home floors

Types of roofing for private houses. Types of roofing materials for different types of roofs How to choose a roof for a house

Several hundred years ago, developers did not wonder what kind of roof to choose for a house. At that time, there were only a few copies that suited any person, which cannot be said today. Modern production building materials every year presents us with new products, and with them the technology of building construction as a whole changes.

Varieties of roofing materials

The start of construction should always start with some idea or building plan. Without this, you will not have a clear idea of your desires, therefore, the construction process will drag on for a long time.

It should be understood that the roof is not only a decoration, but also protects your comfort from the external aggressive environment. Therefore, when choosing materials, you should clarify the goals that will suit you.

As a rule, in any private construction, the choice of roofing lies with the owner. Basically everything depends on it. structural elements future building. After all, if you purchase natural tiles, the mass of which is quite impressive, you will have to equip a massive truss system and foundation. And in order for the colossal load to smoothly flow from one place to another, it is necessary to acquire reliable walls. You see, clinging to one another, the appearance of the building is changing before our eyes.

As mentioned earlier, today there is a large number of roofing, but the following can be distinguished:

Ondulin
Tiles (ceramic, bituminous, metal)
Asbestos-cement slate
Metal roofs

In addition to the main criteria when choosing a roof, there are many more nuances. For example, the region where you live and the roof slope are the most important. Often, developers with finances try to pursue several goals at once: a beautiful appearance and reliable protection.

As for temporary buildings, everything is simpler here. As a rule, outbuildings are created for their direct use, and not for admiring, so materials that give beauty can be immediately thrown aside and focus on quality ones. As an example, I can give a few: galvanized metal sheets (without a polymer layer) and roofing material.

Despite the large number of roofing coverings, they are easily divided into three classes.

Economy class. It includes products that do not differ in their beauty, but have a confident quality. The most popular are: slate, corrugated board and ondulin
Got the middle business class. You can confidently attribute a soft roof and metal tiles to it. Surely, you have already guessed that the laid plane of such products not only has good waterproofing, but also provides an attractive view of the entire building.
Followed by premium class. The elite of roofing products has gathered here. Prominent from this list are ceramic tiles and copper. Despite the fact that the metal is more suitable for the previous class, copper is an exception. Over time, it changes its color and only increases its characteristics.

Thanks to modern materials, these boundaries are almost erased and you can always find a suitable alternative to a particular product.

Characteristics of ondulin

In order for you to understand this material, I must provide some introduction. Outwardly, ondulin is very similar to asbestos-cement slate, but has smaller waves located at a great distance from each other. Natural cellulose mixed with bitumen and other additives is used as the main raw material. By adding various pigments to the composition, a diverse range is given to the product.

At the initial releases of Euroslate, it did not have any other name, but over time, one of the companies began to produce this coating under the Onduline brand. This name was liked by all workers and shops, which is why bituminous slate is called that today.

The minimum slope for laying euroslate is 5 degrees, as for the maximum, it is not. Due to the fact that ondulin is a kind of soft roof, there is a need to lay it on a solid base. As a rule, moisture-resistant plywood, OSB boards or edged board. If you prefer the latter option, then there is a need to select lumber for one size, otherwise you risk creating an uneven plane. Roofing material laid on such a surface will be deformed and this will inevitably lead to leaks over time.

Bitumen is a good insulator against moisture and condensate that accumulates in the roofing cake will not pass through it, so it is very important to think carefully about this nuance. In most cases, to block the access of moisture to the insulation boards, it is enough to lay a waterproofing layer over the crate.

The cost of ondulin allows almost any developer to purchase it. This is one of the main reasons for its popularity.

Euroslate advantages:

Does not emit harmful substances
Ease of installation process
Rich choice of colors
Relative cheapness
small mass

Cons of ondulin:

Dangerous in terms of fire
Will fade if exposed to direct sunlight for a long time
A very high ambient temperature can melt the roof surface, and it will flow

When placing material in optimal conditions you will create a reliable and durable roof.

Roof tiles

Let's look at everything in order, starting with the most difficult and finishing with the simplest material.

ceramic

Many people know that natural tiles can only be laid on serious truss systems. They must have a mass of spacers and other auxiliary elements in order to withstand such a high load from the roofing material.

