A well-designed and built roof becomes not only a reliable protection of the frame house, but also its decoration. Here, every detail is of great importance, whether it be a pediment, cladding or decorative elements. It would seem that with skillful actions the usual construction can turn into a masterpiece of building art, but before making the gables of the gable roofs, developers carefully think through every little detail of the installation process, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the basics of this art.
Pediment functions
The pediment is the upper part of the wall, which on the sides is limited by ramps, and from the bottom - a cornice. Gable roof in most cases is in the form of a triangle or pentagon. You can also find another description of the pediment: the sloping part of the wall, which has a continuous masonry with a supporting structure. As for a wooden or frame house, this element is often called a gable wall, although both terms mean the same thing and apply to all sections of the attic floor created from brickwork, wood or block material.
Several missions are assigned to the pediment at the same time, and it copes with them perfectly:
- protects the attic from precipitation and adverse atmospheric conditions. It does not allow moisture to act on wooden structural elements, because with high humidity they quickly become worthless, and you can forget about comfort in the house;
- maintains optimal temperature conditions. For a gable roof of a frame structure, an attic arrangement is characteristic, which must be insulated. Even if you do not plan to use it for living quarters, it is necessary to sew up the pediment, otherwise the heating system will be forced to work with a load, which will be reflected in the bills for used fuel;
- adds to the roof the necessary rigidity. It provides the rafters with additional support, partially taking the load on itself, which makes the roof reliable and stable. Such a detail is indispensable in windy regions;
- gives a spectacular appearance to the building. Thanks to the decorative elements of the pediment, it is possible to completely transform the look of even the most dilapidated frame house, without spending a huge amount.
Architectural forms
Most of us are more familiar with triangular or pentagonal pediments, but these are far from all the forms inherent in the under-roof part of the wall. Architects also create structures of the following type:
- keeled. Created in the image of a ship keel. Despite all the beauty and grace, they are practically not used in modern construction, but belong to ancient architecture and in some places have survived to our times;
- semicircular. These pediments are also practically not found in modern construction, since their installation is very complicated;
- trapezoidal. As the name implies, they resemble a trapezoid in shape, are installed during the construction of half-hip roofs;
- triangular. The most common pediments. In the case of a symmetrical roof, they will be equilateral;
- interrupted. The cornice of such wall sections is interrupted by a window opening;
- onions. The shape resembles a semi-oval bow tie. If the steepness of the bend is increased, then they become semicircular;
- stepped. On the sides of such gables, steps are made, and the installation of the roof here occurs without the installation of front overhangs.
Calculation and installation
Any competent work begins with engineering calculations, which allows you to withstand the proportions and geometry of the roof, as well as determine the amount of building materials that will need to be sewn on the pediment. To begin with, the height of the gable wall is determined, and if the roof is already there, then the calculation is based on the height of the ridge. In the opposite case, the duration of the pediment is determined, and guided by the obtained parameters, the geometry of the gable structure is built. The height of the structure is planned taking into account its functional purpose. For a non-residential attic, a height of up to 1 m is sufficient, while a residential attic requires from 1.5 m. If you want a comfortable space for living, install the ridge at a height of 2 to 2.5 m.
The front wall of a frame or any other house is built according to two technologies that differ in the order of work:
Before installing the roof. If only a building box is erected, you can build a pediment in the first place, then the ramps will not complicate the process, because they do not occupy space. Having chosen this method, install the mast in the center of the gable wall, while its length should correspond to the height of the pediment itself. From the mast to the corners of the box you need to pull a cord that will outline the contour of the forceps.
If the installation of the roof is completed. In this case, the pediment is laid out inside the attic. This method is not so convenient, because access to the object is limited by slopes, but the roof geometry has already been formed, and you will not break it with your actions.
Installation of the pediment of a frame house can not be called very difficult, because it is within the power of the vast majority of people who have certain skills. The sequence of work here is determined by the choice of building materials, and most often they turn to the help of wooden raw materials or bricks. If you decide to sew up the pediment with wood, first build a frame, and then clad it with boards with a thickness of at least 30 mm.
Experts do not recommend using plywood for such purposes, even if it is moisture resistant, because such a material does not have sufficient strength and the design will not be absolutely reliable. As the outer cladding, you can use siding or lining, which will give the facade a beautiful appearance and enhance moisture and thermal insulation. The brick structure is created by laying in half a brick, with an average material consumption of 40pcs / 1m2, taking into account the fit. It is best to carry out installation with hollow bricks to reduce the load on the foundation of the frame house.
Warming
As mentioned earlier, thermal insulation works are carried out where the attic will be used as living space, but even if the attic is non-residential, and the means allow it, it is better to insulate the pediment, because this will positively affect the microclimate inside the frame house and will save on heating.
Following the advice of professionals, it is better to choose basalt cotton wool, and only in extreme cases, polystyrene.
The installation process begins with the device frame of boards, the width of which is equal to the thickness of the insulation material. A vapor barrier membrane must be pulled under the outer cladding of the gable of the frame house. On the inside, such a "pie" must be closed with shields or boards.
In no case do not ram the insulation, as it will lose its useful properties. Also do not forget to leave a technological gap between the mineral wool and the inner lining. In order for the wooden lining elements to last for a long time, they are treated with special antiseptic agents. It is recommended at least once a year to carry out an audit of the roof and, if necessary, carry out its timely repair. If you know how to make a gable of the roof, then with the repair you definitely will not have any questions.