Do-it-yourself crate for a soft roof. How to make a crate for soft tiles on the roof - theory and practice

The arrangement of a soft roof has a lot of nuances that require special attention. In particular, it is necessary to carefully consider the design of the crate so that the roof can realize its advantages. By the way, there are many advantages - a soft roof perfectly withstands any natural phenomena, it is quite easy to install and allows you to create almost any building exterior. This article will consider the device of the crate for a soft roof and the subtleties of its installation.

Sheathing materials

Do-it-yourself crate for a soft roof can be equipped from different materials, which you must definitely have an idea about. There are many suitable options of varying degrees of effectiveness and popularity, but in the absence of experience, it is best to choose the most common materials.


Most often, the base for a soft roof is equipped using the following materials:

  1. Edged planed board. This material is very common, so the crate is very often made from it. When choosing boards, you need to pay attention to their quality - if there are knots or other defects, it is better to look for boards elsewhere.
  2. Wooden bars. Wooden beams are also well suited for mounting the crate. The most important point that requires attention in the case of wooden parts is their moisture content - this value should be below 20%. In addition, you need to take into account the possibility of wood drying out, so when buying, you should take elements with a small margin in size.
  3. Film roofing or diffuse materials. To create the crate, film-type materials are used, which allow increasing the heat and waterproofing properties of the finished structure.
  4. Roof runs. Roof purlins are used in the roof structure, which improve the strength properties of the structure, and therefore increase reliability.
  5. Plywood. Elements of high-quality plywood are often installed under a soft roof, which allows you to create a perfectly flat supporting surface. Since the plywood itself is a monolithic material, the result is a continuous crate for bituminous tiles, which does not have gaps that negatively affect the tightness of the roof.

To create the crate, you can use only high-quality materials with high performance - only in this case the soft roof will be on a fairly reliable support.

Types of lathing for soft roofing

The lathing is an element of the roofing structure, providing a reliable foundation for the roofing pie. This roof element consists of boards nailed to the truss frame.

There are two main types of crates:

  1. solid. The sheathing of a solid type does not have gaps between the boards, therefore, in the vast majority of cases, it is used for the installation of a soft roof.
  2. sparse. The elements of this type of crate, unlike the previous one, are located at a certain distance, which allows to reduce the weight of the structure and reduce the cost of its arrangement. Sparse lathing is used to create a roof from solid roofing materials.


The rafter system for a soft roof can be equipped using several technologies. In the case of a soft roof, a combined scheme is usually used, according to which, first of all, a sparse crate is laid, and later plywood or chipboard plates are attached to it. This roof structure is highly reliable and energy efficient.

Installation of lathing for a soft roof - what should be the step

The technology of mounting the lathing under a soft roof involves the sequential execution of the following operations:

  • The first step is to install wooden bars, starting from the bottom and leading them to the roof supports;
  • The lowest board of the crate is nailed behind the cornice overhang;
  • The next step is laying the roofing tape along the roof ridge (the strips are laid from the bottom up with a slight overlap and fixed with a counter-lattice);
  • The first element of the crate is fixed at the very edge of the truss frame;
  • The second board or timber is attached at a distance of about 30 cm from the first element, after which it is possible to mount the remaining elements of the crate in increments of 37 cm (standard value for laying a soft roof);
  • The last board of the crate is attached to the ridge with nails.


The elements of the crate must be located strictly horizontally. Compliance with the installation technology will allow you to create an extremely reliable crate that will withstand all design loads without any problems. The installation itself is not difficult, but in the absence of experience in performing construction work, it would be advisable to use the services of specialists.

Foundation device depending on the slope of the roof

When thinking over the design of the crate, it is necessary to take into account the angle of inclination of the roof for a soft roof, depending on which the installation process will change as follows:

  • If the roof angle is less than 10 degrees, a continuous crate will be required, preferably from OSB under a soft roof;
  • If the angle of inclination of the roof varies from 10 to 15 degrees, the installation step of the lathing elements can reach 45 cm, and the combination of timber and OSB for a soft roof is best suited as materials;
  • If the slope of the roof exceeds 15 degrees, then the pitch of the sheathing for bituminous tiles can be increased to 60 cm, and for its arrangement it is worth using a bar with a section of 45x50 mm. If an OSB plate is used for the base, it is individually calculated, taking into account the dimensions of the soft tiles.