The main raw material for production is clay. In the production process, it is molded and fired at a temperature of more than 1000 degrees. After passing through these procedures, the clay takes on an already familiar and familiar red-brown hue. Modern production has somewhat changed its technology and began to add a certain amount of glaze to its composition. It does not change the appearance of the product in any way, but the resistance to moisture increases.

The usual dimensions of one tile of tiles are 30x30 centimeters, and its weight is about 2 kilograms. To date, there are several types of ceramic tiles.

Private
Tape slot
stamped slot
With one wave
With two waves
With gutter

For high-quality installation, you will need to create a strong truss system with a slope of 25 to 60 degrees. These boundaries, although optimal, can be violated. If you take a slope of less than 25 degrees, then you will have to lay additional waterproofing and work out in more detail. natural ventilation. In the case of crossing the upper boundary, each element must be fixed to the base more securely.

Each tile has special locks in its arsenal, with which it is joined together, and in order not to damage the material when attaching the surface to it, there are special holes for fasteners. At correct styling and creating an optimal slope, moisture will never penetrate into roofing cake.

It should be noted that the service life of ceramic tiles is about 150 years. Most of all, she emphasizes stone, wood and brick walls. The price for it is quite high, but if we consider this in conjunction with the operational period, it becomes clear what you have to pay for.

Advantages of ceramic tiles:

Unpretentiousness in service
Due to the large thickness provides good sound insulation
Burnt clay is not subject to combustion and corrosion
High frost resistance
A wide range of colors and shapes
Clay is a porous product, therefore, the coating will breathe and remove excess moisture on its own.

Cons of clay tiles:

Large mass of material
fragility
A complex truss system will require a large number of fasteners

If you can’t decide which roof to choose for your home, but you have free finances, then take a closer look at ceramics. It will create a chic look and good protection buildings for decades.

Bituminous

The main components for the production of shingles are natural cellulose, polyester, fiberglass and, of course, the petroleum product itself. Due to the high waterproofing and strength characteristics, we can say that this material is really reliable. It is worth noting that prolonged exposure to sunlight on the roofing carpet not only does not harm the surface, but also improves it. At high temperatures, the material “floats” a little and, after cooling, is seized by neighboring elements at the molecular level.

In the hardware store you can pick up different colors and shapes of the material. On sale bituminous tiles are available in the form of a sheet product, with dimensions of 100x30 centimeters. The mass of one square meter is 8-12 kilograms.

Due to its elasticity, it can be laid even on very fancy truss systems. The minimum slope of the ramp should be about 12 degrees, as for the maximum, it is absent. Like everyone else soft roofs, bituminous tiles should only be laid on a continuous crate. Moisture-resistant plywood, OSB boards or edged boards are suitable as it. The latter option is less suitable, but with the same size of all lumber, you can achieve a pretty good foundation. In addition to the main waterproofing layer, most developers lay underlayment carpet. It allows you to more evenly distribute the load.

In most cases, this coating is used for flooring cottages, small houses and any outbuildings. If your old coating was rolled material, say, roofing material, then it is not necessary to dismantle such a surface for laying bituminous tiles.

Advantages of soft tiles:

Ease of installation and transportation
Fits even on complex roof structures
High sound insulation
Does not corrode or rot
Minimum laying waste

Cons of shingles:

High flammability, which does not meet fire safety requirements
If there is any pattern on the material, then over time it will burn out in the sun
Cannot be produced installation work at negative temperatures
Simple appearance

Some developers ask me: “what kind of roof is better to choose for a private house, but so that its waste can be used as flooring on outbuildings?”. I answer them that today there are only two cheapest options: the first is euroroofing material, and the second is bituminous tiles.

metal

The metal tile is a good roofing material. Outwardly, it looks like a tile, but even a child is able to distinguish it from natural. So what is so attractive about this product? It's all about the small mass and low cost of sheet material. Its thickness is only 0.4 millimeters, and the breadth of color diversity knows no bounds.

Metal tiles can be laid on roofs with a minimum slope of 15 degrees, and there is no maximum slope. It is worth noting that at low degrees, waterproofing must necessarily be included in the roofing cake, and the joints of the sheets are sealed.

Self-tapping screws or nails with rubber linings are suitable as fasteners. They provide tight fastening and do not allow moisture to penetrate into the roofing pie. Over time, the rubber lining can leak and come off, resulting in extraneous noise during strong winds. To fix this problem, you will have to replace the old fasteners.

