Flat roof with wooden beams. Flat roof: pros and cons, corrugated board device. Do-it-yourself flat roof device. Types of roofing and the nuances of their installation

If earlier flat roofs were made only on urban high-rise buildings and were associated with constant leaks, today the situation has changed radically. These structures are used not only during the construction of multi-storey buildings, but also in the construction of prestigious private houses according to exclusive projects. Such changes have become possible due to the emergence of completely new building materials and technologies.

Flat roofs - one of the many types of roofing, has both positive and negative sides. The advantages of such roofs include the following characteristics.

  1. Saving building materials and speed of construction. The effect is achieved due to physical savings - the area of ​​\u200b\u200ba flat roof is much less than a gable roof. In addition, for this design there is no need to make a complex truss system with various purlins, props, crossbars, mauerlats, etc. A small number of roof elements makes it possible to build flat roofs on their own without involving expensive professional specialists.
    True, for this you should have the initial skills of performing roofing work, understand modern technologies and materials. Otherwise, attempts to reduce the estimated cost of the structure can lead to large additional costs for unplanned repairs. And not only the roof itself, but also the interior of buildings.

  2. The ability to use the roof as exploited. On flat roofs, winter gardens, recreation areas, flower beds, small sports grounds, etc. can be equipped. But in these cases, the roofs have a very complex structure and require a professional approach to all construction work.

  3. Flat roofs facilitate installation and periodic maintenance various engineering equipment: air conditioning and ventilation systems, solar panels, antennas, etc.

Unfortunately, such architectural structures also have disadvantages.


We have listed the real advantages and disadvantages, each developer should carefully analyze them before making a final decision.

Varieties of flat roofs in private houses

Thanks to new materials and technologies, designers have been able to create several types of flat roofs with unique performance characteristics.

flat roof typeBrief description of technical and operational characteristics

The most commonly used, simplest and cheapest type of roof. It is most often found on utility buildings, it is rarely mounted on private houses.

Very prestigious roof, allows you to use the area to increase the comfort of living in the building. The arrangement of such roofs requires high-quality materials and special technologies. The operated roof is often inverted.

It differs from the usual arrangement of layers of the roofing cake. Waterproofing is done directly on the bearing base, this feature protects the coating from mechanical damage. Geotextiles, extruded polystyrene foam, another layer of geotextiles and a ballast layer are laid on top of the hydroprotection. The geotextile allows water to flow to the drain system, and the ballast prevents the layers from being blown up by strong gusts of wind.

Important. The cost of flat roofs varies widely, some options for the price can be several times higher than gable structures.

Roofing pie device

All flat roofs in residential buildings must be insulated, the structures consist of several layers. Each of them performs its function and is critical for the roof.

Base

It can be reinforced concrete or wood.


Professional builders prefer reinforced concrete slabs, but not all houses can use them. Plates are mounted only on brick or concrete facade walls; such elements are not used for wooden or frame buildings.

vapor barrier

Prices for material for vapor barrier

Vapor barrier material

It is used only in two cases: the base of the flat roof is wooden and mineral wool is used as insulation.

But such options are rare, most often the base is made of a concrete slab, and durable extruded polystyrene is used for insulation. Both of these materials are not only not afraid of steam, but also do not react to direct contact with water. Accordingly, when arranging roofs from such materials, vapor protection is not required.

insulation

There are two types of insulation that can be used in the construction of flat roofs.


Heaters can be installed in two ways.


Currently, architects in most cases prefer the second option for flat roof insulation, keep this in mind. But practitioners advise installing heaters from inside the premises. Each builder must make their own decision.

Prices for thermal insulation materials

Thermal insulation materials

Practical recommendations for arranging a flat roof on a frame house

For example, we will take the option of arranging a flat roof on a wooden frame house. These buildings are very popular with many developers, they are quickly assembled, relatively inexpensive and provide residents with a modern level of comfort.

How to make overlays

For the ceiling, you need to use I-beams, ordinary beams will not work because of very high loads. If the linear dimensions of ordinary beams are significantly increased, then their own weight will play a significant role in calculating the acting forces, and this is highly undesirable for all structural loaded elements.

Important. If the size of the house is large, then it is much more profitable to order short beams and splice them on the spot. Due to this method, the process of transportation and installation of structures is simplified. During the installation of ceiling beams, you need to make a slight slope for the water to drain.

Video - Wooden floor

What to make waterproofing

Prices for PVC membranes for roofing

PVC membrane for roofing

For sealing, it is recommended to use a modern high-quality membrane that has protection from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. The membrane thickness is not less than 1.5 mm, the service life of such coatings is more than thirty years. The membranes must retain their original properties at temperatures of -30°C and below. It must be borne in mind that situations may arise when it is necessary to remove snow from the roof in winter, the hydroprotection must withstand mechanical stress and not be damaged.

