Often, roof repairs can be done on your own.

Much has changed since the creation of the first dwelling by man, but one thing is invariable: every house needs a roof! In the course of evolution, a wide variety of roofing coatings have appeared, as they say, for every taste and wallet. But nothing lasts forever under the moon, and any element of the house fails over time. When the roof as a whole or its individual components are somewhat worn out, there is no need to carry out a complete replacement. A more convenient and budgetary way is to repair the roof with your own hands. It is mistakenly believed that the repair of the roof of a private house is an event that only experienced specialists can do. In fact, knowing the secrets and rules, you can do this work yourself.

Assessment of the situation and preparation for repair

The roof of a private house performs, first of all, a safe function, providing not only the comfort of living, warmth and coziness for all household members, but also preventing damage to property. Therefore, if the roof is leaking, and the owners are in no hurry to repair, the consequences can be disastrous.

Lack of inspection and repair can even lead to collapse.

Before proceeding renovation works, it is necessary to assess the situation and carry out an inspection of the roof, including the attic. How to do it? In every private house there is an attic or attic, this is where it is worth starting to analyze the situation. Climbing into the attic, the problems are visible to the naked eye: the degree of wear of the rafter system, its integrity, the presence of unpleasant odors of dampness and mustiness, and also mold stains or fungus. Wet spots on the ceiling or walls in living rooms can often indicate a violation of the functionality of the roof of a house.



For example, a leak can lead to increased humidity in the attic and the development of mold.

Advice! It is most convenient to inspect the integrity of the roof, including the attic, during heavy rain. So the places of leaks are clearly determined and it is easier to understand the reasons.

When the condition assessment is made inside the house, it is necessary to check the integrity of the roof outside. What to look for?




It is also important to check the integrity of the coating itself.

After a thorough inspection of all individual components of the roof of a private house, it is important to pay attention to checking the ventilation system and waterproofing. To avoid global problems and costly repairs, it is worth conducting a current inspection of the roof of a private house annually, the ideal time is the beginning of spring. Why is the repair of roofs of roofs relevant and every owner of a private house should know the nuances? There are several common problems that can lead to functionality and integrity issues:




The disadvantage of old roofs is that outdated materials were used to create them.

Having studied the problem in detail and assessing the situation, you can do the current repair of the roofing with your own hands, without involving specialists.

Roof system therapy

The rafter system is the roofing base of a private house. The main material for its construction is usually wood. Despite the treatment of the wooden surface with all kinds of antiseptics, the reliability of the rafter system may decrease. In addition to the violation of waterproofing, such a basis is negatively affected by various atmospheric loads: the severity of snow, rain flows, gusty winds. If damage to the rafters is detected, then it is impossible to delay the repair for a minute.



Even such a defect can lead to sad consequences.

Where to begin? First of all, in the affected areas, the sheathing and insulation are removed, the roofing is removed, the crate is partially disassembled. If a focus of rotting of the rafter support is identified as a result of damaged waterproofing, the site of the lesion is carefully cleaned. Boards 8-10 centimeters wide are lined on both sides at the site of the lesion of the support. In the event that the focus of decay extends to the very middle of the beam, reconstruction is performed. To do this, it is necessary to make a "prosthesis": the decayed part of the support is cut out, and a bar replacement is installed in its place, its length is 2 times the size of the decayed piece of the beam. The structure is reinforced on both sides with overlays and long nails.

Important! An obligatory moment: all areas of the lesion, even those carefully cleaned, must be treated with an antiseptic.

In addition to the failure of the supporting rafters, a damaged lathing can violate the integrity of the roof. Anyone can also handle its repair by doing the work with their own hands. For this, all cracks or deflections are replaced with new ones or reinforced. To strengthen the lathing, it is enough to lay a bar between the rafters, and fill the boards in the transverse direction.

Restoration of the waterproofing layer

One of the highlights is the thermal and waterproofing layer. In the event that it gets wet, the level of protection may decrease. To identify and fix the problem, you need to understand the structural features of the roofing pie:


If there is a violation of waterproofing, and heat loss has arisen, the work is not easy, but it is quite possible to do it yourself. The first step is to remove the skin, check the vapor barrier layer for moisture. If the vapor barrier is still wet, it is removed and a new one is installed in its place. Then the waterproofing layer is checked for integrity. If the film is damaged, it is replaced.

Important! The waterproofing film must bend around the rafters. To do this, it is fixed with special staples or nails.

This is followed by the laying of insulation plates. It is necessary to cut it out not end-to-end, but by making a margin of 1 centimeter in order to cover the rafter distance as much as possible. After the insulation is installed in place, vapor barrier is performed. As you can see, do-it-yourself repair and restoration of roof waterproofing is an essentially simple process, but a multi-stage process. Keeping the technology and sequence of steps, the event is within the power of even beginners. Installation of steam and thermal insulation of the roof https://www.youtube.com/watch?v\u003dvB0n1FXAP-U

Repair recipe

Due to the fact that today there is a whole firework of types of roofing, each material has its own problem areas and repair recipes.

  1. Metal tiles. Such a roof has the following problems:
  • corrosion and rust;
  • damage to the top coat of paint;
  • deflections and deformation.


The roof is made of metal.

The elimination of such problems is possible with your own hands. To do this, it is enough to unscrew the screws and replace the old sheet with a new one. Correct installation metal tiles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v\u003dCp5O0W3ADSo

  1. Rebated roof made of steel:
  • rotting of the upper layers;
  • damage to paintwork;
  • the appearance of gaps.


Steel seam roof.

