Mansard roof: 100 photos of types of gable roofs and features of their design

The mansard roof is a successful combination of two useful functions. The first is the external aesthetics of the house, expressed in the original design. The second is a noticeable expansion of the living space due to the design features of the roof. Let's see what types of attics there are, what is the complexity of their construction, and find out at what stage of construction it is necessary to think about the interior of the attic room.

Advantages and disadvantages

A house with a mansard roof usually has a complex roof structure. The upper segment is usually flat, while the lower segment is steeper. This ensures the convenience and comfort of the interior. The latter can be used both for economic purposes and for permanent residence.

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This design has a number of positive qualities:

a house with an attic will cost less to build than a full 2 floors;
unlike two-story construction, the load on the foundation is reduced, which allows for savings;
the house looks aesthetically pleasing and original;
if properly arranged, it will be very comfortable to be on the attic floor;
the attic significantly expands the living space;
the construction is not complicated, all work can be done by hand;
During the installation process, the attic roof must be insulated, which significantly improves the thermal insulation characteristics of the house.

However, there are some disadvantages:

the ceilings have a sloping configuration, so the walls are low, which leads to difficulties in selecting furniture;
it is necessary to use high-quality heat and waterproofing materials, the cost of which is relatively high;
building an attic is somewhat more difficult than a traditional gable roof.

Balcony in the attic

Is it necessary or not? Many people ask this question, but the answer is not clear-cut. Of course, a balcony can offer a beautiful view that you can enjoy in the mornings and evenings with a cup of aromatic tea, but building a balcony for an attic is not a cheap pleasure. And you need to think about this at the design stage.

It is common to use built-in balconies, but you can also consider a suspended balcony. The modern market offers many varieties of dormer windows; they will allow you to install a balcony inside the roof slope. Dormer windows of this type are made of two sashes. Access to the balcony is provided when they are opened simultaneously, and ventilation is possible in one position.

Original design of the attic roof of the house Slate roof with attic

Design features

An attic can be built in almost any private house, be it a large cottage or a small country house. The shape of the structure can be different - triangular, broken, symmetrical or asymmetrical. The attic part can be located either over the entire area of the house or part of it.

The dimensions of the attic are limited by the perimeter of the house. When drawing up drawings of an attic roof, it is necessary to take into account the load-bearing capacity of the walls and foundation.

The structure may protrude slightly beyond the external walls. In this situation, it is necessary to move the ceilings to an appropriate distance. The latter will serve as support for the attic roof. You can make a large extension, but you will have to build supports.

The minimum height of the attic roof is 2.5 m. If the structure is lower, it will not be possible to create a comfortable living space.

Increased demands are placed on windows. They must have a high-strength frame and double-glazed windows made of tempered glass. This entails additional costs.

You can insulate the entire attic, or only that part of it that is used for residential purposes and is heated. The rafter system of the attic roof must have a high load-bearing capacity. Therefore, you need to use strong rafters, the cross-section of which is determined based on the angle of inclination of the slopes.

But, the minimum cross-section is 50x150 mm for a step of 1 m. If the angle of inclination is 45°, you can use a step of 1.4 m. In this case, climatic conditions must be taken into account. If heavy rainfall is typical in winter, the rafter pitch should not exceed 0.8 m.

Dormer windows

To provide natural lighting in the attic space, it is necessary to install windows.

They can be placed in the roof itself, on the gables, or equipped in special birdhouses. The number, shape and location of windows depends on the roof structure and preference.

The material for making profiles for windows can be different: wood, PVC, aluminum.

The window profile is selected based on preference, but it is worth keeping in mind that it is better not to use windows with a wooden profile for bathhouses.

In other cases, windows with any profile are suitable .

Dormer windows differ in type of construction:

Classic . Windows of a standard rectangular or square shape, having a frame and a movable or fixed sash;
Balcony . They are a double window shape, in which the lower blind part is the balcony parapet, the upper part opens outward;
Cornice . Installed in the presence of a high wall. An additional vertical element is installed under the opening sash;
Oblique . Double design with one blind sash (lower), the other movable;
Overhead . They can be semicircular or triangular. They are built into the roof and also have a decorative function;
Tunnel for light . The light exits through a reflective tunnel, which is located in the attic above the attic.

In addition to the shape of windows, they can be classified according to the type of opening:

With a central axis for turning;
With a side opening in the form of a hatch;
With a lower location of the rotation axis in which the opening occurs outward;
With a raised axis.

Considering that roof windows can be located in difficult to reach locations, manufacturers have invented electronic controls: windows can be opened and closed using a remote control.

