Warm attic with your own hands. Construction of an attic with your own hands in a private house

Modern people They try to use the space of their home as efficiently as possible. Therefore, the proposal to arrange extra space under the roof is always met with enthusiasm. It is much easier to plan the construction of an attic at the stage of building a house, but you can make an additional superstructure over an old building.

How to make an attic on an old house

The presence of an attic not only increases the living space, but also gives the building a colorful look.

The attic turns a country house into a fabulous building

An old house can be updated by building an extension in accordance with existing codes.

The attic addition begins with calculating the strength of the old house

First you need to decide whether they can withstand the load attic floor And new roof existing foundation and walls. If they have a sufficient margin of safety, then you can begin to remodel the house. Otherwise, they should be strengthened.

Old brick walls sometimes they seem durable, but with additional load over time, cracks may appear in the solution. Therefore, it is necessary to immediately examine their condition, and, if necessary, tie them with a rigid belt. This is done as follows:

• metal pillars with a cross section of 10x10 cm are inserted into the foundation with their lower edge, and connected with the armored belt of the first floor with their upper edge. Installed around the perimeter of the house every 2 meters;
• metal reinforcement with a cross-section of 12 mm is laid in grooves and tied around the walls of the house: from the bottom of the window every 2 meters upward;
• A metal mesh with a mesh size of 2x2 cm is laid over the reinforcement, which is covered with plaster after all work is completed.

The foundation is strengthened by tying it with a reinforcing belt on all sides.

If old foundation may not withstand the attic, then it must be sheathed with reinforcement

Having decided on the strengthening of the building, you can proceed to choosing a project for the future superstructure. It should look harmonious against the background of other buildings and match the style of the entire house.

The calculation of the dimensions of the internal upper room and necessary materials for construction

There are several types of attics:

• single level with gable roof- low ceilings with small living space;

  A single-level attic with a gable roof is the simplest type of superstructure for small buildings

• single-level with a sloping gable roof - increased internal space, but serious costs of money and time for construction;

  A one-level attic with a sloping gable roof is usually built on brick house

• single-level with cantilever extensions - complex design, allowing you to get even more space, since the attic frame extends beyond the building, and the windows are installed vertically;

  A single-level attic with cantilevered extensions allows you to get a lot of internal space by increasing the upper structure

• multi-level with mixed roof support - used in the construction of a new house, built only by specialists.

  A multi-level attic with mixed roof support is usually not installed on old houses due to the complexity and large volume of work

Video: converting half of an old roof into an attic - an easy way

Converting the roof into an attic is a relatively cheap way to increase living space. In a private house it is usually installed pitched roof, so you can make an additional spacious and bright room with your own hands.

Internal wood lining makes the attic warm and bright

And if the house is large enough in length, then the attic can turn into a real floor: with several rooms and even a balcony.

A large attic allows you to divide the area into different living areas

Advantages of creating an attic:

• possibility of installing one or more new living rooms;

  It is most convenient to furnish an attic with low ceilings under a gable roof with low sun loungers

• low costs compared to the construction of a full floor or side extension to the house;
• updating the external appearance of the building;

  A house with an attic under construction always attracts the attention of passers-by and makes them interested in the final result.

• opportunity to observe beautiful view from the attic window.

  A lot of sunlight comes through the windows in the attic, illuminating the room all day long.

However, this solution also has certain disadvantages that must also be taken into account:

• the need for insulation and soundproofing of the ceiling and a new roof, installation of several double-glazed windows;
• the difficulty of providing additional heating and lighting in top part old house - you will have to combine it with home wiring or use a stand-alone connection;

  To heat the attic with access to the balcony, you can use a stove-stove

• planning part of the home space for a staircase leading to the attic;

  The staircase leading to the attic must be fenced for safety

• the need to purchase special furniture for a sloping roof or purchase squat models: low cabinets, sofas and tables.

