Choosing the right roof style changes the overall enchanting look of your home and building. From quality material selection to decorative items, everything plays a crucial role in your home. In that case, the roof style or design is no exception. If you are not familiar with what roof style to choose for your house, then considering a mansard roof will give a unique transformation. Whether you are interested in historic or modern designs, they can be achieved through this design.
In this article, you will see a detailed account of the mansard roof, its types, materials, and advantages. Continue your reading to know more:
What is Mansard Roof
Mansard roof, also known as curb or French roof, contains slopes on every side of the building. It is a double-sloped roof recognized by a lower or flat slope roof section on top.
In simple terms, it can be described as a hipped-gambrel roof.
The combination of these styles provides a unique and complex design to your home. It not only elevates the elegance but also maximizes the internal space. This type of roof is the most commonly found example of French-style architecture, marked by a detailed feature.
Types of Mansard Roof
Throughout the second empire, mansard roofs were adapted to décorate various house types. It can be altered in different styles according to the preferences and needs. Some of the major styles are explained below:
Sloping or Steep-Sided Mansard Roof
A steep-sided mansard roof is characterized by its two slopes on each side of the house or building. It creates a pointed structure, providing drainage facilities on all the sides of the roof. The lower slope is steeper than the upper slope, often appearing vertical from the ground.
Double Pitch Mansard Roof
A double-pitch mansard roof contains two distinct pitches on each side of the building. Both the upper and lower slopes have different angles, creating a visually appealing roofline. It ensures an effective drainage facility and distinctive architectural design.
Straight Shaped
A straight-shaped mansard roof has an upper slope as the top appears almost flat. Both the lower and upper slopes are straight lines, without any bends or curves. Adding a dormer window in the bottom slope provides natural light and ventilation inside the home. This style offers a more angular and geometric appearance, adding aesthetic value to your home.
Convex Shaped
A convex-shaped mansard roof has a lower slope that bends outward. This design can be identified in courthouses and other government buildings. It features dormer windows, which add further elegance to the overall design. The convex-shaped mansard roof is frequently found in residential homes; it makes the interior space as you dreamed of without any additional floors.
Concave Shaped
Unlike convex mansard roofs, the concave style features an inward curve that flares at the outward edge. It makes the dormer window more impactful and creates an admiring home’s exterior. However, when compared to convex and straight mansard roofs, it drastically reduces the interior space and looks small. If you would like to build a traditional French home, this style will be a good option.
S-Shape
S-shaped mansard roofs combine the architectural styles of concave and convex slopes. The type of rooftop is almost flat and offers more interior floor space on the upper level. The lower slope of this style begins with an inward slope at the top, then swells outward. Since it has more pitches and curves, it can be costlier.
Advantages of Mansard Roof
Mansard roofs are offering several advantages, including:
Aesthetic Appearance: Mansard roofs of all the styles provide aesthetic value to any homes and buildings. This French-style architecture has unique value in the market and is likely to make a good impression.
Increased Living Space: The steep lower slope creates a boxy loft area that increases the living or storage space of your home. This loft area is ideal for a home office or main bedroom. The interior space will also be featured with special designs such as exposed beams, high windows, and vaulted ceilings.
Efficient Heat and Light Distribution: Mansard roofs are usually designed with recessed windows or dormers that offer aesthetic appeal and increased natural light. Additionally, this design improves air circulation inside the floor through the home’s upper levels.
Disadvantages of Mansard Roof
Mansard roof has some significant drawbacks to note:
Higher Installation Cost: Mansard roofs are less commonly used due to the increased amount of time and installation cost. Choosing complex building designs includes multiple bends, curves, and pitches, resulting in extra time and materials required for the job.
Elevated Maintenance Cost: A primary drawback of mansard roofs is frequent maintenance. The structures include irregular shapes and windows that can accumulate moisture, mildew, and debris. the complex design makes cleaning more difficult.
Reduced Weather Resistance: Mansard roof designs are stunning in look, but they may not be a durable choice. The roof contains a very gentle pitch from side-to-side, which makes it difficult to slide off the snow, rain, and debris. Its long-term participation on the roof causes superior damages.
Materials for a Mansard Roof
The choice of material for a mansard roof can significantly influence durability, appearance, and overall cost. Let’s explore some of the common materials:
Slate Tiles
Slate tile is known for its rustic, timeless look that appears in traditional architectural style. It is highly durable and lasts for centuries with proper maintenance. Slate tile is primarily recognised for its weather, fire, and pests resistance. It is slightly expensive, but their aesthetic appeal and longevity will be worth it.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are generally versatile and durable and come in numerous styles and colours. People can customise it according to their style preferences and needs. They are typically budget-friendly, but their lifespan can significantly vary due to local climate, quality, and installation.
Wooden Shingles
Wooden shingles offer a natural and classic look made from redwood, cedar, and other wood spices. It blends well with certain architectural styles but requires frequent maintenance and replacement. However, they are highly susceptible to insects, fire, and rot.
Metal Roofing
If you want to acquire a sleek and modern look, then metal roofing is an ideal choice. It is made from a variety of materials, such as zinc, steel, copper, and aluminum. Beyond excellent durability, metal roofing is resistant to fire, weather, and pests. With proper care and maintenance, they last for decades.
Mansard Roof vs. Other Roof Types
| Features | Mansard Roof | Gable Roof | Hip Roof |
| Shape | This design has a distinctive shape with shallower upper slopes and steep lower slopes. It provides a unique architectural style and increased attic space. | The gable roof has triangular sides and a ridge at the top. In this design, the dormer windows can be easily added. | The hip roof has sloped sides on all the sides of the building. They are highly stable and resistant to heavy snowfall. |
| Pros | Admiring architectural style provides increased attic space and better insulation. | Construction work is simple, and it is quite easy to add dormer windows in this style. | Highly strong and stable, it can withstand heavy snowfall. |
| Cons | Complex construction work and cost higher. | Contains limited attic space that may be prone to leakage in the future. | Requires complex framing and can be quite expensive than a gable roof. |
| Common Uses | Suitable for commercial and residential buildings. | This design can be highly influenced by barns, sheds, and residential homes. | Often seen in barns, residential and commercial buildings. |
Final Thoughts
The Mansard roof style is unique compared to other standard roof styles. Hopefully, this article will cover in detail the types, advantages, and differences between them and other roof styles. Ensure choosing the right material and quality can last for long and provide long-term durability.