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How to make a roof frame with your own hands. Do-it-yourself gable roof truss system: an overview of hanging and layered structures

High demands are always placed on load-bearing parts. The main load-bearing elements are the walls, foundation and roof.

The roof frame plays a very important role. After all, it depends on him how long the roof will last.

The construction of the truss system very often causes difficulties for novice craftsmen. This article will help you make a roof frame with your own hands.

There are several types of truss system. The choice of one or another type depends on the purpose of the building, the nature of the coating and the type of roof.

The roof frame can be:

  • Metallic. Such a truss system, as a rule, is designed in industrial construction. This is primarily due to high costs. Also, the construction of a metal frame implies large areas and volumes;
  • wooden. This type of frame is used in the construction of residential buildings with pitched roofs. Is the most common type;
  • From reinforced concrete slabs. They serve as a supporting base in the construction of a flat roof.

Before you start constructing a roof frame with your own hands, you need to decide on the type of truss system. To play the role of a support is the main purpose of any truss system.

Rafter legs or rafters are wooden beams with a section of 150 × 50 millimeters. From above, a crate is attached to them, and then - roofing material.

There are two types of roof frames: layered and hanging. They differ from each other in the way the rafters are connected. Both of these types are used in the construction of private houses. They differ in that a Mauerlat is used in a hanging rafter system - a longitudinal beam with a section of 100X100 mm.

The upper part should rest on the central load-bearing wall, and not be connected to each other.

The design and planning characteristics of the building under construction play an important role in choosing the type of truss system.

It is advisable to use a layered truss system if the distance between the supporting walls is too large. In this case, an “intermediate” wall is erected in the center of the building, which acts as an additional support. As a result, the rafters will not sag.

Otherwise, a hanging truss system is usually used. But if the roof frame is made of metal, then additional walls are not needed.

Mounting Features

When designing a truss system, the following points should be considered:

  1. If the climate in the area is humid, then it is better to choose a roofing material that has the best water resistance;
  2. The attic must be ventilated. If this is not done, then after a while the supporting structural elements will fail;
  3. The design must withstand not only the own weight of the roof with its elements. It must withstand a layer of snow, fallen leaves, and also withstand the pressure created by the wind;

Necessary materials and tools

When constructing a roof frame with your own hands, you will need:

  • Hammer;
  • Drill;
  • Plane;
  • Level;
  • Saw;
  • Self-tapping screws for wood;
  • Roulette;
  • Gloves;
  • brackets;
  • flame retardants;
  • Staples;
  • Antiseptics for wood;
  • A bar with a section of 150 × 50 mm (for rafters);
  • Studs 8 mm and 10 mm (for rafters);
  • A bar with a section of 100 × 100 mm (for Mauerlat);
  • Mounting studs (for Mauerlat);
  • Reiki with a section of 40 × 40 mm (for crates).

Wooden structural elements must be treated with an antiseptic and fire retardant. This will extend the life of the structure, as well as reduce the risk of fire to a minimum.

Roof frame with two slopes

You need to start mounting the frame after:

  • all tools are prepared;
  • purchased the necessary materials;
  • processed wooden elements with antiseptics and flame retardants.

Mauerlat laying is the initial stage in the construction of a gable roof frame. distributes and transfers the load from the rafters to the load-bearing walls.

It is important to note that wood can draw moisture out of the concrete base, after which it will crumble. In order to avoid this, it is necessary to lay roofing material under the bars in several layers.

The device of the truss system

Installation of the truss system includes the following steps:

  • Determine the distance between the rafter legs. It is usually 80 - 90 centimeters. This distance corresponds to the dimensions of the crate;
  • We make holes in the Mauerlat to fix the rafters;
  • The construction of the roof frame usually begins with the gable of the building. It is necessary to install end rafters from both edges of the roof. After that, we stretch the cord between their skates. This cord will help line up the intermediate elements;
  • We fix all the rafter legs on the Mauerlat with steel brackets and brackets. The protrusion of the rafters over the perimeter of the building should be approximately 40 centimeters.
  • To fix the lower part of the rafters, you must use the strapping, which relies on the Mauerlat. If the rafter is not long enough, then it needs to be increased. To do this, put another beam on the rafter with an overlap of at least 100 centimeters. Such a large overlap is needed so that the roof does not lose its rigidity;
  • It is necessary to install additional puffs between the rafter legs if the roof frame has a six-meter span. They are fixed between the supporting rafters;
  • After the installation of all the rafters has been completed, we proceed to fix the rafters in a strictly vertical position. For these purposes, a ridge beam is used. It is attached to the top of the roof frame;
  • When using soft roofing materials, you need to make a continuous crate. To do this, use moisture-resistant plywood or OSB - plates. If the roof is made of metal tiles, slate, corrugated board, then the crate should be thinned out. To increase the strength of the roof, regardless of the roofing material used, a continuous crate is made near the ridge part.