  Low furniture is best suited for attic interiors

The presence of sloping walls makes the room unusual and romantic, but with this decision you will have to take a more responsible approach to design development. You can make furniture for the inclined superstructure yourself or assemble a single set from existing multi-level models, painting everything in the same color.

You can make furniture that follows the slope of the attic yourself

So, the main disadvantage of reworking attic space under the attic is a necessary investment, but it's worth it.

Building an attic will cost much less than creating an additional floor, regardless of what materials are used to build the walls. After all, to create them you will need basic material, insulation and finishing, while for an attic superstructure you only need roofing insulation and a new rafter system.

The superstructure is made of symmetrical or asymmetrical shape. Internal walls are designed both inclined and vertical.

Having studied the schemes of single-level attics with different types roofs, it is easier to make a choice when planning

Converting an attic into an attic does not require dismantling all existing structures. But you need to make sure that the ceiling is reliable: check its condition, reinforce it with wooden or metal beams, cover with new boards. Then it will be able to withstand the weight of furniture and people.

To frequently go up to the attic, you will need to make a convenient staircase, provide for the installation of ventilation, natural and artificial lighting, and carry out interior decoration - all this will allow you to create a cozy and comfortable room.

A superstructure with a sloping roof, decorated in light colors, visually enlarges the space, and splashes of color add brightness to the interior

When constructing an attic floor, the following conditions must be met:

• the rafters are made of laminated veneer lumber with a thickness of at least 250 mm, so that the required amount of insulation can be laid;
• Foamed polystyrene is used for insulation due to its low weight and high thermal insulation characteristics;
• a gap is left between the thermal insulation and the roofing material to ensure natural ventilation;
• A hydro- and sound-proofing layer must be laid.

Converting the roof into an attic with your own hands

During the construction of a house there is usually a lack of funds, so many people refuse to build a second floor. Or another situation may arise when an old one-story house small area. In both cases there is affordable option increasing the living space - rebuilding the attic space into an attic with your own hands.

Creating a Project

Before starting work, you need to draw up a plan and develop a project with precise drawings. Correct calculation will allow you to get a cozy, durable and reliable room. You can perform all the calculations yourself or entrust it to specialists.

You can draw a plan and develop a preliminary design yourself by studying different variants in the Internet

Strengthening the walls and foundation may be necessary if the rafters are completely replaced. If the roof is partially redone, then reinforcement may be necessary only for the ceiling. You also need to immediately decide what types of windows will be used in the attic: the reinforcement in the rafter system will depend on this.

The location of all windows in the attic roof must be thought out in advance and this data must be included in the project plan

Rafter system

Rafters can be layered or hanging. The former rest on the internal walls of the house or additional supports, and the latter on the external walls.

In attics, layered and hanging rafters are used

Hanging rafters are best suited for the attic.

An attic with hanging rafters looks more beautiful and benefits in the size of the internal area

The attic usually occupies the entire space of the attic, and its walls are combined with external ones.

The best option for creating an attic is a layered rafter system

Rafter system consists of different load-bearing bars. To understand the structure of the entire structure and build it correctly, you need to understand the purpose and operation of its individual elements.

An image of individual elements of the rafter system helps to understand the structure of the entire structure

Refurbishment of premises

If the attic height is sufficient, the rafter system does not need to be altered. It is enough to inspect the old rafters, identify possible flaws and eliminate them.

If the rafter system is in good condition, you can start arranging the floor. Insulation is first laid between the joists, after which the surface is sheathed regular boards or sheets of OSB, chipboard.

The floor in the attic is insulated and covered with boards

Before laying the insulation, all necessary communications are installed between the rafters, and places are cut in the roof for installing windows. carried out before insulation.

All wires and pipes of communications must be placed in special corrugations

Care must be taken to create natural ventilation under-roof space through vents so that moisture does not accumulate inside the room.

Roof insulation

The roof must be insulated correctly and efficiently - the microclimate under the roof will depend on this. Typically, mineral wool, polystyrene foam or sprayed polyurethane foam are used as insulation.

