Multi-gable roof. Multi-gable roof: how to make a reliable design. Step-by-step instructions for building a structure

A multi-gable roof, with all the complexity of calculation and installation, is especially popular in our country. Its complex, geometrically perfect appearance evokes persistent associations with wooden architecture: high towers, carved platbands and shutters. Although simple roof shapes are cheaper and more convenient to maintain, a well-designed gable roof opens up a wide range of creative architectural solutions and uses of interior space.

Pros and cons of a multi-gable roof

The advantages of a multi-pitched roof are numerous and obvious:

  • the possibility of rational use of the internal volume;
  • overlapping of buildings complex in terms of;
  • attractive appearance;
  • variety of architectural solutions;
  • a large angle of inclination allows you to effectively drain water;
  • a thick layer of snow does not accumulate;
  • equally well suited for houses made of stone and wood.

The multi-gable roof features a wide variety of options

At the same time, the complexity of the design determines its disadvantages:

  • the need for competent design, great sensitivity to the correct installation;
  • not every type of roofing is suitable;
  • high material consumption due to the large area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe slopes;
  • the need for an extensive drainage system;
  • high cost due to the use of numerous additional elements.

Features of the design and device of a multi-gable roof

Gable is an architectural term for the top of a building bounded by two slopes. The simplest gable roof option is a gable roof. More complex forms of multi-gable structures are formed as a result of intersections of slopes.

Bearing elements of a pitched roof - rafters that transfer weight and operational loads to the walls of the building

Gable roof

Historically, the gable roof is the most popular final construction of individual residential buildings. Her virtues:

  • a significant angle of inclination, which allows organizing effective water drainage;
  • ease of installation, rational load distribution scheme;
  • well-developed schemes of nodes for connecting elements;
  • ease of maintenance due to the optimal device;
  • service life is limited only by the durability of the roofing;
  • ease of repair and reconstruction;
  • a significant internal volume allows you to arrange attics and exploited attic spaces;
  • the highest ventilation efficiency through the end walls.

The use of a gable roof allows you to arrange terraces and balconies at the ends of the building, as well as provide significant overhangs to protect the walls of the building from precipitation.

The load-bearing frame of a gable roof can be made using two types of load-bearing elements: rafters and roof trusses. The first option is more common, the second is used for large areas of the base of the roof, significant spans and operational loads.

Rafters can be designed:

  1. Hanging. This means that at the point of connection they do not have a support that transfers the load to the supporting structures of the building.
  2. Layered. Such rafters have additional support in the form of a run, which, in turn, is mounted on vertical racks.

In order for the rafter system to correctly perceive horizontal rapier loads, the hanging rafters are connected with a puff or a crossbar, and the layered rafters with a scramble

Laminated truss systems are more reliable, designed for heavy roofs and significant snow loads. Hanging rafters are used to organize an attic room or an exploited attic.

Types of gable roof trusses

A truss (from Latin firmus - strong) is a building structure that allows, through the use of straight elements connected by hinge joints, to eliminate bending loads.

The device of trusses reduces the weight of the supporting frame of the roof, increases the allowable spans, and reduces the consumption of materials. In addition, roof trusses can be assembled on the ground and then lifted up, which increases the assembly accuracy and simplifies installation.

Farms are used to cover a large unsupported span

Ready-to-install truss trusses can be ordered from the factory, which guarantees the quality of workmanship and the stability of the geometry. Structures made of premium wood can be successfully used for buildings without a top floor, insulating only the upper plane of the roof, since the exposed elements of truss trusses are very decorative and popular in loft or rustic styles.

In order to organize an additional floor - an attic - in the internal volume of the roof, it is necessary to use trusses with direct views of the lattice, leaving a gap in the middle of the structure. The angle of inclination of such a roof should be increased accordingly.

For the construction of the attic floor, special attic types of trusses are used.

One of the most common forms of a multi-gable roof is a hipped roof.

Four slopes diversify the architectural design of buildings and increase the under-roof space

This option is formed as a result of the intersection of two gable roofs. The spatial layout of this design includes a valley (groove) - an inner corner.

It is this element of the truss system that is the reason for the technological complexity of a multi-gable roof, complicates the calculation and installation of roofing parts. Providing the main drainage from the roof surface, the valley must be made at a high level, since construction errors can result in leaks and violations of the integrity of the coating.

Simple types of roof truss systems can be implemented with little or no additional metal parts.

A special case of a hipped roof is the variant with dormer windows. In this case, the building can be square or rectangular in plan, only the shape of the roof changes.