Gaps can be closed with sealants. The integrity of the coating can be restored by covering the sheets with paint again, but pre-cleaning and disinfecting the lesions. Seam Roof Repair https://www.youtube.com/watch?v\u003dI6PKB9jdSEI

  1. Slate. Problems with slate roofthere may be several, but the most common is the appearance of cracks. To repair the blemishes of a slate roof, the following “therapy” can be used:
  • pour a thick layer of adhesive mass;
  • glue with epoxy glue;
  • cover with adhesive foil tape.


Slate is a rather outdated material and has recently become less and less popular.

There are often times when slabs start to knock on the slate roof. In this case, a violation of the fastening is possible, and the elements should be re-fastened with self-tapping screws. Slate roofing has many advantages, so its popularity is not diminishing. It must be remembered that the sheets are quite fragile and care and attention is needed when working with a slate roof. Minor Slate Roof Repair https://www.youtube.com/watch?v\u003d9Ria_1eVfvk

  1. Bituminous shingles. Such soft roofing has several potential problems during operation:
  • shedding of granulate;
  • the appearance of cracks;
  • deformation.


Bituminous shingles are quite popular in private houses.

Problems can arise from incorrect assembly, improper maintenance and uneven granulate application. Small cracks can be sealed, like on a slate roof. If the cracks are large or there are many of them, the elements must be replaced. Repair of bituminous roofs with rubber paint https://www.youtube.com/watch?v\u003dwKlvwk4hBOM The secret of success is simple: all preventive and repair work must be carried out in a timely manner. Reliable roof - it is always the coziness and comfort of living in a family nest. Given the fact that the process is quite simple, the work can be done by hand, by performing any current repairs, including mansard roof... For a high-quality result, it is important to know the secrets and structural features of the roof and the nuances of working with one or another type of roofing material.

Many do not even try to repair the roof of their own house on their own, considering this occupation hopeless. They call the craftsmen who are changing the old roof. However, today such repairs are quite expensive and not always justified. Sometimes you can repair the roof yourself and save a lot of money without having to worry about replacing the roof in the coming years.

The first step is to assess the condition of the roof. To do this, you will have to climb into the attic and inspect every element of the roof - the rafters, waterproofing and the floor of the attic. The greatest damage to wood is caused by dampness, so you need to carefully look for mold or mildew. Availability on wooden planks stains indicates that water is constantly getting there. It is advisable to inspect the roof during rain, then you will not have to guess whether the roof is leaking or not, and it will also be possible to identify problem areas.

It does not interfere with inspecting the roof outside. Here you need to pay attention to the state of the ridge, cornice, drainpipe, ventilation ducts, waterproofing layer, places where the roof is adjacent to pipes, etc. When examining, you need to pay attention to every centimeter of the roof. If moss begins to grow on it, then you need to get rid of it immediately. You also need to pay attention to the presence of all kinds of defects.

After assessing the condition of the roof, it will be possible to decide on further actions. If the damage is global, then it is advisable to involve foremen. Otherwise, repair work can be done on your own.

The main causes of roof leaks

Before proceeding to the description of the repair work, I would like to say a few words about what most often causes a roof leak. First of all, this is a violation of its integrity. In this case, the repair is reduced to replacing the damaged area. Leaks can also be caused by unsealed joints between the roof and pipes, parapets or antennas. Sometimes the roof starts to leak due to failure drainage system.

We repair the roof ourselves

The main element of the roof is rafter system Is a support for the roof. She takes over almost all the load. Therefore, the rafters must be systematically inspected and, if necessary, repaired.

First of all, you need to get to the rafter support itself, which is covered with crate, insulation, roofing and sheathing. Then assess the condition of the rafter support: if it is completely rotten, then the damaged area is cut out. After that, a rod prosthesis is installed, which should exceed the length of the rotted part of the support at least 2 times. On the edges of the bar prosthesis, it is necessary to install onlays. It is necessary to fasten the prosthesis to the support using nails, the length of which is 10-15 cm. During the work, temporary stands should be installed under the rafter support, which are removed at the end of the repair.

If the rafter support is slightly rotten, then it is enough to treat the affected area with special means and strengthen it on both sides with boards. It is advisable to use boards, the thickness of which is on average 4 cm, and the length is 1 m. Often it is not the rafter support itself that is damaged, but the crate. In this case, you need to replace the damaged crate or reinforce it.

Damaged heat or waterproofing

If the waterproofing layer is damaged, moisture enters the thermal insulation and damages it. Getting to the insulating layer is not so easy. It is located between the waterproofing membrane under the roofing material and the vapor barrier. Accordingly, the replacement of thermal insulation is a rather laborious process.

It is necessary to remove the inner lining and vapor barrier. In this case, do not rush to remove the thermal insulation material. If it is dry, it means that moisture did not have time to reach it. Consequently, he fully fulfills the functions assigned to him. Those plates, to which moisture has managed to get, need to be replaced with new ones. In this case, the thermal insulation material is placed between the rafters in a slightly compressed state.

Next, you need to assess the condition of the waterproofing layer. There should be no defects on it. If there are any, then the waterproofing membrane will have to be changed. Lay the material in such a way that it bends around the rafter supports. It is advisable to attach the waterproofing to the rafters using brackets.

Repair of roofing materials

Many people use metal tiles when arranging a roof. This roofing material must be replaced if it is rusty or defective. The metal tile is subject to partial repair, in addition, the manufacturer gives a guarantee for its products.