A thick layer of heat insulation is tightly laid and fixed between the rafters so that there are no cracks or gaps left anywhere. Waterproofing is installed along the top of the roof - between the roof and the insulation - and then laid thermal insulation material from the side of the room. Then the inside of the insulation is covered with a vapor barrier film.

For better ventilation, a small distance is left between the roofing material and the insulation: this way air circulates through the holes in the eaves and ridge. If the roof is covered with corrugated sheets, then the gap thickness should be 25 mm, but if flat material, then you need to bring it to 50 mm.

When creating thermal insulation for an attic, the sequence of layers must be strictly observed.

When planning to climb to the attic, you need to take care of the convenience and safety of movement. Therefore, the staircase is usually installed inside the house. It is constructed from wood or metal: it can be either a screw or a marching structure.

The staircase to the attic may be different types and designs, which allows it to fit into any interior

An opening is cut in the ceiling of the first floor, which is reinforced around the perimeter with metal or wooden strapping.

The design of the stairs to the attic must be strong, reliable, safe and beautiful

Interior decoration

In most cases, plasterboard slabs are used for wall cladding, and the seams between them are plastered. Wallpaper is pasted on top or applied decorative plaster. An alternative option is lining or natural wood.

If some rafters protrude through the walls into the attic, then they can be decorated as decorative elements and even used in the form of a horizontal bar for hanging a hammock, swing, chandelier and other devices.

Decorating the visible parts of the rafters in the interior of the attic is an interesting and creative matter.

It is not recommended to use heavy finishing materials in the attic, as they increase the load on the walls, ceiling and foundation of the building.

There are many options for interior decoration of the attic, but it is advisable to use only lightweight materials

To cover the floor, you can use laminate or linoleum, but it is better to avoid tiles or porcelain stoneware.

Installation of the roof of the attic floor

The roof of a residential superstructure must consist of the following layers (the order of arrangement is from the street to the internal space):

Video: why and how to properly lay layers on the attic roof

Calculations of an attic roof for a house

Determining the total weight of the roof

To calculate total weight roofing materials, the specific gravity of one square meter of covering must be multiplied by total area mansard roof. To obtain the weight of one square meter, you need to add up the specific gravity of all the materials that make up the roofing pie, and multiply it by the safety factor (1.1).

If the thickness of the lathing is 25 mm, then its specific weight is 15 kg/m2, insulation 10 cm thick has a specific weight of 10 kg/m2, and the roofing material ondulin has a weight of 3 kg/m2. It turns out: (15+10+3)x1.1= 30.8 kg/m2.

By existing standards the floor load in a residential building should not exceed 50 kg/m2.

Determining the roof area

To calculate the surface of a sloping roof, you need to divide it into simple figures(square, rectangle, trapezoid, etc.) and determine their area, and then add everything up. To determine the surface of a gable roof, you need to multiply the length by the width, and multiply the resulting value by two.

Table: determining the area of ​​the attic roof

When calculating the angle of inclination, the climatic zone in which the house is located is taken into account, and that it is convenient to move in the attic at full height

It is also necessary to calculate the roof slope. Typically the angle is 45–60 degrees, but when determining it, one must take into account climate zone, in which the house is located, type of attic construction, snow and wind loads, architectural design of the house.

The greater the angle of inclination of the roof, the less will be the load on the rafter system, but the consumption of materials will increase.

Calculation of the rafter system

When choosing a rafter system, you can choose the following options:

• hanging rafters;
• inclined type;
• ridge run;
• combined design.

If the roof length is more than 4.5 m, then support purlins and struts can be used for reinforcement. If the length is more than 7 meters, a ridge beam is installed.

For wooden rafters timber with a thickness of at least 70 mm is used. Their installation step should be 50 cm.

On large area it is better to fasten a metal rafter system: due to the increase in the distance between the rafters, the absence of spacers and struts, the weight of such a structure will be less than that of a wooden one, and the strength will increase significantly.