The technological process of laying takes place by the overlap method. The vertical should be about 250 millimeters, and the horizontal should be one wave. Metal tiles are actively purchased all over the world. It is used both in private construction and in the construction of industrial and high-rise buildings.

Today this material is a prestigious product. Thanks to him, you can create a fairly presentable appearance of the building, while spending a minimum of finance.

The positive aspects of metal tiles:

Simplicity and speed of installation process
The material easily withstands small mechanical damage
Light weight
Easy to transport

Disadvantages of metal tiles:

Installation is associated with a lot of waste
Thin metal is not soundproof

To reduce waste, it is necessary to more carefully calculate the need for materials and use quality tools.

Slate indicators

Surely all residents of the CIS countries at least once met with wavy asbestos-cement material. He received the greatest popularity in private construction. Slate contains a large amount of cement, and only 15% is given to asbestos. In hardware stores, it can be purchased as a sheet product with standard parameters. Length and height 120x70 centimeters, respectively, weight about 15 kilograms per square meter, and the wave height is 28 millimeters.

The slate sheet has a rather high rigidity, therefore, a discharged crate can serve as the base. Nails with a wide hat act as fasteners.

The optimal slope value for high-quality slate flooring is in the range of 12-60 degrees. Despite the fact that residents of private houses have repeatedly heard about the harmfulness of this product, they continue to use this product. But people who care not only about their own health have either switched to ondulin or use slate as a roof on outbuildings. Most developers are in no hurry to abandon slate just because no cheaper alternative has yet been invented.

Over time, manufacturers of building materials came to terms with the opinion of the majority of private residents and began to produce a special paint that not only prolongs the service life of asbestos-cement sheets, but also increases presentability.

Positive qualities of slate:

High strength characteristics
Convenience and ease of installation
Easily divided into pieces
Cheapness

Disadvantages:

Asbestos dust is a poison for the human body
fragility
After a while, moss and fungus begin to sprout on the surface.

It is necessary to work with this material in accordance with all safety regulations, and you must also have a respirator with you.

Metal roofs

Since childhood, everyone knows that there are many varieties of metal. In this regard, roofing can be divided into the following types:

Decking
Steel
Aluminum

Decking is a material whose sheets have a peculiar shape. It is available with or without a protective polymer coating. This product comes to the hardware store in the form of metal sheets of various configurations. The most optimal slope for corrugated board is 10 degrees, there is no maximum. If you care about quality, then you will have to purchase glassine. It is laid under the roofing cake, which increases its waterproofing qualities.

The basis for profiled metal sheets is a discharged crate. They are attached to it with self-tapping screws. Since the material has a sheet appearance, the laying is carried out using the "overlap" method, which is at least 20 centimeters. Metal joints must be sealed without fail. As a rule, this material is used for sheathing industrial buildings, but some varieties are quite suitable as roofs for private houses.

Advantages of profiled metal sheets:

High strength
Ease and speed of installation
Quite a long operating period
Cheapness

As for the minuses, there is only one here: low sound insulation.

The next coverage under consideration is steel roof. Do not think that corrugated board is made from some other metal. The fact is that steel sheets have nothing to do with the profile. They are produced in the form of smooth sheets, and the shape is given to them already when laying the seam method.

Thanks to this laying technology, the roof has a monolithic surface, therefore, the waterproofing properties are at their best. The minimum slope for laying steel should be 20 degrees. The folded method of laying rarely in any cases can be carried out independently, because this requires special equipment. Such coatings can often be found on churches, old estates and industrial buildings.

Now consider aluminum and copper. In both cases, a roof made of such metals turns out to be quite expensive, but at the same time it has a very presentable appearance and high durability. With proper laying of copper, its service life can reach more than 200 years, of course, for aluminum this figure is a little more modest, but also large.

It is worth noting that the copper roof does not lose its properties over time, but only acquires new ones. After about 10 years, the golden surface will begin to acquire duller tones, and after a century it will be enveloped in patina. turquoise color. However, if you do not want to wait such a long time, you can purchase artificially aged material.

As you can see, the unequivocal answer to the question “what kind of roof to choose for a private house?” does not exist. Everything will depend on many nuances, but your preference will be the main criterion.

which must match design feature and the general architecture of the building, as well as the material used for the roof.