Dormer windows help to organize the attic more rationally or improve the lighting and ventilation of the attic.

Other types of multi-gable roofs

In addition to the simplest symmetrical options, multi-gable roofs allow you to combine types, for example, use hip and hip endings, form various types of slope intersections, each of which may include dormer windows.

The non-standard design of the dormer windows and the change in the angle of the slopes form the original architectural forms

Especially often, various combinations of a hip multi-gable roof are used for single-storey buildings of a large area, since the rational organization of space requires a complex angular layout, and drainage from a long roof is easier to organize using valleys.

The angular layout of a one-story building can be the basis for the use of a multi-gable hip roof with dormer windows

Buildings with a plan view of the letter P, G or T can only be designed using a multi-gable roof. Hip slopes are a popular solution, as they allow you to get rid of gables.

A hip multi-gable roof is used for buildings of complex shape with an unused attic

For wooden multi-storey buildings, mansard multi-gable roofs of complex shape with dormer windows are often used.

Multi-pitched roofs with a large angle of inclination allow you to arrange several levels of the attic inside the under-roof space

Multi-gable roof truss system

The main feature of the truss structure of a multi-pitched roof is the internal ribs of the intersection of slopes, valleys. Depending on the angle at which the slopes adjoin each other, the nodes for connecting the elements of the truss structure are designed.

The rafter systems of symmetrical multi-gable roofs are easier to manufacture with layered rafters

The installation of the valley and the adjoining of the rafters to it are not very difficult, provided that modern woodworking tools are used and a preliminary calculation of the roof is used.

Video: installation of a truss structure with a valley

The junctions of the two parts of the roof can in the simplest case be implemented using only wooden elements and precise adjustment of the corners.

In the truss system of a multi-gable roof, to form an internal angle of junction of the slopes, valley rafters and shortened truss beams are used

For more complex roof options that cover large areas and carry significant operational loads, metal corners and plates are used. It is imperative to carry out calculations of the bearing capacity of such structures and develop detailed layout plans for rafters, girders and other load-bearing elements.

A well-executed project of a multi-gable roof is a guarantee of structural strength and a long service life.

The choice of roofing for a multi-gable roof

Since the construction of a multi-gable roof has internal ribs, numerous junctions and intersections of slopes with each other, the roofing must meet the following requirements:

  • be easy to install and process, cut without problems at arbitrary angles;
  • be completed with a large number of additional elements;
  • allow to arrange a complex drainage system;
  • be designed for installation on roofs with a large angle of inclination.

Proper roof construction requires the use of a variety of additional elements.

Based on these criteria, we can conclude that slate, ondulin, corrugated board are of little use as a coating for multi-gable roofs. The dimensions of common slate sheets are 0.98x1.5 and 1.13x1.5 m, ondulin - 0.95x2 m, corrugated board 1.15x6 m. Their advantage is a significant coverage area, which is most evident in the roof with a slight slope and simple geometry . In the case of a complex structure with intersections of slopes, there is a need for trimming, and here the advantages turn into a disadvantage: a lot of waste occurs, the fit becomes more complicated. Also, these roofing materials are characterized by a large profile height and an increased value of sheet overlap, which in some cases makes it impossible to properly install extensions and drains.

The exception is a simple gable roof, in which there are no internal corners and dormer windows. Of the additional elements, you only need a ridge, a ventilation frame and gutters. Trimming in this case will be minimal, material consumption will not increase.

In the case of a complex multi-pitched roof, preference should be given to piece materials: ceramic, cement-sand and slate tiles. The small size allows you to rationally fill the most complex forms with minimal trimming waste. A large number of additional elements makes it possible to connect and intersect roof elements with reliable waterproofing and drainage.

Ceramic tiles allow the most rational and technologically efficient roofing for complex variants of multi-gable roofs

Metal tiles and soft bituminous tiles can also be considered as roofing material, subject to all technological nuances. For a metal tile, the correct implementation of the valley node is critical. For this are required:

  • reinforcement of the lathing at the place of installation of the valley, it is optimal to make it continuous;
  • the use of several layers of waterproofing over the crate;
  • installation of the inside of the valley;
  • sealing the joints of the roofing material with silicone;
  • installation of the outer part of the valley.

Bituminous soft tiles require a continuous sheathing of sheet material over the entire area of ​​​​the roof and under-roof ventilation. In the inner corners, additional waterproofing is necessarily used - a valley carpet.