If the attic area is large, then it is better to install metal rafters

Calculation of the required amount of materials

To carry out the calculation you need to know the following parameters:

• width, thickness and pitch of rafters;
• distance from the edge of the roof to the rafters;
• the size of the sheathing boards and the spacing between them;
• size, type of roofing material and overlap between its sheets;
• type of steam, hydro and heat insulating material.

The roof is divided into simple shapes and the required amount of each material is determined. Simple mathematical formulas are used for this.

The results obtained are converted into standard values: for wood - in Cubic Meters, for roofing materials, steam, hydro and thermal insulation - in square meters. And you can go to the store.

Common mistakes

Most often when independent calculation errors occur when determining the required amount of insulation. If the climatic conditions are harsh, then its volume will have to be increased, otherwise it will not be possible to create comfortable living conditions in the attic. The insulation is installed on the floor of the house, gable walls and roof slopes. But the thickness of the insulation can be different everywhere.

Video: calculation of a mansard roof with diagrams and load

The attic floor allows for additional living space and gives a private home a modern, attractive appearance. It’s not difficult to create an attic with your own hands, you just need to draw up the project correctly, perform calculations and carry out high-quality installation all materials. And the result will please the owners for a long time.

Construction of attics in Lately has broken all records of popularity - the cost of housing is rising, and the attic allows you to get additional living space with minimal investment. However, the construction of such a roof has its own specifics and nuances that should be taken into account in order to obtain the expected result. In this article we will look in detail at all the intricacies of building an attic with your own hands.

