despite the aesthetics and bewitching appearance, complex mansard roofs have significant drawbacks - this is a lot of internal corners (valley) with a small slope, pitched breaks, which are a risk zone for the integrity of the roof, and cause leaks and snow gathering. The calculation of this type of mansard roof requires special skills and knowledge, if you intend to make such an attic roof with your own hands, try to minimize the presence of complex elements.

Mansard roof, photos of the main types of floors applicable in individual construction: 1. Single-pitched 2. Double-pitched 3. Multi-pitch 4. Hip 5. Sub-hip 6. Hipped 7. Vaulted 8. Conical 9. Dome 10. Classic mansard sloping roof

A simple gable or sloping attic roof will not produce the same effect as a combined one, but such a mansard roof design is much more reliable, it can be calculated and built with your own hands. The choice of the type of mansard roof depends on the architectural design and plan of the house, on the slope of the slopes laid down in the project, the characteristics of the supporting structure and the choice of materials for the roof.

Mansard roof calculation, slope angle and choice of materials

Note that the roofing materials and the scheme of their installation affect the slope of the attic slopes, but mainly the slopes depend on the geography of construction. In snowy regions, steep roofs with a small overhang should be arranged; in southern and almost snowless regions, a small slope and a larger overhang can be made. If there are strong gusts of wind in the region, then the roof should be flat, which will reduce the windage of the roof.

The standard scheme of the mansard roof, this arrangement of rafters allows you to make the most of the area of ​​the attic floor

Thus, the calculation of the slope of the mansard roof is based on the starting points:

  • the desired height of the attic interior;
  • architectural solution;
  • in what climate zone the object is located;
  • what roofing material will be used.

It is optimal if the gable roof of the attic is tilted by 45 ° and above, and the classic broken mansard roof with its own hands has a slope of the lower slopes of 60 °, the upper 30 °. Such slopes allow you to create a comfortable room for living inside, if you correctly think over the interior of the attic.

Roofs of houses with an attic, photos of the advantages and disadvantages of the internal space with different types of roofs

Do-it-yourself classic broken mansard roof, in addition to rafters, includes racks, struts, puffs, suspensions in the design. The size of the section of structural elements is calculated when calculating the truss system.

How to build a mansard roof, the optimal proportions of the roof relative to the width of the house

Important: The angle of inclination of the roof slope of 60 ° allows you to neglect the loads from precipitation. The greater the slope of the truss structure, the longer the rafters and the larger the roof area, but the less useful internal area.

The maximum load from precipitation on the roof is achieved with a roof slope of 30 °, at 45 ° rain and snow do not linger.

Table, how the choice of roofing material depends on the angle of inclination of the slopes of the mansard roof

  • the width of the end (pediment) is 10 m, we divide it in half: 8/2=4;
  • the optimal roof height in the ridge is 2.4 m.

Here we need a school geometry course: The sine of an angle in a right triangle is equal to the ratio of the adjacent leg to the opposite leg:

Sin B \u003d 4 / 2.4 \u003d 1.67

We open the Bradis table and see that this value of the sine corresponds to an angle of approximately 59 o, we round the value. Thus, our desired slope angle is approximately 60 o.

Mansard roof construction technology

A broken mansard roof, the drawings of which are presented in the article, is the most popular type of attic floor construction for a private developer, so we will analyze the key stages of its construction. Standard mansard roof designs do not require additional calculations, which greatly facilitates installation and reduces financial costs for the manufacture of an individual project.

Mansard roof frame, diagram of the main structural elements

Before you make a mansard roof, a special support bar is laid around the perimeter. If the house is wooden, a beam or a log, then the upper crown of the walls will serve as a Mauerlat. In a brick, stone, monolithic concrete or foam concrete house, a layer of waterproofing is laid along the perimeter (2 layers of roofing material, bitumen-polymer mastics), a wooden bar - Mauerlat is installed flush with the inside of the load-bearing walls, which allows you to evenly distribute the load from the roof and precipitation on the base and along all supporting structures. Outside, the Mauerlat is laid with facing material, it should be visible that 30 mm of timber should remain so that the loads fall solely on the timber, and not on the lining.

