Everyone dreams of building their own home. But the construction of a residential building is a complex process that requires certain skills. The final stage of building a house is considered to be the installation of the roof, it also requires considerable skills and knowledge - so that the roof does not leak, is normally ventilated and lasts a long time, it is necessary to carefully calculate all its parameters, choose high-quality materials.
But you can equip the roof eaves with your own hands - this is quite real. In order to understand how to do this correctly, you need to familiarize yourself with the types of eaves and choose the material for sheathing the overhang.
Varieties of cornices
Most modern houses have gable roofs. With this design, the building has two side walls and two front. Moreover, the side ones are located on those sides where the roof rafters descend, and the front ones do not have overhangs.
It is necessary to equip the cornices both from the side walls, and above the front ones too. After all, overhangs perform a number of functions:
- decorate the house, closing the rafter structure;
- protect the roof from wind, cold and moisture penetrating through the open ends of the rafters;
- they are part of the ventilation system of the under-roof space: through the holes in the cornices, air penetrates under the roof, ventilates the layers of thermal and waterproofing, and then is removed through the ridge;
- they cover the upper part of the walls from winds and slanting rains, preventing the house from getting wet.
Important! There are roof structures that do not provide for the installation of cornices, there are also shortened versions of overhangs. However, for greater heat saving inside the house and protecting it from moisture, it is still better to equip the roof with cornices.
The four-slope (hip) roofs do not have a frontal cornice, because here the rafters go to all four walls of the house. In gable roofs, the frontal cornice is the side slope of the sloping roof. Such an overhang is performed, fixing the bearing beams on the rafters, which protrude above the walls.
You can often find a design in which the overhang is a continuation of the crate, which is stuffed onto the vapor barrier layer. Then the cornice board is attached directly to the boards of the crate.
The side cornice is formed by rafters protruding beyond the walls. All pitched roofs have such overhangs, their sizes can be different, the eaves from 40 to 70 cm are considered the norm.
It is very important in the process of filing the eaves to observe the ventilation mode of the roof. If this is not done, warm air will begin to condense into water, thereby damaging the materials of the "roofing cake" and the walls of the house.
Attention! Ventilation holes should be only at the side overhangs, while the front cornices are hemmed tightly.
What is the filing of the eaves of the roof
You can hem the roof eaves with your own hands using several materials - today their range is quite large. When choosing a sheathing, one must be guided not only by the aesthetic factor, but also by the long service life of the material - it should approximately equal the operation of the roof itself.
Of the most commonly used materials for filing overhangs, the following can be noted:
Roof eaves filing options
There are two popular methods for filing cornices among roofers:
- along the rafters;
- on a wooden frame (box).
Hemming the eaves along the rafters
This option is applicable only for roofs with a small angle of inclination of the slopes. The biggest difficulty of this method lies in the uneven size of the rafter legs. To make the cornice even and neat, the edges of all rafters must form one plane.
If cutting the rafters to one size does not work, you must use an additional board that is attached to the lower edge of the rafters, perpendicular to the wall of the house. The length of the board should correspond to the distance from the wall to the protruding edge of the rafter.
First, the boards are attached to the extreme rafters of one slope, then a rope is pulled between them and the boards are mounted relative to it to the rest of the rafters. Sheathe such a frame using metal corners and screws.
Hemming of the roof eaves along the box
This option is ideal for roofs with a large pitch angle. To equip the overhang to the lower edge of the rafters, it is necessary to fix a board about four centimeters wide. The other side of the board is fixed on the wall of the house, or rather on a vertical bar previously installed there. Instead of this supporting bar, you can use a beam, which is horizontally fixed to the wall with dowels.
The result should be a triangular-section frame, which, after sheathing, will resemble a box closed on all sides. You can look at the finished designs in the photo or video.
Do-it-yourself work on the construction of the roof structure is almost completed, and the last stage awaits me - filing the roof overhangs of my house. Why is sheathing needed? What materials are used for roofing? How to do this work with your own hands? I will try to answer these and other questions.