If steel seam roofing is used as a roofing material, then the need for repair is indicated by the presence of large gaps and the appearance of defects. Also, this material can rot. To get rid of large gaps, you can use silicone sealant. In case of significant damage, patches will have to be applied.

Clay and sand-cement tiles, as well as slate are subject to partial replacement. In this case, you need to follow the data stacking technology roofing materials.

If the integrity of the bituminous shingles is broken, then patches will have to be applied. This is one of the most whimsical roofing materials, so when repairing, you should think about changing it to a less whimsical metal tile.

And finally, a small video of roof repair from masters of their craft))

The durability of the roof rests on three pillars: competent design, adherence to technology during construction, proper operation and maintenance. If at any of these stages a mistake was made or an unprecedented natural disaster took place, some of the elements of this structural unit may be damaged. How to replace them correctly - read about this below.

Signs of the need to replace the roof roof

Of all roof elements, the most intense external influence external environment exposed roofing. Therefore, it also has to be changed or repaired most often. The signal for action is the following:

  1. Leaks. If water is still leaking out in small quantities, indirect signs may be observed: putrid, musty odor, mold, etc. large slope.

    Depressurization of the roofing leads to rotting of the wooden elements of the rafter system

  2. Damage. May occur when a branch of a tree or stone falls, careless cleaning or snow melting. In order to identify them in a timely manner, that is, before leaks appear, the roof must be periodically inspected. Also, the presence of damage can be reported by fragments of the roof covering, which fell to the ground.

    Mechanical damage to the roofing will lead to leaks

  3. Color change. If the roof is covered with ondulin, corrugated board or metal, then the color change indicates only the fading of the colored coating. There is no need to change the material unless the homeowner is aesthetically sensitive. Another thing is a soft roof. Some of its parts change color if stone powder has been washed off from them. And this is a very important element that protects fragile bitumen-polymer material from solar radiation and mechanical stress. Without powder, bitumen-based roll roofing materials soon begin to crack. It is useful to take a closer look at the drainage system: the washed off powder first of all accumulates here.
  4. Deformations. If a dent appears in a sheet of corrugated board or metal tile, it means that the protective polymer coating in this place is most likely damaged and allows water to pass through. Because of this, the steel will gradually deteriorate with rust. On soft roofs, water can linger in dents, and in this case, over time, it will surely seep into the roofing cake. Deformations here can be imperceptible and to reveal them, the roof is poured with water.

    Poor quality of asbestos-cement sheets led to their deformation

  5. An error when choosing a roofing material. The type of roofing must match the slope of the roof. It would be wrong to lay a thin corrugated board with a low wave on a gentle slope - it is unlikely to withstand the load from snow, which is quite high on such roofs. Installation is also a mistake. soft roof based on bitumen with a large roof slope: in the heat, such material will soften and slide.
  6. Also, the amount of overlap between sheets or panels depends on the slope: it should be the larger, the more gentle the slope is. If any discrepancy is found, the roof should be replaced before it starts to leak. It is also recommended to do the same if poor quality materials were used.
  7. Violation of the technology of fastening the roofing. In this case, replacement is not required, but it is necessary to re-roof the roof. Otherwise, after a strong wind or snowfall, you will have to make expensive repairs.

The location of the spot on the ceiling and the place of damage to the roofing are not always on the same straight line: for this reason, it is possible to detect the place of damage to the roof only after careful examination

Dismantling

It is necessary to remove the old roofing carefully and according to all the rules. Heavy sheets located at a height pose a danger to people and objects below, and the installer himself risks falling off. Usually dismantling is carried out in the following order:


It is advisable to dismantle the soft roof at temperatures below +20 0 С - at higher temperatures the bitumen softens and it is more difficult to work with it.

The seam seams, if it is necessary to reuse the sheets, are disassembled carefully, using a cuff hammer or two roofing hammers. If the roof is badly worn out and it is planned to be disposed of, the standing seams are broken open with a lapel hammer and crowbar, the recumbent ones - with a roofing chisel.

In conclusion, eaves overhangs, gutters and various additional elements are unfastened and lowered.

A roof drainage device can be assembled, for example, in this way:


Video: dismantling the seam roof

How to change the roof on a house

The snow and wind loads on the roof are quite high. If the installation is carried out without observing the technology, the case may end not only with leaks, but also with the breakdown of the roofing. Therefore, it is better to entrust the replacement of roof elements to conscientious and experienced professionals. But minor repairs, for example, installing a patch or replacing fasteners, can be done on your own.

Replacing the waterproofing film without dismantling the roof

According to the technology, the waterproofing film is laid over the rafters and fixed with a counter lattice, on which the crate is then stuffed. It may be necessary to replace this material, for example, for one of the following reasons:

  1. The resource is exhausted. That is, the film ceased to fulfill its functions due to natural aging.
  2. Gaps appeared. This happens if a low-quality film was used or that has insufficient strength, as well as if it is laid without sagging.
  3. Material selection error. It implies the use of a conventional airtight film instead of a vapor-permeable waterproofing membrane. If it is laid close to the insulation, as is done with membranes, it will soon get wet due to steam condensation. Ordinary vapor-proof films can be used as waterproofing only if there is a ventilated gap between them and the insulation, the same as between this film and the roofing.
  4. The membrane was placed on the wrong side. We are talking about waterproofing membranes that allow water to pass in one direction. Actually, this material is intended for laying on walls, but in principle, nothing prevents it from being used in roof structures. And it so happens that the film is laid on the wrong side, so it lets water into the insulation. In this case, of course, the waterproofing must be replaced immediately.