Features of the construction of the roof frame

Filimonov Evgeny

Reading time: 8 minutes

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How to build the roof of a frame house, the choice of material. Stages of work, roof insulation. Roof installation technology, types of frame house roofs.

The roof of a frame house is of great importance in the construction process. After all, protection from external conditions of an aggressive environment depends on its quality.

This article highlights the design features of the roof. What you need to do before you start the work of installing the roof. What types of roofs of frame houses, the required slope of the slopes. How to choose the right material for a reliable roof, the correct installation of rafters: pitch, length, section. Competent creation of crates and counter-lattices. How is the installation of the roof of a frame house.

What needs to be determined before the construction of the roof. How to choose the right roof configuration. The required number of slopes. The correct installation of the crossbar, how to connect the rafters in the ridge. The correct fastening of the rafters to the Mauerlat and the fastening of the crossbar to the rafters.

What is the essence of the device of the roof and the roof of the frame house. How to build a gable roof frame house. hip roof technology. How to perform a competent installation of a mansard (broken) roof of a frame house.

Advantages of frame houses and roof insulation, hanging layer system technology.

The roof structure of a frame house is one of the simplest, so its independent construction will not take much effort and time.

This article will help you if there are difficulties during the work. In it, we will consider the features of the installation of the roof, give practical recommendations on the choice of material, structural elements, and compliance with the necessary standards and requirements in the process.

Before starting the construction of the structure, it is necessary to decide:

  • With roof type and slope angle
  • Type of roofing material
  • The length, cross section of the rafters and the distance between them
  • Length, pitch and section of battens and counter battens elements
  • Type of insulation

Type of roofs of frame houses

Roofs are:

  • flat
  • Pitched (with one, two or more slopes)
  • Attic (with two and four slopes)
  • Gable, conical, multi-nipper, etc.

The choice of a roof is made not only on the basis of the conditions of its appearance. It is important to consider the functionality of the design. The main advantages and disadvantages of different types of roofs are given below.

Frame house with a flat roof

Flat roofs are not popular in private construction. Their construction does not cause difficulties, but the shortcomings cover everything. They require careful care. After rain, water remains on the roofs, in winter you have to remove the snow yourself. This increases the likelihood of moisture penetration into the room. On houses with a pitched roof, you can use the attic as an additional room.

But when installing a flat roof, you can significantly save on building materials and sunbathe on it in the summer.

During installation, it is necessary to maintain a slope angle of 2-3 degrees relative to the horizon.

Multi-pitched and single-pitched roof of a frame house

The slope angle of the slopes starts from 10 degrees. The number of slopes is from 1 to 4.
Pitched roofs are very popular and are used everywhere. In spring, the snow does not stay on them for a long time, the water flows down the gutters calmly, there is a lot of additional space in the form of an attic, where you can arrange an additional room.

The load on the structure is also reduced, and with it the possibility of leaks.

mansard roof

It can be semi-hip (two-slope with two small slopes) and hip (four-slope). This type of roof is also widely used.

The advantages are as follows: additional space under the roof, the possibility of installing windows, the unique appearance of the house, low load on the structure in winter. Disadvantages - high costs for material, heating, a lot of snow on window structures in winter, faster destruction of roof structures due to insufficient ventilation.

Multi-gable roof

The multi-gable roof is considered one of the most popular. It differs from others in a large number of slopes and the presence of valleys. It is installed if the house has a complex layout.

Advantages - the design withstands significant loads, it becomes possible to equip an additional room, a unique appearance. Disadvantages - a large consumption of material, while there is a lot of waste, the complexity of do-it-yourself installation, high cash costs.

conical roofs

A conical roof is installed when the building is made in the shape of a circle. In Russia, few people build such roofs.

Advantages - interesting appearance, ease of maintenance. Disadvantages: complexity of calculations and installation.

We suggest making a choice in favor of a roof with two slopes. In this case, it will be possible to significantly reduce the cost of material and maintenance, while the appearance of the structure will not suffer.

