The Pros and Cons of a Mansard Roof, Explained

Roof replacements are dominating the roofing industry market in North America, being over 90 percent of the market in both volume and value. Buildings continue to age, and roofs continue to age and crumble along with them.

If you are in a position where you need to replace your roof or if you are building a new home with a new roof, you may be interested in learning about a mansard roof.

This is a very particular type of roof that doesn’t work for just anybody, so before jumping all in, read our guide below.

What Is a Mansard Roof?

A mansard roof, or a french or curb roof, is a mix of hip roof and gambrel roof design.

A gambrel roof is considered to be a modified version of a gable roof. A gable roof has a single slope on each side, while a gambrel has two slopes on each side.

Gambrel roofs are often used for barn houses, where the top slope is flatter compared to the bottom slope.

The mansard roof’s design also includes a similar slope design on opposite sides, but unlike the gambrel design, they also have the same design on the other pair of sides. In gambrel design, there are no remaining faces.

Pros

Now, let’s explore the pros and cons of a mansard roof, beginning with the pros.

Dormer windows are a common feature of mansard roofs, allowing ample space in the attic.

Because this type of roof has a near-vertical slope, a loft area is created that could be turned into a roomy storage space or even a bedroom. Due to the unique shape of the roof, no amount of room is unusable.

Along with this, the aesthetic value is one of the most significant benefits of a mansard roof. Because mansard roofs are derived from French architecture, they have an elegant and sophisticated look.

This can help improve your curb appeal and may even increase the value of your home.

Cons

Of course, mansard roofs aren’t perfect. They have a complex design, which increases the cost of installation. Not many people are experts in their design, so they are one of the most expensive types of roofs to have.

Mansard roofs are also not entirely weather resistant. If heavy rainfalls occur, leakage could be common because of the almost flat slope. They are not fit for snowfall.

And, because there aren’t many expert roofers out there that specialize in mansard roofs, the repair and maintenance can be extra costly.

Is a Mansard Roof Right for You?

Deciding if a mansard roof is right for you truly depends on where you live and what you’re looking for.

If you live in an area with mild weather, and you’re looking for something to be an eye-catcher, a mansard roof may be perfect.

Check out our website now if you’re feeling inspired and want more home and garden content!