Ideally, the roof covering, battens and counter battens must be removed to replace the waterproofing film. But this is burdensome for the homeowner, especially if, due to lack of experience, he cannot do these works on his own and is forced to hire third-party contractors.

1, 4 - counter lattice; 2 - rafter leg; 3 - film to be replaced; 5 - heat-insulating material; 6 - vapor barrier film; 7 - drywall sheets; 8 - drywall frame nailed to the beams; 9 - new waterproofing vapor-permeable membrane

There is a simplified way to replace the roofing film, which does not require dismantling the roof and lathing:



With this method of replacing the film, less critical elements are dismantled than the roofing and lathing. But here too, accuracy is required: all the necessary gaps must be observed, and the vapor barrier should be made absolutely tight. The disadvantage of this method is that the new waterproofing film will not protect the rafters from moisture.

If there is no suitable roofing material at hand, a temporary patch can be applied to the place of damage, consisting of several layers of any fabric impregnated with nitro paint

How to replace metal on the roof

If the roof has a metal covering, the following abnormal situations are possible:

  • when laying the technology was violated;
  • used low quality fasteners;
  • a tear has formed in the sheet due to rust or impact from a heavy object.

The first case requires re-laying the coating, for which it is necessary to involve specialists. In the other two, the homeowner can make repairs himself.

Replacement of fastening hardware is carried out as follows:


If the sheet is punctured, it must be replaced with a whole sheet with the same dimensions. Proceed in the same order as just described. A small hole can be patched:


How to change beams without parsing the roof

The support for the rafters is a beam laid on top of the walls - Mauerlat. The end of the rafter is cut so that it rests on the Mauerlat with the entire area, as a result of which it can withstand the load without deformation. But if rotting processes develop in the support bar, the rafters gradually push through the weakened wood and the geometry of the slope is violated. The roof looks skewed and may leak.

You can repair a beam without parsing the roof like this:

The reasons that caused the decay of the Mauerlat are identified and eliminated. It can be:

  • damage to waterproofing over the wall or its absence. A piece of new roofing material or similar material should be laid under the Mauerlat;
  • insufficient treatment of the entire Mauerlat with an antiseptic;
  • leaks in the roofing;
  • disturbances in the operation of roof ventilation. Check for blockages of air vents under the eaves and under the ridge, roofing aerators. It must be ensured that no elements interfere with the movement of air;
  • leaking vapor barrier.

Upon completion of the repair, the struts are removed, the roof covering and cornice are installed in place.

Video: replacing rafters without disassembling the roof

Replacing the resin on the roof

Over time, bituminous roofing materials lose their elasticity and crack. The waterproofing properties of the coating can be restored by replacing the resin. Here's how it's done:


Complete roof replacement

If the roof covering is badly worn, it must be replaced entirely. They act like this:

  1. The old coating is dismantled as described above.
  2. A new roof covering is chosen. If a new crate is laid, it can be anything, as long as it matches the slope of the roof. If the replacement of the crate is not expected, it is better to use metal tiles or corrugated board: with such a coating, the flaws of the old frame will not be so noticeable.
  3. Tidy up the rafter system. Rotten or moldy areas are cut out and carefully treated with an antiseptic.
  4. If the resource of the waterproofing film is exhausted, it is removed and a new one is laid, nailing or stapling to the rafters
  5. If the roof was covered with slate and it was decided to replace it with metal sheets, a counter-lattice must be added to the rafter system. It does not fit under the slate, but it must be mandatory under the metal tile or corrugated board. Otherwise, cold metal will fog up from below in winter. Counter battens are 25 mm thick boards that are stuffed along the rafters from above. Thanks to them, a blown gap will be obtained between the waterproofing film and the crate, from which the steam approaching the metal sheets will be carried out by a draft.
  6. Starting from the bottom, a new roof covering is laid row by row. The row should start from the side opposite to the prevailing wind direction. That is, if the wind blows predominantly from the right in relation to the slope, then the laying of the row should be started from the left.

The row is usually laid in the following sequence:

  • fasten the first sheet with one self-tapping screw in the corner;
  • two or three more sheets are screwed to the first sheet;
  • the resulting chain is aligned horizontally;
  • finally screw all the sheets to the crate.

At the final stage, a ridge bar is installed. It is assembled from several parts, which, like the roofing sheets, must be laid with an overlap. It is also necessary to start laying from the side opposite to the prevailing wind direction.

Video: roof restoration

Slate roof repair

Slate has a very low cost and at the same time its service life is quite long. Therefore, this material is still used quite often, especially on country houses or farm buildings. But slate is fragile and therefore a crack or a hole can appear in it with a high probability. If the damage is small, it can be repaired in one of the following ways:


The preparation of asbestos-cement mortar is carried out in the following order:

  • knead the cement mortar by adding water and the same amount of PVA glue to the cement;
  • little by little the solution is introduced into asbestos, taken in a volume 3 times larger than the volume of the solution;
  • stir the mixture until smooth (it is important to knead all the lumps).

It is necessary to exclude the ingress of asbestos dust into the lungs, so the solution is prepared in a respirator.

Video: roof repair from asbestos-cement slate

As you can see, many types of roof repair work can be done by the homeowner himself. But whatever they may be, even the most insignificant, you always need to remember about safety. Do not climb onto the roof in wet weather when the surface is slippery; make sure the ridge hook on the roof ladder is firmly in place; use non-slip shoes.