It should be understood that the more slopes, the more beautiful the roof, but at the same time more expensive. But if you are not used to saving and want the best, then install any type of roof.

Rafters perform a number of significant roofing functions. They set the configuration of the future roof, perceive atmospheric loads, and hold the material. Among the rafter duties are the formation of even planes for laying the coating and providing space for the components of the roofing pie.

In order for such a valuable part of the roof to flawlessly cope with the listed tasks, information about the rules and principles of its construction is needed. The information is useful both for those who are building a gable roof truss system with their own hands, and for those who decide to resort to the services of a hired team of builders.

In the device of the truss frame for pitched roofs, wooden and metal beams are used. The starting material for the first option is a board, log, beam.

The second is constructed from rolled metal: a channel, a profile pipe, an I-beam, a corner. There are combined structures with steel most loaded parts and wood elements in less critical areas.

In addition to the "iron" strength, the metal has a lot of disadvantages. These include heat engineering qualities that do not satisfy the owners of residential buildings. Disappointing need for the use of welded joints. Most often, industrial buildings are equipped with steel rafters, less often private change houses assembled from metal modules.

In the case of self-construction of truss structures for private houses, wood is a priority. It is easy to work with it, it is lighter, “warmer”, more attractive in terms of environmental criteria. In addition, nodal connections do not require a welding machine and welder skills.

Rafters - a fundamental element

The main "player" of the frame for the construction of the roof is the rafter, among the roofers called the rafter leg. Beds, braces, headstocks, girders, puffs, even Mauerlat may or may not be used depending on the architectural complexity and dimensions of the roof.

The rafters used in the construction of the gable roof frame are divided into:

  • Layered rafter legs, both heels of which have reliable structural supports under them. The lower edge of the layered rafter rests on the Mauerlat or on the ceiling crown of the log house. The support for the upper edge can be a mirror analogue of an adjacent rafter or a run, which is a beam horizontally laid under the ridge. In the first case, the truss system is called spacer, in the second, non-spacer.
  • hanging rafters, the top of which rests against each other, and the bottom is based on an additional beam - puff. The latter connects the two lower heels of adjacent rafter legs, resulting in a triangular module called a truss truss. The tightening dampens the tensile processes, so that only a vertically directed load acts on the walls. The design with hanging rafters, although it is spacer, does not transfer the spacer itself to the walls.

In accordance with the technological specifics of the rafter legs, the structures constructed from them are divided into layered and hanging. For structural stability, they are equipped with struts and additional racks.

For the arrangement of supports for the top of the layered rafters, beds and girders are mounted. In reality, the truss structure is much more complicated than the elementary patterns described.

Note that the formation of a gable roof frame can generally be carried out without a truss structure. In such situations, the alleged planes of the slopes are formed by slegs - beams laid directly on the bearing gables.

However, we are now specifically interested in the device of the gable roof truss system, and it can involve either hanging or layered rafters, or a combination of both types.

Subtleties of fastening rafter legs

The rafter system is fastened to brick, foam concrete, aerated concrete walls through the mauerlat, which in turn is fixed with anchors.

Between the Mauerlat, which is a wooden frame, and the walls of these materials, a waterproofing layer of roofing material, waterproofing, etc. is necessarily laid.

The top of the brick walls is sometimes specially laid out so that something like a low parapet is obtained along the outer perimeter. So it is necessary that the Mauerlat placed inside the parapet and the walls do not burst the rafter legs.

The rafters of the frame of the roofs of wooden houses rest on the upper crown or on the ceiling beams. The connection in all cases is made by cutting and duplicated with nails, bolts, metal or wooden plates.

How to do without furious calculations?

It is highly desirable that the cross section and linear dimensions of the wooden beams be determined by the project. The designer will give clear calculation justifications for the geometric parameters of the board or beam, taking into account the entire range of loads and weather conditions. If there is no home design development master at his disposal, his path lies on the construction site of a house with a similar roof structure.

You can ignore the number of storeys of the building under construction. It is easier and more correct to find out the required dimensions from the foreman than to find them out from the owners of a shaky unauthorized construction. After all, the foreman is in the hands of documentation with a clear calculation of the loads per 1 m² of roof in a particular region.

The installation step of the rafters determines the type and weight of the roofing. The heavier it is, the smaller the distance between the rafter legs should be. For laying clay tiles, for example, the optimal distance between the rafters will be 0.6-0.7 m, and for a profiled sheet, 1.5-2.0 m is acceptable.

