At home with flat roof could be found in our country rarely. However, today projects of houses with a flat roof have begun to be considered again, so it is worth paying attention to their advantages, disadvantages and features. This article will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of such projects, the features of laying a flat roof and design options for the roof space.

The reason for the increasing popularity of flat roofs today is modern design trends. This was also facilitated by the emergence of new building and roofing materials, which made it possible to create not only pitched or hipped roofs, but also high-quality flat roofs.

Since the flat roof structure has some differences from other traditional options, the construction technology will also differ. First of all, this concerns surface waterproofing, as well as the drainage system.

When considering the idea of ​​​​creating a flat roof in a private house, it is worth paying attention to the following advantages of this solution:

• if, then such a roof will fit perfectly into general form. They look original square houses with a flat roof and rectangular;
• building a flat roof requires less time, since it has a smaller area, so working on such a surface is easier and more convenient;
• the flat roof provides the opportunity to utilize this additional space. For example, a cozy terrace can be equipped upstairs;
• when it comes to maintenance, there is nothing easier than working on a flat roof. There is no need to involve steeplejacks to clean drains or ventilation ducts. Almost any flat roof repair can be done by the owner himself;

• The flat roof space can be used by the owners not only as a recreation area, but also for installing various specialized equipment. For example, many people want to install solar panels as alternative source receiving electricity. The same applies to wind generators, all kinds of heaters and systems designed to collect rainwater.

The nuances of building houses with a flat roof: photo examples

Speaking about the shortcomings and difficulties associated with the implementation of projects modern houses with a flat roof, it is puzzling that despite the significantly smaller area, as well as the relatively low cost of roofing materials, it is no cheaper to build a flat one.

This is due to the fact that a flat roof necessarily requires high-quality reinforced concrete floors. This issue is especially relevant if the roof surface will be used. Using this space creates a significant load on the entire structure of the house, including the foundation and walls. Thus, saving on the roof leads to an increase in the overall cost of building a house.

It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of how to solve the problem of snow accumulating on the roof surface. There is an opinion that a layer of snow has some positive effect, creating additional thermal insulation, which leads to a decrease in heat loss. But we cannot ignore the fact that snow is an additional load on the building.

We often have to deal with the fact that if the roof seal is broken, the process of snow melting is accompanied by roof leakage. To avoid this, you must initially ensure that the materials for waterproofing the flat roof are of high quality and installed in accordance with the requirements and recommendations.

Projects of houses with a flat roof: types of structures and their purpose

Modern flat roof houses may vary depending on the type of roofing. Accordingly, this will affect construction methods and further operation of the surface.

The roof space allows owners to regularly be on its surface, as well as install various objects without the risk of damage. The base of such a roof must be as rigid as possible, so reinforced concrete is most often used for this purpose. Special requirements are also placed on the heat insulator: it must be resistant to severe loads and also have high compressive strength.

Unused roofs are not designed for heavy loads. In this case, replacement is acceptable concrete base to less durable wood. In this case, a house with a flat roof is equipped with special bridges or ladders, which reduce the load on the surface and prevent damage if it is necessary to move along the roof.

Inversion roofs – special kind, which provides for the location of insulation above the waterproofing layer. This allows you to protect the bottom layer from exposure external factors: temperature changes, sunlight and mechanical loads. It also increases the number of permissible melting and freezing cycles of the material.

In most cases, this type of roof is used as a serviceable one, since you can move freely on it, as well as install moderately heavy pieces of furniture and decor. Moreover, this type of roof is considered the most durable among others.

Important! Regardless of the type of roof you choose, you should ensure that you have a suitable drainage system. There are special external drains for flat roofs that can effectively solve the problem of water accumulation.

Options for installing a flat roof of a private house: how to use the space

Considering the fact that every square meter of territory has its own cost, you have to save money by using space rationally. And in this matter, flat roofs occupy one of the leading positions. Indeed, in the case of arranging a used roof, the owners actually receive another floor, albeit subject to seasonal use. Today there are even frame houses with a flat roof.

This solution may allow you to abandon the traditional veranda if the size of the plot is not too large. For many owners of small plots, arranging a roof garden is an excellent solution.

Other common options for using a flat roof include creating a recreation area, such as a gazebo. With a flat roof, the dream of a setup or barbecue becomes possible.

Another very interesting option– arrangement of a swimming pool roof on the territory. Of course, this will require considerable financial costs, as well as a large amount of work associated with calculating the upcoming load. However, if you entrust this to professionals, you can get an excellent place to relax. As an example, you can consider several photos one-story houses with a flat roof arranged in this way.