It is necessary to begin the construction of an attic by creating a plan and assessing the condition load-bearing structures. In some cases, the foundation cannot cope with the additional load, for example, if you decide to build an attic on an old house. To prevent the foundation from sinking into the ground and cracking, it is necessary to conduct a study and, if necessary, strengthen the foundation. The second question that needs to be resolved is to decide on the type of construction of the future attic. This means choosing the roof shape and finishing material. Not only the appearance of the facade, but also the size of the internal space will depend on this. Drafting The design stage, from which any serious construction should begin, is fundamental for all further work. Not only the final result, but also savings on building materials and personal time depend on the accuracy of the calculations. It is better to immediately take the creation of an attic project seriously, so as not to spend money on correcting your own mistakes later. First of all, it is necessary to analyze the specific layout of the building on which the attic will be built. The analysis should include the dimensions of the walls of the future structure, the shape of the roof, finishing materials, the location of windows, doors, balconies, stairs, etc. It is important to take into account every little detail, right down to what sockets you will install and what devices will be connected to them. The corresponding SNiP, which sets out in detail the standards and requirements for construction, can help in drawing up a plan for the attic. For example, the line between the roof and the facade wall should be no less than 150 cm from the attic floor. What should you pay attention to? Special attention when creating an attic project: These points should form the basis of the attic project, and if you identify them, the work will be much easier. If you have never practiced similar work, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with attic projects on the websites of development companies or private firms so as not to miss any important detail. Calculation of rafters The calculation of the roof truss system must be performed very accurately and competently, since it determines whether the load-bearing walls will withstand the load of the attic. Depending on the angle of the rafters and the configuration of the roof, the load changes. If you doubt the strength of the walls, it is better to immediately strengthen them or choose a roof structure that is not too heavy. Installed building codes will help you perform an engineering calculation of the rafter system: The most common roof option for an attic is a gable sloping roof, but in this case the load on the walls will be significantly greater than, say, single-pitch design. But the advantage of a sloping roof is that it provides the maximum possible usable area of ​​the attic. Regardless of the type of roof chosen, it is necessary to create a powerful frame with a sufficient number of load-bearing supports that can withstand vertical and horizontal loads. Design Features If you want to build an attic on an old house, you will need to dismantle the old roof before doing so. After dismantling, you can begin installing the load-bearing structural elements - the Mauerlat. Mauerlat for the attic To fix the Mauerlat, experts recommend using anchor bolts with a diameter of at least 12 mm and fixing them in a layer of reinforced concrete. Before installing the anchor, bend its end so that you get a hook - this way you will protect the fastener from accidental pulling out. Professional designers make a detailed drawing of the attic, where the points of attachment of the Mauerlat to the wall are drawn separately. The required number of anchors and their sizes are usually indicated there. The bolt installation pitch can be from 100 to 150 cm. Mauerlat is a powerful beam with a cross-section of 150x150 or 200x200, placed at the convergence point of the roof and the load-bearing wall of the house. To install a gable roof, you need to install two beams, and for a 4-pitched roof you will need, you guessed it, 4 beams. The fastening elements of the Mauerlat should be located between the rafter beams so that there are not too many inserts in it, which could negatively affect bearing capacity. For example, if you build an attic with your own hands with rafters located a meter apart from each other, then the anchors should also go in increments of a meter, but with an offset of 50 cm in order to fit just between the rafters. Helpful tip: always use only galvanized bolts to fasten the Mauerlat to prevent rust. Install the support beam on a layer of waterproofing material. This can be ordinary roofing felt, polyethylene film or a modern waterproof membrane. If you are making an attic in a brick house, anchors can be installed at the time of erection of load-bearing walls. To fix the beam in the Mauerlat, drill holes with a diameter equal to the diameter of the studs, and when the beam is in place, secure it with nuts. Rafter system The Mauerlat is the basis of the rafter system, and it, in turn, is the “skeleton” of the roof. This supporting structure must withstand the weight of the entire roofing pie and external loads - wind, snow, water, etc. Requirements for rafter systems are described in SNiP depending on the type of roof and climatic conditions of the region. To arrange the rafter system, you will need the usual tools that every owner has - a hammer, an ax, a hacksaw, a level, construction stapler, plumb line, tape measure. To build an attic from timber and be sure of its durability, choose strong products without defects with a cross-section of 100x100 mm for racks and rafter boards with a suitable cross-section. For fasteners you will need 100-120 mm nails, powerful metal staples and an antifungal compound for treating wooden elements. In a good way, all beams and boards should be treated with disinfectants and fire retardants. The highest quality rafters are made from pine and larch. The moisture content of the material should be no more than 22%. Rafters can be inclined or hanging. The inclined elements rest against the load-bearing wall at one end, and against the purlin or rack at the other. Hanging ones allow you to organize a small canopy of the roof slope over the wall of the house, thus providing additional protection from moisture and cold. The rafters at the ridge of the roof are connected with an overlap or overhead dies. Important: The rafter racks are attached to the mauerlat if wooden floor beams are used, and if construction is carried out on reinforced concrete slab, racks can be placed at any point. During the construction of an attic roof, it is very important to properly organize the system of diagonal braces and struts. To prevent the elements from bending over time, it is necessary to install a horizontal crossbar. For very wide buildings, it is recommended to install hanging rafters, tightened with a tie. In some cases, for the construction of the rafter “skeleton” they use not only wood, but also metal elements, however, the difference in thermal conductivity coefficients of materials can lead to deformations. Besides, metal parts need additional waterproofing. Roof installation Each type of roof has its own installation technology, but there are general points, requiring special attention. So, valleys, regardless of the roofing material, are more difficult to do than laying the covering, and additional problems may arise with the junctions. Therefore, it is important to strictly follow the installation instructions so that in the future the junctions with pipes or walls do not cause trouble. How to build an attic: A video on how to build an attic with your own hands will allow you to better understand the whole process: Thermal insulation of the attic Separately, I would like to dwell on the thermal insulation of the attic. Insulating an attic space consists of three stages: protecting the floor, gables and ceiling. You can use one insulation for all surfaces, the main thing is that it is resistant to moisture, has low thermal conductivity, does not burn and is environmentally friendly. Many modern materials of varying costs fall under these requirements. Among the most inexpensive are foam plastic, polystyrene foam boards, mineral wool. Fiberboard slabs can be used for the attic located above the bathhouse. Let's consider the most popular insulation for attics: Glass wool is a type of mineral wool insulation and one of the most budget options, but the installation of this material is quite specific. It is especially difficult to work with glass wool when insulating ceilings, since it emits a lot of dust, which causes irritation. Work should be carried out in a protective suit covering the entire body, goggles, gloves and a respirator. Despite the temptingly low price, many people prefer other materials, such as polystyrene foam. Styrofoam - traditional insulation, used in various fields construction. It is easy to work with, it retains heat well, does not absorb moisture and will last at least 10 years. The only drawback is that in the event of a fire, the foam melts and emits toxic smoke, which is hazardous to health. Expanded polystyrene is more durable than polystyrene foam, has high vapor permeability and durability. Expanded polystyrene can be used to insulate rooms with high humidity. It does not burn and does not emit toxic substances, therefore it is considered one of the best budget insulation materials for residential premises. Fiberboard is the best option for insulating an attic above a bathhouse. The material has excellent sound insulation, low thermal conductivity, and does not deform. With its help, you can quickly level the surface for laying the finishing coating. We told you how to properly build an attic, using the most economical materials and proven installation methods. Interior decoration is carried out in the same way as in the rest of the house. You can wallpaper the walls, paint them, lay the floor with laminate or lay a warm carpet.