However, even if the step required for the correct installation of the roof is exceeded, there is a way out. This is a reinforcing counter-lattice device. True, it will increase both the weight of the roof and the construction budget. Therefore, it is better to deal with the step of the rafters before the construction of the rafter system.

Craftsmen calculate the pitch of the rafters according to the design features of the building, tritely dividing the length of the ramp into equal distances. For insulated roofs, the step between the rafters is selected based on the width of the thermal insulation boards.

On our website you can find, which may also help you a lot during construction.

Rafter structures of layered type

Rafter structures of the layered type are much simpler in execution than their hanging counterparts. A justified plus of the layered scheme is to provide full ventilation, which is directly related to the longevity of the service.

Distinctive design features:

  • Mandatory presence of support under the ridge heel of the rafter leg. The role of the support can be played by a run - a wooden beam resting on racks or on the inner wall of the building, or the upper end of an adjacent rafter.
  • The use of Mauerlat for the construction of a truss structure on walls made of brick or artificial stone.
  • The use of additional runs and racks where the rafter legs, due to the large size of the roof, require additional support points.

The minus of the scheme is the presence of structural elements that affect the layout of the internal space of the operated attic.

If the attic is cold and the organization of useful premises is not supposed to be in it, then the layered construction of the truss system for the installation of a gable roof should be preferred.

A typical sequence of work on the construction of a layered truss structure:

  • First of all, we measure the height of the building, the diagonals and the horizontalness of the upper cut of the skeleton. When identifying vertical deviations of brick and concrete walls, we eliminate them with a cement-sand screed. Exceeding the heights of the log house we squeeze. By placing chips under the Mauerlat, vertical flaws can be dealt with if their magnitude is insignificant.
  • The floor surface for laying the bed must also be leveled. He, the Mauerlat and the run must be clearly horizontal, but the location of the listed elements in the same plane is not necessary.
  • We process all wooden parts of the structure before installation with fire retardants and antiseptic preparations.
  • We lay waterproofing on concrete and brick walls for the installation of a Mauerlat.
  • We lay the Mauerlat beam on the walls, measure its diagonals. If necessary, we slightly move the bars and turn the corners, trying to achieve the perfect geometry. Align the frame horizontally if necessary.
  • We mount the Mauerlat frame. The splicing of the beams into a single frame is carried out by means of oblique cuts, the joints are duplicated with bolts.
  • We fix the position of the Mauerlat. Fasteners are made either with brackets to wooden plugs laid in the wall ahead of time, or with anchor bolts.
  • We mark the position of the bed. Its axis should recede from the Mauerlat bars at equal distances on each side. If the run will be based only on racks without lying down, the marking procedure is carried out only for these columns.
  • We install the bed on a two-layer waterproofing. We fasten it to the base with anchor bolts, connect it to the inner wall with wire twists or staples.
  • We mark the installation points of the rafter legs.
  • We cut out racks according to uniform sizes, because our bed is set to the horizon. The height of the racks must take into account the dimensions of the section of the run and the bed.
  • Installing racks. If provided by the project, we fix them with spacers.
  • We lay the run on the racks. We check the geometry again, then install the brackets, metal plates, wooden mounting plates.
  • We install a trial rafter board, mark the places of trimming on it. If the Mauerlat is set strictly to the horizon, there is no need to adjust the roof rafters in fact. The first board can be used as a template for making the rest.
  • We mark the installation points of the rafters. Folk craftsmen for marking usually prepare a pair of slats, the length of which is equal to the gap between the rafters.
  • According to the markup, we install the rafter legs and fasten them first at the bottom to the Mauerlat, then at the top to the run to each other. Every second rafter is screwed to the Mauerlat with a wire bundle. In wooden houses, the rafters are screwed to the second crown from the top row.

If the rafter system is done flawlessly, the layered boards are mounted in random order.

If there is no confidence in the ideal structure, then the extreme pairs of rafters are installed first. A control twine or fishing line is stretched between them, according to which the position of the newly installed rafters is adjusted.


The installation of the truss structure is completed by installing the filly, if the length of the rafter legs does not allow the formation of an overhang of the required length. By the way, for wooden buildings, the overhang should “go beyond” the contour of the building by 50 cm. If the organization of the visor is planned, separate mini-rafters are installed under it.