Roof window with balcony

Dormer window

Varieties

All mansard roofs can be classified into 4 categories, each with different designs. Moreover, such attics can be single-level or two-level. It is easier to build a one-level attic. As a rule, this design involves the construction of a conventional gable or sloping roof.

Two-level attics are more difficult to construct. This design involves the construction of 2 rooms at different levels. In this case, the method of combining supports is used.

In the photo of the attic roof you can clearly see the design options for such structures. Additionally, a balcony can be provided. It is constructed by analogy with a window opening.

But this possibility depends on the load-bearing capacity of the walls. If it is not enough, a balcony can be built using additional supports.

Attic interior

Now the most fashionable option would be to decorate an attic in a country, eclectic or chalet style. In these styles, the beams remain open, and the furniture is installed in wood, handmade or carved. The windows are left open, the emphasis is on knitted blankets, and the floor is decorated with animal skins or expensive carpets.

Married couples very often give their preference to romantic Provence with pink tones, light furniture and a lot of decor. In this case, the walls are covered with plasterboard, after which they can be painted, the windows are decorated with curtains, and the shelves on the walls are filled with souvenirs and other trinkets.

In general, the arrangement of furniture can be done taking into account personal tastes and wishes, but it is important to focus on the features of the layout and roof.

Nuances to consider:

With a gable roof, installing a cabinet is impossible; you will have to come up with something else (the cabinet can be replaced with shelves or a chest of drawers).
Installing a staircase is one of the mandatory stages that needs to be given close attention. You need to think about the location of the staircase so that it is as useful as possible, but at the same time takes up a minimum of space; in addition, you need to take care of safety and eliminate the risk of injury.
Lighting. It is necessary to deal not only with natural, but also with artificial lighting. If you combine them correctly and achieve good lighting, you can add a touch of originality and light charm, which will make this room your favorite part of the house.

Construction technology

To build an attic, you need to install rafters, lay thermal insulation and waterproofing materials, make sheathing and carry out roofing work. Key steps and procedure for making a mansard roof:

After constructing the load-bearing walls, a rafter system should be constructed.
If the house is frame, it is recommended to assemble the roof structure at the bottom, and then lift it up and mount it on the walls.
The beams corresponding to the height of the room in length must be secured to the lower beam according to the marks made according to the dimensions of the structure.
Next, a block is mounted that performs the ceiling function.
The middle of the ceiling beam is determined where the rafter support is mounted.
On the vertical block you need to mark the middle and mount the rafters that protrude from the roof slopes. Next you need to make the roof ridge.
We need to mount the resulting structure at one of the ends of the house. Using a similar technology, you need to assemble the remaining elements of the rafter system, installing them in accordance with a predetermined and marked step.
The frame must be covered with waterproofing material.
The waterproofing layer is fixed to the rafters with beams.
Insulation material is laid on top (usually mineral wool is used).
An additional waterproofing layer is laid on top of the insulation.
The entire roof structure is covered with OSB boards or other building materials. The main task is to level the surface.
Roofing material is being laid.

At this point, the construction of the attic is considered complete. Next, you can proceed to the installation of the ceiling (attic floor), if it has not been completed in advance, and finishing work.

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Construction materials

The materials for your home must first and foremost be warm, otherwise you will end up spending more on heating than on insulation. Don't forget about a layer of mineral wool, polystyrene foam or other insulation. This should be done by professionals who can calculate the location of the dew point so that condensation does not accumulate between the wall and the insulation.

Brick is beautiful, durable, comfortable and will last up to a hundred years, but it is heavy, takes a long time to lay and requires a strong foundation. Porous ceramic blocks are easier to install and larger in size, but are sensitive to damage and more expensive.

Aerated concrete blocks do not burn and protect well from frost and noise, but if handled improperly they can crack and break. Wood is completely natural and environmentally friendly, but it shrinks and requires special treatment to prevent rot, fire and pests.

Requirements for mansard roofs

Mansard roofs are structurally more complex than conventional roofs with an attic, so they have different requirements:

It is necessary to ensure complete waterproofing along the entire perimeter of the attic;
It is important to take care of sound insulation, especially if the outer covering is metal;
When designing a truss structure, it is necessary to carefully calculate the roof load taking into account natural loads ;
Provide drainage;
Take care of natural light;
The overhang of the rafter legs should not be less than half a meter ;
Pay special attention to insulation.

CAREFULLY!

When choosing materials, you should pay attention not only to their quality characteristics, but also to take into account their weight: the lighter the materials, the less the load.

Overloading the structure can lead to roof deformation and, in the worst case, to collapse. Therefore, when designing a roof, all factors should be taken into account.

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