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The verandas attached to the house are a familiar structure, and there is nothing surprising here. But an unusual approach to organizing a place to relax can be called the arrangement of a terrace on the roof of a building. Previously, such projects were developed for government agencies. Now a terrace on the roof of a residential building is present in many private courtyards.
Planning is an important stage in the arrangement of the terrace
The terrace itself is a simple structure, but its location on the roof significantly complicates the design. A serious approach to the drafting of the project is required. Everything needs to be taken into account: a solid and waterproof roof under the terrace, the arrangement of fences, design, and many other important issues.
Before proceeding with the drafting of the project, it is necessary to evaluate the building on which the terrace is planned to be erected. Most often, such places for recreation are equipped on the roof, an extension adjacent to the house, for example, a veranda or a garage. The terrace can also be located on the roof of a residential building, but such projects are usually developed before the construction of the entire building.
When evaluating a building, it is important to pay attention to walls and foundations. The second floor will create a large load on these elements of the building. Let’s say a light veranda assembled using frame technology will not stand if such a resting place is piled on top. After all, in addition to the mass of the terrace itself, you need to take into account the weight of people, furniture, etc. But on the roof of an extension made of brick walls and a concrete foundation, you can safely build such a place of rest. However, here it is also necessary to calculate the maximum allowable load on the building.
Features of the arrangement of the floor
The biggest problem in arranging the terrace is the floor, because it also serves as the roof of the underlying building. If it is done incorrectly, there is a threat of flooding during rain or snowmelt.
The basis of the terrace on the roof of the building are floor slabs or wooden flooring. A cake of vapor-waterproofing, insulation and reinforced screed is laid on top. Moreover, this entire layer is made under a slope of 2о towards the drain funnels so that water does not accumulate on the terrace floor. For such flat roofs, an internal gutter system is usually equipped. Its feature is that the gutters are embedded inside the walls and under the concrete screed that serves as the roof. Drainage funnels closed with a protective mesh remain on the surface.
To set up a roof terrace, perform the following steps:
- First, waterproofing is laid on top of the floor slab. Roll materials or bituminous mastic are suitable. The next layer is vapor barrier, and on top – thermal insulation. Insulation is used only solid. No kind of mineral wool will do. From above, the thermal insulation is protected by at least 5 layers of rolled waterproofing. The entire cake is covered by a leveling concrete screed.
- The final layer is again waterproofing. A carpet is arranged on the roof, consisting of a mixture of bituminous mastic with gravel. The finished floor is reinforced concrete slabs 40×44 cm in size, lined with ceramic tiles with a corrugated surface. Instead of slabs, the floor can be covered with decking.
Along with the arrangement of the floor, you need to worry about the parapet, because the safety of the rest depends on it. You can install the design according to the type of stair railing. Forged elements and handrails made of natural wood look beautiful. The parapet can serve as a continuation of the wall of the house, protruding above the floor of the terrace.
Outdoor recreation areas are subject to the negative effects of precipitation. To prevent snow or raindrops from blowing into the house through the front doors, make a closed exit to the terrace.
Proper arrangement of the roof over the terrace
Open terraces are built without a roof. The roof can serve as a collapsible or retractable awning. Such a light canopy will protect the resting place from the sun and light rain. Closed verandas with sliding glass walls allow you to equip a cozy room on the roof of the house. Here you can already install a barbecue, a fireplace and other attributes. On the glazed veranda you can relax in any weather. When the heat comes on, the walls simply move to the side, opening the way for fresh air. Above the closed veranda, they equip a light Plexiglas roof or hang an awning.
The most complex roofing is on a fully enclosed terrace. That is, on the roof of the house, a full-fledged insulated veranda with solid walls is obtained. Inside such a room, you can extend the heating, and use it as a living space. Fully enclosed verandas have an impressive weight. Before their construction, it is necessary to accurately calculate the loads that fall on the foundation and walls of the house. The roof of a closed veranda and a residential building represent a single coating. If the extension is carried out on top of the finished building, then usually the entire roof has to be dismantled, after which a new truss system is installed and the roof is equipped.
Flooring
The choice of material for covering the floor of the terrace is huge:
- As always, wood comes first.. The floor from the terraced board looks beautiful. The material is in demand for any design, it is easily processed during installation, and special impregnations increase its service life. The most demanded is the terrace board made of larch. The popularity is justified by the resistance of wood to decay in conditions of high humidity. The floor from such a terraced board will last for decades. Wealthy owners of private houses prefer boards made of exotic woods. The appearance of such a floor is striking in its beauty, but the cost of the material sometimes goes beyond the mind. A budget option for the floor of the terrace is a board made of coniferous wood. The most commonly used is pine. The wood of this species does not tolerate moisture well. After a couple of years, the board will begin to rot in places. Special impregnations help extend the life of the material. The advantage of a decking board is its low weight. Wooden flooring is the only option for arranging a light terrace on the roof of a frame building.
- Ceramic tile has a lot of advantages, but a fly in the ointment spoils honey. An important drawback of the material is its high weight, which creates an additional load on the supporting structures of the house. In addition, experts often equate the cost of laying to the price of the tile itself. When choosing such a terrace cover, preference is given to tiles with an anti-slip surface. Rough or corrugated texture prevents slipping after rain.
- The floor of the open terrace can be bulk natural materials, such as pebbles or colored gravel. Natural stone harmonizes with green spaces, and looks impressive. A huge disadvantage is the large weight of the material. Such a floor can only be arranged on a house with a strong foundation, brick walls and concrete floor slabs. Another disadvantage of flooring is its frequent maintenance.
- Flooring from rubber on terraces is rarely used. Such material is appropriate to use if the place is reserved for the gym.
- In an urban setting, the rooftop terrace looks great with a lawn. The place of rest takes a person to a corner of untouched nature. The lawn requires constant care, but the result justifies the effort.
- Gaining more popularity composite materials. They contain natural and artificial ingredients. The composite board completely imitates natural wood. Polymer additives increase the life of the terrace board, and are safe for humans.
The video shows an example of a roof terrace:
The material for the floor of the terrace is usually chosen based on the price, which is not always correct. The main thing is that it should be lightweight, resistant to the effects of the natural environment and not slippery.
Terrace design
The terrace serves as a place to relax. Here you need to create a calm atmosphere close to natural conditions. Of course, not everyone can get a lawn. Flowerpots with ornamental vegetation will help to bring the feeling of being in nature as close as possible. Mini-flower beds, weaving vines, a decorative pond with a fountain, etc. are welcome. You can even plant low-growing trees, shrubs, girlish grapes in flowerpots.
Furniture items woven from natural wicker look spectacular on the terrace. It can be benches, chairs, armchairs or sun loungers. You can even hang a hammock, and above it organize a lattice canopy braided with vines. There are a lot of options for designing a terrace on the roof of a house. It all depends on the desire and financial capabilities of the owner.
The video shows roof terrace design ideas:
If there is a desire and an opportunity to equip a terrace on the roof of the house, you should not give up such an idea. It is only necessary not to save on quality materials, and use the services of specialists to solve important issues.