Absolutely everyone understands that an attic is, in principle, a converted attic. But this re-equipment has its own nuances, Constructive decisions, as well as work with thermal insulation and roofing. In fact, building an attic with your own hands in country house almost no different from the construction of any other roof. Anyway, let's take a closer look at this process.

So, to build an attic, you need to purchase:

• wooden beams, the cross-section of which is 50x180 centimeters for the rafters (as for the length, everything will depend on the planned size of the building and what the slope of the slope will be);
• wooden boards for sheathing;
• material to cover the end walls, for example, wall panels;
• fastening elements for the roof: nails, screws, metal corners, metal profiles to further strengthen individual structural elements;
• thermal insulation material;
• vapor barrier material;
• waterproofing material;
• roofing material;
• material for interior decoration of the attic.

So, the first step will be the task of strengthening the floors between the attic and the first floor. This is mandatory work, since the load that will be placed on the floor will increase significantly.

As soon as the ceiling is strengthened, you need to work on the rafter system. Do not forget that constant quality control of the connection of individual elements is necessary.

If you use a sloping roof, first of all, you will need to install the support beams and end walls; only after this is done, you can begin assembling the frame of the rafter system. The individual elements of the frame are fastened using a groove-tooth connection; metal plates are used to increase strength.

Do not forget that each wooden element needs pre-treatment with a special composition that will protect the wood from insects and moisture. You will also need treatment with fire retardants, which slow down the combustion process of wood.

When the rafter structure is installed, it is necessary to nail the sheathing. To do this, you can use either ordinary boards or sheets of plywood or chipboards. It all depends on what type of roofing materials you have. You also need to take care of the bevels of the walls and internal partitions in the attic.

Creating an insulation pie

Another job that should not be forgotten is creating a layer of insulation. First of all, to do this you need to lay a vapor barrier along the inside of the rafters and secure it with staples.

After this, the thermal insulation material is laid, which must be laid close to the rafters, without leaving any gaps. On top of the thermal insulation, in increments of 50 cm, the sheathing is stuffed - it is this that holds all the thermal insulation on itself.

The waterproofing layer is laid with outside rafters, creating protection against accidental penetration of moisture. The final stage is laying the roof on a waterproofing layer.

Building an attic on a house with your own hands means that its owner approached the arrangement of the home competently and practically, and everyone square meter is valued quite highly. However self-construction Such a design is not an easy task that will require a lot of effort, time and expense.

What is the definition of an attic?

An attic or attic floor, according to regulatory sources, is a space under the roof of a house used for the location of residential or utility rooms. In simple words, the attic is understood as an attic, which is equipped with separate rooms with the necessary heat and waterproofing.