Helpful advice! In order to create a special atmosphere and comfort on the roof, you should take care of the availability good lighting. It may be small Spotlights or garlands. The main thing is that they are designed for use in outdoor conditions.

Another original solution for arrangement one-story house with a flat roof - a sports ground. For a small house, suitable option installation of exercise equipment or arrangement of a basketball court. For larger houses, designers provide even more original solutions. So, you can find projects two-story houses with a flat roof, which are equipped with a tennis court and a helicopter landing pad.

How to make a flat roof: features of construction technology

When talking about houses with a flat roof, you need to understand that they still have some, albeit slight, slope. Usually this figure does not exceed 5o. But this slight slope is very important as it allows rainwater to flow towards the drain.

Since a flat roof consists of many layers, in the process of laying them it is necessary to strictly observe not only the technology, but also the time intervals. The quality of materials also plays a big role. Therefore, saving in this matter is highly not recommended.

Let's look at what each layer of the roof pie consists of, and what you should pay attention to during the construction process.

Rigid base. As already mentioned, if the roof is planned to be used, it is usually made of reinforced concrete. As preparatory work the base is thoroughly cleaned and then leveled. For this purpose they use cement screed, as it perfectly eliminates all small crevices, cracks and chips. At this stage it is important to wait completely dry solution before moving on to further work.

Vapor barrier layer. As vapor barrier material For flat roofs, a bitumen-polymer film or vapor barrier is usually used. The main task of this layer is to provide reliable protection against moisture and condensation, preventing them from entering the building materials from inside the building. At this stage, it is important to seal all joints and seams as thoroughly as possible, since they pose the main danger.

Insulation. This layer directly determines the life and quality of operation of a flat roof, and therefore its features are worth dwelling on separately. Unlike pitched structures, in this case there is no space under the roof. Usually it serves as additional thermal insulation, so the importance of high-quality insulation greatly increases.

The most popular material used for this purpose is mineral wool. Due to the presence of such characteristics as fire safety, long service life, resistance to moisture and steam, as well as compression, this option is almost ideal.

Related article:

Types of house roofs. Design Features different types roofs Roofing coverings. Types mansard roofs. Insulation of roofs. Photo gallery of beautiful designs.

Another advantage that mineral wool has is that a layer of waterproofing material can be laid directly on top of it. Typically, in order to improve the thermal insulation characteristics of a flat roof, they use two-layer system insulation. In this case, the lower layer takes on the main thermal insulation function, while the upper layer serves for distribution. You can learn more about this by looking at several photo projects of one-story houses with a flat roof.

Features of choosing waterproofing material for a flat roof

For waterproofing, a durable, stable and elastic material is used that is not affected by temperatures and microorganisms. In the case of arranging a roof that is not in use, bitumen or roofing felt is suitable; in all other cases, it is better to give preference to more modern materials, for example, a PVC membrane.

Interesting! Modern waterproofing materials are able to withstand heavy loads, which becomes an advantage when arranging a roof garden.

There are several options for solving this problem:

• penetrating (diffuse) membrane;
• EPDM membrane;
• waterproofing agents that are applied by spraying, for example, liquid rubber;
• PVC membrane.

Given that high-quality styling and compliance with all recommendations, the service life of such materials will be up to 30 years. In addition, practically no mechanical impact can damage them.

If we talk about which of the listed options is better, then the PVC membrane takes the leading position. Due to the fact that they are made of polyvinyl chloride, they are lightweight, do not catch fire and are extremely resistant to ultraviolet radiation.

Helpful advice! If we're talking about about the arrangement of a roof that has a complex geometric structure, it will be more effective to use liquid polymers as waterproofing. This will avoid the presence of seams. It is also better to use soft roof. The technology for installing a flat roof in this case is greatly simplified.

Features of arranging a drainage system in house projects with a flat roof: photos

The most important factor determining the service life of a flat roof is the quality of the drainage system. This is necessary to eliminate the risk of water stagnation on the surface and, as a result, damage to materials. The house design can include one of two systems – internal or external.

Sometimes, in order to prevent the accumulation of snow and ice in the drainage system, heating is additionally installed, which consists of a special cable that heats up.

Due to the presence of a slight slope, water enters the drain funnels and is then drained away from the house. At this stage, it is important to pay attention to the quality of waterproofing of the junctions of the elements with the roof. This allows you to keep the design of the facade of a house with a flat roof in original form and prevents erosion of the foundation.

Helpful advice! In order to prevent clogging of the drainage system, it is recommended to ensure the presence of a special mesh that will serve to “catch” debris.