How to install a funnel for receiving water

The diameter of the funnel must correspond to the area of ​​​​the roof and the maximum debit of water. The data are available in comparative tables and are attached to the instructions for using the elements. If for some reason there is no such instruction, then you should consult with the seller.

The funnel is installed at the lowest point of the roof. The roof plane is divided into several sectors and each has a slight slope towards the drain. To prevent ice from accumulating in the funnel in winter, it is recommended to connect an electric heating system. Heating functions temporarily and only during the period when the temperature several times a day changes from positive to negative.

How to properly lay a waterproof membrane

The joints are welded with a building dryer and additionally filled with a special two-component adhesive. You should start from the very bottom edge, the width of the overlaps is at least 10 cm. To increase the strength of the fastening, each strip of the membrane is separately fixed with special fasteners, then the wide washers are closed.

Along the perimeter of the parapet, the membrane is also screwed with washers of large diameter, the distance between them is about 20–30 cm.

How to drain water from a roof

Experienced builders do not recommend trying to install external gutters and pipes on flat roofs to drain water to the ground. The best option is to run plastic pipes through the interior. The installation of the system should be done immediately after assembling the frame of the house; during the sheathing of the internal walls, the pipes are hidden. Due to such an installation location, the possibility of freezing is completely excluded, the reliability of the system is significantly increased.

The better to process OSB boards

There are many options, the effectiveness depends not only on the materials used, but also on the professionalism of the master. But practice shows that, under all equal conditions, bituminous mastics have the greatest reliability. Surfaces must be lubricated at least twice, this guarantees the tightness of the coating for a long period of time. Of course, the top membrane must also be of good quality and correctly installed.


A still unusual decoration of country cottages is a flat roof. It is believed that flat roofs are intended only for urban development or for industrial buildings. But it's not. The roofs of houses in historic neighborhoods are often pitched. And at a private house you can make a flat roof.

Now we will look at what it is, what are the advantages / disadvantages and how to make a flat roof with your own hands.

Types of flat roof

Structurally, flat roofs are divided into two main types: on beams and those with a concrete slab at the base.

Flat roofs are never completely flat, there is still a small angle (within a few degrees). This is necessary for the flow of water. Otherwise, it will stagnate on the roof.

Most often, internal drains are arranged on flat roofs: funnels are mounted in the roof, risers from them pass through the interior. Funnels are placed on the lower part of the roof, at the rate of one riser per 150-200 squares.

The waterproofing around the funnels is reinforced, cable heating is also recommended (so that the water in the riser does not freeze). If the flat roof is without a parapet, and the angle is decent (from 6 degrees), the drainage system can be standard external, as for pitched roofs: gutter and pipes.

Roofs are subdivided according to functionality, the device of the roofing pie and the type of coating. Here are some of the main varieties:

  • The unexploited roof is flat. It is built solely for the sake of originality and economy of material. It does not need to strengthen the structure.

  • Operating flat roof. It can be used for any purpose, from the placement of an outdoor pool and ending with a parking lot.

The type of overlap depends on the intended purpose: it is obvious that with high expected loads, the base should be a concrete slab. But this does not mean that the entire building should be brick or concrete. For example, a flat roof in a wooden house can also be exploited. Of course, it cannot be used as a heliport, but it is quite possible to arrange a solarium, set up a garden or put up a gazebo for tea drinking. Of course, a sparse crate cannot be made, only a solid one.

  • traditional roofing. The classic version of the roofing cake: a waterproofing layer on top of the insulation, the base is concrete, for the outflow of water - expanded clay concrete (sloping screed).

  • Inversion roof. Here, the insulation lies on top of the waterproofing and protects it from damage. The floor can be finished with paving or ceramic tiles, you can also plant a lawn here. A mandatory requirement for an inversion design is an angle of 3-5 degrees.

Roofs are attic and non-attic. Both types have their advantages: the presence of an attic allows you to place all the necessary communications on it (ventilation pipes, an expansion tank for heating, etc.), a barren roof can be made exploitable.

One of the options for a non-attic design is a flat combined roof: the attic floor is combined with the roof, the lower side is the ceiling in the living room.

note

According to the device, these roofs differ from simple non-attic ones; it is impossible to make them exploitable.

With a house height of ten meters or more, as well as on exploited roofs, a parapet must be installed without fail. For exploited - not less than 1.2 meters.

If the roof is not in use, and the cottage is low, you can make a flat roof without a parapet or install fencing bars instead, or even do without them.

General arrangement of a flat roof

It is obvious that the devices used for roofs for various purposes will differ:

  • When constructing a pool - increased attention to waterproofing;
  • A “green” roof is also a solid waterproofing plus soil filling, etc.
  • The most common coating is flat roofing. This is cheapness, simplicity and high laying speed, excellent waterproofing. The cheapest material that can be used to cover a flat roof is roofing material.

