An important requirement for any roof, regardless of its type, is the safety of operation, which can be improved by roof fencing. This article will talk about how to choose a roof fence - a series and a specific model will not be considered, as well as what requirements are placed on these structures.
The roofs of various buildings differ significantly from each other, with the main difference being the type of roof construction, which can be flat or pitched.
No matter what particular design is chosen for a building, accidents can occur during maintenance and repair work - which can be a whole series - roof fencing can significantly reduce the risk of such accidents.
There are several main types of pitched roofs, depending on the design, number and location of slopes:
- One-, two- or four-slope, which are most often used in the construction of country houses, cottages or summer cottages;
- Mansard roof, the roof of which is located at a rather steep angle, as a result of which the installation of the roof fencing most often becomes impossible;
- Multi-gable, the slopes of which are located relative to each other in a rather complex order, for such roofs, fences (for example, with railings) are also quite difficult to install.
Flat standard roof has recently been very popular not only in the construction of multi-storey panel houses, but also in the construction of country cottages and various offices. The design of such roofs allows you to get additional space above the ground and allowing you to take walks in the fresh air.
We can say that this is a kind of balcony on the roof. Therefore, when erecting this type of roof, the height of the roof fence, as well as its attractive appearance, plays an important role.
All types of roofs, regardless of design, are also divided into operated and non-operated. . Fences for these varieties will be discussed in more detail.
Roof railings
The main difference between operated roofs is the equipment of a rigid base, on which the material for roofing is installed.
This base should provide an opportunity for frequent access to the roof of people performing various roof repairs, installation of various equipment or snow removal from the roof.
In the case when the height of the roof exceeds 10 meters, and the angle of inclination is not more than 12º, the roof fencing - SNiP 21-01-97 - must be equipped without fail.
It is also mandatory to install a fence with a slope exceeding 12º, in which case the minimum roof height is 7 meters.
A document regulating the requirements that roof fencing must comply with - GOST 25772-83 called "Steel railings for stairs, balconies and roofs."
In accordance with this standard, the same requirements apply for railings of operated roofs as for railings of balconies:
- If the height of the building is less than 30 meters, the height of the fence should be about 110 centimeters, with a height exceeding 30 meters - 120 centimeters.
- When installing a parapet fence, its height should be reduced by the height of the parapet itself.
- In the case of filling the frame, the maximum distance between the elements of the roof fencing located vertically is 10 cm, and between those located horizontally -30 cm.
- According to GOST, fences can be equipped, in addition to a lattice metal frame made of steel, with a hinged screen made of special glass.
Fencing of non-exploited roofs
The construction of non-exploited roofs does not require the installation of a rigid base, since it is not planned to move people along their surface.
However, situations not originally envisaged may arise in which a person’s exit to the roof becomes necessary, for which special fences are installed in the form of transitional bridges and special ladders, which reduce the risk of falling from the roof and distribute the person’s weight evenly over the surface of the roof covering.
For this type of roof, the same SNiP requirements apply, but the technical parameters required by GOST change slightly:
- The minimum height of the fence is 60 cm, regardless of the height of the building and the number of floors;
- The distance between fencing elements such as balusters and crossbars should be no more than 30 cm.
Materials for the production of roof railings
Important! The use of modern technologies in the production of roof railings makes it possible to manufacture their structures and individual elements from metal, to protect which special coatings are sprayed from harmful external influences.
The most effective material for the manufacture of roof railings is stainless steel, which, in addition to high strength, has an attractive appearance, which, in combination with special glass, significantly expands the range of design solutions that can be used when installing railings.
For roof railings, not only reliability is important, but also the appearance, which should fit into the overall style of the building and not be conspicuous.
Reliability of the structure is ensured by the manufacture of roof railings made of metal, which is covered with a special protective and decorative coating using powder coating, and also significantly increases the service life of the railing.
In addition, the safety of people performing work on the roof is directly affected by the literacy of the installation of fences, during which all the norms and requirements for these elements of the roof structure must be strictly observed.
In places where railings are attached to the base of the roof, it should be treated with a special sealant - an anti-corrosion agent, adjacent sections of the roof are equipped with special plugs.
Apart from roof railings to increase safety, it is also recommended to install walkways on the roof, which not only reduce the risk of falling when moving on the roof, but also reduce the amount of snow cover in the winter season.
Performing repair or maintenance work on a roof that is not equipped with a fence can pose a serious danger to the life and health of people.
Properly executed installation of the fence and competent selection of materials for its manufacture can significantly reduce the risk of falling when performing such work.
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