Also, during installation, you need to remember the need to lay additional beams in those sections of the roof where the valleys and the ridge pass.

To create the most durable and efficient crate, it is best to use calibrated boards - due to the same thickness, such products are very easy to join. In addition, the boards make it possible to create an even structure that can last for a long time.

Calculation of loads on the truss system and lathing parameters

When creating a crate for a soft roof, it is best to choose the value of the fastening step of individual elements, not exceeding 10 cm - this will allow you to securely lay the roofing. For a continuous crate, it is best to use calibrated edged boards, and if you want to create an even and seamless structure, you should pay attention to plywood or chipboard. In order for the construction to be of sufficient quality, all materials used during installation must have a moisture content of less than 20%.

I am designing a crate and rafters for a soft roof, you need to carry out the following calculations:

  • Calculation of the load exerted on the roof by precipitation;
  • Calculation of loads arising due to the own weight of the materials used.


When the calculation results are obtained, you can determine the remaining characteristics of the crate. For example, if the step of the crate for a soft roof is about 50 cm, then the minimum thickness of the boards should be 20 mm, and with a step of 120 cm, materials with a cross section of at least 30 mm will be required.

The osb soft roof differs from other structures in its excellent resistance to biological factors, but this does not apply to the wooden elements of the crate. To protect it from negative influences, it is worth treating the boards with an antiseptic composition before installation.

Dropper installation

When arranging a soft roof, it is imperative to install a drip. This element of the roof structure protects it from the harmful effects of moisture. The drip can have a bend in the range of 100-130 degrees (the exact value depends on the slope of the roof slopes). This element is installed on the edge of the roof so that water enters it and flows down.


The dropper and its installation have the following features:

  • As a rule, the dropper is made of galvanized steel, which is not exposed to moisture;
  • To preserve the exterior, you need to select a drip of the appropriate shade;
  • To ensure the maximum degree of protection of the roof and facade of the building, it is worth installing a drip along the entire perimeter of the building.

Conclusion

The installation of the crate is a prerequisite for the installation of a soft roof. The installation technology is quite simple, but there are some nuances that require attention. If all the recommendations for arranging the lathing are followed, then the roofing will be provided with a reliable and durable support.

The crate under the soft roof has its own characteristics. Since such a device is found quite often in the construction spaces of our state, it is necessary to find out the main nuances and varieties of materials for its manufacture. If you properly perform such a roof, you can achieve excellent technical characteristics, including resistance to natural disasters. Plus, the ease of installation work and the low labor intensity of the processes cannot leave indifferent all modern developers. In this article, we will consider the device of the crate for a soft roof and get acquainted with all the features and nuances of such a design.

Before you make a crate, you should know which material is better to choose for its manufacture, because each of them has its own individual technical characteristics. To date, there are a huge number of options, and the most polar among which are the following types:

  • To create a crate, a cut calibrated planed board with a width of about 14 cm is very often used. The material must be of high quality and reliable. Professional builders recommend preparing it in advance;
  • The device is often made from a block of wood. It is worth noting that special attention should be paid to the moisture content of the wood, which should not exceed 20% of the dry weight. During the workflow, the dimensions of the bars may change, so you need to purchase them with a small margin;
  • Lathing for a soft roof is created from a roofing or diffuse film material. It has a positive effect on thermal and waterproofing performance;
  • With the help of roofing runs, you can not only strengthen the roof, but also increase its stability and reliability;
  • The use of plywood contributes to the creation of a perfectly flat and smooth surface. Plus, in such a device there are absolutely no cracks and cracks, which has a positive effect on tightness.

Attention! Lathing for a soft roof should be created only from high quality materials and with optimal technical parameters, otherwise you can not even dream of a durable and reliable roof.

Types of lathing for soft roofing

The roof lathing for a soft roof is created in order to ensure the fastening of materials to the base of the building surface. Visually, it resembles a frame, as it consists of a series of boards attached to a rafter system. Regarding the type of roof on which it is laid, it has its own characteristics, while there are two main types of battens:

  • Solid type. Most often, such a crate can be found in a device with soft roofing materials;
  • sparse type. It is the best option for slate structures, metal tiles and other solid roofing projects.