Features of roofing roofing materials

The complexity of the geometry of multi-gable roofs requires careful fitting and trimming of the roofing material and additional elements for precise connection between them. However, if you have a detailed project, you can mount the roofing with your own hands. Of course, this work requires accuracy, accuracy and adherence to the laying technology recommended by the manufacturer.

The metal tile is mounted using special self-tapping screws coated to protect against corrosion. It is easier to calculate the amount of base material and additional elements in a specialized program, since the complex geometry of the roof requires numerous trimmings.

The layout of sheets of metal tiles on slopes of complex shape generates a significant amount of waste due to trimming

Particular attention should be paid to the correct installation of the valley elements, ridges and junctions with vertical structures, since the reliability of the roof waterproofing depends on this.

Video: installation of a valley as part of a metal roof

For houses with more than two storeys, especially with complex roof geometry, it is highly desirable to install a drainage system from the roof.

Piece ceramic, cement-sand and polymer coatings were originally designed for installation on roofs of complex geometry. They are easy to use due to their small size. Their only drawback is their rather large weight. Therefore, the roof sheathing must be reinforced, and during direct installation it is necessary to evenly distribute the prepared stacks of tiles over the entire surface of the slope so as not to overload the structure.

When installing ceramic tiles, it is important to calculate the required amount of material and prepare it for laying, evenly distributing it over the roof surface.

Laying soft bituminous shingles on a complex roof is the easiest because of its light weight, flexibility and ease of processing. However, it requires mandatory preparation of the roof: the installation of a solid base made of OSB or moisture-resistant plywood, the installation of a lining waterproofing carpet, additionally reinforced at the bends of the slopes (skates and valleys).

Under soft tiles you need to equip a solid base

Options and methods for finishing a multi-gable roof from the inside

Depending on how it is planned to use the under-roof space, the finishing method is chosen.

If the attic is unused or technical, it is enough to simply sheathe it with OSB building board along the bottom surface of the rafters.

The roof of the dwelling must be insulated. To do this, the heat-insulating material is mounted between the rafters using a counter-beam, which is installed perpendicular to the rafters. Sometimes it is installed in parallel, with an offset to the inter-rafter gap. From the side of the room, the insulation is closed with a vapor barrier membrane. And only after it you can mount the front trim. The selected material can be attached to the counter beam or an additional rail or metal profile can be applied.

Installation of the topcoat on the rail allows you to provide an additional ventilation gap for better ventilation of the insulation

For attics or one-story houses without a loft-style attic floor, a truss system partially open from below can be used.

At the same time, the roof is insulated and sewn up, and parts of the wooden roof trusses protruding into the room are covered with decorative impregnation or paint.

Wooden trusses can be used in the interior as an independent decorative element.

A popular type of finish is wood paneling - clapboard, planed board. It is used in interiors of country and rustic styles. Wooden finishing materials are sewn onto the counter-lattice along the rafters, which allows all parts of the roof structure to be well ventilated. Twhich sheathing additionally increases the rigidity of the structure and improves its thermal insulation properties.

Wood cladding accentuates the complex broken roof shapes

Finally, the attic room can be sheathed with magnesite slab or drywall, and then painted in any color. To do this, after installing the insulation and vapor barrier, metal profiles are sewn across the rafters, onto which the selected sheet material is screwed.

Monochromatic light-colored paint visually expands the attic space

Variants of projects of houses with a multi-gable roof

Since there are a huge number of options for combinations of types of roofs as part of a multi-gable roof and the architect's imagination is limited only by the technological subtleties of the selected roofing material and the financial capabilities of the customer, building projects are diverse and numerous.

Photo gallery: projects of buildings with multi-gable roofs

A simple four-pitched roof option is often chosen for one-story L-shaped buildings.
A multi-gabled hip roof can be used for a house with an extension in which a garage or workshop is arranged.
The large gable roof pitch allows for the design of an attic floor
In the architectural solutions of country cottages, a multi-pitched roof with partial overhanging of the slopes can be used.
The number of slope crossings is limited only by the imagination of the architect

It is better to understand what architectural possibilities a multi-pitched roof provides, building projects allow. For example, with the help of a hipped roof, you can arrange a second light in the living room of a one-story house.

The living room of this house has a large ceiling height and glass area.

The building is cruciform in plan, covered verandas are located on the short sides, and the central intersection of the slopes makes the living room twice as high as the rest of the premises and adds light. Private and public areas are rationally separated. The second part of the one-story building is occupied by a garage with technical rooms.