House with a flat roof: catalog of projects and features of the implementation of original ideas

Plants planted directly on the roof surface, rather than in pots, look incredibly impressive on the roof of a house. But this technology has its own nuances, which you need to familiarize yourself with in advance.

A layer of geotextile is placed between the drainage and the soil. This prevents the process of soil being washed out into the drainage, as well as its washing. This is facilitated by the dense arrangement of synthetic fibers.

If planting is not planned, the procedure is somewhat simplified and can be reduced to applying a concrete screed, on top of which tiles will be laid or a special layer will be poured. Sand and gravel. Which option is preferable depends on how the roof will be used in the future.

Considering the projects of one-story houses with a flat roof, you can see how important the presence of such additional space plays. If the area is properly equipped, this place can become a favorite place for the whole family. In addition, this idea can be implemented for other buildings. For example, you can make a bathhouse with a flat roof or a gazebo.

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Most often, when designing private houses, pitched roofs are used, but cottages with a flat roof, as in the photo, are much less common. IN last years after the appearance latest technologies And modern materials for covering flat roofs it is possible to create effective waterproofing, despite their unusual shape.

The presence of such a roof makes appearance a private house is exclusive and original, as it stands out against the background of buildings with hipped or pitched roofs.

Projects of cottages with a flat roof have their own characteristics, and their construction is associated with some nuances, since the roofs on them can be:

Advantages and disadvantages of a flat roof

A flat roof provides the property owner with a number of advantages, including:

The disadvantages of the structural solution of flat roofs include:

• carrying out installation with strict adherence to the technology of their waterproofing and. The slightest violation of the rules as a result of negligence or negligence results in the roof leaking if precipitation accumulates on it. Extraordinary roofing repairs will cost a considerable amount, and sometimes it is necessary to carry out a complete reconstruction of the cottage roof;
• availability in winter period on a flat surface, a large amount of snow requires (if the roof is planned to be used) regular snow removal, which can only be done manually;
• in the process of melting snow on waterproofing layer there is a significant load

Features of flat roofs

When developing a project for a cottage with a flat roof, regardless of the number of floors in it, the following features must be taken into account:

Creating a flat lightweight roof

If they plan to build a cottage with a flat roof with a lightweight roof, they do not plan to use it.

The procedure for constructing such a structure is as follows:

As a result of the work performed, a flat roof is obtained, which is of the lightweight type. It performs the functions assigned to it completely, but it is not able to withstand even a slight load. If desired, arrange on a flat roof small place for recreation, it is necessary to build a roof using a completely different technology.

Construction of a house with a flat roof, more details in the video:

Construction of an exploitable flat roof

When designing cottages with a flat roof and a hard surface, it is assumed that the created roof will not sag under the weight of the load (read: ""). There are several ways to construct a serviceable pavement.

One of the most simple options is the laying of concrete slabs as flooring. Bearing structures To do this, they must have a significant margin of safety; in addition, installation is carried out using construction equipment. A roof made of concrete slabs must be insulated, but such work can only be done from inside the room.

Another method is the construction of a roofing floor based on metal support beams - T-bars or I-beams and channels. A boardwalk made of lumber is laid on top minimum thickness 22 millimeters, and a layer of expanded clay of at least 150 millimeters is poured on top of it. The hard covering is provided by a concrete screed.

The most modern way of arranging a solid surface is the use of large-sized ceramic building blocks. They are laid on support beams, and they provide the roof along with mechanical strength quite good soundproofing and thermal insulation characteristics. Among the advantages of such ceramic roofing blocks, one cannot fail to mention their excellent resistance to moisture. Before making a screed for such a roof, backfilling with expanded clay is not required. The disadvantages of ceramic blocks include their high cost.

They build cottages with a flat roof of a solid type with laying roofing membranes(not necessary). They provide additional waterproofing and improve the performance of a flat roof.

Residents of the post-Soviet space staunchly associate flat roofs with multi-storey standard houses. Modern architectural thought does not stand still, and now there are many solutions for private houses and cottages with a flat roof that look no less interesting than pitched structures.

Peculiarities

The one-story house with a flat roof has a stylish and modern look. Basically, such designs are stylized in a special way, choosing the directions of minimalism or hi-tech. Traditional styles they will not be suitable for buildings with such a roof, since such roofs have only recently been developed properly, therefore, any of the classical trends will look ridiculous here.

Of particular interest is how exactly the roof will be used: either for its intended purpose, or as an additional open tier-terrace. It is necessary to decide on this issue in advance in order to competently draw up a project plan.

Materials

For the construction of 1-story cottages with a flat roof, they are used various materials, however, it is worth keeping in mind that not all of them are suitable for the Russian climate. In winter, a large amount of snow falls over almost the entire territory of Russia, which greatly increases the load on a flat roof. Therefore, you cannot make walls from light and insufficiently strong materials. In this regard, popular frame buildings will not work, but there is another prefabricated option.