    The disadvantages of rolled materials (and roofing material in particular) are low durability, low mechanical strength. For exploited roofs "with high traffic" tiles are preferable.

    A flat roof made of corrugated board and a flat roof made of corrugated board can only be made in a non-exploited version and with the necessary slope. When choosing a material, you need to read the instructions for the model: some types of profiled sheets and metal tiles can be laid on roofs with a slope of less than 11 degrees.

    Some brands of corrugated board can also be used as a base for an unexploited roof, instead of plywood or concrete slab.

    There are other coating materials for unused roofs:

    • Polycarbonate;

    Pros and cons of flat roofs

    Advantages:

    • Original look. Flat roofs in cottages are rare.
    • Possibility of exploitation.
    • Flat roof - easy installation and savings on materials. But it depends on how you plan to operate the roof. And that construction will cost even more than an expensive pitched roof made of ceramic tiles.
    • Laying, maintenance, repair on a flat roof is easier than on a slope.
    • Flat roofs are windproof, pitched roofs have windage.

    Minuses:

    • A flat roof leaks more often than a pitched one. It is necessary to constantly monitor the condition of the waterproofing layer.
    • The need to clear the roof of snow.
    • Flat rolled roofing requires more frequent repairs and resurfacing than metal profiled, tiled and other pitched roofs.

    So which roof is better, flat or pitched? Exclusively a matter of taste.

    Building a flat roof

    Consider the option when the profiled sheet is used as the basis of the roof:

    1. Sheets are laid on the beams (rafters). The step between the rafters depends on the profile. For example, for load-bearing profiles with a corrugation height of 6-7.5 centimeters (H60, H75), the step between the beams is 3-4 meters.

    2. Laying a vapor barrier film. The film is laid with an overlap, the joints must be sealed with mounting tape.

    3. Thermal insulation. Mineral wool boards are usually used for this purpose. Please note that the corrugation depressions also need to be filled with insulation.

    4. Waterproofing. For this purpose, a polymer film is suitable. If the insulation is mineral wool, you can also use built-up waterproofing, because. cotton wool is a non-combustible material.

    5. Finishing coat. You can also use fused. A roll is slowly rolled out over the roof, heating it with a burner along its entire length. The deposited coating is pressed against the roof and smoothed out.

    6. On flat roofs it is possible to lay the built-up roof in several layers.

    In other cases, a flat roof on wooden beams is arranged more traditionally: a solid sheathing of plywood or OSB is nailed onto the beams, a roofing cake is laid (vapor barrier + basalt wool), a waterproofing layer and a rolled roof are directed.

    If you are interested in a flat roof with a more complex device, please contact us: we will perform a roof of any complexity quickly and at an affordable price.

    There are several types of roofing depending on the shape: single-pitched, gable, complex and flat. The last option is the fastest, but at the same time technologically difficult. Familiarize yourself with the technology of self-construction of a flat roof with your own hands.

    The device of a flat roof and the principle of its construction

    Flat roof - has a fairly simple configuration, and with the right approach, the process of its construction takes a maximum of two days. First of all, decide on the construction technology, draw up a project, purchase and prepare materials for work.

    On load-bearing walls, wooden or steel beams are installed that transfer the load from the roof to the walls and foundation.

    In addition, beams perform several other important functions, such as:

    • retention of the total weight of the attic and ceilings;
    • the weight of people who repair and maintain roof structures;
    • wind loads, the weight of precipitation that accumulates on the roof.

    For the correct selection of the diameter and size of the beam, consider all the loads that affect them. In addition, for the construction of a high quality flat roof, choose the right finish that is durable and performs well.

    One of the most important stages is heat and sound insulation. The flat roof of capital buildings is a floor slab, on top of which a heat and waterproofing cake is laid:

    1. Initially, a vapor barrier is laid on the surface, preventing the penetration of moisture to the insulation. For the manufacture of vapor barrier, reinforced bitumen film based on fiberglass is most often used. The edge of the film is wound beyond the vertical line of the overlap, and all seams are carefully soldered.

    2. Installation of insulation is the next step. It is possible to use expanded clay for surface insulation, initially a concrete screed is installed on it, and with a lightweight version of the roof, solid versions of polymer insulation are used.

    3. The most important and final layer is waterproofing. The life of the roof as a whole depends on the quality of its execution. Most often, waterproofing of a flat roof is carried out using polymer-bitumen materials.

    There are two options for a flat roof, in relation to the type of room for which it is being built:

    • flat roof for a heated room;
    • flat roof for unheated premises.

    The construction of a flat roof over an outbuilding, a shed, a gazebo does not require special skills. To create a stack, a slight slope to one side is enough.