The original architectural solution diversifies the volumetric layout of a one-story cottage

It is convenient to use a multi-pitched roof with a large angle of inclination for the construction of attic rooms. This allows you to save materials due to the absence of an attic floor, as well as create an attractive exterior of the building.

A high multi-gable roof harmoniously looks on T-shaped buildings of a small area

The first floor is larger than the attic in area and is a public area: there is a living room, dining room, kitchen and only one bedroom. The living room has a second light.

The layout of the first floor rationally uses a small area of ​​​​the house

On the attic floor there are two small bedrooms and another bathroom. The space under the slopes is used for large built-in wardrobes.

Part of the attic floor is occupied by the second light of the living room

A multi-gable roof is a great option for a private developer. It allows you to rationally use the internal volume, has many design options. With proper installation of the frame and roofing, such a roof will last for many years. At the same time, its attractive appearance both from the outside and from the inside makes it possible to develop the exteriors and interiors of buildings with high decorative and operational characteristics.

When erecting a roof, it is very important to carefully approach such an issue as the installation of a truss system. This design will form the frame of the entire roof. When creating it, you should carefully calculate everything and carry out all the work with high quality. The easiest option is this. Almost anyone can do it. But this option does not suit everyone. Therefore, many choose more complex designs, one of which is a multi-gable roof. And what truss system is used in this case? How to calculate and mount it correctly? This will be discussed in the article.

General concepts

The truss system of a multi-gable roof is a rather complex structure. To perform its calculation and installation, you need to have some experience. But before talking about it, you should get acquainted with the very concept of a multi-tweezer design. What is this roof option? Why is she called that?

This design is a multi-pitched roof. Its most important difference is the presence of tongs or gable elements with a ridge. It is from them that the whole structure took its name. Each of the tongs rests on one side of the truss system of the main roof. The other end forms a pediment.

The device of the truss system of a multi-gable roof has its advantages, namely:

  1. This design has high bearing capacity and strength.
  2. The truss system of a multi-gable roof is calculated based on increased loads. This feature allows the structure to easily withstand even hurricane winds and large layers of snow.
  3. The slopes of such roofs are made quite steep. This prevents debris from accumulating on them. This means that maintenance of the roof is greatly facilitated. In addition, such a roof, if properly erected, does not require repair for a long time.
  4. Thanks to the highly located ridge, a lot of free space is formed under the multi-gable roof. This allows you to freely create additional living rooms on the attic floor.
  5. Another advantage is that such a design can be used even if the house has a complex geometry.

But do not forget about the difficulties. The rafter system of a multi-gable roof is a complex structure. If you do not have sufficient experience in construction and carpentry work, then it is better to entrust its construction to specialists.

Basic structural elements

As mentioned earlier, the rafter system of a multi-gable roof is several gable structures connected together. Therefore, the basic principles will also be similar. In our case, both hanging and layered rafter systems can be used. As a rule, the main structure has a large width. Therefore, it is used here. They use in extensions, everything will depend on the width of the building and the presence of an axial load-bearing wall.

In addition, the multi-gable roof truss system incorporates the following main elements:

  • slopes. Their number in a multi-gable roof can differ significantly from the traditional design. At the same time, the sizes, shape and steepness of unpaired slopes can also vary;
  • skate. There will also be several of these elements;
  • ribs - these elements are located at the junction of the slopes. Moreover, they can only be in those multi-gable roofs where hips are used;
  • valley. Not one multi-gable roof can do without this element. This element is located at the inner corners where two slopes converge. Endova needs to pay special attention. This is where snow can accumulate in winter. Therefore, in such places a large load is experienced and leaks most often occur, it is useful to read:.

Of course, other elements may be present. For example, pediments. They close the ends of the tongs themselves. At the same time, gables can also finish the main roof, if it is not cable-stayed, it is useful to read:.

Making calculations

The rafter system of a multi-gable roof is a complex structure. Therefore, it is impossible to do without preliminary drawing up its scheme. But first of all, you should make all the basic calculations. Before drawing up a plan for the future rafter system of a multi-gable roof, the following basic parameters should be clarified:

  1. Skate height. To do this, use indicators such as the width of the house or extension (depending on which building the calculation is being performed for) and the angle of inclination of the slope. Very often, reverse calculations are carried out. Initially, the desired height of the house is determined, and then the slope angle of the slope is calculated. It should be noted that the width of the main house and the extension will be different. And this means that the angle of inclination of the rafter system of a multi-gable roof for each building will be different. This is the difficulty of such a device.
  2. Next, you should find out the length of the main rafters. This parameter is easy to calculate from the Pythagorean formula. In this case, for the main building and the extension will be different.
  3. You should also calculate the length of the valley. This is where the rafters will be located. The Pythagorean theorem will also be used here. The valley will be the hypotenuse. The triangle itself consists of the length of the rafters of the main building and half the width of the extension.
  4. Between the ridge and the rafters are sprigs. Their length should also be found using the Pythagorean theorem. The rafters will be shortened rafters.