The pitched roof of the house is the most common in the Russian region, because. it snows well.

In the construction of private houses are used different types roofs, which differ in the number of slopes, their angle of inclination, the possibility of building an attic.

The main elements of the roof

shed roof

In this embodiment, it is assumed that one inclined surface (ramp) is arranged over the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe house. This roof rests on two bearing walls having different heights. This type is not particularly popular among private construction. Most often used in the construction of garages or utility rooms. According to their design, they can be ventilated and non-ventilated. have a slope of 5-20 degrees, and non-ventilated 1-5 degrees.

Benefits of a pitched roof

Simplicity of design, which does not require special calculations of the truss system, slope angle and load calculation. Possibility of installation by people without special knowledge and skills.
Ease and speed of the device, repair during operation. No complex truss systems.
Due to the absence of stressed elements, reduced wear of the elements.
Low installation cost.

Disadvantages of a pitched roof

A small under-roof space, which excludes the possibility of an attic or attic space.
The impossibility of a device of full thermal insulation.
With a strong wind blowing from a high side, a sharp decrease in reliability.
With a slight slope, the need for regular snow removal from the roof surface.

gable roof

This option consists of two equal opposite slopes, which on one side rest on the load-bearing walls of the house, and the other two are connected in the ridge. The plane (wall) that forms between two slopes is called a pediment. The pediment can be made both with an opening for a window, which is used to illuminate the attic space, or solid. Beautiful attic windows make the whole building light and airy. This type of roof is the most popular and common in individual construction. As a rule, such roofs are made in houses that do not differ in particular architectural sophistication.

It is attractive and very practical. For the roof, any material intended for these purposes can be used. A refined look to the house can give decorative trim gables.

When building a gable roof, it is necessary to take into account the own weight of the structural elements, as well as the additional load from snow and rainwater.

Benefits of a gable roof

Practicality of use. With sufficient under-roof space, an attic or a full-fledged attic space for household needs is allowed. In such cases, the most rational would be the construction of a "broken" shape. The plane of the slopes from the ridge has a slight slope, which at a certain level turns into a sharper angle of inclination.
Possibility of installation in the attic of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
Efficient removal of snow and water from roof planes.
The construction of a gable roof does not require complex technological solutions.
Attractive appearance. During construction, you can choose the option both with the same slope angles and slope areas, and with different ones.
If necessary, repairs do not require significant costs.
Only cheaper.

Disadvantages of a gable roof

The dependence of the height of the roof and the angle of inclination of the slopes on the size of the house. The larger the area of \u200b\u200bthe house, the more material will be required to construct such a roof.
When constructing an attic, it becomes necessary to increase the height of the structure, increase the number and strengthen the load-bearing elements (rafters), which in turn increases the cost of construction.
If there is an attic, dormer windows are required, the more windows for the attic, the more difficult it becomes.

hipped roof

This type of roof consists of two slopes, which are triangular in shape, and two trapezoidal slopes. No need for construction. Attic windows are used to illuminate the attic, which are mounted directly on the roof slopes. Such a roof also has another name - hip, since the slopes of a triangular shape are called hips. If the roof consists of four equal slopes, connecting at one point, then this type of roof is called hipped roof. Such roofs are most often arranged in areas with a mild climate.

Benefits of a pitched roof

With a decrease in the lower size of the hip, it becomes possible to make the attic space more functional. The option of an attic device is not excluded.
Houses with such roofs have a fairly attractive and original look, which can be made unique by choosing the appropriate roofing materials.
Increased strength and reliability of the design.
High resistance to external loads in the form of strong wind, snow and rain.
Uniform heating of the attic space from all sides, which helps to maintain a comfortable temperature regime.

Disadvantages of a pitched roof

The roof in the form of an envelope is difficult to implement, but it looks impressive.

The complexity of the construction, which requires certain engineering calculations.
A large area of \u200b\u200bthe slopes, and, accordingly, a greater weight of the structures.
When building a pitched roof in areas with a cold climate, it is necessary to use special insulating materials, which increases the overall cost of construction.
For the installation of a hipped roof, the services of qualified craftsmen are required.
An increase in cost when installing an attic, as it requires the construction of additional walls for the perimeter of the attic, as well as the installation of windows directly in the roof.