Another useful video about the construction of a gable truss base with your own hands:

Hanging truss systems

The hanging type of truss systems is a triangle. The two upper sides of the triangle are folded by a pair of rafters, and the puff connecting the lower heels serves as the base.

The use of tightening allows you to neutralize the effect of the thrust, therefore, only the weight of the crate, the roof, plus, depending on the season, the weight of precipitation, acts on walls with hanging truss structures.

The specifics of hanging truss systems

Characteristic features of hanging type truss structures:

  • Mandatory presence of a puff, made most often of wood, less often of metal.
  • The ability to refuse the use of Mauerlat. A frame made of timber will be successfully replaced by a board laid on a two-layer waterproofing.
  • Installation on the walls of ready-made closed triangles - roof trusses.

The advantages of the hanging scheme include the space under the roof free from racks, which allows you to organize an attic without pillars and partitions. There are disadvantages.

The first of these is the limitation on the steepness of the slopes: their slope angle can be at least 1/6 of the span of a triangular truss, steeper roofs are strongly recommended. The second disadvantage is the need for thorough calculations for the competent device of cornice nodes.

Among other things, the angle of the truss truss will have to be set with jewelry accuracy, because. the axes of the connected components of the hanging truss system must intersect at a point, the projection of which must fall on the central axis of the Mauerlat or the lining board replacing it.

Subtleties of long-span hanging systems

Puff - the longest element of the hanging rafter structure. Over time, it, as is typical of all lumber, deforms and sags under the influence of its own weight.

Owners of houses with spans of 3-5m are not too concerned about this circumstance, but owners of buildings with spans of 6 meters or more should think about installing additional parts that exclude geometric changes in tightening.

To prevent sagging in the installation scheme of the truss system for a large-span gable roof, there is a very significant component. This is a pendant called a grandmother.

Most often, it is a bar attached with wooden surfs to the top of the truss truss. You should not confuse the headstock with the racks, because. its lower part should not come into contact with the puff at all. And the installation of racks as supports in hanging systems is not used.

The bottom line is that the headstock, as it were, hangs on a ridge knot, and a tightening is already attached to it with the help of bolts or nailed wooden plates. Threaded or collet type clamps are used to correct slack.

Adjustment of the tightening position can be arranged in the zone of the ridge knot, and the headstock can be rigidly connected to it with a notch. Instead of a bar in non-residential attics, reinforcement can be used to manufacture the described tightening element. It is also recommended to arrange a headstock or suspension where the puff is assembled from two bars to support the connection area.

In an improved hanging system of this type, the headstock is complemented by strut beams. The stress forces in the resulting rhombus are extinguished spontaneously due to the competent arrangement of the vector loads acting on the system.

As a result, the truss system pleases with stability with a slight and not too expensive upgrade.


Hanging type for attics

In order to increase the usable space, the tightening of the rafter triangles for the attic is moved closer to the ridge. A perfectly reasonable move has additional advantages: it allows you to use puffs as the basis for filing the ceiling.

It is attached to the rafters by cutting with a semi-frying pan with a duplication of a bolt. It is protected from sagging by installing a short headstock.

A noticeable drawback of the attic hanging structure is the need for accurate calculations. It is too difficult to calculate it on your own, it is better to use a ready-made project.

Which design is more cost effective?

Cost is an important argument for an independent builder. Naturally, the price of construction for both types of truss systems cannot be the same, because:

  • In the construction of a layered structure for the manufacture of rafter legs, a board or beam of small section is used. Because layered rafters have two reliable supports under them, the requirements for their power are lower than in the hanging version.
  • In the construction of a hanging structure, the rafters are made of thick timber. For the manufacture of puffs, a material similar in cross section is required. Even taking into account the rejection of the Mauerlat, the consumption will be significantly higher.

Saving on the grade of material will not work. For the bearing elements of both systems: rafters, purlins, beds, Mauerlat, attendants, racks, lumber of the 2nd grade is needed.

For crossbars and puffs working in tension, you will need the 1st grade. In the manufacture of less responsible wooden slips, the 3rd grade can be used. Without counting, we can say that in the construction of hanging systems, expensive material is used to a greater extent.

Hanging trusses are assembled in an open area next to the object, then transported assembled upstairs. To lift weighty triangular arches from a bar, you will need equipment, for which you will have to pay rent. And the project for complex nodes of the hanging version is also worth something.

Video instruction on the installation of a truss structure of a hanging category:

There are actually many more methods for constructing truss systems for roofs with two slopes.