Scheme of installation and fastening of the Mauerlat and rafters

Advice: the timber for the Mauerlat should be with a cross section of 100 * 100 or 150 * 150 mm.

Then we install the floor beams, first we lay the timber along the edges, check the correctness of the geometry with a level, and attach it. We stretch the cord along the upper plane and install the remaining beams at a distance of 500-600 mm from each other. If there is not enough height to the desired level, then we put the slats, if on the contrary, then we squeeze the Mauerlat. The removal of the beams sets the width of the cornice, usually 300-500 mm. Next, we install short beams with a step of 1000 mm for the front ebb device.

Advice: Fasteners to the Mauerlat can be 150 nails, rafter corners for self-tapping screws.

Installing the frame

To install the skeleton, we expose the vertical rack-beams along the plumb line or level and fix it on temporary struts. First, we install the extreme ones, in the corners, pull the cord and set the middle ones in increments of no more than 3 m.

The height of the racks depends on the shape of the roof provided by the project, usually it is equal to the distance from the ground to the mauerlat (height of 1 floor) or +100 mm from the desired height of the finished ceiling. We tighten the racks from above with girders - boards 150 * 50 mm.

Construction of a mansard roof, how to properly install a side run

On the girders with the help of roofing corners we fasten crossbars-puffs - in the attic roof these are bars that connect the side girders, with a cross section of 200 * 50 mm. The deflection of the puffs is eliminated with the help of the subsequent suspension device to the rafters, and until the truss system is installed, it is recommended to install temporary supports.

Installation of a mansard roof, puffs from above are fastened with a board, which gives the structure rigidity

truss system

First you need to make a template from boards 20x150 mm: we apply the board to the Mauerlat and to the side run, make notes, saw off, and the template is ready. Since buildings often have errors in geometry, it is better to make a wash down along the upper run, and to cut down the Mauerlat in place.

Mansard roof, installation of side rafters

If the length of the slope is longer than the standard 6-meter board, then it is recommended to order special lumber for your measurements. But if this is not possible, then the boards are spliced, for this a piece of board 1.5-2.0 m long is sewn from below, but a rack will have to be installed under it.

The rafters are attached to the side run with three nails, to the Mauerlat on metal plates, self-tapping screws and nails, or on brackets.

Attic roof, do-it-yourself installation of side rafters, fastening methods

We make a template for the upper rafters. We take the board and fix it on the extreme crossbar in the middle, strictly vertically, one edge of the board should coincide with the central axis of the mansard roof. We apply the beam, draw the lower and upper washed down.

Gable roof attic, how to make a template for the upper slopes

On the ground, we cut out the template, make the left and right rafters and mount them on the roof. A ridge beam is not used on a mansard sloping roof, so the rafters are attached with a strut. By the same principle, we install the rest of the upper truss system.

How to properly build a mansard roof, install struts (top) and install the top slope

Hanging rafters are a triangle - the simplest truss, but this design does not transfer expansion loads to load-bearing walls, so puffs should be installed.

Mansard roof frame, methods for installing puffs on hanging rafters

After the installation of the truss system, a gable (end) frame is installed and sheathed, the structure is reinforced in places where windows will be installed. Then the crate, cornice, overhangs and ebbs are made.

Four-pitched mansard roof, installation of gables

Rest of the way

A vapor barrier membrane is laid along the rafters, which is pressed against a counter-lattice of 40 * 20 mm, 50 * 50 mm rails, additionally creating a gap for ventilation. The crate, depending on the material for the roof, can be solid or indented. Next, waterproofing is laid, on which the roofing material is laid.

The attic should be insulated from the inside, the heat-insulating layer is additionally covered with a vapor barrier to protect the insulation from condensation. Then you can finish the room with the selected facing material.

Be sure to see how the mansard roof is built with your own hands, the video will help you understand the key stages in the construction of the attic floor.

The device of the mansard roof allows you to significantly increase the usable area and rationally organize the space of a low-rise building. However, its construction often frightens home craftsmen with an overly complicated and time-consuming process.

You should not be afraid, because the result will provide a beautiful roof and comfortable additional rooms. And in order for the result of the work to please the owner and household, you need to know according to what rules the roof truss system of the attic roof is built, in what way it is easier and better to arrange it.

