The rooftops of Moscow with open access are a great opportunity to look at the capital from a high-rise building. This gives a certain sense of drive, enjoyment of aesthetic beauty and, of course, novelty - an opportunity to look at Moscow from a new height.
The best roofs in Moscow with open access
This kind of entertainment cannot be called typical, and according to the norms and rules of technical operation of the Moscow housing stock, going out on them without special permission is prohibited. However, if the house is not guarded and the roof is open, then going out onto it is completely legal.
External staircase
The staircase located outside the building is a more complex structure. Its installation requires the involvement of builders and is expensive. However, compared to a simple stepladder, an outdoor ladder will be more convenient and reliable.
The most common version of an external staircase is a structure made of metal pipes, to which corrugated steps are attached using brackets. The steps themselves can be made of different materials - wood, metal, plastic.
External staircase for the roof of a house Source homeli.ru
External stairs must be equipped with railings. They can be made from rods, pipes, panels or other suitable materials. With the right approach to the issue of choosing materials for the staircase, it will turn out to be not only reliable, but also quite aesthetic.
Conclusion
To ensure that the result does not disappoint, the roof must be designed simultaneously with the house, optimally the shape, parameters of the rafter system, and type of roofing. Another thing is that the project can be standard or made independently using computer programs and regulatory tables. It is very convenient that modern technologies allow you to “try on” roofs of different types and “see” in advance whether it is worth bothering with a hip or whether the house looks good with a gable roof. And if you can’t decide on your own, you can always ask for help on the forum, in the profile section.
On the topic - the interesting roof of Sudeikin, designed by an outstanding Russian architect in the last century, but which has not lost its relevance today. And if you don’t want a roof like everyone else’s, pay attention to porcelain tiles - an interesting look and an affordable budget in tandem. The video is about a stone house with a flat roof.
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Luke
The best option for internal communication is a hatch installed above the landing of the upper floor of the house. A hatch is a traditional option for accessing the roof of a multi-story building. In private low-rise construction, this option is also often used.
Many factors are taken into account when designing a sunroof. First of all, the pitch of the rafter legs is taken into account, as well as the weight of the frame and hatch cover. The hatch trim should be located at a distance of about 7 cm from the rafters. The outside surface of the manhole cover is often covered with the same roofing material as the entire roof. This is necessary in order to achieve the most accurate joining of the roof surface and the cover. But modern technologies make it possible to make sealed, high-quality hatches from new materials. For example, you can make a transparent hatch.
Transparent hatch for the roof of a house Source easier-online.co.uk
It is advisable to immediately design a roof with a hatch. The presence of this element significantly influences the solution of the truss structure. If you need to install a hatch in an already finished roof, gently contact an architect who will calculate all changes to the roofing system and consider the option of its reconstruction.
You can buy a standard ready-made hatch, or you can order it. Standard hatches come in a wide variety of models. It is possible to purchase a design that opens to the side or upwards. The lid is held open most often by gas springs. Manufacturers provide safety mechanisms to prevent accidental closing of the lid. If necessary, homeowners purchase and install burglary-resistant roof hatches. The hatch above the residential floor must be insulated.
Roof hatch on a pitched roof Source bidinvest.ru
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in roof design and repair.
How to calculate a roof using an online calculator?
To calculate the roof using the online calculator, you must correctly fill in all the available fields and click the “Calculate” button. We recommend taking measurements as accurately as possible and double-checking the entered values several times in order to avoid problems in the future when assembling the structure, since you may have to re-manufacture a large number of elements.
Let us remind you that our calculators have built-in functionality to perform:
- calculation of the rafter system;
- lumber calculation;
- calculation of metal tiles;
- roof area calculation;
- calculation of the roof slope angle.
You don't need to look for other tools on the Internet or bother with manual calculations.
Detailed step-by-step text instructions with graphical annotations for each tool are provided on the corresponding calculator tabs in the Help section. We also suggest watching a short overview video of calculating a gable structure, which demonstrates the main capabilities of the roof calculator.
Superstructure
For maximum protection of the exit, as well as to increase its functionality, the hatch can be supplemented with a special small add-on. In this case, a person climbs the ladder through the hatch into the superstructure, while remaining inside the building. Then the door to the roof opens. This option is especially convenient on roofs that are in use, since it allows you not to close the manhole cover every time.
In some projects, the superstructure is conceived as another mini-floor. They go up into it via an ordinary staircase, like, for example, into an attic, and from there through an ordinary front door they go out to the roof. This design solution complicates the structure of the building, but makes access to the roof very convenient and absolutely safe. If the house is built without a mini-floor, it is very difficult to complete it, as this will require a complete reconstruction of the roof.
Exit to the roof through the superstructure Source houzz.com
Arrangement of sheathing and laying of covering
The rafter system is sheathed on top - it serves as a kind of substrate for the roofing material. The choice of lathing type depends on what kind of covering is used, and can be made in favor of a solid or sparse structure.