Most often, the crate for shingles and other soft materials is produced using two-layer technology. First, one continuous level is made, for which a chipboard (chipboard) is used. It is worth noting that they can also lay moisture-resistant plywood. Then lay a sparse layer made of boards.

Attention! Such a device allows you to increase the efficiency of heat and sound insulation in the room.

Installation of lathing under a soft roof

The installation process of the crate is quite simple. To create a high-quality and effective coating, you must follow the following sequence:

  • We fasten the bars of wood from the bottom up to the load-bearing points of the roof;
  • We nail the lower purlin behind the eaves with a board;
  • Then we lay the roofing tape horizontally to the roof ridge. First, we make a strip at the eaves, gradually rising with an overlap to the top. In order to facilitate the gap of the ventilation system, we fix the material between the counter-lattice of the bars and the rafters;
  • After we fix the first bar to the very edge of the rafters;
  • We mount the second bar at a distance of about 30-35 cm from the lowest point of the first frame element;
  • We continue the installation of the bars, maintaining the step of the crate under the soft roof - 37 cm. We attach the last element to the ridge 20 cm with nails;

Attention! All elements of the crate must be mounted in a horizontal position. If you meet the requirements regarding the distance to the lower edges of the structure, then you can achieve excellent indicators of strength and reliability.

As you can see, the installation process does not require special skills, but there are many nuances, without adhering to which you can ruin the coating. It is best to find a specialist in your assistants.

Rules for mounting the crate relative to the corner

Before writing this section, we watched a lot of videos and outlined the basic rules that will help you create the perfect roof arrangement. Lathing for a soft roof should be created taking into account such nuances:

  • For roofs with an angle of less than 10 degrees, it is necessary to make a continuous type crate. For this, it is best to use moisture-resistant plywood;
  • If the angle varies from 10 to 15 degrees, then the crate is made in increments of 45 mm. To create a device, it is optimal to use timber and waterproof plywood. The structure should be directed parallel to the eaves of the building;
  • If the angle exceeds 15 degrees, then the step should be increased to 60 cm. To create a structure, a beam with a size of 45 by 50 mm is best suited;
  • An additional beam should be installed in those places where the valleys and the ridge will be attached.

The best material for the manufacture of lathing under a soft roof should be considered a calibrated board. Thanks to equal thicknesses, an even joint is obtained and a stepped design is avoided. Practical experience has proven that such surfaces can last much longer than uneven roofs. It is for this reason that developers acquire high-quality material and try to dock the boards as accurately as possible.

Attention! Coniferous species are considered the best wood for these purposes, which please with both cost and excellent technical characteristics.

Recommendations regarding the load and parameters of the crate

The optimal step when creating a crate for soft roofing materials is considered to be a value not exceeding 10 cm. This norm is caused by certain characteristics of the products. For a continuous layer, a calibrated edged board, which has already been mentioned above, is ideal. Also help to create a perfect flat surface without seams - waterproof plywood and chipboard sheets. It should be borne in mind that this layer must be tightly attached to the boards and have a moisture content not exceeding 20%. When creating a structure, we pay attention that its strength corresponds to the load that will put pressure on it:

  • Take into account the possible load from snow cover;
  • Calculate the load that is created from the roofing materials.

Relative to these indicators, the necessary parameters of the crate are determined. Thus, if the laying step is about 50 cm, then a board with a thickness of at least 20 mm should be used, and with a step of 120 cm, at least 30 mm. It is worth noting that one of the features of a soft roof is resistance to biological damage, but this does not apply to the tree from which the crate is knocked down. For this reason, it is recommended to perform special treatment with antiseptics that will protect the structure from fungi.

Features of installing a drip

The dropper is considered an important element in the device of the crate for a soft roof, as it is responsible for protection against the adverse effects of moisture. The bending of the product depends on the angle of the roof, its value varies from 100 to 130 degrees. Attach the dripper to the edge of the roof, vertically directing it down so that the water flows to the ground. Features include the following:

  • For the manufacture of the dropper, galvanized steel is used, which does not tend to rust;
  • In order not to spoil the aesthetic appearance of the building, the color of the drip should be matched to the shade of the roof;
  • To fully protect the roof and facade, you should stretch the drip around the entire perimeter of the building;
  • The device is able to provide protection against wind currents.