At the mention of mansard roofs, we instantly recall a pentagonal gable structure of impressive size over a log house, concrete or brick walls. Visual memory suggests that its slopes must certainly have a slope of different sizes, i.e. the bottom of the roof simply has to be much steeper than the top. Due to the difference in the angles of inclination, a convex fracture is formed, which gave the roof the popular name "broken". The term reasonably migrated to the technical definitions of attic structures. It reflects the essence of the usual standard in the device, but often has nothing to do with the configuration. Despite the fact that the design of all mansard roofs necessarily includes two parts, visually their presence cannot always be determined.

Purely by external indicators, the predominant number of attic structures can be divided into:

  • Triangular roofs, the lower and upper parts of which have an equivalent slope. Outwardly, they resemble traditional gable structures without kinks in the plane of the slopes.
  • Pentagonal roofs with slopes having convex corners. This category clearly shows the presence of two docked parts in the design.

In both of these varieties, the truss system consists of two tiers stacked on top of each other. The lower structure forms a usable space of a residential attic with a height of 2 to 2.5 m, so that it is not difficult to move inside it. The second tier creates the shape of the top of the roof, it is allowed to be of arbitrary height.


By varying the angle of inclination of the upper and lower rafter legs, you can get the roof shape that is optimal in your own opinion. It is believed that a pentagonal attic looks best, the corners of which are in contact with an imaginary circle.

Note that the principle of building a broken roof is suitable not only for gable truss systems. By interpreting the basic method, the attic can be arranged in hip, shed, tent and other roof structures.

Sometimes an existing structure is remodeled into an attic, in the construction of which “broken” technology was not used. However, these roofs a priori cannot be attributed to the attic category. True, with sufficient power of the rafter legs, no one bothers to use the crossbars of the pitched truss systems as ceiling beams, and the supports of additional runs as a beam for attic sheathing.

We found out that the main feature of a mansard roof is the presence of two adjacent truss structures connected in a triangle or pentagon of a shape that is nice to the owner. In their construction, typical ones are used:

  • Layered, according to which the lower tier of the attic is built and used in the device of the upper part.
  • Hanging. In accordance with it, only the upper part of the structure is built.

If, for simplicity, the section of the mansard roof is divided into two halves, a trapezoid will be obtained below, and a triangle at the top. The inclined sides of the trapezoid are allowed to be exclusively layered, and the sides of the triangle are layered and hanging.

Basic schemes of truss systems

The "classic of the genre" is rightfully considered the pentagonal scheme of the mansard roof truss system with props that form the walls of the interior. Its section is conditionally divided into the simplest geometric shapes. In the center is a rectangle, on the sides of which there are two mirror-image right-angled triangles, on top is an equilateral triangle.

Standard attic design

The rafters of the lower part of the structure rest on the Mauerlat below, and with the upper heel on the right or left run. Part of the frame of the mansard roof, crowning the structure, is made by hanging truss arches. They are supplemented with a hanging headstock in the middle if they are intended to cover a span of more than 3m. The headstock cannot be connected to the arch tightening with a notch, like a support post. Her job is to prevent sagging of the puff - this is not a support, but a suspension.

Supports-racks of the layered rafters of the lower part are supported through the bed on the ceiling. If necessary, to increase the stability under the props, struts are mounted. The racks are connected to the bed and girders with cuts, the junctions are duplicated by metal corners and toothed plates. If the ceiling is concrete, bituminous waterproofing is laid under the bed. The bed can be laid not on the ceiling, but on brick posts or on leveling boards. When installing an attic on a wooden floor, you can generally do without a bed and cut the racks directly into the beams.

The rather steep lower parts of the mansard roof slopes are practically not affected by the snow load, because precipitation does not linger on them. However, steeply installed rafters have another problem - gusty winds will tend to turn over and tear off the roof. Therefore, fastening the system to the Mauerlat must be taken very seriously. In the attic situation, each rafter is tied to the walls with twists, and not through one, as in conventional pitched structures.