Multi-gable roof

It is an original, complex architectural design, which may include a different number of slopes. Such a roof is most often mounted in houses that have several levels, attics, attics, various extensions, etc. When constructing a multi-gable roof, sunken long angles are obtained between the slopes, called "grooves" or "valleys".

The process of erecting a roof of this type is very laborious and lengthy. When planning the construction of a multi-gable roof, even the most daring design ideas can be realized.

Benefits of a multi-gable roof

The unique appearance of the house, beauty and grace.
Possibility of application on structures of complex architectural form.
Increased living space due to the construction of the attic.

Disadvantages of a multi-gable roof

The presence of a large number of complex structural elements, ribs and internal corners.
Expensive and labor intensive construction. The consumption of materials is about 4-5 times more than with other types. This is due to the large amount of waste.
The complexity of design and calculation work.
The roof may experience additional load from snow between the slopes at the inner corners.
Quite a complex water drainage system.

spire roof

This version of the roof consists of a certain number of triangular slopes, connected at one point and mounted at an acute angle. Spire-shaped roofs are used in cases where the project provides for the construction of towers. Such a roof is a bright solution for creating a unique look of a house under construction. Very often, such towers, if the area allows, are used to equip living rooms in them.

Roof spire diagram. All sides of the roof spire must be the same.

Benefits of a spire roof

Unique and attractive appearance.
Due to the fact that there is a sharp angle of inclination, no additional snow removal measures are required.

Spike roof disadvantages

Complexity and duration of construction.
The need for calculation work.
The need to attract qualified craftsmen.
The impossibility of an attic device.

All presented options are considered fundamental. Each type is well complemented with various details that can decorate the look of the house. But before choosing an acceptable option, it is necessary to take into account factors such as physical and climatic conditions, as well as the performance indicators that characterize the roof.

For areas with heavy snowfall, it is recommended to choose structures with a large slope angle, the roof will be protected from rapid damage, and the attic from leaks, which will extend the life of the entire structure.

Roof

Main types of materials

Regardless of which type of roof is chosen, whether there are attics or not, the roof and the material used for this purpose play the main role in reliability.

The main materials for reliable protection of the house from adverse weather conditions are:

material based on minerals and ceramics (natural slate, ardogress, etc.);
bitumen-based material (roofing material, shingglass, fiberglass or fiberglass impregnated with a modified mixture);
metal material (metal tiles, galvanized profiled sheets with and without polymer coating, roofing made of copper or aluminum sheets);

In the construction of a house, each process is important, requiring a serious approach, calculation and implementation of stages. The roof of the structure is one of the most important components of the structure, on which the protective function depends. The roof prevents moisture from entering, protects the house from external factors and helps keep the heat inside. Therefore, it is very important at the design stage of the future structure to decide on the type of construction and choose necessary material. In this article we will tell you which roof to choose for a private house.

There are a number of specific building criteria that help you choose the right roof for your home. Criteria include:

design of the future building;
architectural design features;
functional significance of the under-roof space;
external factors (environmental conditions, geographical location, climatic conditions);
the location of the house above sea level;
material used for construction.

Important! The type of roof of the future design is equipped with the obligatory observance of building and technical standards.

In order to decide which design option is best for your home, you should consider design options. It is the constructive options that will tell you how to choose a roof for the house. Types of roof structures:

single slope type- a simple and inexpensive design, consists of the structure of one inclined surface, which is fixed on two load-bearing sides of the building and is located over the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe house. This type of roof excludes the presence of good thermal insulation, poorly protects from the wind;
double slope type- this type is mounted from two identical slopes, fixed on opposite sides of the building and connected to each other in a ridge. The gable roof is practical, perfectly drains water, does not require the use of complex building technologies and has a fairly attractive appearance. Under-roof space allows you to place a heating system or an attic;

For information! A gable roof has a characteristic feature - it is mounted according to the parameters of the house, the larger the building, the more material is consumed.

Four-slope type- when choosing this type of roof, additional engineering calculations should be taken into account. The design consists of triangular and trapezoidal slopes, which have high strength and reliability. However, it should be borne in mind that the hipped roof is quite heavy and the future structure must have strong load-bearing walls;

For information! The hip type of roof is classified as four-slope, a structure of two slopes is installed, which completely cover the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe building.

Multi forcep type- consists of many pitched elements, so they are most often used for multi-level buildings.

A large number of slopes significantly increase the living space and give the house a more presentable appearance.