Roof overhangs
Why hem overhangs
Eaves overhangs are those parts of the roof that protrude beyond the wall of the house. Their main function is to protect the walls and foundation of the house from the destructive effects of snow and rain. The dimensions of the cornice are selected for each house individually and range from 40 to 130 centimeters. The size of the cornice overhang is influenced by: the height of the walls of the house and the presence or absence of a drainage system. In the construction of some houses (for example, Alpine-style houses, which often have wooden walls), overhanging eaves are made to protect the walls.
Many people think that cornices are sheathed only to give the house an attractive appearance, but this is not entirely true. Roof filing is not only a decorative design of the cornice overhang, but also the protection of the elements of the roof of the house from the aggressive effects of the external environment.
Advice. Roof filing is not required by building regulations, but its presence will significantly extend the life of the roof of the house, so I strongly recommend hemming the roof overhangs.
These works are not difficult and can be done by hand, but first I have to decide on the material that I will use.
Roof eaves
House roof ventilation
Before choosing a material, it is necessary to touch upon such a topic as the ventilation of the eaves, since the methods for providing it will be considered for each material used in the filing of the roof, separately. So why do you need roof ventilation? It provides air circulation necessary to prevent damage to the wooden elements of the supporting structure of the roof. Everyone knows that warm air always rises. If you do not ensure its unimpeded circulation under the roof of the house, then condensation will form, which, flowing onto the insulation, will render it unusable.
Mansard roof ventilation scheme
Advice. To prevent condensation from forming under the roof, the sheathing must have ventilation holes for fresh air to enter. On the ridge, special vents must also be provided through which air will leave the under-roof space. It is for this reason that in the process of filing the roof with my own hands, I strongly recommend not to use sealants to process the cornice overhangs at home.
The choice of material for filing the roof
For these purposes, various materials are used, each of which has its pros and cons. You need to familiarize yourself with them, and then make your choice and start filing the roof with your own hands.
Roof lining with clapboard
Materials used:
- Decking - sheets of galvanized steel, which have a special polymer coating. This coating not only additionally protects the metal, but also gives it the desired color. I want to note that the corrugated board is distinguished by its variety of colors. Light weight and high rigidity make it suitable for complex projects. Ventilation is provided by a gap when laying. Decking is known for its durability. Despite such advantages, I still do not recommend using it for filing the roof with your own hands, since this material is difficult to install, and special equipment is required to cut it.
- A planed board or wooden lining is in most cases used for sheathing the cornice overhangs of the roof of houses with wooden walls. The timber-clad curtain rod light pairs well with the wood wall. The undoubted advantages of this solution are a beautiful appearance and excellent ventilation, which is achieved due to the gaps (6 - 13 mm) between the boards. Before installation, the tree must be treated with a special solution and allowed to lie down on the street. If you mount a dry board from the premises with your own hands, then, perhaps, over time it will lead, which will affect the entire structure. Wood requires special care: it must be processed every three years. I recommend timber cladding only in homes that have timber walls.
Roof sheathing with corrugated board
- Plastic lining is distinguished by its cheapness. It is easy to install, which is especially important if all the work is done by hand. But a significant drawback of plastic lining is its tightness. To ensure ventilation, special holes are cut that spoil the appearance of the skin. I would only use lining if I'm on a tight budget.
- Soffits are profiled panels that were specially designed for roofing. They are made of polyvinyl chloride with the addition of UV stabilizers, which provides them with additional resistance to ultraviolet radiation. The soffit has a wave profile. On one of the waves (medium wave), a ventilation grill is made at the factory. I preferred the soffit. This material suits me perfectly. Below I will tell you how to do the soffit trim with your own hands.
Roof overhang filing with perforated soffit
For sheathing cornice overhangs at home with my own hands, I will need:
- soffit and elements of its fastening;
- wooden beam for the frame;
- screws and nails;
- tools.