The main difference between an attic superstructure and a residential floor is the height of the walls, which should be no more than 1.5 m on the outside of the house. In case this legal requirement is not complied with, the owner will be forced to pay taxes for the additional footage of the building.

It is possible to increase the area of ​​the home by constructing an attic even at the construction design stage, and it is also permissible to remake the upper part of the roof for a superstructure on ready house. However, in order to avoid damage to the foundation and walls of the building from the additional load, you need to know all the nuances of installing the extension.

Various types of add-ons

Before you start making an attic at home, you need to decide on the appearance of the superstructure, which will not only meet the requirements, but also harmonize perfectly with the main part of the building. The following types of extensions of this type are most often used in practice:

1. Single-level under a gable roof. The most common type of attic, since its construction does not require special construction skills, and the cost of materials will be minimal. However, a significant disadvantage of this structure is its small size.
2. Single level with . To make such a structure, you need to put in a little more effort than in the previous version, but due to the roof of this shape, interior space becomes noticeably more spacious.

The above options for superstructures will not be difficult to build even on an old house. After all, in essence, this is the same attic space, but more equipped for a comfortable pastime.

For reference! There are other types of attics, such as single-level with consoles or multi-level. They are more expensive and difficult to design. In addition, such varieties are not entirely suitable for erection on a finished building.

Materials required for construction

Once the home owner has decided what type of attic floor he is going to build, the materials necessary for the process should be prepared.

As a rule, to build an attic on a built house, lightweight materials are used, such as wooden beams, and also, in some cases, aerated concrete, which has good heat-saving properties. The frame structure is also suitable for such purposes.

The following elements are most often used for construction:

• rafter and sloping legs;
• connoisseurs;
• Mauerlat;
• crossbar;
• various struts, grips and racks.

In this case, it is better to choose bars from coniferous species trees such as spruce, pine and larch, the humidity of which should be no more than 15%, and the grade should be 1st or 2nd. In addition, it is imperative to treat the material with an antiseptic solution before construction.

In the case where the attic floor was planned during the design of the building, any materials for its construction can be chosen, depending on the type of superstructure, its dimensions and the preferences of the owner. Most often, such an attic is built from brick, concrete and foam blocks.

Requirements for installing an attic

In addition to personal preferences, when constructing an attic floor, certain SNiP standards must be observed. The main ones include the following conditions:

1. The thickness of the rafters is at least 250 mm, which will allow a suitable layer of insulation (more than 200 mm) to be laid between them.
2. Insulation materials should be chosen that will not lose their properties in conditions of high humidity. Foamed polystyrene is best suited for these purposes, as it is lightweight and retains heat well in the room. Mineral wool should not be used as insulation because it absorbs moisture well, as a result of which it quickly deteriorates.
3. Hoods and vents must be installed between the insulation layer and the roof so that air can move freely in this space.
4. The outer side of the rafters should be covered with a waterproofing layer, and experts also recommend adding an additional layer of soundproofing materials.

Regardless of what type of attic you plan to build, the listed requirements must be taken into account.

Attention! On the attic floor, a vapor barrier must be installed on the inner sides of the roof in accordance with the standards.

Construction of the attic step by step

After the project and all the drawings of the attic floor have been completed, and the material for construction has been prepared, work can begin. However, if the future owner of the building prepared them independently, he should still consult with an experienced specialist, since in such a matter the most accurate calculations are important, especially if we are talking about erecting a superstructure on an old building.

Construction of the frame

The construction of an attic with your own hands should begin with the installation of a Mauerlat on the inner sides of the outer walls. As a rule, they are most often used for this wooden beams, which can be mounted on anchors, studs or brackets, depending on the material of the load-bearing walls. However, for wooden and frame buildings there is no need to install a Mauerlat.

After the support is erected, it is necessary to install vertical posts on it, which can be made of wood, metal, or foam concrete. Transverse beams are placed on top of them in increments of no more than 2 meters. This distance will be equal to the location of the rafters of the attic floor. The entire structure is attached to each other metal corners, self-tapping screws or nail plates and tightened with a jumper.