So we got acquainted with all the features of creating crates for buildings with a soft roof. Follow all the tips and tricks, and you will definitely succeed!

The reliability of a roof covered with soft tiles is ensured by the correct design of the base of the crate. Of course, it is not a secret that it should be solid, moisture resistant, even, inflexible, have a surface devoid of notches and chips. But practice shows that the right material for the frame is not enough, it is also necessary to master the intricacies of the installation technology, to know how to properly fix the crate.

Lathing under soft tiles: device options

There are several basic technologies for mounting the crate. The simplest of them is a continuous crate for shingles, which is laid directly on the rafters. This technology, due to its lack of efficiency, is not used so often. Much more common is the method in which, first, bars or boards are fixed to the rafters at an angle or parallel to the ridge, and then plywood or OSB is installed on them.

According to another method, it is attached to the bars of the counter-lattice, which are fixed on the rafters, parallel to the latter. Thanks to this basis, a ventilation gap is formed under a continuous crate, starting from the eaves. The air, "enriched" with moisture, is brought out through the ridge. This makes it possible to maintain the optimum moisture content of the battens and other wooden roof elements and protect them from decay and other damage. A configuration of this kind also makes it possible to install a layer of insulation and a superdiffusion membrane laid on the rafters.

There is one more significant point, if the crate for flexible tiles is installed with errors, then the manufacturer of the roofing material, despite the flaws in the roof surface, has the right to refuse to fulfill warranty obligations.

What material to choose

Roof plywood
Waterproof plywood is one of the most common materials for continuous sheathing. It is waterproof and flexible. To these characteristics, it is also worth adding the multi-layer coating in order to understand what determines the high functional qualities of such a crate and its long service life.

The optimal type of plywood used for the construction of the crate is FSF plywood. She is -

  • made from coniferous trees;
  • has high strength, including bending;
  • moisture resistant;
  • resistant to aggressive environments;
  • has a relatively small weight;
  • due to processing with special compounds, it has fairly good refractory and antiseptic properties.

OSB-3 boards
The structure of OSB boards is fundamentally different from plywood or chipboard. Computerization of the pressing process minimizes OSB thickness variation as much as possible, so the crate for bituminous tiles from these plates is very effective. They are -

  • moisture resistant;
  • do not deform, do not warp from moisture;
  • sufficiently resistant to snow and wind loads;
  • have a low weight;
  • form a smooth, perfectly flat surface.

To install the frame under a soft roof, tongue-and-groove or edged boards from coniferous trees sorted by thickness are also used. , the humidity of which does not exceed 20%.

Lathing for shingles: competent installation

When installing it, it is necessary to completely eliminate the likelihood of sharp fractures and corners, otherwise excessive bending and friction of the roofing material cannot be avoided.

It is mandatory to adjust the materials that are used when arranging the crate for soft tiles - all its lines must be smoothed as much as possible and handed over as “soft”.

When using an edged board, the step of the lathing for flexible tiles should be 3-5 mm. Boards are laid taking into account the direction of fragments of annual rings. They should be directed upwards. Why is it so important? If it is “led”, then the board will begin to unbend and, having filled the gap between the laths, will have a minimal impact on the roof. Otherwise, the arching will go through a "hump", which will completely disfigure the surface of the roof.

As an additional measure, fastening a wet board is best done with two self-tapping screws on each side.

Plywood is laid with the longitudinal side parallel to the ridge.

It is very important that the butt joints do not become a continuation of each other.

When installing in the cold season, the gap between OSB-3 boards, as well as plywood sheets, must be left at least 3 mm to compensate for linear expansion in the warm season.

Fastening of plywood sheets is carried out with the help of sharp nails or self-tapping screws. At the same time, the heads of the fasteners are completely recessed to protect the top coating from damage. Fastening is carried out approximately in increments of 15 cm with the obligatory fixing of the edges of the sheets.

In our country, one of the most popular roofing materials is soft tiles. Its advantages include low cost, light weight, durability and ease of installation. In general, this type of coating can be divided into two types: rolled materials, including, for example, roofing felt and bituminous tiles. Their main difference is the form of manufacture. In order for the roof to be strong and reliable, roofing materials should be properly fixed to the main elements. For this, a special crate is created, which can be sparse or solid. In the case of a soft roof, the features of which we will discuss in this article, both types can be used.