    The process of creating a flat roof for a heated room is divided into stages:

    1. A boardwalk is installed on the laid beams, which is covered with roofing felt or roofing felt with a large overlap on top.

    2. A heater is laid on the roofing material, which is based on expanded clay or slag. When filling the heater, adhere to a certain slope, in relation to the discharge of melt or rainwater from the roof.

    3. A screed based on cement mortar is installed on the insulation, at least two centimeters thick. After it has set, the material is treated with a bitumen-based primer. A rolled carpet is additionally glued onto the screed.

    It is recommended to create a flat roof with a minimum span, thus reducing the difficulties in its hydro- and thermal insulation. Roofs with a width exceeding 600 cm are recommended to be erected only with specialists. Incorrect calculation of loads on beams leads to terrible consequences: incorrect load distribution and reduced use of roofing materials.

    Installation technology of a flat roof made of monolithic concrete

    Double-tee steel beams act as load-bearing structures for a concrete flat roof. If the span of the roof does not exceed 500 cm, then beams with a thickness of 15 cm are used to equip the roof.

    • crushed stone, fraction 1-2 cm;
    • cement brand 400.

    The ingredients are combined in the amount of eight buckets of crushed stone and three buckets of cement, four buckets of sand and two buckets of water.

    This is followed by the process of mounting the boards on the lower shelves of the beams, roofing material and reinforcing mesh are mounted on the boards, with a minimum cell size of 10 mm. To connect the intersections of the grid, use knitting wire or a welding machine. The gap between the grid and the roofing material is about 4-5 cm, for this, crushed stone is placed under the grid. The thickness of the concrete layer in this case is at least fifteen centimeters.

    At the same time, the strips are laid evenly, it is not allowed to leave an unfinished strip until the next day. This negatively affects the quality of the roof structure. The best option is to fill the roof for one day. After pouring, the surface is compacted with a concrete vibrator or a hand tool. When compacting the concrete, be careful not to deform the mesh.

    Next, a polyethylene film is installed on the roof, which prevents excessively rapid evaporation of moisture and cracking of the top layer. After the roof has completely dried, a slope is constructed with the help of a heater to drain water.

    Do-it-yourself thermal insulation of a flat roof

    A flat roof differs from standard single-pitched and double-pitched types by the need for both internal and external insulation. First, the roof is insulated from the outside, and if necessary, inside.

    Previously, rigid heat-insulating boards were used to insulate a flat roof, but due to their large weight, they are practically not used at present. This insulation was replaced by heat-insulating materials based on basalt and mineral wool. The thermal conductivity of this material is much higher, and the weight does not make the structure heavier.

    In addition, the insulation perfectly resists mechanical damage and is highly fire resistant. The internal insulation of a flat roof is carried out using refractory structures, 2-3 cm thick. Wooden planks are used to mount the plates on the ceiling, on which the plates are fixed with special glue or mastic. Please note that before insulating the ceiling, all lighting fixtures on the ceiling are dismantled.

    In addition, as a heater for a flat roof, materials are used in the form of:

    • mineral basalt wool - does not need an additional protective screed;
    • extruded polystyrene foam - an excellent option for a roof that is in constant use, does not burn, has good soundproofing characteristics;
    • polyurethane foam - does not form butt joints, does not burn and is used as a soft roof insulation;
    • ecowool - contains cellulose, has an additional flame retardant coating, therefore it has a high level of safety;
    • foam concrete - it has a monolithic structure and a long service life, it is similar in structure to foam, ideal for insulating a flat roof without creating significant loads on the foundation.

    Flat roof device and technology for creating a roofing pie

    In order to get an ideal roofing with good sound, heat and waterproofing characteristics, you must first create a drawing of a roofing pie, which consists of:

    • bearing base - concrete or steel beams;
    • vapor barrier layer;
    • thermal insulation layer;
    • waterproofing.

    It is possible to change the sequence of layers and add additional materials, it depends on the individual characteristics of the roof and the building itself. Additionally, after the insulation, a textile layer is laid, then covered with rubble and finishing is performed. Such a roof is called inversion and is used extremely rarely, due to the large weight. It is suitable for buildings with high fire safety requirements.

    The device of a flat roof implies compliance with all loads that arise during operation. In relation to this indicator, the thickness of each layer in the roofing pie is calculated.

    There are several types of flat roofs in relation to the structural characteristics:

    • uninsulated roof;
    • insulated roof which has open and closed systems 4
    • monolithic roofs;
    • inverted roofs.

    In relation to the operational load, a flat roof can be:

    • exploited;
    • not exploited.

    Depending on the drain:

    • flat roof with internal drainage;
    • flat roof with external drainage.