Then the lower rafters should be installed. To do this, a groove is made at the base of the beam in order to securely install it on the Mauerlat, and its upper part is cut to the required length according to the angle of inclination.

The next step in the construction of the attic floor is the installation of the upper rafters. In order to determine the correct angle and center, this part of the frame is assembled on the ground and then fixed to the structure.

Roofing installation

After the attic frame is installed, it must be covered with a vapor barrier material and secured with metal brackets.

Attention! For vapor barrier, it is better to choose a fire-resistant and non-toxic material, especially if you plan to equip a bedroom or children's room in the attic.

Then follows on vapor barrier material lay a layer of insulation, while avoiding the appearance of gaps between its slabs and rafters. It must be secured by installing it on top of the sheathing. After which it is covered with a layer of waterproofing to protect the wood from moisture, and roofing material is already laid on top of it.

As the above material shows, the construction of an attic can be done with your own hands; all kinds of videos that can easily be found on the Internet can help in this matter. However, you should not trust them completely; it would be more correct to seek advice from experienced specialists.

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

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

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

A residential attic space requires a large layer of insulation. The material must meet fire safety requirements and be non-toxic. Mineral wool is one of the most suitable options.

Types of material

The main types of mineral wool are basalt wool and glass. Each has its own properties, pros and cons.
Basalt wool

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

Glass wool

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

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

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

Nuances of isolation

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

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

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

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

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

This method is well suited for insulating attics and living spaces located directly under the roof. The disadvantage is the reduction in internal dimensions due to a layer of wool, plasterboard and additional finishing.

Thermal insulation methods

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

Thermal insulation of the floor

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

Thermal protection of stingrays

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

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

Sequence of work

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

Preparatory activities

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

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

Waterproofing

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

Important to install waterproofing membrane so that there is a ventilation gap between it and the insulation, and the material completely covers the entire rafter system and extends slightly onto the walls.

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

Laying insulation

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

Arrangement of vapor barrier

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The main advantages of such a roof are as follows:

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

2. Living space the house is increased by reconstructing an unused attic space. This allows you to add a full second floor at relatively low cost.

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

4. Appearance the building is improved, the structure takes on a finished, holistic appearance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

· impart resistance to such negative phenomena as sudden temperature changes, rainfall, snowfall, and the formation of large amounts of ice.

The most simple form a residential attic is a triangle, the most complex one is with a break. It is recommended to make all horizontal logs and vertical posts from thin wooden beams.

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

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

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

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

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

The construction of the attic involves the following work:

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

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

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

4. Installation of windows.

5. Internal and external finishing buildings.

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

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

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

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

· laying waterproofing;

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

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

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

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

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

2. Dismantling of old roofing structures.

3. Strengthening the wall structures of the upper floor.

4. Installation of waterproofing and thermal insulation of ceilings.

5. Construction of the end walls of the attic room.

6. Construction mansard roof, its insulation and finishing.

7. Installation of attic windows.

8. Arrangement of a new living space.

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

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

Attic roof

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

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

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

Insulation and arrangement of the attic

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

The optimal and most effective method is additional internal insulation, which involves the use of a multi-layer thermal insulation structure consisting of the following layers:

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

· Second layer – vapor barrier film

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

· The fourth layer is a waterproofing material, laid to form a small gap and allow water to easily drain out

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

Advice from the master!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

After this, the outer side of the attic partition frame can be sheathed with waterproof plasterboard, and then electrical wiring can be laid inside the frame to connect switches and sockets. Next, they place in the frame mineral wool slabs, thickness 100, or, in extreme cases, 50 mm. On the inside they are closed with a vapor barrier, and attached interior lining made of waterproof plasterboard, holes are made in it for the installation of sockets and switches, and wires are brought out into them for connection. Then the ceiling is hemmed and inclined surfaces, which are also insulated with a mineral wool board.