The way to take out the rafters for the wall line

It often happens that the planned attic structure forms too narrow an interior space. It can be expanded by extending the rafter legs outside the walls. Those. the rafter leg will rest not on the Mauerlat, but on the beams of the upper floor. This case, in theory, does not need a Mauerlat at all. But reinforcing struts in the scheme with the removal of rafters are used without question, because there is no support at all under the extreme part of the side triangles.

The Mauerlat installation can be abolished, but pouring a monolithic reinforced concrete belt for attaching beams to brick walls is highly desirable. Floor beams are attached to the monolithic belt with anchors, support posts are cut into them by a maximum of 1/3 of the beam thickness. An important point: the removal of the rafters beyond the wall is simply obliged to form a cornice for wooden houses with a width of at least 0.5 m, for concrete and stone at least 0.4 m.

Technology for the construction of a truss structure with the removal of the rafter leg beyond the wall:

  • We install the extreme floor beams that define the contour of the cornice overhangs. Because the ceiling will be loaded, the cross section of the beams is taken from 150 × 200 mm. If, when laying the starting beam, it turns out that the walls do not form a perfect rectangle, we strive to correct the flaws by changing the position of the beams.
  • On the laces stretched between the fixed extreme beams, we lay and fix the remaining bars. We control the height and step of laying the beams before fastening. The distance between the floor elements is equal to the step between the rafter legs. For insulated roofs, the optimal installation step for rafters is 0.6 m, because it is equal to the width. If the rafters are mounted with a similar frequency, they can be made from a 50x150mm board.
  • From the left and right edges, set aside a distance equal to the length of the short leg of a right triangle. At the marked points, carefully select the nests with a chisel to a third of the height of the beam under the extreme supports.
  • Let's make supports by cutting out spikes. They need to be made according to the size of the selected nests. For the manufacture of corner supports, a bar with a section of 100 × 150 mm is suitable, and two bearing supports for the gable sides of the roof should be made from it. Under ordinary racks, a beam of 50 × 100 mm is sufficient. The material for the support elements should be longer than the design height by the length of the tenon, but better by 10 cm in case of errors when stacking.
  • We install the corner posts and fasten them with temporary struts. We connect the racks with a cord.
  • Using a cord with a plumb line, we align in the beams the points for sampling nests for ordinary supports and select the indicated holes.
  • We install ordinary racks and two bearing supports in the centers of the attic gables.
  • We lay runs on the installed supports - boards with a section of 50 × 150 mm. We fasten the runs with corners. It is not necessary to use as many nails as in the corners of the holes. Enough two or three for each plane. As a result of laying the board, the frame of the walls of the future attic is obtained.
  • We connect the supports installed against each other with bars, attaching them to the girders with corners. These elements will act as tensile crossbars. Therefore, for their manufacture, lumber of the 1st grade with a section of 100 × 150 mm is required. Under each installed crossbar, a temporary support from an inch 25 × 150mm is needed.
  • From above, we temporarily fasten the crossbars with the same inch, stepping back from the edges of the frame 20-30cm. A temporary rare flooring of one, two or three boards is needed for ease of installation of the upper part of the truss system.
  • We make a template for the rafters of the lower row from an inch. To do this, we apply a blank board to the end of the run and the beam. Then we outline the lines of the grooves along which we have to cut off the excess. We try on, if necessary, trim the excess.
  • We make rafter legs according to the template. If there is any doubt about the impeccability of the construction, then it is better to cut only the upper groove for a start. By placing the rafter in its proper place, it will then be possible to adjust the lower groove after the fact without unwanted damage to the material.
  • We install the end rafter legs, which will need to be connected again with a cord.
  • Focusing on the lace, we mount the rafter legs of the lower tier of the attic.
  • Similarly, we make a template for the upper part of the truss system. In order to find the line of the upper cut, we temporarily sew a board onto the gable support.
  • We make a mirror counterpart for the previous template. The rafters of the upper tier will lean against each other.
  • Trying both templates on the roof. If everything is in order, we make the required number of upper rafters from a 50 × 150mm board using them.
  • We are constructing the upper tier of the truss system.
  • In order for the crossbars not to sag, we mount headstocks of the required size to each upper truss. We firmly sew them only to the ridge zone, the bottom should not be rigidly fixed.