Roof lining with soffits
I will tell you the principle of calculating the amount of material using the example of the cladding of my house. The dimensions of the house are 8 by 10 m, the cornices are 60 cm. It turns out that the perimeter of the house is 36 meters. To get the required soffit area, I need to multiply the perimeter by the size of the cornice:
36 m * 0.6 m = 21.6 m2.
But to this value, you need to add four more pieces measuring 0.6 m by 0.6 m, which are located at the corners of the house. The total area of these pieces:
4 * 0.6 * 0.6 = 1.44 m2.
Final soffit area:
21.6 m2 + 1.44 m2 = 23.04 m2.
For sheathing the cornice overhang with my own hands, I used Asko panels, which have dimensions of 0.305 m by 3.5 m. I calculate the area of \u200b\u200bthe panel:
0.305 m * 3.5 m = 1.0675 m2.
Knowing the final area of the soffit and the area of one panel, I get the number of panels necessary for cladding my house:
23.04 m2: 1.0675 m2 = 21.5831 pieces.
I round up to 22 pieces and take a couple more for a spare. As a result, for sheathing, I buy 24 soffit panels.
Installation of siding spotlights
I also need to calculate the length of wooden slats needed for the frame. So that the filing does not sag, I provided an additional rail in the frame that runs in the middle. It turns out that the rail will fit in three rows: the first row will roll along the wall itself, the third will pass along the edge of the eaves at a distance of 60 cm from the wall, and the second at a distance of 30 cm from the wall (in the middle). I calculate the length of the rails:
2 * (10m + 8m) = 36m- 1 row from the wall;
2*(10m+2*0.3m+8m+2*0.3m)=38.4m- 2 row from the wall;
2*(10m+2*0.6m+8m+2*0.6m)=40.8m- 3rd row from the wall;
36 m + 38.4 m + 40.8 m = 115.3- the total length of the rails.
Advice. If the width of the eaves is 60 cm or more, then lay the third row of battens to stabilize the sheathing.
Only the outer row is attached directly to the rafters. To fix the other two rows, I make a crate. It took me another 40 meters for the crate. I also foresaw a small margin and bought 170 meters of rails with a section of 30 by 60 mm.
Soffit installation
Of the tools you will need:
- a metal file (with a small tooth size) for cutting soffit panels;
- a screwdriver, self-tapping screws and a wood file for the construction of a frame;
- a hammer and aluminum nails with a large head (at least 20 mm in diameter) for fixing the skin;
- building level to control the horizontal position of the frame;
- scaffolding to facilitate the installation process and prevent damage to the wall (if the walls of the house are made of brick, then you can use an ordinary ladder).
Do-it-yourself roofing
The process of filing the roof with your own hands is as follows:
- I attach special J-rails to the first and third row of frame rails with nails in increments of 40 - 50 centimeters.
- I slightly bend the pre-cut pieces of the panel and insert them into the grooves of the J-rails, after which I nail them to the wooden slats of the frame.
Advice. Make the size of the soffit panel the same as the size of the cornice, but be sure to provide a small thermal gap of 5 mm (the size of the soffit is 5 mm smaller than the size of the cornice). Drive a nail in the middle of the longitudinal hole in the panel. Do not clog it completely, but leave a small gap.
As you can see, filing the roof overhangs is not difficult. Now you can do it yourself. The main thing is not to be afraid and rush. Experiment and make your home more beautiful and comfortable!
The overhang or cornice of the roof is the lower part of the roof, which usually protrudes from the walls by 40-80 cm.
Its main purpose is to protect the walls and foundation from rain and melt water. The design of the cornice is carried out at the final stage of construction, when the roof is mounted and the work on finishing the outer walls is completed.
It is recommended to hem not only the overhangs of cornices, but also the ceilings of terraces and balconies, porch visors. A wide choice of materials allows you to choose a sheathing for any architectural style, taking into account the type of roofing.
What is the cornice hemmed for?
- After laying the roofing material, a part of the rafters and other layers of the “roofing cake” are visible from the bottom of the ends. It does not look aesthetically pleasing - filing overhangs ennobles the roof, covering all internal details, giving a complete look to the entire structure.