We have described only the basic varieties that are actually applicable for small country houses and buildings without architectural ideas. However, the information provided is sufficient to cope with the construction of a simple truss structure.

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The use of a metal truss system is most appropriate in industrial and public construction, for example, in the construction of workshops, warehouses, supermarkets, swimming pools, stations. Housing construction does not justify the acquisition of such building materials, which are also difficult to transport.

From wooden structures, the metal frame for the roof differs in resistance to heavy loads, which helps to increase the rigidity and reliability of the entire roofing pie of the building.

If the length of the roof slope exceeds 10 m, then it is recommended to install the rafters from metal, which should be supplemented with the same girders, ridge supports and Mauerlat.

What is the difference between metal rafters and other systems

In construction, a combination of truss systems is allowed, where both wood and metal will be used. It should be remembered that places where the metal frame of the roof is sheathed with wood can cause condensation, which leads to gradual decay of the wood. To avoid such problems, all wooden elements are impregnated with a special composition, followed by their insulation with roofing material.


  • To insulate the metal base, it should be sheathed either from below or from above.
  • The insulation is laid on metal parts with a small gap so that during condensation moisture does not penetrate into the insulation material.
  • When installing insulation under the rafters, the rest of the roofing parts are fastened on top of it. Thanks to this design, heat is reliably preserved in the attic.
  • The metal roof frame will last for a very long time, in addition, it is allowed to use rafters of the order of 30 m in length.

The use of lightweight profiles for the construction of modern buildings

At the moment, in construction, the use of new technologies is observed, which are aimed at the construction of light truss structures in residential buildings.


These include galvanized cold-formed profile, its advantages are:

  • resistance to degradation processes, including decay and damage from insects;
  • high fire safety;
  • does not need constant antiseptic treatment;
  • such a metal roof frame is being built, regardless of the time of year;
  • compliance of the purchased parts with the specified dimensions, which reduces the amount of waste;
  • ease of installation - the work is done with a drill and a screwdriver;
  • collapsible design kit allows you to transport it without expensive lifting equipment.

Thanks to similar rafters, which differ significantly from profile metal elements with a metal thickness of less than 2.5 mm, developers can save on the purchase of material.


Lightweight construction does not increase the load on load-bearing walls and foundations, which also reduces the construction budget. Any craftsman who has the basic skills of such installation can assemble the frame of a gable roof. The work will not be difficult also because all drawings of parts and their markings are thoroughly checked at the factory.

Along with the listed advantages, lightweight truss structures still have a drawback - they act as a conductor of cold, which means that it is difficult to insulate them. Also, condensation often appears on them, which has a devastating effect on the roofing cake. Based on this, it is still better to build residential buildings from wood.

Installation of a metal frame, look at the video:

How to properly install the frame

A metal frame for the roof is assembled from I-beams, corners, channels, which are made of profiled metal. The shape of these parts can be triangular, trapezoidal, rectangular or any other.

Being a high-quality construction, in particular, durable and practical for covering large spans, the frame has a significant drawback - the complexity of transportation due to its large weight. The presence of this factor affects the need to order lifting mechanisms. In the aggregate, all the work done leads to an increase in cost, so metal rafters are very rarely seen in private construction.


  • With the help of metal roof trusses, spans of about 50 m are easily covered.
  • In most cases, the installation of such elements is carried out on top of rectangular truss trusses.
  • In industrial premises, the installation of truss trusses is carried out with technological equipment, for example, with overhead cranes or overhead cranes.
  • The metal frame of a hipped roof or any other roof is laid on a support of reinforced concrete columns, metal or concrete reinforced pillows fixed on a brick wall (read: ""). To do this, the supporting part of the steel truss is reinforced with a steel plate, and the reinforced concrete pads are reinforced with a metal embedded plate. The system is shown in more detail in the photo.
  • To make knots of metal rafters, individual parts are connected using steel scarves, which are welded or bolted.

Developers involved in private housing construction still cannot do without metal truss structures, the only difference is that they are based on hot-rolled bent pipes with a round, square or rectangular profile. Thanks to such rafters, the entire system is greatly facilitated, while its bearing capacity remains the same. The explanation for the low weight of the pipes is the use in the production of steel no thicker than 5 mm, which is several times thinner than metal for other profile products.

According to statistics, every second homeowner built his home on his own. According to their reviews, self-erecting a roof is one of the most difficult stages for non-professional builders. Therefore, it is very important to approach this stage, having in mind a complete understanding of all the nuances of the process. To figure out how to make a roof with your own hands, you need to study the device, installation technology, the procedure for work and the features of fastening all components of the structure.