When using rolled roofing, soft coverings, tiles and other piece materials, continuous sheathing is suitable. Wooden boards are laid in increments of no more than 10 mm. A solid structure will be more practical if it is made in two layers, and between them a waterproofing gasket made of roofing material, isoplast or other rolled coatings is laid. With proper installation of the layer, the roof is protected from precipitation and wind.
The roofing covering will be laid on the sheathing in the future.
The arrangement of sparse sheathing is carried out under sheet roofing - metal tiles, slate, corrugated sheets, ondulin. The high load from such material requires laying timber with a thickness of 2–3 cm, while the distance between structural elements should be up to 60 cm. All wooden parts must be treated with special means to protect them from rotting.
As soon as the laying of the sheathing is completed, you can begin installing the roofing material. If additional insulation of the under-roof space is required, then the installation of solid insulation is allowed - extruded polystyrene foam or polystyrene foam, as well as soft materials, for example, mineral wool, are suitable. A prerequisite for insulation is the installation of a vapor barrier and waterproofing layer.
Video: installation of sheathing under corrugated sheets
Folding ladder
A stationary ladder can be attached to the hatch leading to the roof. But in order to save space on the under-roof floor, many homeowners use folding stairs. A hatch with a folding ladder must be equipped with an additional internal cover. When folded, the ladder is located in the space between the inner and outer covers.
Folding stairs are divided into scissor and sectional. The second option is easier to use, which is why hatches with sectional structures are often installed in houses. It is most convenient to use a ladder that folds and unfolds automatically. To unfold it, you need to pull the cord down, and if you lift the lower steps, it will fold.
Folding ladder to the roof of the house Source martineouellet.org
Folding stairs have an attractive appearance, are quickly and easily installed, and in operation completely replace a conventional stationary staircase structure. When choosing a hatch with a ladder, you need to consider several important nuances:
- the distance between steps should not be too large;
- the width of the steps should allow you to comfortably place both feet side by side;
- height must correspond to the height of the ceiling under which it will be installed;
- load indicator must be sufficient, at least 100 kg.
Such stairs are made of metal or wood. Their cost depends on the dimensions, technical characteristics and design. The installation is carried out by specialists.
Corrugated sheet
Made from rolled steel with rectangular or corrugated profile. Also has a protective zinc coating. There is also polymer protection.
Advantages:
- ease of installation;
- good strength characteristics;
- long service life;
- acceptable cost.
Disadvantage: excessive noise.
The use of corrugated roofing for roofing is typical for commercial buildings, industrial facilities and shops.
Dormer window
Attic floors are often equipped with windows built into the roof plane. Through these windows you can also go out onto the roof. Modern manufacturers produce skylights in a variety of sizes and designs. There are options designed for installation in flat roofs. The main purpose of the attic window is insolation of attic rooms and ventilation of the under-roof floor. But sometimes they are installed solely for access to the roof surface.
Dormer window with an iron ladder on the roof Source solidsmack.com
Dormer windows are sealed, and when installed, the joints between the glass unit and the roof plane are sealed and insulated. Therefore, moisture does not penetrate indoors through them, and warm air does not escape outside. If the slope of the roof in which the window is mounted is steep enough, you need to install a stationary drain on the roof. The hatch window for access to the roof should be of a comfortable size, and it should conveniently open to its full width.
Access to a flat or used roof
The easiest way to create access to a flat roof is to install a stepladder on the outside wall of the house. Its lower step should be located 1 m from the ground. This will prevent small children from getting onto the roof without assistance. Adults, by placing a ladder, can easily climb to the roof.
It is worth noting that the steps of the stepladder should not slide. For this purpose they are made of corrugated steel. In addition, all its metal parts must be covered with some kind of polymer material that prevents them from rusting.
If you plan to install a balcony or terrace on the top floor, then a stepladder can be placed there as well; the design of the roof in use allows this. Climbing onto the roof will be somewhat easier and less dangerous, but you will need to make your way through the house, which in some cases may be inconvenient.
Gangways
On pitched roofs, especially those with a large slope, special roofing ladders or ladders should be installed. Regardless of how the exit to the roof itself is arranged, it must be equipped with ladders. This is necessary for safe movement on a pitched roof. For example, if the exit is provided from an external staircase, the ladder should start at the eaves of the roof so that you can climb along it to the ridge.
Roof maintenance ladder Source metallnn.ru
The distance between the steps is determined by the slope of the slope. If it does not exceed 30 degrees, the step between steps should be about 70 cm. On roofs with a higher slope, the distance should be much smaller - up to 40 cm. If the roof is covered with tiles, calculating the step step is very simple - on flat slopes the steps should be located at at the level of every second tile row, and on high roofs at the level of each row.
The standard width of a roofing ladder is 25 cm. This design, made of metal and painted to match the color of the roofing, usually fits well into the design of the building. But if the metal of the ladder does not at all match the roof covering, you can install a structure with wooden elements.