The total area of ​​the roof is also calculated. It will be the sum of the areas of all the slopes of the multi-gable roof. This value is necessary to calculate how much roofing material you need during installation, read the additional material:.

Load

The rafters of a multi-gable roof, like the entire system, must withstand all external influences. Therefore, even before the calculation of all the main parameters, the load should be calculated. Experts distinguish between two types of it, namely:

  • permanent. This group includes the load on the truss system of multi-gable and other types of roofs, caused by the weight of the materials used. It also includes the mass of all equipment installed on the roof;
  • variable load. This group includes influences from external factors. The rafter system is affected by the weight of the snow cover, which will linger on the roof. In addition, the wind also has an effect.

Knowing what angle of inclination of the slopes will be on your roof, you can calculate the variable loads. By adding to them the mass of all materials used in the construction of the roof, you can determine the total impact that the entire structure must withstand, it is recommended to read:.

Knowing all the loads, you can determine the cross section of the rafters. The greater the load, the thicker the main elements of the system should be. In addition, after such calculations, and or step is determined. Also, if necessary (for example, if the rafter legs are too long), specify the location of additional supporting elements. After all this, a drawing is drawn up.

To perform all these calculations correctly, especially to draw up a diagram of the future truss system of a multi-gable roof, is a difficult task. It is better to entrust it to specialists. Or you can use special programs. With their help, by specifying all the necessary data, you can not only calculate all the parameters, but also draw up a plan for the location of all components of the multi-gable roof truss system.

The installation of a multi-gable roof truss system is not much different from a traditional gable roof system. All work is carried out in the following sequence:

  1. The first thing is done. In the case of a multi-gable roof, this work must be done not only on all external load-bearing walls, but also on internal ones. The latter would be more correct to be called lying down.
  2. Next, you should install the ridge run. Most often, a multi-gable roof over the main building is installed in a layered way. Therefore, you cannot do without a ridge run. Above the extension, a hanging truss system is most often used. In this case, the ridge run is not used.
  3. After that, the installation of the extreme truss pairs of the main building is carried out. To make it convenient to assemble structures, it is better to lay boards in the form of a subfloor on the beams of the attic floor. This will be useful, because the rafter pairs themselves are assembled directly on the roof.
  4. The next step will be to fix the rafters or valleys in their place. Its upper part should be located on the ridge run of the main building in the place where the ridge of the extension rafter system will approach it. The lower end is mounted on the Mauerlat where the extension walls meet the load-bearing walls of the main building.
  5. After that, the rest of the elements are attached. First of all, rafter pairs of a multi-gable roof are mounted above the main building. Next, they move on to the structure above the extension. Moreover, if the main rafters are attached to the Mauerlat, then the sprigs are mounted to the valley.
  6. During installation, it is very important that all the rafters of one side of the building are in the same plane.
  7. Further, if necessary, carry out the installation of additional supporting elements. It can be props, racks and so on.
  8. After that, end, frontal, strapping boards are fixed. Make an overhang and fasten the crate. Next, you can start laying the roofing material. If a dwelling is to be equipped under a multi-gable roof, then a vapor barrier, a heat-insulating layer and waterproofing should be additionally installed.

Among the various types of roofs, the multi-gable construction is considered to be the most beautiful and at the same time difficult to implement. She came to our country from Europe, where people have long had a love for square houses and buildings with a lot of corners. The intricate truss system of a multi-gable roof is erected on structures with a complex layout, and is also an excellent solution for organizing additional lighting in the attic.

Advantages and disadvantages

Those developers who prefer minimalism and practicality are unlikely to appreciate the complex broken lines of such an expensive roof, especially since its main function is similar to more modest one-level samples. Aesthetes and connoisseurs of sophistication, for whom decorative characteristics are as important as functional ones, on the contrary, use every opportunity to arrange such an architectural composition in their home.

The construction of a multi-gable roof is an expensive and time-consuming process.