Materials for floors and walls differ. If almost all durable types are suitable for walls (monolith, brick, wood), then for the roof you will have to choose the type of building material more carefully.

Reinforced concrete slabs

Hollow or flat iron concrete plates used in modern construction for floor coverings. They are strong enough to support the weight of a flat roof.

Plates have many positive qualities:

• strength;
• durability;
• good sound and heat insulation characteristics;
• speed of installation;
• resistance to corrosive phenomena.

photos

The main disadvantage of the material is that it is produced only in standard sizes, this must be taken into account when creating the project. Reinforced concrete slabs are suitable for floors only in a house that has a reinforced foundation.

Corrugated sheet

For floors, a special corrugated sheet is used, which is called load-bearing. Like the previous option, it is perfect for installation as a flat roof. Load-bearing corrugated sheeting is very popular mainly because of its low cost. This material costs significantly less than all the others. However low price did not prevent him from establishing himself as durable and universal material, which has an excellent ability to withstand the heavy loads that a flat roof is subjected to.

Load-bearing corrugated sheeting weighs much less than reinforced concrete slabs, so it is optimal for creating flat roofs in an average climate zone with little precipitation in winter.

Monolithic concrete

This material is used for floors quite rarely due to the complexity of installation. Here you first need to prepare the mixture, after which you can fill it. Only true professionals in their field can do this. However, it should be noted that monolithic concrete It works well as a flat roof, but only if the manufacturing and installation technology has been fully followed.

Modern one-story houses with a flat roof are not usually built from traditional materials. Modern developments that can withstand and harsh winter, And summer heat. At the same time, they are easy to work with, and the construction itself does not take much time.

SIP or sandwich panels

The catalog of every self-respecting construction agency contains standard designs for one-story houses with a flat roof made of SIP panels. Please note that it is best to order cottages made from this material. Construction requires special technology, so it can be difficult for a beginner to work with sandwich panels.

Speaking about the advantages of panel houses, we can note their low thermal conductivity and high noise insulation characteristics. Construction costs much less than using brick. At the same time, abandoning the pitched roof also plays a significant role.

Flat roof

We are all accustomed to seeing flat roofs only on Soviet-built multi-story buildings. There is an opinion among many that such roofs are boring, and real home should only be equipped with a pitched roof. In the light of recent architectural developments, this belief can be argued, especially if we remember the many advantages of such roofs.

It is impossible not to make a reservation that one-story houses with a flat roof can only be stylized in a modern direction. The flat roof itself looks futuristic, and you need to use this free space.

Advantages

There are many benefits of flat roofs.

• Easy to install. The construction of a flat roof can be completed in record time.
• Reliability. If you organize the roof in the right way, it will be able to withstand heavy weight. Moreover, if something happens, repairing such a structure is much easier than repairing the rafter system.
• Excellent thermal insulation. Regardless of what type of flat roof structure was chosen, it will perfectly retain heat inside the house.

• Cheapness. Compared to pitched ones, flat structures are much cheaper both in terms of materials and time consumption.
• Easy to install equipment. Antennas, air conditioners, and various service communications are much easier to locate on a flat surface than on a slope.
• Interesting view. If the house itself is decorated in the style of “minimalism,” then a laconic roof without a slope will perfectly complement the overall look.
• Additional area. If desired, the roof can be strengthened and used to organize space for a playground, garden or recreation area. Some even make a swimming pool here.

Flaws

There are not many disadvantages, but they still exist.

• No matter how good the roof is, there is always a chance that it will leak. In case of flat design the risk increases many times over, because it is subject to heavy loads due to the fact that the snow does not roll off.
• If you plan to use the cover for your needs in winter, snow and ice will have to be cleared off manually.
• The construction of a flat roof must be carried out in full compliance with the technology, otherwise there is a risk that it will leak or will not withstand the loads and collapse.

Varieties

Pitched roofs are divided according to several criteria, including the method of use and the type of installation of materials. As a rule, the name of each of the characteristics speaks for itself.

By method of use

Roofs can be used or unused.

Used roofs are those that are used not only as roofs, but also as additional space for spending time. Reinforced systems are used here, allowing not only to place heavy equipment on the roof, but even to organize a “green corner” here, planting a lawn, flowers and even trees. Equipping a structure of this type costs quite a lot, and it is important to factor into the project in advance what weight load the roof will be subject to.