Knowing the design features, you can easily make the crate yourself

The roof must withstand any static load. The thickness of the base will depend on the pitch of the rafters, and the thickness of the formwork will depend on the type of material to be used. The crate should not have any backlash, so it must be fixed very carefully. If bituminous tiles were chosen, then the substrate should be installed in two passes. It is very important that there is not a single corner or sharp bend in the structure, as this can lead to deformation of the entire roof.

What is made of

Usually, a sheathing for a soft roof is a flat surface created from edged boards. You can also use OSB board or plywood.

A board that is half cut or not cut at all is not recommended. Such a mistake can cost a second roofing.

Each of these materials has its pros and cons. So, for example, the OSB board is lightweight and durable, it is inexpensive, but it is characterized by dubious environmental friendliness and poor vapor permeability. Plywood is not subject to deformation and has good moisture resistance, but is combustible and capable of releasing harmful substances. As for the edged board, this material is very easy to install and environmentally friendly, the only negative is the possibility of decay. However, this drawback is easily eliminated by processing with special substances.


Carefully check the degree of drying of the material

Regardless of which material you choose, it is important that the moisture content does not exceed 20%.

The best material for lathing is calibrated boards. This is because only they can make a perfectly flat surface. To increase the waterproofing and thermal insulation properties, a diffuse film is used. And roofing underlays will help to make the roof even more durable.

For boards, it is better to use conifers.

To make a crate, you will need a screwdriver, a hammer, a circular saw, a level, a pencil and a tape measure.

Pitch and other design requirements

The structure must be made in such a way that it can easily support the weight of the roofing material. The type of flooring must be determined taking into account the angle of the roof. If this angle is up to 10⁰, the deck will be solid. If the angle is 10-15⁰, a beam with a diameter of 45x50 mm is used, as well as moisture-resistant plywood. The pitch of the rafters in this case will be equal to 450 mm and directed parallel to the eaves. When the angle of inclination is greater than 15⁰, a similar beam is used, but the pitch of the rafters should be 600 mm. Where the ridge and valley are located, it is necessary to use an additional beam.

Calculation


Use this table for ease of calculation

Installation instructions


Follow the instructions to get the job done right.

All work must be carried out in strict sequence. First you need to attach the battens to the supporting structure of the roof. It is important to work from the bottom, gradually moving up. Then the lower crate is nailed, which is fixed behind the cornice board. This is necessary for reliable fixation of the first row of soft roofing. The next step is the flooring of the roofing tape. It should be located horizontally relative to the ridge. The first strip is located at the eaves, the next ones are overlapped. To arrange optimal ventilation gaps, it is important to fix the tape between the counter-battens and rafters.

Focusing on the edge of the rafters, the first bar is fixed. The second must be placed behind the edge of the first, while the distance between them is strictly maintained - 30–35 cm. The following bars are fixed in increments of 37 cm, and the last one is installed at the ridge board. For this work, you can use ordinary nails. The distance between them is 20 cm. Using the level, the correct installation of the bars is checked, they must all be mounted horizontally.

Video: Lathing installation

Thus, the quality of soft roofing will depend on the competent creation of ventilation gaps, preparation of the roof, laying of the lining carpet, but the crate will be the most important factor. Pay special attention to its design and installation. Choose only high-quality building materials. Carefully study all the nuances, and only then get to work.

In order to fix any type of roofing material on the roof, a crate is used. What it will be depends on the type of coverage. In this material, we will talk about what should be the crate for soft tiles and how to properly fix it.

In essence, a batten is a series of battens or other materials that are attached to a truss system for subsequent laying of a finish coat.

The main nuances and scheme of the crate

The sheathing scheme for flexible tiles can be of two types:

  • with gaps - for the installation of hard coatings, for example, metal tiles, slate or corrugated board;
  • laid in a continuous layer - for soft roofing.


It is noteworthy that the installation of a continuous crate for laying soft roofing is carried out in two layers. First, a rail or board is stuffed at intervals over the rafters, and then a continuous layer of lathing from a solid OSB slab under a soft roof or from plywood with water-repellent impregnation is attached to them. By the way, this finishing layer serves as additional sound and heat insulation.