Further, the rafter legs are screwed to the walls with wire bundles. Then the pediment frame is installed, along which it needs to be sheathed. At the end, the crate is mounted with a step corresponding to the characteristics of the roofing material.

Skeleton method

The technology differs from the previous method in that not separate supports are installed on the ceiling, but modules-blocks of the side walls of the future attic are fully prepared for fastening.

The block method of arranging the truss system allows you to optimize the construction of the mansard roof, because the construction of modular elements is carried out on the ground. In calm conditions without a sense of height, it is easier to achieve the accuracy of nodal connections.

The process of installing a block mansard roof:

  • According to a pre-made project, we manufacture frames for the walls of the attic. Longitudinal bars according to this method play the role of runs and beds. We lay them out together with the racks on a flat area and mark with the help of a square the nests for the supports of the side walls. We make cuts along the measured lines.
  • We cut spikes on the racks, the size of which must correspond to the size of the nests.
  • We connect the longitudinal beam with vertical posts, we get two modular frames - these are the walls of the attic.
  • We raise the frames up, install them in the intended place. We temporarily fix the position of the walls with spacers, then attach them to the floor beams with brackets.
  • With a chisel, we select nests on the edges of the beams for installing the lower row of rafters. You need to place them in one line. In order to observe the geometry, it is easier to first outline them with a chainsaw, then refine them with a chisel.
  • We carry out the upper truss tier of the attic on the ground, having previously tried on blanks for the installed elements. For accuracy of fitting to the end of the future roof, we temporarily nail the board so that one of its edges clearly repeats the central axis of the truss system. The base of the upper attic triangle performs the function of stretching. Its length is equal to the distance between the outer vertical planes of the installed frames. We select nests along the edges of the stretch, and spikes on the lower heels of the rafters.
  • We assemble the roof trusses of the upper tier, for reliability we mount an additional crossbar, we reinforce the ridge knot with a triangular wooden lining.
  • Until we moved to the roof, we make blanks for rafter legs. We try them on the frames laid out on the ground. It is more convenient to “cut” them in one fell swoop, grabbing a few pieces with a clamp. We cut out only the upper bevel, taking into account the fact that it will rest partly on the wall rack, partly on the stretching of the upper truss trusses.
  • We try on the lower rafter to the end. We draw in the area of ​​​​her lower heel the shape of a spike, repeating the configuration of the nest in the beam. We cut out the spikes.
  • We move to the roof of the farm of the upper tier and the rafter legs of the lower tier. We mount the trusses first, attaching them to the upper wall trim with brackets, then the rafters of the lower part, attaching them to the floor beams with the same brackets.

The subsequent stages of roof construction are carried out according to standard rules. The drawings for the mansard roof, which clearly represent the structure, will be introduced in detail to the described principles of the construction of the truss system. Thanks to the production of connections by cutting in half a tree, the strength and rigidity of the frame as a whole increases, which will allow not to mount additional struts.

The disadvantage of the method is that the finished modules are quite difficult to transport to the roof. To transfer the assembled blocks there without the use of lifting equipment, a minimum of 4 people will be required.



Plank and nail truss system

It is not advisable to build a powerful attic over small country houses, but you still want to save space on a small plot. For the owners of small buildings, there is an excellent option - a light board-and-nail layered structure. The method should appeal to adherents of economy, because the whole timber is not used in the construction.

For the manufacture of each of the supporting elements, two boards are used, between which spaced pieces of the bar are installed. The bar-shaped cavity explains why the system is lightweight compared to solid counterparts. To ensure spatial rigidity, wind contractions are installed that connect the supports to the rafter legs. The crate, in turn, will contribute to the strengthening of the structure.

People's way of designing a layout

For a successful result of the work, the project is very desirable. It is not a fact that the presented drawings with dimensions are suitable for arranging a particular house. Typology in construction is now not at all welcome. If there is no documentation at all, it is better to make at least a sketch of the future roof, not forgetting the height of the ceilings in the attic room. Wherein:

  • Proportions should be observed, because too large an attic can turn a small house into an awkward, mushroom-like building.
  • It must be remembered that the lower part of the mansard roof is built using layered rafter legs, and they optically lower the overhang and block the upper part of the high windows. There will be no tangible effect of overhanging when constructing an attic according to the scheme with the removal of rafters.
  • Do not forget that the height of the attic room must ensure freedom of movement. It is this landmark that is required to correctly determine the height of the racks of the attic walls.