Unused roofs are much cheaper due to the fact that they do not need to be additionally reinforced and equipped with waterproofing. The only thing you need to pay attention to is the snow loads to which the roof will be exposed in winter.

By type of installation of materials

There are classic, inversion and breathable roofs.

Classic types are usually used when designing unused roofs. This is due to the fact that they have a lower load resistance coefficient. Moisture or mechanical stress can be detrimental to these roofs.

The layer layout looks like this (from top to bottom):

• top surface material (waterproofing);
• bottom welded material (waterproofing);
• screed (if provided);
• insulation;
• vapor barrier layer;
• overlap

Thus, an unprotected waterproofing layer quickly becomes unusable.

The inversion roof looks exactly the opposite, as can be understood from the name:

• ballast (gravel, crushed stone or other heavy material);
• vapor barrier;
• hydrophobic insulation;
• waterproofing;
• protective substrate (primer);
• overlap

Such flat roofs have a long service life and are optimally suited to the roofs in use.

Both classic and inversion designs can be breathable. They are equipped with aerators or deflectors to ensure additional ventilation, because there is no gap between the flat roof and the house, as is the case with pitched roofs. This leads to insufficient air exchange, so organizing ventilation system so important.

Project

When designing a one-story house with a flat roof, it is extremely important to pay close attention to the type of roof. Here the roof is the most important component. Russian companies They have been engaged in similar design for a short time, so contact only trusted agencies.

For many, flat roofing is associated with urban multi-story buildings, faceless and monotonous. But we are ready to surprise you! A flat roof in a private house will be a pleasant discovery for you if there is not much snow in your area, but the winds are quite strong. The fact is that in winter all snow accumulations from such a roof will simply be blown away. And the main thing is that not a single strong hurricane can tear off a roof that simply does not exist! And a whole ocean of possibilities opens up before you, which you can now build above your head: a cafe, a dance floor, a mini-garden and even a whole greenhouse!

The main thing is to know about all the intricacies of constructing houses with a flat roof, and everything will work out. And now we will reveal all the secrets.

• Such a roof is much smaller in area than the most gently sloping roof. And this means savings on materials.
• Such a roof is built much faster than a gable roof, and even more so a hip roof.
• Comfort and safety of all rafter work. You still have to manage to fall from such a roof!
• Convenient subsequent repairs and replacement of roofing.
• Unlike a gable roof, dismantling the old flat roofing is usually not necessary - this is additional waterproofing and protection. The new pie is made directly from the old one, which saves a lot of time and effort.
• The ability to use the roof as an additional useful area where you can plant a flower garden, make open terrace and even build a greenhouse.
• The ability to install transparent roof elements (with careful waterproofing), and thus create a view of the night sky.
• Possibility to build a house in a laconic way architectural form. Minimalism is at the peak of fashion!

And now – about the pros and cons:

• Such a roof generously accumulates snow. After all, he now has nowhere to slide, and the snow itself often becomes the cause of leaks.
• On especially generous days, the snow will have to be removed mechanically, which often damages the roofing.
• The structure of the roof becomes more complicated: now we need gutters, which also become clogged.
• The difference is that water drains from a pitched roof quite quickly (and sometimes it does get into the under-roof space). But on a flat one it actually stands!
  Insulation moisture control and general condition roofing should be regular.
• But, despite the fact that for its arrangement building materials you need much less than for a pitched roof; a flat roof is much more complex in terms of installation. Let's just say a lot more various subtleties and nuances that are important to know about.

That is why many have fair doubts about the reliability of such a roof. But the European and overseas experience of private residential buildings with a flat roof is successful, and therefore you can safely get down to business.

Just consider these points:

1. There is much more snow in Russia than in warmer European countries.
2. The only thing worse than snow is the big difference between summer and winter temperature, for which not all foreign roofing materials are designed.

And here technology decides everything!

What is a flat roof?

So, what acts as the load-bearing base of a flat roof:

1. Reinforced concrete slab.
2. Roofing sandwich panels.
3. Reinforced steel corrugated sheet.

And thanks to the fact that they learned to make a flat roof “breathable”, i.e. With internal ventilation, it has now become possible to use completely non-breathable waterproofing - roofing felt similar to it.

Any roof that we call flat actually still has a slight slope: to one side or specifically towards the drainpipe.

Here is the simplest example of a flat roof for a private home:

Types of flat roofing: non-exploitable and inverted

Of course, unused roofs are cheaper. And the exploited ones, which are correctly called “inversion”, include additional materials.

A separate type of flat roof of a residential building is exploitable. Those. the one on which people will walk and what objects will stand. This is the same garden, or sports ground, or summer cafe. All this creates considerable loads on the roof, and therefore its design is already different from that which is intended only to protect the house from precipitation.