    Do-it-yourself inversion flat roof

    The inverted flat roof is characterized by good performance and high fire safety. The installation technology for this roof option is as follows:

    • laying waterproofing;
    • installation of thermal insulation material;
    • geotextile component;
    • drainage system;
    • protective bulk coating.

    Among the advantages of a flat roof of this type, we note:

    • the complexity of the destruction of waterproofing;
    • no condensation on the insulation, as it is located on top of the roofing cake;
    • ease of repair and replacement of thermal insulation material.

    Excessive moisture that forms in the thermal insulation layer is the reason for the deterioration of the protective characteristics of the roof as a whole. Soon it becomes covered with cracks and bubbles, especially in the summer, when the insulation releases moisture. The complete lack of ventilation leads to peeling of the roof from the base.

    In this case, we recommend equipping a breathable roof. For the manufacture of roofing, roll materials are used, with excellent tightness and a long service life. Thermal insulation material is installed between the bituminous mastic, and roofing aerators are used for additional ventilation. Among the advantages of this coverage, we note:

    • no need to dismantle the flooring, additional strengthening of hydroprotection;
    • laying the second layer with a slope leads to improved moisture removal;
    • the possibility of using this method both during the initial installation of the roof, and during repairs.

    Instructions for finishing a flat roof with your own hands

    Flat roof finishing materials must meet certain requirements, such as:

    • high level of strength;
    • a light weight;
    • heat-insulating and sound-proof characteristics;
    • resistance to ultraviolet radiation;
    • duration of operation;
    • ease of installation and maintenance.

    Quite often, roofing material with glassine is laid on a flat roof, however, these materials do not have a long service life, they do not tolerate frost well and are destroyed under the influence of temperature fluctuations. Every 8-10 years of operation, the roof is re-coated with roofing material.

    New roll-bitumen coatings are gradually replacing roofing material with glassine. This is due to their following advantages:

    • excellent performance characteristics;
    • ease of installation;
    • complete waterproofing of the roof;
    • resistance to chemicals, temperature changes;
    • duration of use.

    There are several varieties of bituminous materials for a flat roof:

    1. Fiberglass, fiberglass - characterized by high strength, resistance to mechanical damage and absolute moisture resistance.

    2. Bituminous materials based on polyester or polypropylene. They are used as the bottom layer of protective coatings, have a high density, good waterproofing performance and are used on reinforced concrete floors.

    Polymer membrane materials are based on reinforced plastic mesh, rubber and polymer resins. The cost of such materials is much higher than bitumen, however, compared to the latter, they have certain advantages:

    • light weight, so they do not load the foundation and foundation of the building;
    • elasticity and tendency to stretch;
    • duration of operation, which exceeds 50 years;
    • do not need to use open flame for installation, in comparison with bituminous materials;
    • hot air is used to connect the joints.

    Mastic-based materials are ideal for flat roofs. Roll materials, although they have certain advantages, they all create seams that, under increased load, allow moisture to pass through. Seamless mastic roofing does not create butt joints and is characterized by perfect smoothness. Such a roof is called "bulk". This roofing is easy to apply, forming a single sheet, a brush or brush is enough to level the material. Previously, the roof is treated with soil or primer.

    Do-it-yourself flat roof video:

    During the construction of urban high-rise buildings and industrial facilities, a reinforced concrete slab usually becomes the basis of a flat roof. But for private houses, especially frame and wooden ones, this choice is most often unacceptable. In this case, a flat roof is built on wooden beams. Its main advantage is its light weight, which reduces the load on walls and foundations. The device of such a roof is simpler and cheaper than when using heavy reinforced concrete slabs. But the functionality is the same. Therefore, this option of a flat roof is often chosen by those who want to build it with their own hands.

    For which buildings is a flat roof on beams suitable?

    The main share of such roofs falls on private houses and cottages, whose owners appreciate the futuristic style, convenience and practicality. Still - on the floors of verandas, terraces, balconies, garages. As a rule, all these buildings are wooden or frame, requiring a light roof structure. But this is not a mandatory rule. The wall material can be any - brick, aerated concrete, foam concrete, etc. In this case, wooden beams often cut into a Mauerlat - a wooden beam that runs along the perimeter of the walls and is connected to them with anchor bolts or studs.

    A flat roof is especially attractive to developers because its horizontal surface can be used as a usable area. Moreover, this is possible even for the roof, which is based on wooden beams.

    Of course, you should not use the freed meters for a parking lot, a swimming pool or a tennis court. Still, such projects require a more monumental foundation. But an open terrace, an observation deck, a home greenhouse, wooden beams can easily withstand. The main thing is to correctly calculate and not save on the thickness of the lumber.

    On wooden floors, you can build a flat roof of the following types:

    That is, all possible types - without restrictions.