- In addition to the decorative function, the filing of the cornices protects the roofing system from damage by strong winds.
- Another important task is being solved - proper under-roof ventilation is ensured, thanks to which the appearance of condensate, fungus and mold is excluded. Accordingly, the service life of the structure is increased.
Types of roof overhangs - what to look for.
There are two types - a cornice overhang, another name is horizontal, and a gable overhang. Consider how they differ and the features of the filing of each.
Cornice overhang.
It is formed by the lower fragment of a pitched roof. Air masses pass through it to the attic. In the case of arranging a heated attic, from below the slope, air enters the under-roof space, passes upward and is discharged through a ridge or aerator, so all elements of the “roofing pie” are ventilated.
For the correct organization of air draft, the filing of the eaves overhang must be ventilated, not solid, but with supply holes. To do this, use one of the following methods:
- The easiest is to arrange a gap between the panel and the wall. Based on the material used, the gap should be: 1-1.5 cm for siding or wooden lining, 0.6-1.2 cm for profiled sheet.
- Embed grates for aeration - they are installed directly into the sheathing panel.
- When wooden boards are chosen as the finishing material, it is possible to leave gaps of 0.5-1 cm between them during installation.
- A more popular solution is to hem the cornice overhang with perforated soffit.
When finishing a horizontal overhang, two important rules must be observed:
- All ventilation slots and gaps must be covered with mesh or gratings. So debris and leaves, small birds and insects will not get under the roof.
- By volume, the slots should not be less than 1/500 of the entire ventilated area. In addition, each type of roofing material has its own hole diameter. For example, ceramics "breathes", ventilation gaps need a smaller diameter than for flexible tiles.
What will happen if you neglect the ventilation of the under-roof space and tightly close the cornice overhang?
Excess moisture contributes to the formation of condensate, wetting and destruction of insulation and rafters, the formation of mold.
- corrosion forms on a metal tile over time, and a natural tile from an excess of moisture bursts in the cold.
- overheating of the premises in the heat and icing of the roofing in the cold is not ruled out, such a roof will fail very quickly, it will be necessary to carry out major repairs.
Frontal overhang.
It is formed by the inclined side of the roof slope. Here the task is the opposite - it is necessary to protect the crate and insulation from getting wet and blown out, which means to exclude the penetration of wind and rain under the roof. The filing in this case is performed in a continuous hermetic way.
How to arrange the edge (end) of the overhang?
Both types of overhang at the ends have open elements. From the side of the cornice overhang - this is the end of the truss system, at the gable - the ends of the crate. They are covered with special accessories, which can often be purchased together with tiles.
This is done not only to give a beautiful appearance, but also to save roofing materials from adverse weather factors.
Sometimes the edge trim is made from wood that has been treated with antiseptic and painted - but this is not the best option.
Additional components are made of metal and they are more durable, as they are covered with protective anti-corrosion polymer compounds.
Making the edge of the cornice overhang, first the rafters are cut in one line vertically at the same distance from the wall. The ends of the rafters are connected by a strapping frontal board.
A metal cornice strip (drip) is mounted on it. A drainage system is installed along the overhang of the eaves.
From the side of the gable overhang, the crate is cut along one line parallel to the wall. Along the gables, closing the edges of the crate, a metal end plate is installed.
It is also called a wind bar, in addition it protects the roof structure from strong winds and prevents debris and insects from blowing through the ends.
The main methods of filing roof overhangs:
By the rafters.
The simplest technology is used mainly for roofs with a slope of no more than 30 degrees. and the removal of the eaves of 40-50 cm. A crate of timber is built to the rafters. Sheathing panels can be mounted either parallel to the wall or perpendicular to the rafters or along the end.
Horizontal lining.
Suitable for steep pitched roofs. A box is built from the bars, which is attached to the rafters and the wall. At the same time, the bar on the rafters must be placed 1 cm below the bar on the wall. So the moisture that has fallen on the overhang does not linger on it.