So, the main difference in the design of traditional and inversion roofing is that in the first, the thermal insulation layer is located under the waterproofing, which is quite logical, and in the second, it is above it. But in the second option, the waterproofing is more protected from ultraviolet rays and temperature changes. This design is more durable and functional: you can safely lay out a lawn or lay paving slabs on it.

And now in more detail.

Unused roof: standard pie

But a person can also occasionally climb onto an unused roof - for the same repairs, for example.

Those. in a traditional flat roof, the top layer is waterproofing, and it is this that is exposed to all mechanical and temperature loads.

A separate type of it is a roof with a pressure layer, which is designed so that a person can walk on it from time to time:

Inversion roofing: reverse pie

The standard slope of an inversion roof is 5-7%. The inversion method assumes that the thermal insulation layer is already placed on top of the waterproofing, which now also serves as a vapor barrier.

Moreover, the pie of inversion flat roofs can be very different. It all depends on what you are going to arrange on the roof: a terrace, a mini-pool (and this is not uncommon) or a garden. But the base will still be common: a monolithic screed is made, which levels the entire surface, then waterproofing is laid and the whole thing is covered with insulation. And on top is a cement-sand mixture or rubber coating.

Note that active use of the roof means frequent damage to the insulating layer, which is why moisture makes its way to the insulation and freezes in winter. Over time, the entire roofing pie deteriorates, and therefore a flat roof cannot do without a ventilation system.

A cement-sand screed can even better distribute the pressure layer on the heat insulator, but it must be additionally reinforced with a mesh to prevent cracking.

Subtleties of flat roof insulation

A layer of thermal insulation for a flat roof is mandatory. For comparison: gable roof insulated only when equipment is installed underneath residential attic, and in all other cases the maximum is laid mineral wool on the attic floor. But for a flat roof, insulation is always necessary.

The fact is that without a heat-insulating layer in a flat roof, condensation will constantly appear on the ceiling in the house (such a roof will turn out to be the cold part on which water vapor will rush). And this is bad not only because repairs will have to be made, but also because the entire structure deteriorates.

You can insulate a flat roof both from the outside and from the inside - the difference is small. What is more important is how many layers of insulation a particular roof needs – one or two.

Thermal insulation materials need to be attached to the base of the roof mechanically, both screws or dowels, and glue. Sometimes the fastening is not used at all if the heat insulator is located from the outside and there is pressure on it paving slabs or pebbles.

Why two layers? The fact is that the first layer of thermal insulation on a flat roof acts as insulation; it is from 70 to 200 mm thick. And the second, from 40 to 50 mm, is designed to distribute all the loads. And it is important to calculate the thickness of both layers accurately, based on the climatic characteristics of the area and the future use of the roof itself.

With double-layer insulation, all joints should be spaced apart, in a checkerboard pattern, so as not to overlap each other. Moreover, in the places where the slabs adjoin the walls and parapet, it is additionally necessary to make heat-insulating sides. A cement-sand screed can even better distribute the pressure layer on the heat insulator, but it must be additionally reinforced with a mesh to prevent cracking.

Proper drainage system

But this is already a difficult task. Flat roofs are just bad because they are completely open to rain. But everything can be solved! The main thing is to properly organize the drainage, and for convenience, we have explained this issue for you in the following schematic illustrations:

Internal ventilation device

Another important point when installing flat roofs - ventilation. The point is that if moisture randomly gets into the insulation, it no longer evaporates - it only accumulates. As a result, the heat-insulating material rots and the waterproofing swells. And there are many reasons for leaks: damaged waterproofing, mechanical damage to the top layer of the roof, cracks and damage from frozen water.

A wet thermal insulator is also bad because it causes bubbles and cracks to appear on a flat roof in the summer heat - all due to the active evaporation of water. As a result, the roof covering also collapses. And if moisture gets under the old screed over time, then the entire roof begins to peel off. This is why a flat roof must “breathe”.

For this purpose, so-called aerators are used. They look like simple plastic or metal pipes, covered with umbrella caps. They should be located evenly over the entire roof area, preferably at its highest points. The essence of this mechanism is that different pressures are created inside the roof and the air begins to create currents, simultaneously taking with it all the excess moisture vapor.

In practice it looks like this:

In addition, in any living space, water vapor rises up to the ceiling. Moreover, they often successfully overcome this barrier (the water molecule is very small) and end up in the insulation, which is bad for it. This is why vapor barrier is required. And not the kind that is usually used for attic insulation, but a dense one, made of high-quality polypropylene or polyethylene. The bitumen membrane is even more reliable.