Characteristics of the roofing material

Roofing material plays an important role in the design of the structure, the practicality and reliability of the roof depends on the material. The modern construction market and technology offer a large selection of materials, so before deciding which roof to choose, we advise you to study the characteristics of the materials. All materials are classified according to the level of rigidity, release form and composition. Covering in a private house can be made of:

mineral materials - shale products of natural origin, various minerals and ardrogres are used in their production;
ceramic products (ceramic tiles) - made from clay;
bitumen products - organic substances and processed oil products are used in production, these include roofing material, bituminous slate and tiles;
metal products - made of zinc, aluminum alloy and copper (galvanized profiled sheet and metal tiles);
cement - made from sand, Portland cement and asbestos (slate, tiles);
polymer products - they are based on PVC and synthetic rubber (membrane, polypropylene).

For information! When choosing a roof covering material, study the characteristics of the product. Remember, manufacturers provide quality certificates and a guarantee for their products.

Roofing materials have different forms of release and the level of rigidity (soft or hard). For example, a product may be released:

piece by piece (tile);
sheet form (slate, ondulin);
in the form of a roll (polypropylene, roll membranes).

It is impossible to unequivocally answer which material is better to choose for roofing work, because. in each case, the owner and developer are guided by the project of the future building.

Advantages and disadvantages of the material

Before choosing a material for the roof and performing all installation work, you should study its advantages and disadvantages. The material should not only have an attractive appearance, but also be practical, resistant to external stimuli and have high performance characteristics. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of popular roofing materials.

metal tile

Metal tile is the most affordable and popular. The product has high strength, the sheets are able to protect the structure from sunlight, frost and wind. Thanks to great choice color palette, the future owner of the house will have no problems choosing the material for the design of his design. Among the shortcomings can be noted:

low sound insulation;
due to the fact that the metal of the product is thin, it is necessary to perform thorough thermal insulation;
the coating is subject to rust and damage.

Ceramic tiles

Ceramic products are high-quality and durable products; a roof made of this material has a high level of noise absorption, and is also able to protect the structure from external factors. Of the shortcomings of the material, it should be noted:

the presence of a solid frame;
the design has a large weight, i.e. the walls and foundation of the house must withstand the load of the roof;
high price.

For information! If you decide to build a house and cover the roof with ceramic tiles, consider the angle of inclination from 22 to 60 degrees during installation.

bituminous tiles

Bitumen is highly resistant to corrosion and decay, and is also a good heat insulator. Bitumen makes the house not only attractive, but also silent and durable. When building a roof, an angle of inclination of more than 12 degrees should be taken into account. Of the shortcomings of the material, it is worth noting:

in severe frosts, the product becomes brittle;
fades in the sun;
such a roof increases the cost of construction, because. requires the construction of a solid foundation.

Decking

Decking is considered the lightest and thinnest material on the market. It is easy to install and quite easy to work with. It has good resistance to various mechanical damage; when mounting the roof, an angle of inclination of 12 degrees should be taken into account. Of the shortcomings, it is worth noting:

the product is subject to corrosion processes;
has low sound insulation;
requires careful lathing and thermal insulation.

For information! In the process of laying a corrugated roof, a large amount of material goes to waste.

Ondulin

Ondulin is a practical, reliable and well-flexible material, due to which it is possible to perform the installation of the most complex structures. The product perfectly tolerates any climatic conditions, protects from frost and sun, and also has high sound insulation.

For information! Manufacturers of ondulin give a guarantee of 15 years for the absence of leakage and cracking of the material. With a properly executed roofing process, ondulin can last up to 50 years.

Of the shortcomings of the material, it is worth noting:

over time, the product fades in the sun;
requires a good crate to ensure structural rigidity.

If you decide to build your own house and do all the work yourself, we advise you to carefully study the characteristics of roofing materials. Not only the appearance of the structure, but also its performance, safety and durability of the structure will depend on the chosen material.

The roof is an integral part of the supporting structure of any home and performs important protective functions. It protects the building from the influence of factors environment and heat loss, is responsible for maintaining a comfortable indoor climate. That is why its arrangement should be taken seriously, observing building codes and regulations.

Starting, the owner must decide on the type of future roof at the design stage. The strength, reliability, practicality and aesthetics of the future structure depend on this. What kind of roof to choose for the house? How to choose the right roof? And most importantly, how to be guided in the selection process? We will try to find answers to these questions in this article.