Cracks, holes, punctures and other damage to the roof covering are serious problems that must be addressed before they cause more serious consequences. Dampness and streaks on the ceiling are only a small part of what leaks in the roof can lead to.

Home roof repair

Problems related to the construction of the roof and roofing are quite common situations that can be solved without resorting to the help of specialists. To find out the technical condition of the roof of the building, it is necessary to conduct a visual inspection of its structure.

To do this, you will need to go up to the attic and carefully examine the space around, the rafter system, the crate and others structural elements... As a rule, if the roof is leaking, then already during the inspection you can smell the persistent smell of dampness. In turn, due to constant dampness and moisture, the supporting elements of the roof will be affected by mold.

It is better to revise the roof in rainy weather - this will allow you to more accurately determine the places where the roof is leaking. If there are no signs of damage to the roof, and the walls and ceiling in the house are still damp, then the reason should be sought among possible problems in the water supply and central heating system.

Roof repairs must begin with an inspection of the attic space and the existing roof structure

The most common reasons, due to which it is necessary to carry out current or overhaul of the roof, include:

  • violation of the integrity of the roofing - cracks, tears, dents and other mechanical damage received during snow removal, cleaning of the roof covering, etc. As a rule, due to mechanical damage, leaks and damage to the thermal insulation cake occur;
  • depressurization of the seams of the roofing carpet - loss of tightness of the joints of the roofing covering with adjacent elements: chimney, walls, parapet, antennas. In case of violation of the laying technology, depressurization of the joints between the roofing sheets is possible;
  • damage to the drainage system - partial or complete failure of the roof drainage system. Usually, problems with drainage are observed on flat roofs, when water simply stagnates on the roof surface. As a result, both damage to the roofing and moisture ingress on the load-bearing walls buildings.

When inspecting the roof, remember that the leak may not be where water seeps through the roofing cake and drips onto attic floor... It's connected with design features pitched roofs, because of which water can freely flow through the rafter system.

Roof maintenance

The current repair of the roof is the restoration of the structure and the elimination of local damage to the roof. Usually needed when the area of \u200b\u200bdamage is negligible compared to the total roof area. All maintenance work can be done independently. This allows you to significantly save on wages. Instead, you can choose better materials.

Routine roof repair is aimed at eliminating local damage to the roofing

The following types of work are referred to the current repair of the roof:

  • replacement of the damaged section of the roofing carpet;
  • restoration of the tightness of the joint between various elements roof structure;
  • patch repair aimed at overlapping leaky areas of the coating;
  • single replacement of elements of the rafter system;
  • repair of the roof drainage system.

To carry out routine repairs, various materials, the choice of which directly depends on the roof structure. For example, for the repair of pitched bituminous roofs bitumen roll coatings are used. When repairing roofs, metal roofing, galvanized sheet metal or tile elements of similar color are used.

Overhaul is carried out in cases where more than 40% of the roof surface is damaged of various nature. If the roof structure is a rafter system, a thermal insulation pie, a vapor barrier and a roof covering, then a complete replacement of one of the roof elements is carried out only after a scheduled inspection.

It is better to entrust the overhaul to qualified workers who can not only carry out repair work, but also eliminate the cause of damage or mistakes made in the design of the roof structure.

Overhaul of the roof is carried out when more than 40% of the roofing surface is damaged

Overhaul is required in the following cases:

  • inconsistency of the roofing material with the type of roof;
  • mistakes made when laying the roofing cake;
  • inconsistency of the step between the rafter supports;
  • the presence of problems with the construction of the crate;
  • partial or complete absence of roof ventilation;
  • violation of the technology of laying and fixing the roofing;
  • oversights made during the adjoining of the roof covering to various communications;
  • errors in the design of the drainage system.

It should be noted that overhaul is carried out only in cases where the implementation of local repair work is impossible or will not bring results. For example, if there is damage to the rafter system of a gable roof, coupled with damage to the roofing pie, then maintenance is impossible. In this case, a complete search of the thermal insulation layer will be required, replacement of leaky rafter legs, as well as a complete replacement of the roof covering on one of the roof slopes.

When performing a major overhaul, it should be borne in mind that damage to the roof is not always associated with a violation of the technology for working with roofing materials or errors in calculations. Sometimes roof damage is caused by increased ground mobility. Because of this, the bearing elements of the structure are displaced and the rafter legs are skewed, as a result of which there is a depressurization of the connecting seams and damage to the coating.

Repair of the roof system

The rafter system is used to create pitched roofs. It includes vertical posts, inclined rafter legs and struts. All elements of the system are responsible for the bearing capacity of the pitched roof. With the help of the rafter system, the roof structure is able to withstand the load exerted by the roofing material, the volumes of snow lying on it, as well as streams of flowing water and gusts of strong winds.

The ingress of moisture on the rafter legs, struts and struts leads to the formation of mold and rot

Therefore, it is important to perform a routine inspection of the rafter system and, even in the presence of minor damage, carry out local repairs. Otherwise, not only the roof itself, but also the supporting elements of the structure may suffer.

The general technology for repairing a rafter system is as follows:


During work, it is recommended to substitute temporary supports under the rafter legs or posts being repaired - for this, it is better to do the work with a partner. After replacing the damaged elements, the insulating materials are laid back, the battens and roofing are installed. If these elements of the pie were also damaged, then their partial or complete replacement is carried out.

Repair of roof battens

The lathing of the roof consists of edged boards or sheets of moisture resistant material, laid perpendicular to the rafter legs. Sheathing boards are laid with a certain step, which is calculated in advance based on the expected load of the roofing material and snow masses.