You can choose the best proportions of the roof in a folk template-layout way. According to it, bars or boards are laid out on a flat, spacious area, repeating the contour of the building in real size. By changing the angles, moving the components, you can achieve the optimal configuration. Elements need to be fixed with nails and immediately measure the lengths of beams, rafters, puffs, racks. The resulting dimensions will help in the manufacture of templates.


Calculations and planning of the truss system under the mansard roof will be demonstrated by the video:

The basic options and diagrams of the attic truss structure given by us will help determine the choice of the optimal type of truss structure.

A modern mansard roof is a great opportunity to significantly expand the living space of your home without any hassle. But, if you involve builders in the work, then this can cost a pretty penny. It is quite understandable that each of us thought about the question of whether it is possible to do everything on our own without experience. We assure you that a do-it-yourself mansard roof is more than real. We provide you with comprehensive instructions.

Currently, the best option is a broken attic. It is quite spacious and can really become a full-fledged living space with a large area. Naturally, for this you need to make accurate calculations.

Building a mansard roof will require you to consider many factors before. Let's list the main ones.

Video about the mansard roof of the house with your own hands

It is quite clear that the smaller the angle of inclination, the more usable space will be in your attic. But it is far from always necessary to strive for the most gently sloping placement. Here are some features of the choice:

  • If your house is located in a temperate area, where it is often windy and snow is rare, then you can safely make a roof with a slight slope;
  • If snowfalls and downpours are common in your area, a sloping roof should be discarded;
  • Do not forget that you need to take care of high-quality heat, sound and waterproofing. The attic is such a living space, like the rest of the rooms in your house;
  • The best roofing materials are tiles or slate. Many mistakenly put a metal coating, but with the advent of cold weather they face problems of heat conservation in the attic. Please note that the materials must be fireproof and moisture resistant. The roof always consists of wooden elements. In order to better preserve, it is recommended to treat all such surfaces with an antifungal solution;
  • An outdoor staircase for the attic will significantly save space in the house. An internal staircase is a much more convenient option, but it also takes up a lot of space. Great if you take care of installing a ceiling ladder. She practically does not take up space. As an alternative, you can install a spiral staircase, but its convenience is often questionable.

An outdoor staircase for the attic will significantly save space in the house

  • To begin with, you will need wooden beams 10x10 cm in cross section. They are applied over waterproofing. The best material for her is roofing material or roofing felt, which is sold in rolls. Working with them is quite convenient and you do not need any additional skills. If your ceiling is also made of wood, then there is no need to lay an additional beam under the main beams.
  • The next step is to install the racks on the beams. The same bar with a section of 10x10 cm will suit you. These racks are a kind of skeleton of the walls of your attic. In order for them to fully fulfill their functions, they must be placed no further than two meters from each other. Make sure each one is perfectly level. We recommend checking each with a level and, if necessary, filing in the right places. When the racks are installed, they must be sheathed on both sides. For the inside, a great option is drywall or ordinary plywood, for the outside - slab. It is important not to forget at this stage to lay the insulation between the racks. Each rack is separately fixed with spikes and staples. So that at the same time they do not lean, we recommend that they be properly fixed with temporary braces.
  • Next, lay the top beam. Its cross section should be the same as in the previous paragraphs. You can fix it the way you want. But make sure that the beams are held firmly and firmly.