Roof types

First you need to decide on the form. To date, the most popular types are:

Form Features

Covering the roof with one single slope will save nerves and materials, since structurally this is the simplest option. If you make such a frame yourself, then the labor intensity of the work will be the least, and the installation speed will be high. But this form has a drawback - there is no possibility of arranging a full-fledged attic or attic, since the under-roof space is too low.

A gable roof is mounted much more often. It is a little more difficult to manufacture, but allows you to get more space. Compared to the four-slope, it has less complexity and mass, but it will be necessary to make triangular gables along the ends of the building.


Gable - the most popular form

Before proceeding with the independent construction of a roof with four slopes, you will need to seriously prepare. Such a system has more elements than the previous two. In addition, there is no way to make full-fledged windows in the attic, since the roof structure is devoid of gables and installation is difficult or unavoidable.


The four-slope is difficult to construct, but savings are achieved due to the absence of gables

For an attic, a combined design with. In this case, the lower part of the roof has a greater slope than the upper part. This assembly allows you to raise the ceiling in the room and make the house built more comfortable.


A broken line is not the most “architectural”, but very efficient in terms of space used

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Before starting work, you need to make a design calculation. It makes no sense to calculate sections of all elements. In most cases, they can be accepted constructively:

  • mauerlat - 150x150 mm;
  • racks - 100x150 or 100x100 mm, depending on the section of the rafters;
  • struts - 100x150 or 50x150 mm, taking into account the convenience of connecting with rafters;
  • puffs - 50x150 mm on both sides;
  • runs - 100x150 or 150x50 mm;
  • pads with a thickness of 32 to 50 mm.

The calculation is usually performed only for rafter and sloping legs. It is required to choose the height and width of the section. The parameters depend on:

  • roofing material;
  • snow region;
  • the pitch of the rafters (selected so that it is convenient to lay the insulation, for mineral wool between the elements, 58 cm should remain in the light);
  • span.

You can choose the cross section of the rafters using general recommendations. But in this case, it is recommended to make a small margin.


The calculation is usually performed for rafter legs

If you do not want to delve into the intricacies of calculations, you can use special ones.

If you intend to make a warm roof, then the height of the section of the legs is selected taking into account the thickness of the insulation. It must be mounted so that it does not protrude above the supporting beams. You also need to take into account that for mineral wool a ventilation gap of 2-4 cm is made between it and the coating. If the height of the rafters is not enough for this, the installation of a counter-lattice (counter-rail) is provided.


Step-by-step instructions for performing work

The sequence of stages of the construction of the roof is as follows:

  1. taking measurements of the building box (the dimensions may slightly differ from the design ones);
  2. preparation of materials and tools, wood treatment with an antiseptic;
  3. fastening the Mauerlat to the wall;
  4. installation of a ridge crossbar, if needed (for layered rafters);
  5. frame installation;
  6. strengthening the roof with the help of racks, struts and puffs;
  7. waterproofing;
  8. crate;
  9. provision of ventilation;
  10. installation of drips;
  11. cover installation.

Fixing the Mauerlat

In order for the roof to be securely fixed, care must be taken to securely connect it to the wall of the building. If a wooden house is being built, then the Mauerlat is not required - the upper crown of a bar or log acts as this element. In this case, fastening to the wall is carried out using special “floating” fasteners. They are sold ready-made, most often they are called sleds. This version of the roof device allows the entire structure to slightly shift when the walls shrink without damage and deformation.

"Sliding" mount in a wooden house

A similar situation arises with a frame house. In this case, the upper wall trim will be the Mauerlat. It is attached to the racks of the frame with a gash using corners, staples or nails.


Methods for attaching rafters to the strapping in a frame house

The construction of a roof made of brick, concrete blocks or concrete implies fastening through a Mauerlat. In this case, there are several ways.

There are four ways to put the Mauerlat on the wall:

  • on staples;
  • on studs;
  • for anchor bolts.

Mauerlat can be fixed on brackets. In this case, wooden blocks are laid in the masonry from the inside. They should be located at a distance of 4 rows from the edge. One side of the bracket is attached to the Mauerlat, and the other to the same bar in the masonry. The method can also be classified as simple. It is not recommended for large buildings with high loads.