    Unexploited roof- ordinary, ending with a waterproofing finish. It is intended solely to protect the premises from environmental conditions and has no other purpose. It is impossible to use it as a place of rest, to move in large companies, to install terrace furniture and flowerpots. The coating of such a roof is designed for the fact that 1-2 people will periodically climb it, solely for the maintenance of the structure.

    exploited roof- more interesting and more difficult. In addition to direct protective functions, such a roof plays the role of an additional usable area for the homeowner. The construction pie ends not with waterproofing (prone to damage), but with a protective coating - paving stones, decking, wood decking, paving slabs, sod layer, crushed stone or gravel.

    inverted roof- roof-reversible, a qualitatively different option. It can be both operated and non-operated. Its feature is the inverted order of the layers in the cake. If in a conventional roof the waterproofing is laid on top of the insulation, then in the inversion roof the opposite is true. Waterproofing lies under the insulation, and vapor barrier is generally excluded from the structure of the pie. Due to this, the waterproofing is protected from the outdoor environment and its service life is increased.

    However, under the influence of unfavorable outdoor conditions, there is a heater, therefore, as part of inverted roofs, the choice of this type of insulation is limited. Only EPS (extruded polystyrene foam) and nothing else! This material has almost zero water absorption, high density and strength. From above, EPSS in inverted roofs is loaded with washed gravel, paving stones, paving slabs or a sod layer.

    An interesting option for operated roofs (including inversion ones) is green roof. It can also be held on wooden beams. The cake of such a roof ends with a soil layer on which plants are planted. There are other elements that are not used for other types of roofs: a drainage layer (gravel, expanded clay, crushed pumice or geomats), a filtration layer (geotextile).

    The frame of the described roofs are wooden beams, laid according to the type of interfloor overlap. Full-length sawn wood or multi-piece (glued) timber can be used. Often beams are made of boards with a section of 100x150 mm.

    Beams are laid with support on the walls, similar to interfloor ceilings. If the building is wooden or frame, then the beams rest on the upper crown of logs or the upper trim. If brick or block - then on a pre-fixed Mauerlat. As a Mauerlat, a bar with a section of 150x150 mm or 150x100 mm is usually used. It is mounted on the upper belt of the walls using anchors or studs. To protect the wooden Mauerlat from the material of the walls, 1-2 layers of waterproofing (roofing material) are laid between them.

    On the beams, cuts are made under the Mauerlat, they are laid and fixed with metal corners or nails. The step between the beams is maintained 50-120 mm (depending on the calculated load).

    When installing beams, it is important to ensure a roof slope of 1-6 °. Despite the fact that the roof is called flat, it is not absolutely horizontal. A slight slope is necessary to ensure the movement of water to the drain and thus prevent its stagnation.

    You can create the required slope in the following ways:

    1. Immediately lay the beams with the desired slope. Then, if a horizontal ceiling is supposed to be installed under the roof in the room, it is made suspended or sewn onto a horizontal crate.
    2. Lay the beams horizontally, and to maintain the required angle, nail wooden plates of different heights to them.
    3. Lay the beams horizontally, and form the corner due to the different thicknesses of the thermal insulation laid on top of the frame.
    4. Use beams with unequal height allowance.

    Most often, the first option is used, that is, beams with a slope are immediately laid. The easiest way to do this is to attach a strong beam or board run along the top of the load-bearing wall, which will raise the frame (beams) on one side. Instead of a cross purlin, you can also install short radial beams extending from the central double diagonal beam.

    A flat roof cake on a wooden frame can have a different structure. There are many design options, many of them are posted on the Internet. And they will all work!

    Flat roof insulation layers can be laid over the beams. For example, a proven working option (classic roof with insulation):

    • floor beams;
    • vapor barrier;
    • waterproofing material - polymer membrane.

    When using EPPS insulation and PVC membranes in the structure at the same time, a separating layer (geotextile, fiberglass) must be laid between them. The matter is that these two materials are incompatible and at their direct contact there is a destruction of PVC.

    The polymer membrane is fixed on the insulation by a mechanical method or loaded with ballast. Crushed stone or gravel (for all types of roofs), paving stones (for operated roofs), soil (for green operated roofs) are used as ballast. However, when choosing a ballast, one should soberly assess the reliability of a wooden frame, its ultimate load.

    If the use of welded-on waterproofing or an EPDM membrane with adhesive fixation is supposed to be used as a finish coating, a change is made to the scheme discussed above. It consists in the fact that sheets of plywood, OSB or DSP are laid between the insulation and waterproofing.

    It turns out such a scheme:

    • floor beams;
    • crate (if necessary);
    • solid sheathing made of plywood, DSP, OSB;
    • vapor barrier;
    • insulation - EPPS, mineral wool;
    • sheets of plywood, OSB, DSP;
    • waterproofing material.

