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| Mansard roof |
A mansard or mansard roof
(also known as a French roof or curb roof) is a four-sided gambrel-style hip
roof with two slopes on each side, the lower of which is punctured by dormer
windows and is steeper than the upper. The steep roof with windows adds an
extra floor of habitable space (a garret) and lowers the roof's overall height
for a given number of habitable storeys. When viewed from close proximity to
the building, the upper slope of the roof may not be visible from street level.
There are a few other characteristics
that distinguish a mansard roof. Dormers, or windows that protrude from the
roof, are a common feature. This allows architects to convert the attic space
into a bedroom or other livable space by bringing light into the space. One of
the greatest advantages of the mansard roof is the ability to convert the attic
into living space. It's also worth noting that the lower part of the mansard
roof can be straight, convex (curving or flaring outward), or concave after the
bend (curving or flaring inwards).
On two opposite sides, the Mansard
roof has a similar slope design. The Mansard roof, on the other
hand, has the same sloping style on both sides. On the remaining faces of the
gambrel roof, there are no slopes. Aside from the additional slopes, Mansard
roofs have a distinct design element that sets them apart from traditional
gambrel roofs.
The Benefits of a Mansard Roof
1. More Attic Space
Due to the almost vertical bottom
slope, Mansard roofs offer significantly more attic space than a standard Gable
or Hip roof. A Mansard roof's loft area does not have to sacrifice space and
can easily accommodate a master bedroom if necessary.
Furthermore, the use of dormer
windows along the entire length of the bottom slope allows for more natural
light to enter the building, increasing the sense of space even more.
2. Expandability is easier
The almost vertical nature of the
bottom slope makes adding more floors on top easier. In comparison to more
popular roofing styles like Gable or Hip roofs, the bottom slope allows for
more flexibility.
Using a Mansard roof makes perfect
sense if you currently do not have the budget to add more floors to your house
but want or need the flexibility to expand your house in the future.
3. Aesthetic Worth
Although appearances are subjective, there is no denying that Mansard roofs have an elegant design, owing to their prominence in Renaissance French architecture. Furthermore, in areas where they are not commonly found, this roofing style will look more sophisticated and, if properly executed, may even be a head turner.
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