Solid roof sheathing is made of OSB-boards or moisture-resistant plywood

The main problem affecting the integrity of the sheathing elements is moisture entering through damage to the roofing material. Therefore, the repair of the lathing is carried out in conjunction with the restoration or complete replacement of the roofing.

To repair the lathing, you will need to do the following:


As mentioned above, lathing boards must be laid at intervals, the size of which depends on the angle of inclination of the roof. For example, for pitched roofs with an angle of inclination of 5–10 o, the sheathing should be solid and can be made of moisture-resistant plywood or OSB. When installing the roof covering, the overlap between adjacent sheets should be at least 300 mm.

Roof cornice repair

Roof eaves or overhangs prevent runoff water from entering under the roof covering, on load-bearing walls, windows and other structural elements. Additionally, the cornices provide ventilation of the roof space.

Structurally, the eaves of the roof are formed by the protrusion of the rafter legs at a certain distance. On the front side of the structure, cornices are formed due to the protrusion of the rafter system outside the bearing wall.

It is better to use vinyl or steel siding for filing the eaves.

Repair of eaves, as a rule, is associated with the replacement of cladding material. Basically, for this, either elements of vinyl and metal siding, or a regular edged board treated with an antiseptic.

Replacing the skin is carried out according to the reverse technology. First, the finishing strip is dismantled, and only then the plastic or metal soffit. In the case of a board, it is enough to dismantle the damaged boards and replace them with new ones. When working with wood, remember that any structural element must be treated with two layers of water-repellent impregnation.

Roof repair materials

Various materials are used for roof repairs, ranging from bitumen mastic to create a seamless roofing carpet to a high-strength sealant used to seal metal roofs.

Adhesives for sealing

Adhesives for sealing are used in the construction of both flat and pitched roofs. They are used for sealing joints between sheets, canvases and various elements of roofing. Additionally, they can be used to eliminate gaps when laying materials near chimneys, gutters, vents and other communications.

Sealing tape or tape sealant is used to repair minor damage on a bitumen roll roof

Conventionally, adhesives for sealing joints can be divided into the following types:


Roof repair mastic

Bituminous mastic is a viscous plastic mass consisting of fine fillers and special additives, rubber, various resins and plasticizers. It is used both for waterproofing various surfaces and for constructing full-fledged roofs. For example, for sealing flat roofs for technical and storage rooms.

One-component bitumen mastic is used to repair local damage on a flat roll or soft roof

Bituminous mastic is characterized by increased elasticity, resistance to low and high temperatures, good adhesion to concrete and metal, as well as resistance to vibration and weak mechanical stress.

Depending on the composition, bituminous mastic is divided into the following types:


Any bituminous mastic allows you to create a seamless monolithic roofing sheet that reliably protects the roof structure and internal premises from dampness and moisture. In addition, mastics are ideal for local repair of bituminous flat roofs.

Among the disadvantages of these compositions, it can be noted that repair work is possible only on a sunny day, when the probability of precipitation is minimal. In addition, in the absence of work experience, it will be quite difficult to control the thickness of the bitumen layer, which can affect the final result.

Metal roof sealant

For the repair of metal roofs, a sealant based on bitumen or silicone is used. It is a water resistant bitumen elastomer based compound that can be used even in high humidity conditions. The composition is resistant to UV rays and can be applied both at low temperatures down to -35 ° C, and at high temperatures up to temperatures above 100 ° C.

Bitumen sealant removes minor damage on metal tiles and other metal roofing

Other advantages of this sealant include:

  • excellent adhesion to most materials used for roofing;
  • ease of application - the composition does not spread, does not drip and easily penetrates even into small cracks;
  • environmental friendliness - bitumen sealant does not contain asbestos and other highly toxic substances.

There are several restrictions when working with this type of sealant, which are usually indicated on the packaging. For example, after application, the sealant must not be painted over with paint based on organic solvents. It is also not recommended to use it in conjunction with foam insulation, which is often used for thermal insulation of roofs.

Metal roof paint

The use of metal as a roof covering is a very good choice, especially when you want to get a durable coating that does not require seasonal repairs. But the metal itself is susceptible to moisture and corrosion.

Therefore, to protect metal roofing, special paints are used, which can increase the service life of the product by 2–3 times. This also applies to galvanized steel roofs. By itself, zinc plating copes well with corrosion, but even a slight damage to the face layer can lead to damage to an entire sheet of material.

To protect the metal roof, it is painted with special enamels that protect the surface from mechanical damage and prevent the development of corrosion

For painting metal roofs, many paints and varnishes. The most common enamels are marked EP-1236, EP-1333 and EP-140 M. These compounds are suitable for painting aluminum, copper, galvanized and other surfaces. They are distinguished by high resistance to UV radiation, resistance to mechanical stress and a wide choice of colors.

If it is necessary to use formulations with high adhesion, it is recommended to purchase enamels marked AK-06, AK-070M and XC-5146. To obtain the required consistency, solvent R-5A can be used.

Roof repair methods

Roof repair work can be done by yourself. Especially if the home owner already has experience with roofing materials, bituminous mastic or sealant. In other cases, it is better not to risk it and entrust the roof repair to professionals.

Liquid rubber roof repair

Liquid rubber is a water-based bitumen-polymer composition that is applied using special equipment and a spray gun. With its help, you can create a seamless roofing carpet. It is mainly used in cases where the use of roll or metal roofing materials is impossible due to their higher weight.