Installation technology of lathing and OSB under soft tiles

As well as in the case of all other structural elements of the roof, the installation of the batten must be carried out in accordance with the following rules:

  1. A continuous coating of boards or sheets of moisture-resistant plywood is performed on pitched roofs with a slope of 5-10º.
  2. On the slopes, the slope of which is 10-15º, first a crate is made under the OSB on the roof from bars with a section of 45 × 50 mm, laying them in 45 cm increments parallel to the eaves, and then laying waterproof plywood or chipboard.
  3. The same beam is also used on roofs with a slope of more than 15º, however, they are laid 60 cm apart.
  4. Additional lathing bars are installed in places where the valley is attached to the ridge run.

It is believed that the roof will last the longest if the soft roof is laid on boards calibrated to the same size. In this case, the crate will turn out to be even, without height differences, so that the joints can be perfectly adjusted. Therefore, on this basis, the coating will not be damaged ahead of time, and will not lose its performance characteristics.


The most preferred for construction are edged coniferous boards, which combine low price and good performance.

When organizing a sparse lathing for the subsequent laying of soft roofing, the boards are laid with an indent of no more than 10 cm. For a solid type of lathing, edged boards, chipboards and moisture-resistant plywood sheets are successfully used. Please note that the installation of OSB under a soft roof must be carried out necessarily on strong boards, while its humidity should not exceed 20%.

Since the crate will be exposed to external influences, it must be strong enough to withstand:

  • increased snow loads in winter;
  • weight of the finish.


Based on these conditions, the calculation of the structural elements of the roof is performed. In particular, if the pitch of the rafters for a soft roof is 50 cm, the crate is made of 20 mm edged boards or 10 mm waterproof plywood. When the rafter pitch is increased to 120 cm, plywood with a thickness of 20 mm or a board of 30 mm thickness is used. That is, the thickness of the OSB for a soft roof directly depends on the distance between the rafters.

Please note that wood, unlike soft tiles, is very susceptible to decay and the development of fungus. Therefore, before installation, without exception, all wooden elements must be treated with an antiseptic.

Why do you need a drip on the roof

The dropper is one of the essential components of the crate. Its function is to protect the cornice from water leakage. This is important, because it is in these places that wooden structures are most susceptible to decay. The inner angle of the dropper can vary between 100-130º, depending on the steepness of the slopes. These elements are mounted on the edges of the roof, making sure that the water flows along them strictly vertically directly into the drain. In addition, the dropper gives the entire roof structure a more finished look.


Drip Features:

  • they produce such parts from galvanized sheet steel with a polymer coating that provides additional anti-corrosion protection;
  • the color scheme of the dropper must match the color of the main coating so as not to create dissonance;
  • drippers must be installed around the entire perimeter of the roof in order to equally protect the roof and facade from water leakage;
  • this element reduces the windage of the pitched roof, this allows you to protect the structure from the wind.

Drip installation method

The technology for installing droppers involves some nuances:

  • the main part of the dropper is fixed on the crate board, while its lower segment should be directed to the drain;
  • adjacent segments of steel drips are laid overlapping each other;
  • additional protection of the edge of the crate is provided by front slats;
  • at the next stage, the installation of the roofing carpet begins, not forgetting to coat its edges with mastic so that it grabs better;
  • soft roofing is laid on top of the drip.

So, the crate is a very important element that allows you to lay a quality soft roofing.

  1. For a soft roof, two layers of lathing are required, combined into a single structure.
  2. The surface of a continuous crate should not contain height differences and defects.
  3. To avoid damage to the soft surface, all protruding sharp edges and bends must be rounded off.
  4. As a rule, a cut board with a width of 14 cm is used.
  5. To prevent moisture from seeping into the space under the roof, the board should be laid with the tray up.
  6. As well as sharp ribs, the ends of the edge boards must be rounded so as not to damage the roofing material.
  7. Protection of wood from pests and rotting will be provided by treatment with antiseptics.
  8. The strength of the wind in a particular region, as well as the slope of the pitched roof, affect the step of the crate for soft tiles. Decreases as the wind strength increases.
  9. Moisture-resistant plywood sheets or chipboard under a soft roof should be laid with an indent of 1 cm so that when the material swells from moisture, it does not crack.
  10. The dropper will protect the wooden cornices and the crate from the flow of precipitation.