Even though a simpler roofing system can be just as successful, it would be a mistake to think that a roof with many gables has only one advantage - a beautiful design, this is not entirely true. Apart from the outstanding decorative features, this design has a number of positive aspects, namely:

  • A long operating period, achieved by the balance of the truss system, thanks to which the roof is able to withstand an impressive load.
  • The possibility of planning additional space inside the house due to the attic or attic room, where you can equip a gym, billiard room or greenhouse.
  • Practicality, expressed in the natural removal of precipitation. Due to the presence of inclined surfaces (sometimes their slope reaches 90 degrees), snow and rainwater, as well as fallen leaves, branches and other debris, do not linger on the roof surface and are independently discharged from it.

For construction, it is better to attract a team of professional roofers

If we talk about the shortcomings of the object in question, then they are rather arbitrary, because for wealthy homeowners these disadvantages will not be significant. As you understand, we are talking about the high cost of the project, the high cost of materials and the high wages of the construction team due to the complexity of the work. It was not in vain that we mentioned the need to involve highly professional specialists in the construction of a multi-component roof, because its construction by one's own hands without the appropriate qualifications is difficult and very risky. If you are confident in your abilities and have all the practical skills in this area, you can safely proceed to the implementation of your plans.

The main elements of the external structure

Tongs form the base of the roof slopes

So, all the pros and cons are weighed, there is confidence in your intellectual and physical capabilities, which means that you are ready to perform a complex process with your own hands. The simplest version of the design with many tongs is considered to be the combination into a single whole of a pair of gable structures intersecting at right angles in the form of a cross (in the upper projection).

Now let's move on to the terms denoting individual sections of the roof:

  • forceps, in the language of professionals - nothing more than the tops of a wall without a cornice (unlike a pediment), which form the basis for two roof slopes;
  • valley- the place of joining of two planes, forming an internal corner;
  • edge- an outer corner formed at the junction of two slopes. The horizontal top rib is called a ridge by carpenters.

Pay attention to the fact that special attention is paid to the valleys, because they must cope with the high load caused by the accumulation of precipitation. Even the slightest miscalculations in this area are fraught with leaks and, as a result, premature destruction of the roof.

truss system

The rafter system at the multi-gable roof is assembled from many mandatory elements that are installed in a strictly defined, verified order, and this is its main difficulty.


The basis of the system is:

  • rafters (sloping and hanging);
  • Mauerlat;
  • beams.

The slightest violation of construction technology, as a rule, turns into serious troubles, the elimination of which, if possible, inevitably entails a significant waste of time and financial costs. We immediately draw the attention of people who decide to master the construction stages with their own hands to the fact that this complex structure may require a combination of hanging and inclined rafters.

In practice, for the manufacture of rafters, dried and treated with fire retardants and antiseptics, bars of the same section as the Mauerlat (150 x 150 mm or 100 x 150 mm) are used, which, in turn, evenly distributes the load from the roof to the walls of the house. The upper parts of the rafters are connected by a ridge run. It is very important to maintain the optimal moisture content of the wood (maximum 20%).

Stages of the construction process

To install a multi-gable roof with your own hands, you will need a work plan, which is strongly not recommended to deviate from. Now let's go directly to the construction stages:


When mounting such a complex roof with your own hands, do not forget that the attic space will require additional insulation, otherwise it cannot be used as a living space. Mineral fiber (basalt or glass wool) is best suited for such purposes. If you neglect this rule, you may encounter the accumulation of condensate in the under-roof area, which will lead to rotting of the wood from which the roof structure is assembled.

Roof structures that are used in modern construction are distinguished by a variety of types. Among them, a multi-gable roof, the drawing of which you will see in the content of this article, is particularly difficult to execute and significant in cost. This is by no means an obstacle for those who want to make the final accent of their building in an interesting and original way. A roof plan of this type is complex, but it makes it possible to make the roof of a house in accordance with all the rules of building technology.

Gabled hip roof is often used in private construction. The roof spire gives the house a characteristic artistic touch. It does not bring practical benefits, but it does significant work to create the architectural appearance of the building.

Before we dwell on the design and construction of houses with multi-gable roofs, we will understand the differences between this roof and other types of roof structures.

Roofs of this type are arranged on houses that, according to the plan, are square or polygonal. Very often they have various extensions that differ in their height and have attic rooms in the attic that require special side lighting. There can be quite a lot of reasons for installing a multi-gable roof, as well as options for its construction.

The main differences of this roof include the presence of such numerous elements as valleys, ribs, grooves, gables, tongs.

