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Verandas attached to the house are a common structure, and there is nothing surprising here. But an unusual approach to organizing a place to relax can be called arranging a terrace on the roof of a building. Previously, such projects were developed for government agencies. Nowadays, a terrace on the roof of a residential building is present in many private courtyards.
Planning is an important stage in arranging a terrace
The terrace itself is a simple structure, but its location on the roof significantly complicates the design. A serious approach to drafting is required. You need to take everything into account: a durable and waterproof roof under the terrace, arrangement of fences, design, as well as many other important issues.
Before you start drawing up a project, you need to evaluate the building on which you plan to build a terrace. Most often, such places for recreation are arranged on the roof, an extension adjacent to the house, for example, a veranda or 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 assessing a building, it is important to pay attention to the walls and foundation. The second floor will create a greater load on these elements of the building. Let’s say that a lightweight 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 resting place. However, here too it is necessary to calculate the maximum permissible load on the building.
Features of floor arrangement
The biggest problem in arranging a terrace is the floor, because it also serves as the roof of the building below. If done incorrectly, there is a risk of flooding during rain or melting snow.
The base of the terrace on the roof of the building is floor slabs or wooden decking. A cake of vapor-waterproofing, insulation and reinforced screed is laid on top. Moreover, this entire layer is made at a slope of 2O towards the drain funnels so that water does not accumulate on the floor of the terrace. For such flat roofs, an internal drainage system is usually installed. Its peculiarity is that the gutters are embedded inside the walls and under the concrete screed that serves as the roof. Drainage funnels remain on the surface, covered with a protective mesh.
To install a roof terrace, perform the following steps:
- First, waterproofing is laid on top of the floor slab. Roll materials or bitumen mastic are suitable.The next layer is a vapor barrier, and thermal insulation on top. Only solid insulation is used. No type of mineral wool will work. The thermal insulation on top is protected with at least 5 layers of rolled waterproofing. The entire pie is covered with a leveling concrete screed.
- The final layer is again waterproofing. A carpet consisting of a mixture of bitumen mastic and gravel is installed on the roof. The finishing floor is reinforced concrete slabs measuring 40x44 cm, lined with ceramic tiles with a corrugated surface. Instead of slabs, the floor can be covered with terrace boards.
Along with arranging the floor, you need to worry about the parapet, because the safety of your holiday depends on it. You can install the structure as a stair railing. Forged elements and handrails made of natural wood look beautiful. A parapet can serve as an extension of the wall of the house, protruding above the floor of the terrace.
Open recreation areas are subject to the negative effects of precipitation. To prevent snow or raindrops from being blown into the house through the front doors, a closed exit to the terrace is provided.
Proper arrangement of the roof over the terrace
Open terraces are built without a roof. The roof can be a collapsible or retractable awning. Such a light canopy will protect your resting place from the sun and light rain. Enclosed verandas with sliding glass walls allow you to create a cozy room on the roof of your house. Here you can already install a barbecue, fireplace and other attributes. You can relax on the glassed veranda in any weather. When it gets hot, the walls simply move to the side, opening the way for fresh air. A light plexiglass roof is installed over the closed veranda or an awning is hung.
The most difficult roof is for a completely enclosed terrace.That is, on the roof of the house you get a full-fledged insulated veranda with solid walls. You can install heating inside such a room and use it as a living space. Fully enclosed verandas have impressive weight. Before their construction, it is necessary to accurately calculate the loads falling on the foundation and walls of the house. The roof of a closed veranda and a residential building represent a single covering. If an extension is being built on top of a finished building, then usually the entire roof has to be dismantled, after which a new rafter system is installed and the roof is arranged.
Flooring
The choice of material for covering the terrace floor is huge:
- As always, the tree comes first. The decking floor looks beautiful. The material is in demand for any design, it is easy to process when laying, and special impregnations increase its service life. The most popular is decking board made from larch. The popularity is justified by the wood’s resistance to rotting in conditions of high humidity. A floor made from such a deck board will last for decades. Wealthy owners of private houses prefer boards made of exotic wood. The appearance of this floor is striking in its beauty, but the cost of the material sometimes goes beyond reason. A budget option for a terrace floor is a board made of coniferous wood. Pine is most often used. Wood of this species does not tolerate dampness well. Within a couple of years, the board will begin to rot in places. Special impregnations help extend the service life of the material. The advantage of decking boards is their 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 disadvantage of the material is its large weight, which creates additional load on the supporting structures of the house. In addition, experts often equate the cost of installation to the price of the tile itself. When choosing such a terrace covering, preference is given to tiles with an anti-slip surface. Rough or grooved texture prevents slipping after rain.
- The floor of the open terrace can be bulk natural materials, such as pebbles or colored crushed stone. 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 installed on a house with a strong foundation, brick walls and concrete floor slabs. Another disadvantage of flooring is its frequent maintenance.
- Flooring made of rubber is rarely used on terraces. It is appropriate to use such material if the space is reserved for a gym.
- In an urban environment, a roof terrace looks great with lawn. A place of rest takes a person to a corner of untouched nature. The lawn requires constant care, but the result is worth the effort.
- Gaining more popularity composite materials. They contain natural and artificial components. Composite boards completely imitate natural wood. Polymer additives increase the service life of decking boards and are safe for humans.
The video shows an example of a roof terrace:
The material for the terrace floor is usually chosen based on price, which is not always correct.The main thing is that it is lightweight, resistant to the natural environment and not slippery.
Terrace design
The terrace serves as a relaxing place. Here you need to create a calm atmosphere, close to natural conditions. Of course, not everyone can have a lawn. Flowerpots with decorative plants will help bring the feeling of being in nature as close as possible. Mini-beds with flowers, climbing vines, a decorative pond with a fountain, etc. are welcome. You can even plant low-growing trees, shrubs, and vines in flowerpots.
Furniture woven from natural wicker looks impressive on the terrace. These can be benches, chairs, armchairs or loungers. You can even hang a hammock and arrange a lattice canopy covered with vines over it. There are a lot of design options for a roof terrace. It all depends on the desire and financial capabilities of the owner.
The video shows roof terrace design ideas:
If you have the desire and opportunity to arrange a terrace on the roof of your house, you should not give up this idea. You just need to not skimp on quality materials, and use the services of specialists to solve important issues.