Then bars are nailed from the corners of the house to the corners of the roof. If the overhang protrudes by more than 45 cm, another longitudinal beam is additionally installed. Further, bars are added perpendicular to the wall to strengthen the longitudinal bars. This method allows you to economically hem the overhang, installation does not take much time.
Gable overhang lining.
Regardless of what technology the cornice overhang is hemmed with, the pediment is always drawn up along the crate. Bars are attached to it, to which sheathing strips are then fixed.
Selecting material for lining.
Which material to use primarily depends on the overall style of the house, wall decoration and the type of tile are taken into account. An important factor is the price and of course, the personal tastes of the homeowner. It is worth taking into account the practicality and durability of the material.
Wooden plank.
Wood requires special care. Before laying, it is treated with antiseptic and fire-fighting compounds, painted and varnished. From time to time, you will have to repeat these operations, otherwise insects will start in it, it will begin to dampen and deform, while the appearance will noticeably deteriorate.
Conifers are chosen for filing the cornice. The board can be planed or edged, the allowable width is 2-25 cm, the thickness is 1.7-2.2 cm. When mounting the boards parallel to the wall, they are fixed in 1 m increments, perpendicularly - on both sides of the board, with a wide overhang also in the center . For ventilation, gaps are left between the boards 1-1.5 cm.
Wooden lining.
The material is already processed unlike the board. But, like a board, it is advisable to keep it in the air under a canopy for 1 month before installation, otherwise the tree may turn out to be too wet or dry, which will subsequently lead to deformation. Mounted in the same way. It is possible to install ready-made ventilation grilles, which are located at a distance of 1.5 m from each other. The lining costs twice as much as the board.
OSB and plywood.
Plates must be moisture resistant. Installation is quick, as the dimensions and rigidity of the material make it possible to mount large sheets at once. For installation, a box is erected from a bar, to which the plates are screwed. Ventilation is carried out by inserting gratings. This type of lining not durable and not aesthetically pleasing Definitely needs painting.
Sheet metal.
Rarely used, as it has a number of disadvantages: a lot of weight, a special tool for cutting is required, and anti-corrosion treatment of steel sheets along the cut edge is mandatory. Basically, galvanized steel with a polymer coating with a thickness of 0.6 mm is used. The length of the product can reach 6m. Rarely take a copper or aluminum sheet. For ventilation, gratings or perforations are used.
PVC panels are installed perpendicular to the walls, screwed in several places, depending on the width of the overhang. For ease of installation, various additional elements can be purchased along with siding. To finish the edges, “P” shaped strips are placed, the joints of the panels are fixed with corners, there are ventilation grilles. PVC siding is not recommended to be mounted along the overhang, it does not have sufficient rigidity and can sag. Siding is produced mainly in light shades, its cost is low. If you choose good quality material, it will last quite a long time.
It stands out for its ease of installation and durability. Profiled sheet C8, C10 or NS 20mm is used. When designing the cornice, one should take into account the thermal expansion of the profiled sheet and leave a gap of 0.6-1.2 cm. Fastening is carried out in increments of 1 m. Ventilation is carried out through specially designed gratings.
Soffit - a special siding for filing an overhang. Soffits are made of vinyl or metal. They have a variety of textures and a large color palette. For example, wood-like metal spotlights are very popular - they exactly copy the texture of wood of noble woods, such as cedar, oak, maple.
But in comparison with natural wood, soffit is not demanding in care, does not need processing and painting, does not dry out and does not swell, is not afraid of moisture and temperature changes, and costs several times cheaper. Soffits are suitable for all types of tiles, easily matched to any architectural style.
The kit includes all the necessary components, profiles and strips, which greatly simplify and speed up installation. Soffit panels can be of different types: single, double, triple, perforated or solid.
You can do the filing of the overhang with a soffit yourself, the installation procedure is very simple: the planks are cut along the width of the overhang and fastened with grooves perpendicular to the walls.
Soffit is undoubtedly the most reliable and fastest way of filing a cornice and is very popular with owners of private cottages.