Choosing a suitable roofing covering

So, what is used as a coating for such roofs?

Option #1 – bitumen and polymer-bitumen materials

Such roofs are the least expensive for owners of private houses. We are mainly talking about roofing felt and euroroofing felt. These are roll roofing sheets based on synthetic fabric, and on the sides - bitumen. As an elastic and frost-resistant material, bitumen serves as excellent protection and waterproofing.

Moreover, laying bitumen roofing on a flat roof is absolutely simple, you only need gas-burner. The rolls are easily fused together.

But such a roof has a significant drawback - fragility. And another thing is that roofing felt does not breathe at all, i.e. It is vapor-tight, and therefore it is necessary to arrange ventilation for such a roof, unless you want the insulation to rot within a year:

Option #2 – liquid rubber

Such roofs have the great advantage that they do not contain any seams. As we have already said, the disadvantage of a flat roof is, first of all, that snow accumulates on it, which then causes leaks.

But there are some subtleties here. So, liquid rubber for a flat roof you need to take only a two-component one, preferably the highest quality one. And it is extremely important to apply this material correctly to a flat roof: evenly, avoiding unnecessary layers and saving on selected places. So, where the paint was applied unevenly, problems should be expected within 8-10 years.

Option #3 – PVC, TPO and EPDM membranes

Roofing membranes are valuable as a covering for flat roofs because they allow steam to escape. After all, no matter what kind of vapor barrier is used, moisture still, at least a little, gets into the insulation, not only from below, but also from above - after heavy rains, For example.

There are three types of membranes for installing such a roof: TPO, PVC and EPDM. The most popular is PVC membrane, which is also the most flammable. An EPDM membrane is more durable and affordable, but if mechanical damage occurs in it, nothing can be done to fix it, whereas a PVC membrane can only be melted with a hairdryer. In addition, the joints of the EPDM membrane must be glued with a special tape, which is much less reliable than soldering PVC sheets.

But the cheapest membrane in its sector is PVC. But it has such significant disadvantages as low resistance to ultraviolet rays and fear of contact with bitumen, various oils and even polystyrene foam, otherwise the service life will be significantly reduced.

Gluing EPDM membranes requires professional skills. TPO membrane, like PVC, is also welded with hot air. The best is not afraid of ultraviolet, is more chemically resistant and can be laid directly on polystyrene foam or old bitumen roof without geotextiles. But its service life is shorter than that of EPDM, so for installing a flat roof on a residential private house, we recommend using a PVC membrane.

So, a flat roof device with a PVC membrane is traditionally made like this:

• Step 1. We arrange a monolithic floor slab.
• Step 2. Place a tear-resistant vapor barrier film.
• Step 3. We make a bend from insulation or screed.
• Step 4. Place insulation. In private construction this is usually 35 density foam, and on top is 50 mm XPS, which is even stronger.
• Step 5. Now geotextiles, 300-500 g per square meter.
• Step 6. Let's move on to waterproofing - this is a PVC membrane. The insulation density is enough to allow walking on such a roof. But, if you plan to make an open terrace on the roof, then you need to continue the pie further.
• Step 7. Lay the geotextile again - now directly on the membrane.
  We lay rubber tiles or reinforced screed 5-7 cm, on which we already lay paving slabs. To make a screed, you need ballast.

And such roofs are made of rubber, polymers or even foil. Unlike bitumen, they are durable, fire-resistant and adhere firmly to the base. A slight slope is achieved using expanded clay concrete or concrete screed.

How to achieve 100% waterproofing?

The main task when installing a flat roof is to make all joints and junctions as airtight as possible. After all, such a roof is most affected by moisture, hail, temperature changes and wind-blown debris. Therefore, the sealants used to seal such joints must be of high quality and resistant to any influences. This is also a kind of expense that has to be incurred.

For the same purpose of waterproofing, it is recommended to make the slope of a flat roof at least 2%. Few? In fact, this is quite enough so that all atmospheric moisture does not linger on the surface, but flows down into funnels and pipes, and from them into the septic tank, soil or sewerage system. Therefore, even at the design stage, you need to carefully think through the future drainage system.

Moreover, the drainage system itself is made both internal and external. Thus, internal drainage is made up of fittings - funnels located throughout the roof, which receive the flowing water and direct it into pipes that go through the buildings, but are isolated from the living quarters. The only disadvantage of such a system is that the pipes become clogged with small debris and leaves, for which it is advisable to equip them with special filters and periodically clean them.

External drainage systems are already attached to the outer walls of the building. These are, of course, easier to clean when they become clogged, but in cold weather they often freeze over. For this reason, it is customary to additionally supply them with electrical heating in the form of cables.