The simplest versions of the roofs of houses, called gable roofs, have houses with a gable roof, in which there are no gables on the end sides. The side walls of the house with their flat surface reach the junction with the roof slopes. forceps called the upper triangular part of the wall, bounded by two roof slopes and not separated from below by a cornice. In the event that this part of the wall is separated from below by a cornice, it acquires the name "pediment".

valley called the inner corner formed between the two slopes of the roof. Valleys can experience the largest accumulation of snow in the winter and dirt, debris and dust in the summer. For this reason, in the places of the valleys, water constantly flows, as the quality of the waterproofing is violated.

Having a roof plan for a multi-gable roof, and arranging it on your own, you should pay special attention to the places where the valleys are installed.


roof ribs formed as a result of the connection of roof slopes. Their difference from the valleys is that they are not an internal, but an external corner. A striking example of a roof rib is the ridge or the place where two slopes of a quadrangular roof are connected.

It should also be noted that houses with such a roof must be equipped with a ventilated attic, which must be completely isolated from other warm rooms.

The installation of a multi-gable roof is associated with significant financial costs associated with the purchase of building materials and the payment of labor for craftsmen who, having a roof drawing, can build a unique architectural masterpiece. The reason is that due to the complexity of the geometric shape of the roof structure, the consumption of materials for the installation of the truss system and the roof itself will be greater than with a standard roof. When installing the finish coating, a large percentage of roofing material waste appears, especially when using metal tiles or metal profiles.

If speak about rafter system multi-gable roof, which forms the basis of the roof structure, it is distinguished by its complexity. Often it simultaneously combines two types of rafters - hanging and layered. Therefore, the roof project was drawn up taking into account the calculation of the section of the rafters. Their location with a certain step and the arrangement of additional stiffeners require special care and precision.

The simplest example of a multi-gable roof is two gable roofs connected at right angles. If you look at this design from above, then it will resemble a cruciform figure in its appearance.

The device of the truss system

At the heart of the truss system of a multi-gable roof, as well as roofs of other types, is Mauerlat. This bonded rigid frame is laid on top of brick or concrete walls. Its fastening to the outer walls takes place with the help of galvanized metal studs, which are installed in a reinforced belt.

Since roofs with such a complex geometric shape are a rather complex structure, it is necessary to have a roof plan with detailed drawings before proceeding with its construction. For this you need:

  • know the size of all sizes of the house;
  • determine the size of the slope of the roof slope, taking into account the climatic features of the region;
  • know what type the future truss system will be;
  • calculate the length and cross section of all rafters;
  • make a markup where the valleys, ribs and skates will be located;
  • calculate the location of vertical racks, puffs, runs, stops, struts and other elements that are designed to ensure the rigidity of the entire truss structure;
  • make drawings on which one could see the connection nodes of the rafters with the Mauerlat and other elements that make up the truss system.

Rafter system device technology


In private houses, variants of roofs of houses may contain a whole complex of different types of roofs, which are combined under one roof structure. Naturally, everyone who is not a professional in the construction of roofs may be faced with the question of how and where to start the construction of this complex structure.

The purpose of the roofs are different from each other. They can have a different look and include skylights, the installation of which will require not only additional slopes, but also valleys and rafters, ribs and lathing, made in minimum sizes.

The device of a multi-gable roof over a square house begins with the laying of a mauerlat, which is the basic element of the entire truss system. Moreover, it does not depend on its complexity and on what roofing options you use for your home. After all, the transfer of forces from the rafters to the load-bearing walls of the house is carried out exclusively through such an element as the Mauerlat.

In order not to worry that the walls may move apart over time due to these efforts, the Mauerlat is firmly and very securely fastened to a reinforced belt, which is erected during the laying of load-bearing walls. Only after that, the rafter legs are installed.

When the house is large, it is possible to install ceiling beams, which can be longitudinal or transverse. It often takes on the function of puffs.

Rafter legs, as a rule, have a normal appearance. In the case when the roof has a hip or half-hip type, then the rafter legs can be made diagonal (sloping).

In this position, it is necessary to strengthen the slanting or diagonal rafters by installing sprigs. The roof project allows that the rafters in this case can be of a double or twin type.

The rafters are attached to the Mauerlat in such a way that special sawings are made, and metal brackets, plates and corners are also used. Fastening is chosen depending on what type of rafters will be chosen in a particular case.

The connection of the rafters is made at the top point of the roof in the region of the ridge, which is made of timber or formed using the two upper boards of the crate.