Consider the installation on the example of a vinyl soffit. All elements are screwed to a wooden crate:
- J-profile is placed across the overhang and measured.
- Cut off the J-profile with a grinder.
- Attach the J-profile to the crate with self-tapping screws.
- When all profiles are fixed, measure the distance between them and cut the soffit bar of the desired size.
- Install soffit. To do this, the soffit bar is first brought into the wall overhang, and then into the eaves. Fasten with screws.
- The frontal part of the cornice is sewn up with J-bevels or a plank.
You can buy a soffit for filing roof overhangs at a bargain price in Yekaterinburg at Your Roofing. Vinyl and metal spotlights from trusted manufacturers are always available. We provide warranty cards and quality certificates for all products. The service life of the soffit is from 20 to 50 years.
One-color spotlights are available in light, bright and dark shades, as well as with imitation of natural wood. You can always order a professional filing of the eaves with spotlights.
Today, you can easily buy various types of materials for the device of the eaves. With such great abundance, many people find it difficult to choose and need help. It is necessary to focus not only on the price and cost of work, but also on the characteristics of the material and its appearance.
Material requirements:
- Protection of the roof overhang from the damaging effects of precipitation (rain, snow, wind) and temperature changes.
- Ensuring good ventilation of the roof.
- Long service life in conditions of summer heat, winter frosts and high humidity in the off-season.
- Beautiful appearance.
Consider the main materials used for the construction of roof overhangs:
Soffits
Soffits are polyvinyl chloride panels that are used for filing roof overhangs. They are used most often when compared with other materials. Outwardly, they are similar to siding, but differ in greater plastic thickness.
Installing spotlights on the roof eaves solves the problem of ventilation of the under-roof space, since the panels have small holes that allow air to pass through. Due to the protective coating, spotlights are not afraid of exposure to ultraviolet rays and retain their properties, regardless of weather conditions.
In most cases, spotlights will be the most suitable material both in terms of properties and price.
clapboard
The device of the cornice with the help of lining is quite common. This is a familiar material that is easy to work with. Be sure to choose a lining designed for outdoor use. It should not be dry or too wet.
The most optimal solution is the lining, which was in the open air for about 20-30 days. In this case, it will have a humidity corresponding to weather conditions.
Board
Hemming the eaves with a board 2 cm thick also gives good results. If a small gap is observed, the space under the roof will receive the required amount of fresh air, which is very important for protection against the formation of fungus and mold.
PVC panels
If you do not have enough money to buy more expensive materials, then you can use PVC panels for filing cornice overhangs. In this case, it is important to pay special attention to the quality of installation work.
Decking
Represents steel galvanized sheets with the put layer of the polymer which is carrying out esthetic and protective function. The material has good strength and is ideal for mounting the eaves.
The zinc coating protects the steel from corrosion, and the polymer layer prevents scratches. The corrugated board withstands large gusts of wind and is not afraid of temperature changes.
When choosing this material, pay attention to the height of the wave and the dimensions of the sheet, taking into account the protrusion of the overhang.
Existing binder options
The first method involves filing along the rafters. This technology is used in case of a small roof slope. Rafters should be located in the same plane. If this condition is not met, then it is necessary to fill the boards.
You can sheathe the roof both along and across. First, the first and last panels are attached, after which a nylon thread is pulled between them. The rest of the strips are exposed along it and fixed with the help of fasteners.
The second method is used if the roof has a large slope. Installation work is carried out horizontally. With the help of a beam, a box is made fixed to the wall of the house and directly to the overhang.
It is important that the beam on the wall is about 1 cm higher than the board fixed to the rafters. This condition is necessary so that moisture from the edge of the roof does not fall on the wall of the house. After that, proceed to the fastening of the panels. This installation of the cornice is most common.
What is the difference between a gable overhang and a cornice overhang?
Overhangs are gable and horizontal (cornice). Let us consider in more detail their differences, since the method of roof sheathing depends on this.