Mauerlat fastening on brackets. In the laying of the wall, antiseptic wooden bars are provided with a step of 1-1.5 m

Do-it-yourself fastening during roof installation can be carried out through studs or anchor bolts with a diameter of 10-12 mm. Fasteners are laid in the masonry. A Mauerlat is temporarily placed on the edge, you need to lightly hit it with a hammer. After that, recesses remain on the beam in the places of fasteners. On them you need to make holes for the studs. After that, the timber is put on the fasteners and the nuts are tightened. The method is ideal for walls made of lightweight concrete in the presence of a monolithic armo-belt.


Fastening rafters to Mauerlat

In houses made of brick or stone, it is more reasonable to carry out with the help of a rigid attachment of the rafters to the Mauerlat. In this case, you can use both layered and hanging systems. The design assumes two ways:

  • with a notch;
  • without notch.

In the first case, the rafters are hemmed with a slope so that they are tightly adjacent to the Mauerlat. For the removal of the cornice, fillies are provided. They are attached to the leg with an overlap of at least 1 m. Rigid fixation of the knot should be done using self-tapping screws, nails or staples. But the assembled frame will have greater reliability if metal corners with holes for self-tapping screws are used for fixing.

The method without cutting often does not involve the use of fillies. In this case, the frame overhang is provided by the beams themselves. This option is simpler than the previous one, since it does not require high accuracy. It is suitable for beginners. For a snug fit to the Mauerlat, in this case, use persistent bars or boards. Rigid fixation, as in the previous case, is performed with metal corners on both sides.

Fastening rafters to the wall

The frame made must be fixed to the box of the building - this will not allow a strong gust of wind to tear off the roof. To do this, it is necessary to take as a rule the use of a twist of two wires with a diameter of 4 mm. They are wrapped around the leg at the place of support on the Mauerlat, and after that the wire is attached to the wall on an anchor or ruff about 4-5 rows before the cut. The element must be laid in advance in masonry.


Windbreak protection

For a wooden house, you can simplify the task. You can assemble the frame using staples. This option will speed up the process. But it is important to remember that this method is only suitable if the walls are made of wood.

System Gain

How to strengthen the frame with spans of more than 6 meters? It is necessary to reduce the free span of the rafters. For this, struts and racks are used. It is necessary to make reinforcement taking into account the layout, it is important that these elements do not interfere with the stay of people and harmoniously fit into the interior.

The struts are usually placed at an angle of 45 or 60 degrees to the horizontal plane. Racks cannot be supported on the floor span. They are allowed to be installed on the underlying walls or beams and trusses thrown between the walls.

Tightening is necessary to reduce thrust. Because of him, the rafters can simply disperse. This is especially true for systems with hanging beams. To assemble the frame, use two puffs, which are attached on both sides of the rafters. Fixation is carried out on self-tapping screws, nails or studs.

At the top, the rafters rest on an intermediate or ridge run. Depending on the chosen system, location and width of the span, it is made of timber with a cross section of 50x100 to 100x200 mm. Fastening is carried out on connecting metal plates, bolts or nails.

crate

Before starting work at this stage, it is required to lay a waterproofing material. Builders recommend using a vapor-diffusion moisture and wind-protective membrane. It is more expensive than plastic film, but provides better protection. Your home is not a reason to save money.


The roof requires fixing the crate. The type depends on the chosen roofing material. For metal, a sparse crate made of boards 32-40 mm thick will suffice. Under bituminous tiles, a solid crate of 25-32 mm boards or moisture-resistant plywood is needed.

Ventilation of the under-roof space

Before proceeding to the stage of laying the roof, it is worth considering the ventilation of the under-roof space. This will protect the structure from mold, fungus and destruction.


Proper arrangement of ventilation under the roof will protect the structure from the appearance of fungus

For ventilation it is necessary to provide:

  • air flow through the eaves (the filing of the cornice is made with a rarefied board or special perforated spotlights);
  • air movement under the coating (there should be a gap of 2-3 cm between the insulation and the roof);
  • air outlet in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe ridge (for this, a ridge and / or point aerator is installed on the roof).

Roofing

The type of roofing is selected from aesthetic and economic considerations. It is also worth studying the offers of manufacturers and finding out the permissible slope. For example, bitumen shingles are not recommended for laying at a slope of more than 45 °.


Seam roofing is a lightweight, fireproof and durable coating.

The wall material must provide reliable waterproofing. Its installation is carried out in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. There are five most common types of coverage: roof insulation.