On the rafters, a vapor barrier device, battens and counter battens are produced. What type of crate will be, and with what step it will be mounted, depends on the material of the finishing coating.

With soft coatings, you need to make a continuous flooring. When covering from profiled metal, the crate must be made sparse.

The material for the truss system is a coniferous tree (spruce, pine). Wood at the time of commencement of work on the roof can be damp in the range of 18-20%.

All roof options that have wooden elements should provide for their treatment with flame retardants and antiseptics. They will protect the tree from possible fire and decay.

Multi-gable roofs, in their structural design, often contain an attic room located in the attic space. For this reason, the roof needs good insulation, as well as enhanced protection against the penetration of external moisture into it.

As a heater, you can use a material made on the basis of mineral fibers (glass or basalt). They have a soft structure that allows you to penetrate into the most inaccessible and difficult places of the roof structure. The roof plan helps to foresee where cold bridges may occur. These, in turn, inevitably lead to the formation of undesirable strong condensate. Moisture accumulating in the under-roof space affects the quality of the thermal insulation. At the same time, processes begin that lead to the decay of roof elements made of wood.

when waterproofing is arranged, special attention is paid to valleys and grooves. These places are notable for the fact that water and snow accumulate in them to the greatest extent. Water also flows in large quantities along the inner corners of these elements and therefore they require increased and most close attention.

After the installation of the truss system, a waterproofing film is laid. This is done in and in the form of strips, which are located in a direction perpendicular to the slope and have an overlap of at least 15 centimeters. Joints are necessarily glued with connecting tapes.

Roof options for houses with multi-gable roofs are distinguished by their diversity and complexity of design. For those who are not familiar with the drawings and do not have special knowledge, it may be difficult to cope with such a difficult and responsible task. Therefore, it would be wise to entrust your architectural masterpiece to experienced professionals.

Multi-gable roof- this is a type of pitched roof, the design of which consists of several or many tongs (gable elements with skates), along the edges of the overhangs forming gables in the structure.

Multi-gable roofs represent a complex structure, the distinguishing feature of which is the presence of gable elements intersecting or cutting into the main slope, forming numerical valleys on the roof.

Design features

Among roofs with straight planes of slopes, multi-gable roofs are complex types of roofs with numerous crossed slopes and internal angles between their joints. It is being built on buildings that are distinguished by a complex layout of various geometric shapes, multi-level attics and attic spaces.

A multi-gable roof is considered a complex structure. The complexity of the design is explained by the presence in such roofs of a large number of valleys and gables, the device of which causes specific difficulties and additional costs.

The arrangement of the valley requires especially close attention, because it is through them that streams of rain and melt water will flow in the future. Also in these places there is the greatest accumulation of snow, and therefore they must have a significant bearing capacity and tightness. The professional formation of the valley, the main vulnerable element of the roofing, ensures reliable removal of melt and rain water from the roof.

Structural elements

In multi-gable roofs, the following structural elements are always and necessarily present:

  • gables and gable overhangs;
  • valleys formed when pairing forceps;

Scheme of the truss system of a simple multi-gable roof:


Varieties of multi-gable roofs

The shape of a multi-gable roof can be very diverse and limited only by the imagination of the developer or designer. The number of tongs (gable elements with a ridge) in the roof can be from two to an unlimited number. Roof slopes can be in the form of triangles and trapezoids.

As a coating for multi-gable roofs, any roofing materials can be used, but provided that the roof frame (truss system) is properly designed, capable of withstanding all the loads on the roof during its operation.

Advantages and disadvantages of multi-gable roofs

The multi-gable roof structure has certain advantageous characteristics. These include:

  • original, unique, elegant roof shapes;
  • ideal combination with buildings of any architectural form;
  • balanced truss system;
  • the possibility of arranging a spacious attic and a significant increase in its usable area;
  • no risk of stagnant rain and melt water due to the large slope of the roof surface and the presence of grooves;
  • reliability, strength, durability of the structure;
  • compliance of the cost of a multi-gable roof with operational and aesthetic characteristics.

The list of shortcomings of this type of roof includes: the level of complexity of installation, the presence of a large number of valleys that complicate the process of arranging, maintaining and maintaining the roof, as well as a high consumption of building materials. The installation of a multi-gable roof is a labor-intensive construction work, for which it is necessary to seek the help of professional specialists. Roof installation takes longer.

Despite the serious shortcomings of a complex architectural form, the aesthetic, original, presentable appearance and performance characteristics of a multi-gable roof rightfully deserve the praise and attention of private property owners.