For all the time of its existence, mankind has invented just a huge number of different ways to protect roofs. Once upon a time, straw, reed, clay, and sometimes even birch bark and turf were used for this purpose. Today, corrugated board, flexible tiles or roofing material are usually used for this purpose. Because roofs these days are usually very complex, there is simply a huge amount of additional roofing. About what exactly is included in the roof structure, and we'll talk further.
Basic elements
When sheathing, the following roof elements are always mounted:
- The ridge element. On gable and multi-pitched roofs, it is mandatory.
- Valleys. These structures serve to protect the joints of slopes on multi-gable roofs from water. In addition, the valleys perform a decorative function.
- Aprons and chimneys. The first element is used to prevent water from entering the under-roof space into the gap between the pipe walls.and crate. Chimneys are designed to protect the chimney itself from water.
Additional elements
Also, the roof structure may include additional accessories to extend its service life, ensure the safety of residents and facilitate the maintenance of roofing material. These include:
- Eaves and end strips. The first is necessary to protect the lower purlin from rotting. End strips perform the same function, but for part of the extreme rafters. The use of both elements, among other things, allows you to increase the decorative qualities of the roof.
- Gutter system. Usually includes a gutter and downpipe.
- Snow guards. These roof safety elements for humans are used to prevent snow "avalanches" from descending from the roof in winter.
- False pipes. Serve to decorate the chimney.
- Ventilation elements. They are necessary to ensure the release of vapor-saturated air from the attic and roofing cake.
- Small ridge elements mounted on the ribs of roof slopes.
- Lightning rod holders. Usually attached to the ridge element.
Protective elements
Required for use are also roofing elements such as:
- Hydro and vapor barrier films. The first is used to prevent water from entering the roofing pie from the outside, the second - from the inside, that is, from the side of the attic orattic. For vapor barrier and waterproofing, polyethylene film, roofing felt or special membranes can be used.
- In a soft roof, special lining carpets are additionally used. They are made of a material that does not allow moisture to pass through.
- Approximately the same function is performed by other roof safety elements (from getting wet) - valley carpets.
- Thermal insulation materials. Improve the performance of roofs. Usually used when it is planned to equip a residential attic. Mineral wool or expanded polystyrene are most often used as insulating materials. Sometimes the roof is also insulated with polyurethane foam.
These are the elements that are often used on roofs made of different materials. Next, let's see what functionality each of them can carry.
Ridge roof element
This detail is usually used for all types of roofs - from profiled sheets, flexible tiles, even wooden and roofing felt. In the first case, the skate is usually made of tin and has a rather beautiful appearance. In a soft or ruberoid roof, it is usually made from the same materials. Metal ridge elements can have different shapes - triangular, semicircular, rectangular.
The ridge element of a shingled or shingled roof is usually made up of wooden dice. Sometimes in this case it is not used at all.
Valleys
Two-piece valleys are usually used on roofs made of corrugated board and shingles. The first part is mounted before installing the mainmaterial and serves to protect the joint from water. The second is installed above sheets of metal profiles or shingles and performs a purely decorative function.
Gutter systems
Roof elements designed to drain water are installed immediately after the installation of the eaves strip. Mounting brackets are attached directly to it. Flowing down the slopes, the water enters the gutter, set at a slight angle, and goes down through the downpipe. Under it, a receiver pit is usually arranged. Drainage ditches lead from it outside the yard.
The gutter system of the roof allows you to protect the walls of the building from damage by rainwater, and the foundation from erosion.
Cornice and end planks
Very often these additional elements are also used in roof sheathing. Roofs made of corrugated board, soft tiles, shingles and other materials are usually supplemented along the contour with bent tin strips. Their use allows you to improve the decorative qualities of the roof and extend its service life. These elements are put on the edge of the rafters and the lower lathing.
Snow guards
This is also quite an important element of the roof. On all roofs, without exception, metal versions of snow retainers are used. This element usually represents in a special way (in the form of a triangle with corners) a curved strip of tin with a polymer coating. There are other more complex designs. Snow guards are installed at a distance of about 35 cm from the edgeslope along its entire length. These are important elements of a wooden roof, metal or roofing felt.
Aprons and false pipes
This additional element is usually made of tin. The bent upper edges of the apron are inserted into the strobe made in the chimney itself. The remaining parts are mounted with an overlap of about 15 cm. These additional elements of the roof made of corrugated board, shingles, shingles, roofing felt, etc. can protect.
Casings are used to protect pipes from moisture, as well as to cover partially destroyed structures. In the latter case, there is no need for cosmetic repairs to the chimney.
Ventilation elements
Roof structural elements will last much longer when using the following ventilation parts and materials:
- aeroelements;
- ventilation rolls;
- tiles with air channels;
- vent grilles;
- soffits;
- special perfumed materials.
Hydro and vapor barrier films
An important material that protects the structural elements of the roof are waterproofing films. To prevent moisture from entering the roofing cake, use:
- perforated films:
- membrane;
- antioxidant films;
- hydrophilic rubber;
- coated and sprayed materials;
- penetrating and injection.
For vapor barrier, in addition to the usual polyethylene film, various kinds of foil materials can be used. In this case, the layer additionally playsthe role of a heat reflector back into the room and mounted with foil to the outside. It is attached directly to the rafters with blocks after installing the heat insulator. Waterproofing films are usually laid under the roof from a profiled sheet or shingles. A waterproofing carpet is often used under flexible tiles. It is mounted on a solid crate. The films are attached directly to the rafters from above with a slight sag to avoid tearing when the structural elements of the roof move. A crate from a narrow board is stuffed on top.
Underlay and valley carpets
These roofing elements serve not only for additional waterproofing, but also for giving strength to the coating when using flexible tiles. As a lining carpet, for example, Icopal, KATEPAL, Ruflex and other varieties can be used.
Valley carpets are often also very important elements of a soft roof. They are usually made of soft, waterproof material.
Heat insulation materials
Most often, bas alt wool is used for roof insulation. It is inexpensive and at the same time very effective material. Its main advantages are considered to be a very low degree of thermal conductivity and incombustibility. However, mineral wool does not tolerate high humidity very well. This material easily absorbs moisture and at the same time loses its thermal insulation qualities. Therefore, when using it, special attention should be paid to the quality of hydro and vapor barrier. A vapor barrier from the inside must be used without fail.
The second most common is such a heater as expanded polystyrene. A roof finished with it will be even warmer than one sheathed with mineral wool. Expanded polystyrene is not afraid of water at all, but the material is combustible. It is highly discouraged to use it where mice are found. The fact is that these rodents are very fond of making moves in foamy materials and making nests.
These heat-insulating roofing elements can be used to protect both the roof covered with corrugated sheet, and shingles, shingles or any other.
These are the coating elements used in roofing. Foils, skates and aprons are mandatory and always mounted. Valleys are installed if there are joints. The remaining elements are mounted as needed.