    The installation of built-up roofing traditionally requires the use of a gas burner, therefore, according to existing fire regulations, it is unacceptable on wooden structures. Therefore, they act as follows. The first layer of waterproofing is nailed or glued to a wooden base, and the second layer is fused, as it should be. It is also convenient to use euroruberoid with a special adhesive base, for which cold installation is recommended without heating with a burner.

    Installation of a membrane roof on a wooden base is shown in the video plot:

    Another principle for assembling a flat roof pie is associated with laying insulation in the inter-beam space. This option is more convenient than the first if EPDM membranes with adhesive fixation or welded roofing are used as waterproofing.

    The following roofing pie scheme is often used:

    • floor beams;
    • vapor barrier (between beams);
    • insulation (between the beams);
    • crate (if necessary);
    • solid sheathing made of plywood, DSP, OSB;
    • waterproofing.

    In principle, a similar system is used in the formation of classical pitched roofs.

    In this case, sheets of plywood, OSB or DSP are sewn onto the supporting structure (beams), and waterproofing is laid on them. The remaining insulating layers of the roofing cake are sewn from the side of the room.

    A draft ceiling (made of boards or sheet materials) is fixed on the beams, planks are screwed to it perpendicular to the supporting beams in increments of 40 cm. Styrofoam plates are placed between the planks, gluing them to mastic or glue. A vapor barrier film is sewn to the insulating layer. Close the insulating cake with a finishing ceiling.

    Design scheme (top to bottom):

    • waterproofing;
    • solid crate made of sheet materials;
    • beams;
    • draft ceiling;
    • insulation;
    • vapor barrier film;
    • clear ceiling.

    An example diagram would look like this:

    Or you can go against all the "traditional" solutions and build an inverted roof on the beams. Due to the fact that the waterproofing will be covered with insulation, that is, protected from stress, exposure to oxygen, UV rays and precipitation, its service life is significantly increased.

    When constructing an inversion roof, you can use the following scheme (from bottom to top):

    • beams;
    • solid crate;
    • waterproofing;
    • separating layer (when using a PVC membrane as a waterproofing);
    • EPPS insulation;
    • separating layer - geotextile;
    • ballast, paving slabs, decking, etc.

    The principle of inverted roofing is often used for green roofs. For example, you can do this:

    The wooden base of a flat roof, along with its advantages, also has features with a minus sign. This is an increased fire hazard and low bearing capacity (compared to reinforced concrete slabs).

    For waterproofing such a roof, it is desirable to use materials that do not require hot installation. Ideally - polymer membranes. When choosing built-on bitumen-polymer coatings (from a series of euroroofing materials), the first layer of material is mounted mechanically, and the second - by welding. In order to minimize the possibility of fire of structures during installation, it is recommended to use non-combustible DSP boards as a continuous sheathing (on which waterproofing is laid).

    When constructing exploitable and ballast roofs, it should also be remembered that excessive load on a wooden base can be fatal. Therefore, if the bearing capacity of the beams used is low, light materials should be selected for the finish coating - decking, deck board, rubber paving slabs (rubber mats), etc.

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    Do-it-yourself flat roof - most often located on private low-rise buildings, as well as on garage buildings. This type of roofing device is ahead of its competitors. In our article, we will explain why.

    Before we talk about how to make a flat roof, we note that the term "roof" and the term "roof" are not the same thing. The term "roof" refers to those elements that are located above the living quarters of the house. And the roof is a component of the roof, its top layer. It is he who protects the entire building from the effects of atmospheric influence. In these conditions it is very important to create a reliable roof of a country house.

    Having familiarized yourself with the difference between the terms, we can state that a flat roof is ideal for a house with a small area. With an impressive roof area, it is recommended to work with the whole team.

    Flat roof and its features

    When working on a small house with a small roof area, you can safely do without assistants.

    At the beginning of work, fasten wooden beams or steel beams to the bearing camps. With the help of them, you can reduce most of the mass of the roof, directing it to the main walls and foundation.

    So, we found out that the main load on the beams is the weight of the roof. But besides this, there are other loads, such as:

    • The total weight of the roof and communication elements. As a rule, they are located in the attic or attached to the roof.
    • The weight of a person who is repairing a roof or roof. It can also install additional hardware.
    • Volume and mass of snow + cold winter wind pressure.


    Read the advice of experts on the forums, look at the photos on the Internet - then you can make the right choice of load-bearing beams and avoid critical mistakes. Surely you will be interested in the article flat roof - the pros and cons.

    If you want to get a reliable and safe flat roof, then choose only the right roofing (details: ""). Also important is the choice of related materials that can withstand heavy physical exertion, as well as the effects of natural disasters.

    Don't forget to check all material specifications. To prevent negative consequences - conduct a thorough hydro- and vapor barrier.