Eaves overhang
It is needed to supply fresh air to the attic and to the under-roof space where the insulation is located. The air flow, getting under the roof through the cornice overhang, rushes up and creates the required microclimate, preventing rotting and mold formation.
Therefore, the arrangement of cornices must be done in such a way as to ensure good ventilation. The cornice overhang cannot be tightly sealed with clapboard or boards. It is better to give preference to filing with perforated spotlights.
This method will protect the roof from the penetration of birds and rodents, leaving room for free movement of air flow to the attic.
Main rule : when filing a cornice-type overhang, choose materials and technologies that provide for the possibility of ventilation!
How to do it?
- By attaching the panels, you can leave a small gap between them and the wall of the house. For example, when filing with siding or corrugated board, the gap can reach 1.5 cm.
- If you prefer clapboard finishing, install ventilation grilles.
- The cornices are hemmed with a board in such a way that there are gaps, the size of which does not exceed one centimeter.
- When using soffits, you need to choose panels with perforations.
How big should the ventilation holes be?
Practice shows that the total area of all holes should be at least 1/500 of the surface area in need of ventilation. If a roof covering is used that breathes, such as ceramic tiles, then the area of the ventilation openings must be even larger.
The openings must be protected with grating or nets to prevent birds, mice or dirt from getting inside the roof. These conditions must be met during the installation of cornices.
Gable overhang
Unlike the eaves, the gable overhang does not need ventilation. It is the side of the roof, vulnerable to strong gusts of wind. Therefore, the hemming of the roof in this case must be done with the highest quality, exactly with the technology, so that the wind does not blow moisture during rain inside between the panels.
Main rule: when covering the roof from the front side, the greatest emphasis is placed on the tightness of the structure.
If you are interested in roof eaves filing, the options that we intend to offer you may come in handy. This is the final stage in the construction of any roof, after the roof has been completely sheathed. Unfortunately, at this stage, many people make mistakes that lead to technical violations of the roof and lead to improper drainage of rain and snow masses. So, how to hem the cornice?
Highlights of this process
Sheathing the roof overhang with cornices performs several different functions. First of all, it is the protection of the facade from damage during precipitation and their runoff from the roof. The cornice must also properly ventilate the roof so that the rafter system does not rot. But high-quality overhangs should perform one more function - to give the building a finished and neat look, which is impossible without a high-quality cornice.
This work, of course, cannot cover all existing types of eaves and the materials used for their manufacture, so we will focus on a few basic options so that you know how and how to make a roof sheath. In particular, these will be materials that are popular in private homes, such as corrugated board, wooden lining and soffit. They meet all the technical requirements that are necessary for a successful roof filing. At the same time, the price makes these materials accessible to a wide range of citizens. That is why we decided to stop them.
Phased scheme of work
The first thing we will dwell on in detail is the correct arrangement of the roof eaves, which will be disassembled into the main elements. In such a case as filing roof overhangs, it is precisely the elements that will be discussed below that should be given the main attention if you do not want urgent repairs to be required in a year or even several months.
So what is this cornice overhang and why do you need filing roof overhangs for a private house? A cornice is a part of the rafters that protrudes beyond the facade of the house. This is the part of the roof that hangs outward, hence the name.
Eaves overhang is of two main types: simple and with the removal. We recommend using the first one, as it is not that complicated in the device, and yet will not create problems in the future. With a strong wind, there is no rumble and other sounds in it, which is often the sin of the option with the removal.
The first main element we will focus on is the roof overhang assembly. We will not give a detailed drawing here, you can easily find it on the Internet. But we will indicate its main parts, without which you cannot do without. First of all, it is, of course, a drain. What it serves for, in general, is clear - in the rain and when the snow melts, water will flow down its gutter. So she will not blur the walls of the house. It is desirable that the gutter be brought out to the side of the house so that the constant flow of water does not gradually erode the foundation for you. Therefore, we do not recommend building in the way that private homeowners sometimes do, in which the drain goes down close to the wall of the house. You should think about this even at the stage of building the roof and arranging the facade of the house.