Each rack is individually secured with spikes and staples

  • Now you need to install the Mauerlat. This is a kind of support for the rafter leg, which is located at the bottom of the structure. For Mauerlat, you will need a beam with a section of 40x40 cm or a board with the same thickness. Thanks to the Mauerlat, high strength of the roof rafters to the walls will be ensured. It allows you to redirect the weight of the roof directly onto the walls. More than 40 cm cross section is optional. All the same, the Mauerlat lies directly on the wall and the load on it is relatively small. Just remember to put waterproofing under it, otherwise it will start to rot over time.
  • A well-mounted mauerlat protects your roof from the effects of wind, snow mass in winter and other loads. Therefore, make sure that it is fixed carefully. To do this, you can use a wire with a diameter of up to 5 mm. It is best to choose annealed wire, which is just designed for strapping. In order to make the walls more durable, the wire is embedded directly into them.
  • Now you need to install the rafter legs. Make markings on the rafter frame and Mauerlat in places where the rafters will be installed. Usually the step is 1-1.2 m. For rafters, a board with a section of 4-5 cm and a width of 15 cm is suitable for you. Choose only perfectly flat boards. It is better to overpay a little money for them, but be sure that a do-it-yourself residential attic will not cause you to collapse the roof of the attic.

For rafters, a board with a section of 4-5 cm and a width of 15 cm is suitable for you

  • Rafter legs should rest on the ridge beam. If your attic has a large area, then the weight of its roof will be large. Therefore, the beam is an indispensable structural element. It is not needed only if the length of the rafter is less than eight meters. In this case, you can do with the usual stretch marks.
  • Filly installation. Produce it in the same way as the rafters. To simplify the process, start with the two extremes, pull the twine between them and align with it when installing the next ones.
  • Now it is necessary to nail the hem board to the fillies. It will become an obstacle to wind and almost any precipitation.
  • Before you make a mansard roof, you must consider where the windows will be installed. Remember that their area should occupy at least 12-13% of the area of ​​the side walls. Where you decide to put windows, you need to strengthen the rafters. To do this, install the cross bars. They will take on the role of the lower and upper parts of the opening, where the window frame will be installed and attached.

Before you make a mansard roof, you must consider where the windows will be installed.

When the previous ten points are completed, you need to carefully double-check everything that has been done. Already at this stage, you will understand how to make a roof with an attic without any problems, but you always need to play it safe. Especially if you are doing it for the first time.

Carefully go through the level along all the rafters and beams, check whether they really hold tightly and securely, whether there is insulation everywhere, whether problem areas need to be finalized. It will be better if you ask one of the more experienced builders to assess with a trained eye whether everything is really done the way it should. Remember that the roof in your house must be safe and strong. But if everything is fine and the design is held securely, you can proceed to further work:

  • You have already created the roof skeleton. Now you need to nail the battens to the rafters. The pitch depends on which roofing material you choose for your roof.
  • When the crate is installed, a hydrobarrier must be installed on it. In most cases, plain plastic film works best for this. It is inexpensive, qualitatively protects the attic from moisture ingress and is easily attached with construction brackets. The main thing to remember is that the layers of the film must be laid from the bottom up with the layers overlapping each other.
  • A heat-insulating layer must be placed on top of the film. One of the best materials that serves these purposes is mineral wool. It is lightweight, retains heat well and is completely safe for your health, unlike many other heat-insulating materials. In addition, it effectively prevents the spread of rodents in your home.

On top of the film it is necessary to put a heat-insulating layer

  • When you get to the roof, proceed in the same way as in the case of plastic wrap. The roofing ball also lies from the bottom up, and the elements are superimposed on each other. Make sure that in those places where there is a break in the roof, the upper ball of the roof protrudes above the lower one. It is very important. Otherwise, with the slightest rain, your roof will leak, and the structure will gradually rot.
  • The installation of the ridge should take place in such a way that its design completely excludes the possibility of rain falling under the roof of your roof.

Completion of installation

The main part of the work has come to an end. It is recommended to make mansard roofs multi-layered so that they provide the best heat, noise and waterproofing of the entire attic. Do not forget also that the attic must "breathe". Modern windows and doors are an essential element of any such roof.

If you have not fully decided on the installation of stairs, then for a start it is better to install an external one. It will be cheaper and easier that way. In any case, if you feel that this option does not suit you, you can make a staircase indoors at any time, sacrificing space in the house.

Video about a gable roof

Now you know how to build a mansard roof according to all the rules and not resort to the help of an expensive team of builders. Be patient, select high-quality materials and tools, and then follow our instructions. Good luck!