    1. Lay a "pie" of several materials on the plates (they must have different properties).
    2. The first layer is a vapor barrier. Its function is to protect the insulation layer from moisture. As a material for vapor barrier, a polymer-bitumen film is used. At the same time, it is often reinforced with fiberglass, and then a flat roof is installed. Place the edges of the film on the verticals of the overlaps. It is very important to carefully and accurately close the seams, as well as to understand.
    3. On top of the vapor barrier, lay the insulation. If expanded clay is used, fill it with a mass of concrete. When constructing a lightweight roof, a polymer insulation must be fixed directly to the vapor barrier.
    4. Moisture insulation is the main layer for a roof without slopes. For the device of this element, you will need membrane or polymer-bitumen materials.

    Do-it-yourself flat roof for cold rooms

    There are buildings that do not have heating. These include sheds and gazebos. They are supposed to create a slope for water flow from the roof. To do this, you only need to equip the roof at the smallest angle.

    When constructing a sloping flat roof, its supporting beams should be at a slight angle. Boards will be fixed on the beams. This will be a kind of basis for rolled roofing material (more details: "").


    For the installation of a rolled carpet of roofing material, you will need a frame made of boards. For this, it is best to use thin wooden planks or steel strips. Fasten them along the slope. In this case, the step should be 70 cm. But you should not block the path of water flowing from the roof. The percentage of slope of such a roof is no more than 3%. In other words, it is 3 cm per linear meter of length.

    Construction of flat roofs for warm rooms

    Consider the nuances of equipping a flat roof for heated houses:

    1. First of all, lay a layer of boards on the supporting beams, having previously completed. After this, the laying of the roofing or roofing material should be carried out. Their canvases should be placed according to the overlap method. In this case, the length should be 15 cm.
    2. Expanded clay is laid on top of the roofing material (you can use slag or other material). Before filling the insulation, check that the slope is directed towards the flow of precipitation.
    3. The third stage is the pouring of the insulation layer with cement. After preparing the screed, treat it with a bitumen primer.
    4. Only a fully finished screed will be ready to accept rolled roofing material.

    When studying flat roof construction, you will see for yourself that roofs with a large spacing between support beams require the participation of several people. It is advisable to invite professional craftsmen who will perform all the necessary work as soon as possible.


    When fixing the support beams, the distance between them should be observed. It should be no more than 1 m.

    The device of a flat roof made of monolithic concrete

    The first step is to calculate the span of the roof. If it is 5 m, then beams of 15 cm are used. Speaking in professional building language, this is the “fifteenth I-beam”.

    To create a monolithic roof, it is recommended to use concrete grade 250. When creating a concrete solution at the construction site, it is advisable to use a concrete mixer. Otherwise, you are unlikely to achieve the correct consistency of the solution. To obtain concrete for a flat roof, it is necessary to mix crushed stone with particles of 20 mm and cement, brand PC-400.

    When calculating the components, adhere to the following rules: for eight buckets of crushed stone - three buckets of cement, 4 buckets of sand, and two buckets of water. If there is not enough water, you can add more, it is not critical.


    Insulation of a flat roof with foam concrete, see the video:

    Next, the boards are fastened to the lower beam shelves. Roofing material is laid on the dry surface of the boards. Then, a reinforced mesh of a periodic profile is laid on top. The diameter of this element should not be less than 1 cm. The size of the cells in this case is 20x20 cm.

    In order not to repair a flat roof, the places where the mesh rods are laid are fixed with a tie wire. An option using glue is possible. Ultimately, the mesh should not slip when the screed is poured.

    For complete coverage with concrete mortar, small pieces of crushed stone are usually laid out at the bottom of the grid. Due to this, a gap of 4 cm is left. It is necessary to distinguish between the grid and the roofing material layer. Filling is carried out in the openings between the beams. Recall that their thickness should be at least 15 cm.

    After all the steps, the concrete is covered with a film of polyethylene. This is especially true if the work is carried out at high temperatures. By covering the surface, you will prevent the evaporation of moisture from the concrete solution. This, in turn, will protect the top layer from cracking.

    Concrete must be under the film for at least three days. After completely drying the concrete mass, pour a layer of insulation. Don't forget about slopes. The next step is to create a screed and install a rolled carpet.

    Insulating a flat roof

    Today, a common phenomenon is the replacement of a flat roof with a pitched one. However, in favor of a flat roof is the fact that it can be insulated both from the outside and from the inside. And after it is completed.

    Previously, solid slabs of thermal insulation were used for insulation. However, with this option, the roofing weight increased significantly. Having studied past experience, modern construction has moved away from this method of insulation. Today, most often flat roofs are insulated with basalt mineral wool. It's pretty light material. In addition, it boasts good thermal conductivity and moisture resistance.


    Note that basalt mineral wool is not subject to combustion processes. In addition, it fully tolerates even the most negative influences of nature.