Which roof is better for a house: the main selection criteria

When deciding which roof is best suited for the building structure and which roof covering to choose, it is necessary to proceed from:
- placement of the house relative to sea level;
- climatic conditions and environmental pollution of the area;
- planned functional purpose under-roof space;
- features of the architecture of the building;
- his design.

All of these criteria play an important role in the selection process and best roof for the home satisfies each of them.

So, if a building is erected at an altitude of less than 400 meters above sea level, then any structural type of roof can be used for it, if at a height of 400 to 600 meters, it is necessary to arrange only a two-layer, non-flat upper ceiling. In areas remote from the city, where the air is little dusty and polluted with emissions, all types of roofing materials, both thin and thick, can be used. In ecologically polluted areas, the best roof for a house is thick, solid, with minimal porosity and permeability. In regions with a hot climate, the roof should be covered with non-combustible, flame-resistant materials. In regions with a temperate climate, a roof should be used that can better withstand sudden changes in temperature. If an attic is planned under the roof, then the roof should also have an attic structure, if it is planned to organize an attic, then the covering of the house should be attic.

It is important that the roof matches the architectural and stylistic concept of the building. When deciding which roof color to choose and how to choose the shape of the roof, it must be remembered that both color and shape should be in harmony with the facade, emphasizing the external attractiveness of the entire building. The first impression of the house depends on this.

What is the best roof? Design Options

To decide which roof is better to make for your home or summer cottage, you need to know what constructive roof options exist today. The top covering of the house is horizontal (flat) or inclined, pitched. The horizontal structure has no slope. Its absolutely flat surface traps atmospheric precipitation and does not remove them from the roof. This leads to leaks, damage and rapid deterioration of the roof. The pitched structure is arranged at a slope, its parts are connected at an angle. Due to this, atmospheric precipitation does not accumulate on the surface of the pitched roof, the roof is not damaged and serves as the top floor of the house for many years.

Depending on the number of inclined elements, roofs are divided into one-, two-, four-slope, multi-gable and hip. Depending on the shape of the slopes on: hipped and domed with rounded inclined surfaces; conical with elongated and connected into a spire slopes and roofs of the original design. How to choose a roof for a house from the listed varieties? based on their strengths and weaknesses. They are listed in the overviews below.

Shed roofs. They are arranged from one inclined surface, which rests on two load-bearing walls of different heights and is located above the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe house. They are simple and inexpensive to install, they wear out more slowly due to the absence of stressed elements, but they resist the wind worse, exclude the possibility of building good thermal insulation, an attic or an attic.

Double pitched roofs. They are mounted from two equal slopes, which are installed on opposite sides of the house, rest on load-bearing walls and are interconnected in the ridge. They are practical, efficient in terms of water drainage, do not require the use of complex building technologies for installation, and have an attractive appearance. Under them, you can always place a heating system, organize an attic or attic. However, the dimensions gable roofs depend on the parameters of the house, and the larger they are, the larger the size of the roof and the more material is needed for its construction.

Quadruple roofs. They are arranged from two triangular and two trapezoidal slopes. They are characterized by increased strength, reliability, resistance to external loads. Allows maximum use of the usable area of the under-roof space. But the weight of four-pitched structures is large, they can only be installed on thick and strong walls. When installing such roofs, additional engineering calculations and material costs are required.

Hip roofs. They are considered a kind of four-slope. They are arranged from a gable structure, which does not completely cover the length of the house, and two inclined hips that cover the remaining space.

Multi-gable roofs. They include a different number of pitched elements, have a complex structure and are most suitable for multi-level buildings. They look original and presentable. Thanks to the many slopes, they significantly increase the living space. However, their construction is costly and laborious. With an abundance of precipitation, snow and rain can linger on their surface, which accumulate in the corners between the slopes. And this complicates the process of water removal and requires the creation of a complex system for its removal.

Domed, hipped, conical and other unusually shaped roofs look beautiful, but have a complex truss system. Therefore, their installation is the most expensive.