Liquid rubber can be applied as hand tooland special high pressure installations

Among domestic manufacturers, one can note liquid rubber under the Tekhnoprok trademark. The composition is a two-component mixture and is widely used for flat roofing in the industrial sector.

Roof repair technology using liquid rubber consists of the following stages:


Video: spraying liquid rubber on the roof

Roof repair with roofing bitumen

Construction bitumen is used for the construction of flat roofs, as well as their waterproofing after arrangement concrete screed... Currently, it is rarely used for roof repair, since there are simpler and more economical materials. Despite this, it is widely used for the production of roofing materials, including bitumen mastic and bitumen roll coatings.

Roofing bitumen is produced in various sizes of ingots, which are melted before being applied to the work surface

The technology for working with roofing bitumen is as follows:

  1. The damaged area of \u200b\u200bthe roof covering must be cleaned of dirt and dust. If the area of \u200b\u200bdamage is extensive (more than 40%), then a complete dismantling of the upper waterproofing layer will be required.
  2. After dismantling and cleaning up the debris, it is required to determine the technical condition of the concrete screed. If the concrete layer has no pronounced damage in the form of cracks and chips, then the surface is additionally cleaned and prepared for further work.
  3. If the concrete screed is badly damaged, it must be dismantled with a construction tool. For this, a jackhammer, a perforator and a grinder with a concrete disc are used.

    The damaged screed is broken with a perforator

  4. After removing the screed, the work surface is cleaned again. Next, a heat-insulating material up to 10 cm thick is laid on the roof surface. For this, extruded polystyrene foam or foam is used.

    Thermal insulation made of modern composite materials is placed under the new screed

  5. On top of the insulation, linear guides are installed with a step of 60–70 cm. After that, the concrete mixture based on M300 cement is mixed. To increase the strength properties of concrete, fiber is used, which is added to the mixture when mixing.
  6. Concrete screed up to 8–10 cm thick is poured. A wooden or metal rule is used to distribute the concrete. After pouring, the screed is covered with tarpaulin or polyethylene. In the process of drying, it must be moistened 2-3 times a day.

    A new concrete screed is poured onto the insulation layer

  7. After 25-28 days, you can start waterproofing the roof with bitumen. To do this, you need to make a small fire near the place of repair work and melt the bitumen. For the preparation of the bitumen mixture, bitumen with the BNK 90/30 marking is used.

    It is convenient to spread bitumen over the roof surface using wooden scrapers and metal scrapers

  8. The bitumen is applied after it has completely melted. The bitumen is applied evenly. For distribution, a roller with a hard pile and a metal scraper with a long handle are used.

    If possible, it is better to use liquid modified bitumen for repair.

Video: melting bitumen for making mastic

Roof repair technology with mastic

The process of repairing a roof using bitumen mastic is in many ways similar to the technology of applying liquid rubber. Bituminous mastic, depending on the type, is one- or two-component.

One-component compositions, as a rule, are used in conjunction with bitumen roll and metal roofing. Two-component compositions are used for the installation of flat mastic roofs.

For the application of bitumen mastic, paint brushes and hard-bristled rollers are used.

The general technology for repairing a roof with mastic is as follows:

  1. The surface of the roof, on which there are damages of a different nature, must be cleaned of dust, sand and other abrasive particles. To dry the damp roof, a building hairdryer or heat guns are used, which are located under a special canopy.
  2. Prepare bituminous mastic according to the instructions on the package. As a rule, an electric drill with a mixer attachment is used for this. If required, the mastic is gently heated to operating temperatures.
  3. Apply bituminous mastic to the cleaned roof surface. To do this, it must either be carefully poured onto the surface and spread with a scraper and roller, or applied as a paint and varnish coating with a brush and roller.

If the area of \u200b\u200bwork is quite large, then it is possible to apply mastic by airless spraying using a special spray gun. During the repair work, safety precautions must be followed. Mixing and distribution of mastic occurs only when wearing gloves and goggles.

Video: repair of a metal roof with bituminous mastic

Roof repair is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process that requires an integrated approach. Overhaul can be avoided by performing a routine inspection of the roof structure and eliminating the problems found in time. This is especially true for pitched roofs, when for an audit it is enough just to go up to the attic and carefully examine the rafter system for dampness and rot.

Rafters serve as the basis for the entire roofing structure, and their installation is one of the most important tasks in building a house. The frame of the future roof can be made and installed independently, observing the technological features of roofs of different configurations. We will give the basic rules for the design, calculation and selection of the rafter system, as well as describe step by step the process of installing the "skeleton" of the roof.

Rafter system: calculation and development rules

Rafter system - basic structure, capable of resisting gusts of wind, taking on all external loads and evenly distributing them on the internal supports of the house.

When calculating truss structure take into account the following factors:

  1. Roof slope:
    • 2.5-10% - flat roof;
    • more than 10% - pitched roof.
  2. Roof Loads:
    • constants - the total weight of all elements of the "roofing pie";
    • temporary - wind pressure, the severity of the snow, the weight of people who carry out repair work on the roof;
    • force majeure, for example, seismic.

The value of snow loads is calculated based on the characteristics of the region's climate using the formula: S \u003d Sg * mwhere Sg - weight of snow per 1 m2, m - design factor (depends on the slope of the roof). Determination of wind load is based on the following indicators: type of terrain, wind load standards of the region, building height.

Coefficients, required standards and calculation formulas are contained in engineering and construction reference books

When developing a rafter system, it is necessary to calculate the parameters of all components of the structure.