Another important part of the assembly is a special protective sheet of metal, which should cover the frontal board behind and under the gutter. No matter how perfect the latter is, some of the water will still fall on the wall in separate drops and splashes. This metal apron will help protect the wood from decay.
The cornice overhang of the roof can have various types, namely frontal and lateral. Let's dwell on them in more detail, because without studying this issue you cannot make a roof overhang correctly. Below you can see the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
As the name implies, a frontal overhang is necessary in order to provide sufficient protection for the house. This roof overhang also determines how attractive your house will look from the outside, so be careful with it. Such a cornice consists of two edges of the roof slopes. Therefore, if you have a hip-type roof, also called a hipped roof, it will be absent.
The usual overhang of the frontal cornice is arranged quite simply. The load-bearing beams are brought out and fixed on the rafters. But there are other options as well. For example, many, in order to save money and simplify the device, make a cornice from a crate laid on top of a vapor barrier, directly under the roofing material. The cornice board itself is already attached to this crate, to which, in turn, the selected roofing material will be sewn. This version of the device is also quite acceptable, if for some reason it seems to you more convenient and simpler. But remember that good wood should serve as batten boards.
But the side overhang can be seen on any type of sloping roof. How is it created? Its basis is the rafters that go beyond the walls of the house. Each time, the distance to which they will be brought out must be calculated individually during construction, based on the height of your house, and also what width the blind area has. But usually it is about 50 to 70 centimeters, rarely more and almost never less.
So, now that you know how to properly make a cornice for the facade and sides of the house, it's time to move on to another important issue - creating the necessary ventilation through the cornices for the roof. Without this, your roof will not last long, rotting in the rafters will begin, mold will appear in the insulation, and many other unpleasant consequences. Warm air rising from inside the house must freely go outside, otherwise condensation will begin to form.
Therefore, when installing a cornice, in no case do not use sealants, but also mounting foam. They tightly block the movement of air, thereby creating an incorrect and harmful atmosphere for materials inside.
But you should also know that the front overhangs must be completely closed, and only the side overhangs should be ventilated. This is due to the peculiarities of air circulation.
And now let's look at the features of all the material options for sheathing the eaves, so that you know how you can hem the overhangs of your house. Above, we have already listed the options that can be found at the moment on sale. When choosing, we recommend focusing not only and not so much on external attractiveness, but on a guaranteed service life, because no matter how beautiful the material is, you hardly want to change it too often.
The first material that you should pay attention to is corrugated board. What he really is? This is a special galvanized steel, which can have a polymer coating of various colors. The corrugated board has excellent technical characteristics, is resistant to mechanical damage, as well as sudden changes in ambient temperature. More importantly, corrugated board copes well even with the strongest wind. But in order for there to be normal ventilation, make a gap between the corrugated board and the house, which should be approximately equal to the wave height of its sheet. Sheathing with such a metal profile of the eaves is quite popular due to its high strength.
Over the years, another material has become more and more popular, hemming the cornice with which has many advantages. These are soffits. According to their design, they are ordinary plastic panels. But these panels have ventilation holes already made during the manufacture, which ensures excellent air circulation. More importantly, the spotlights are perfectly protected from sunlight, including ultraviolet rays, which makes them perfect for arranging the eaves of a house located in a well-lit area. That is why more and more people decide to hem the roof eaves with a soffit.
Sheathing a cornice with a wooden clapboard is a classic option. It captivates with the fact that it is a natural material that goes well with wooden houses and creates a beautiful organic look. But you need to choose the right tree. It should not be too thin, the minimum allowable width is about two centimeters. After all, the lining will have to provide reliable protection of the roof overhangs from atmospheric influences and therefore must be strong and reliable.
A good tree will be one that has an average moisture content - then it will last longer.
Now you know how to hem the roof eaves and with what material, and why it is so important to create proper ventilation. Although filing cornices is not as simple as it seems at first glance, it is quite within the power of one person. You will be able to do everything with your own hands if you approach the matter responsibly and seriously, having calculated everything you need in advance.