On small roofs, instead of ladders, you can install separate metal steps. There can be several such steps; the main thing is to correctly calculate the distance between them and their location on the slopes. Properly placed steps allow you to maintain the roof without much difficulty. At the same time, they do not attract attention and do not interfere with the aesthetics of the roof.
Possible mistakes
Before you build a roof on a house, you should consider the following nuances:
- it is important to correctly determine the dimensions of the floor spans; if the building has a sufficiently large width, then it is necessary to choose a rafter leg of the maximum cross-section;
- in order to prevent deflection of construction legs when using rafters of small cross-section, the truss must be equipped with additional support posts and other elements;
- when calculating the roof, wind loads should be taken into account; for this, the rafter legs must be secured with brackets;
- The density of the sheathing (sparse, solid) depends on the type of roofing.
Video description
Hatches with ladders for access to the roof:
Glazed superstructure
This option demonstrates the possibility of arranging an exit through a mini-floor. The superstructure is made of modern materials. It is almost completely glazed and allows access to the roof through one of several sliding doors. This type of superstructure can also be used when installing a hatch on the roof of a house.
Glazed superstructure above the exit hatch Source bostonglobe.com
Dormer windows
The photo below shows an option for a cozy small terrace on the roof of a private house with access from the attic floor through dormer attic windows. In this case, the roof has a complex shape. It is partly sloped and partly flat. The roof slope located above the terrace can be maintained without additional stairs or ladders. But on the opposite slope it is necessary to install fasteners. For convenience and aesthetic effectiveness, the windows are designed to be quite high - the entire height of the attic.
Exit to the roof through the attic window Source pinterest.co.uk
Transparent hatch
The easiest way to exit is through a standard hatch. In the example below you can see a roof terrace under construction and an already installed hatch with a transparent cover. Here the hatch has a rectangular shape, thanks to which the stairs leading to it may not be very steep. If you install a square hatch, the ladder must be placed almost vertically.
Transparent hatch on an exploited roof Source rmnt.ru
Hatch with ladder
In the image below you can see what the design of a hatch with a ladder could be. Here is a simple compact ladder that hides between the manhole covers. This method of arranging the exit is quite economical. It is suitable for roofs that are not used very often. Such a hatch to the roof will not disturb the interior design of the upper floor, and its design will reliably protect the premises from the penetration of wind and precipitation.
Staircase to reach the roof Source portalfirma.ru
Wooden staircase
If a terrace is built on the roof, which is often used, a stationary internal staircase can be made to access it. For example, it could be a structure made of wide beams, reinforced with metal fasteners. If desired, it can be supplemented with comfortable and durable railings.
Stationary staircase to the roof Source tr.skopelitissa.com
External staircase
Classic-style cottages, if they have a usable roof, are often equipped with internal exits. Exiting from the inside of the upper floor is associated with a number of technical difficulties, but the external staircase on the facade of a classical building looks like something superfluous, foreign. But houses in a modern style have mainly geometric shapes, so against their background a linear staircase structure looks quite harmonious. Thanks to this, modern cottages with flat roofs are often designed with external stairs.
External staircase to the roof of the cottage Source read01.com
What you need to know when installing a rafter system
The rafters act as the main support for the sheathing and, consequently, the roof itself laid on top of it. Depending on the configuration, the rafter system is mounted hanging or layered. Let's look at the main elements of each of them.
The rafter system must withstand the weight of the roofing, as well as snow and wind loads
Layered rafters:
- used when there are supporting walls or partitions in the house;
- are mounted at a distance from one roof span to another within 4–6 m and are equipped with additional supports if the spans are much wider;
- are represented by two rafter legs resting on the mauerlat and connecting on a ridge beam. Crossbars are used as connecting elements;
- are made of material with a cross-section of 5 cm or more. The gap from one rafter to another is 1–1.5 m. For additional support, wooden supports are fixed under the rafter legs.
Layered rafters are installed with small spans between the walls of the building
. Hanging rafters:
- installed if there are no partitions between the walls and the span of the roof structure is more than 7 m;
- indispensable in the construction of an attic, when installing partitions under the rafter frame is impractical;
- presented in the form of two rafter legs, which are connected by a horizontal tie, reinforced by a vertical stand and inclined struts;
- do not require additional reinforcement due to the support of the tightening to the Mauerlat.
Hanging rafters are used in houses without partitions and with large spans between walls
Planning ventilation passages
Ideally, planning of ventilation passages should occur at the design stage of a residential building, or during the construction process before closing the building contour (arranging windows, doors and roofing).
But in practice, it is often necessary to reconstruct engineering systems in an already finished house and build on the existing design features and layout of residential and technical premises.
If there are defects in the design of the system, this is fraught with the accumulation of unpleasant odors in the room, increased concentrations of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, and the occurrence of reverse draft during changes in weather conditions.