Elements of the rafter structure

The rafter system includes many components that perform a specific function:


Materials for the manufacture of rafters

Rafters are most often made from coniferous trees (spruce, larch or pine). For arranging the roof, well-dried wood with a moisture level of up to 25% is used.

The wooden structure has one significant drawback - over time, the rafters can deform, so metal elements are added to the supporting system.

On the one hand, the metal adds rigidity to the truss structure, but on the other hand, it reduces the life of the wooden parts. On metal platforms and the supports, condensation settles, which leads to decay and damage to the wood.

Council. When installing a rafter system made of metal and wood, care must be taken that the materials do not come into contact with each other. You can use moisture protection products or use film insulation

In industrial construction use metal rafters, made of rolled steel (I-beams, T-beams, corners, channel bars, etc.). Such a structure is more compact than a wooden one, but retains heat worse, and therefore requires additional thermal insulation.

The choice of rafter system: hanging and hinged structures

There are two types of truss structures: hanging (spacer) and layered. The choice of the system is determined by the type of roof, floor material and natural conditions of the region.

Hanging rafters rest exclusively on the outer walls of the house, intermediate supports are not used. Rafter legs hanging type perform work in compression and bending. The design creates a horizontal bursting force that is transmitted to the walls. Wood and metal ties can be used to reduce this load. Puffs are mounted at the base of the rafters.

A hanging rafter system is often used to create an attic or in situations where roof spans are 8-12 m, and additional supports are not provided.

Rafters mounted in houses with an intermediate columnar support or an additional load-bearing wall. The lower edges of the rafters are fixed to the outer walls, and their middle parts are fixed to the inner wall or supporting post.

The installation of a single roofing system over several spans should include spacer and layered trusses. In places with intermediate supports, layered rafters are mounted, and where they are not, hanging rafters.

Features of arranging rafters on different roofs

Gable roof

The gable roof, according to building codes, has an angle of inclination up to 90 °. The choice of slope is largely determined by the weather conditions of the area. In areas where heavy rainfall prevails, it is better to install steep slopes, and where strong winds - flat roofs to minimize the pressure on the structure.

A common version of a gable roof is a design with an inclination angle of 35-45 °. Experts call such parameters the "golden mean" of consumption building materials and load distribution along the perimeter of the building. However, in this case, the attic will be cold and it will not be possible to equip the living room here.

For a gable roof, a layered and hanging rafter system is used.

Hipped roof

All roof slopes have the same area and the same slope. There is no ridge run here, and the rafters are connected at one point, so the installation of such a structure is rather complicated.

It is advisable to install a hipped roof if two conditions are met:

  • the base of the building is square;
  • in the center of the structure there is a load-bearing support or wall, on which it will be possible to fix a stand that supports the joint of the rafter legs.

It is possible to create a hipped roof without a stand, but the structure must be reinforced with additional modules - puff stands.

Hip roof

The traditional design of a hip roof involves the presence of diagonal rafters directed towards the corners of the building. The angle of inclination of the slope of such a roof does not exceed 40 °. Diagonal runs are usually made with reinforcement, since they account for a significant part of the load. Such elements are made from a double board and a durable bar.

The joints of the elements are necessarily supported by a stand, which increases the reliability of the structure. The support is located at a distance of ¼ the length of the large rafters from the ridge. In place of the gable roof gables, shortened rafters are installed.

The rafter structure of a four-pitched roof can include very long diagonal elements (more than 7 m). In this case, a vertical rack must be mounted under the rafters, which will rest on the floor beam. As a support, you can use a truss - the beam is located in the corner of the roof and is fixed on adjacent walls. The sprengel truss is reinforced with struts.

Sloping roof

Sloped roofs are usually created for furnishing a larger attic... The installation of rafters with this roof option can be divided into three stages:

  1. Installation of the U-shaped structure - supports for the purlins that hold the rafter legs. The base of the structure is floor beams.
  2. At least 3 girders are installed: two elements pass along the corners of the U-shaped frame, and one (ridge girder) is mounted in the center of the attic floor.
  3. Installation of rafter legs.

Gable roof: do-it-yourself rafter installation

Calculation of the angle of inclination and loads

Payment gable roof of course, you can make it yourself, but still it is better to entrust it to professionals in order to eliminate errors and be sure of the reliability of the design.

When choosing the angle of inclination, it should be taken into account that:

  • an angle of 5-15 ° is not suitable for all roofing materials, therefore, the type of coverage is first selected, and then the rafter system is calculated;
  • at an angle of inclination over 45 ° - the material costs for the purchase of the components of the "roofing pie" increase.

The load limits from the impact of snow range from 80 to 320 kg / m2. The design factor for roofs with a slope of less than 25 ° is 1, for a roof with a slope of 25 ° to 60 ° - 0.7. This means that if there is 140 kg of snow cover per 1 m2, then the load on a roof with a slope at an angle of 40 ° will be: 140 * 0.7 \u003d 98 kg / m2.

To calculate the wind load, the coefficient of aerodynamic influence and fluctuations in wind pressure are taken. The constant load value is determined by summing up the weight of all the constituents of the "roofing pie" per m2 (on average, 40-50 kg / m2).

Based on the results obtained, we find out the total load on the roof and determine the number of rafter legs, their size and section.

Installation of Mauerlat and rafters

Do-it-yourself installation of rafters begins with the installation of a Mauerlat, which is fixed with anchor bolts to the longitudinal walls.

Further construction is carried out in the following sequence:


Installation of rafters: video


Methods for connecting elements of a rafter structure: video


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