As for the material for the internal and external drainage system of a flat roof, PVC or metal is quite suitable. Both options have their pros and cons. Thus, polyvinyl chloride does not corrode, but is more brittle than metal.

To prevent gutters from freezing in winter, equip them with roofing thermal cables.

Green area on the roof: fashionable and environmentally friendly

Greenery and recreation areas are often lacking not only for residents of the “concrete jungle”, but even for owners of private houses. The whole point is that the same beautiful garden furniture It’s not always possible to leave it in the yard of the house, and beautiful rare flowers in the garden flower bed are often trampled by pets. Therefore, it is not surprising that the green area on the roof has become fashionable among cottage owners. Especially if the access to it comes directly from the bedroom and no one else can disturb your morning peace with a cup of coffee.

There has also become a fashion for some cafes to make the roof flat and put a small greenhouse on it. All the greens go straight to the table! And it’s profitable, because it’s not so easy to bring fresh dill or onions to the kitchen, and it’s economically profitable - there’s somewhere to send kitchen waste. And it is difficult to understand who borrowed this idea from whom: enterprising residents of private houses with a flat roof, or the best minds in public catering. But the fact that such an arrangement of closed ground is beneficial is a fact: rodents will not dig under the beds, insects and pests will not reach (as well as pests in the form of neighbors), and the fact that it is always a little hotter on the roof is only a plus for the same tomatoes. But the main thing is to correctly calculate the loads on such a roof during construction!

And the roofing pie is often standard: waterproofing for the ceiling, thermal insulation, geotextiles, drainage and geotextiles again. And on top you can use both soil and beds:

Or in this version for more powerful floors:

A flat roof is a huge scope for any imagination. Designers and architects love to bring a variety of projects to life: a garden, a greenhouse, and treadmill, and a mini-beach with sun loungers, and much more. Some craftsmen even manage to make a parking lot on it!

Projects of houses with a flat roof

In our country, a flat roof is a rather atypical solution. Therefore, such a house will stand out among other buildings. A flat roof serves in its own way as an indicator of the status of the owner, the breadth of his views and the absence of conventions.

But a house with a flat roof is not just a tribute to fashion and a desire to stand out. If previously only elite apartment buildings, then today it is increasingly becoming an attribute country houses. The flat roof allows you to realize the fantasies that owners pitched roofs and never dreamed of it. This is a luxurious flower garden and a pond with a beach area. Material benefits also play an important role when choosing such a roof. After all, it eliminates the need to design and build a rafter system. True, a flat roof also has significant disadvantages. For example, the lack of under-roof space, and therefore the thermal insulation that it provides.

A house with a flat roof needs an attic with high-quality hydro- and thermal insulation. To do this you will need expensive materials. Whichever flat roof no matter what, a minimum slope is still necessary there. Usually it is 5-15 degrees. This angle of inclination is enough to prevent the roof from collecting rain and melt water. Moreover, on a perfectly flat roof you will have to make a slope, that is, give it some slope. For this purpose, special materials are used - plates with a certain angle. Can be used bulk materials. If you are worried about clearing snow in winter, calm down, you don’t have to pick up a shovel. A warm cable will help solve the problem, thanks to which the snow will constantly melt and flow off the roof on its own. However, even what is essentially a disadvantage can also be an advantage. It is not necessary to remove all the snow from the roof. By leaving it there in an amount safe for the roof, you get natural thermal insulation, which means you can save on heating.

If you decide to order a house project with a flat roof, you should remember that such construction may be associated with certain difficulties. For example, during the installation of a roof, all requirements for waterproofing must be met. Otherwise, you will end up with leaks and water pooling on your roof in the future. You can order individual project or buy standard project houses with a flat roof. In any case, you will be asked to choose one of two types of roofing. This can be a lightweight or exploitable flat roof. Lightweight roofing does not require operation. In this case, the beams are laid on top load-bearing walls and are fixed in place. The next step is to install the sheathing, then lay the waterproofing in several layers.

The next stage is laying thermal insulation and installing ventilation vents so that condensation does not accumulate in the insulation. Finally, you need to waterproof the roof using roofing membranes. If you choose ready-made house project with a flat roof and would like to arrange a recreation area at the top, then you need to choose a structure with a solid roof designed for significant loads. There are several ways to arrange such a roof. Concrete slabs can serve as floors. It will not be possible to lay such a roof without the use of heavy equipment; in addition, it needs to be insulated. You can also use metal support beams as the basis for the roofing. Most modern way– ceramic roofing blocks. This material will give the roof strength, keep heat inside and keep out sounds from outside. Such blocks are resistant to moisture.