How to choose the angle of the roof and its height

The slope and height of the roof are determined by the architectural, stylistic features of the house. If it is built in a classical style, then it should have a large cover with a slope angle of 40-45º. The height of the roof should be 1/3 of the height of the entire building. When deciding how to choose a roof angle for a house built in the modern style, you should remember that modernity is characterized by smooth lines. Therefore, the angle of inclination should be less than 40º, and the height should be about 1/4 of the height of the entire building. If the house is being built in the Gothic style, then for its pointed roof you should choose a large angle of about 60º.

Architectural fashion is changeable, and today you can find buildings of intricate shape, original design and decoration. But, whatever the stylistic execution of the dwelling, the question of how to choose the height of the roof should be guided by several general principles. The principles of proportionality, practicality and aesthetics. The roof must not:
- "hang" on the windows;
- be "planted" too high above them;
- to give the impression of "pressing" on the whole house.
Excessively high coverage of the house will pull all the attention.

When deciding which corner of the roof to choose, one should take into account the peculiarities of the climate of the region. If the climate is windy, then the slope should not exceed 45º, so that the load on the roof is not too large, and should not be less than 10º, so that the roof does not tear off the roof during strong gusts of wind. If the climate is characterized by heavy snowfalls in winter, then the slope angle should be 40-45º. If it is less, the snow load on the roof will exceed the allowable one. In regions with low rainfall, the slope angle can be 30º.

Roofing for the roof: how to choose what it is?

The main role in the reliability of the roof is played by the roof, or rather the material from which it is made. The strength, durability and stability of the roof depend on the quality characteristics of this material.

The modern market of roofing materials offers consumers the widest range of products. Before you choose a roof for your home, you need to familiarize yourself with it.

All roofing materials are usually classified according to composition, release form and rigidity. Depending on what they are made of, they are divided into:
- mineral - made on the basis of natural slate, ardrogres and minerals (slate tiles);
- ceramic - produced on the basis of clay ();
- bituminous - made from oil refining products with the addition of organic substances (bituminous tiles, bituminous slate);
- metal - produced from zinc, copper and aluminum alloys (, galvanized profiled sheets);
- cement - produced on the basis of sand, asbestos, Portland cement (cement-sand tiles, slate);
- polymeric - are made on the basis of synthetic rubber and PVC (polycarbonate, polypropylene, membranes).

Depending on the form of release, roofing materials are divided into:
- piece (tile);
- sheet (profiled sheets, slate,);
- rolled (rolled membranes, polypropylene).

Depending on the rigidity, materials are divided into:
- soft - roll, polymer;
- solid - piece and sheet of cement, metal, ceramics, slate.

Which roof is better to choose? And what material is better to cover the roof? The answer to these questions cannot be unambiguous, because the universal concept " best material for the roof" does not exist. For each specific building, its own roof is selected.

How to choose a roofing material? Experts recommend that the analysis be based on the architecture of the roof, on the conditions of its future operation and the desired durability; proceed from the possible loads that will be exerted on the roof from wind and precipitation, as well as from their own material capabilities. If you take into account all of these factors, then you can easily determine the best roof covering.

What is the best roof? Overview of the most common materials

To understand which roofing material is better, and decide what is better to make a roof from, you need to know the features, advantages and disadvantages of roofing materials. Most often in private construction, tiles, slate and bituminous sheets are used. We provide a brief overview of them below.

Tiling. It is a 30x30 cm tile. It can be ceramic, metal, bituminous and cement-sand. The slope at which it can be used is 20-60º. Service life is about 20-30 years. It is characterized by a low degree of flammability, porous and "breathing" structure, high resistance to corrosion, low temperatures. When choosing what material is better to cover the roof, it should be borne in mind that the tile is a heavy, fragile material. When installing multi-gable roofs, it entails technological difficulties.

Slate. Represents rectangular embossed sheets of asbestos and Portland cement measuring 1.2x0.7m. The slope of the roof, at which it can be used, is from 12 to 60º. Service life is about 30-40 years. Differs in durability, resistance to loadings and low cost. When deciding which material for the roof is better, you need to remember that slate is able to accumulate moisture, and therefore is exposed to many biogenic factors.

Bitumen sheets (euro slate) Represent a rectangular corrugated material 2x1m in size. The minimum slope at which it can be used is 5º. The maximum slope is not standardized and can be anything. The service life is about 15-20 years. Leaves are varied colors, attractive appearance, light weight and easy to install. However, when determining how best to cover the roof, it must be taken into account that euroslate is characterized by low frost resistance and belongs to combustible flammable materials.