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In the mid-19th century, Second Empire architecture in the United States and Canada began to blossom. A series of major projects and events in French urban planning and design provided the inspiration for Second Empire architecture. In the 19th century, architects in the United States started to use mansard roofs in their design which grew their familiarity.
Second Empire Residential Architecture
As we have previously established, however, the labor costs do make this shoot up quite a bit in price over other designs. Anything that has high construction costs will typically cost more than usual to repair and maintain in the long run, and mansard roofs are no different. The vertical design of the lower slope of a mansard roof means that the roof structure is easier to modify and repurpose into a support structure for an upper floor. A flat roof in San Francisco allowed for an occupiable green roof, which is a strong contrast to its more traditionally-shaped neighbors that have gabled roofs and dormers. A mansard-roofed Parisian apartment was renovated by Batiik Studio to incorporate millwork and cabinetry that was custom-built for the sloped walls of the attic space. While gambrel roofs do allow for more usable space, they're often more complex to construct because of the specific angle where the roof rafters meet.
What is the difference between a gambrel and a mansard roof?
So, if in doubt, it is best to check with your local government office before embarking on any renovations or construction projects. If you’re thinking about installing a Mansard roof on your home, it’s important to hire a qualified roofing contractor who has experience with this type of roof. They will be able to recommend the best materials and construction methods for your home, and ensure that the finished product is both beautiful and durable. The ornamentation on these roofs varies depending on how decorative its style is and the period it was created in. The type of roofing material used will also affect the maintenance requirements for the roof, as different materials require different levels of maintenance to keep them in good condition.
Mansard Roofs Design Considerations
These bedrooms receive natural lighting through smaller windows in the gables and dormer windows, while technical windows in stone pedestal walls complete the overall look. The mansard roof type stands out from all other roofing styles due to its regal beauty and unique aesthetics and brings to the table the potential for more interior space. A Mansard roof is a type of roof characterized by having four slopes, two of which are nearly vertical and two of which are much more shallow. It is often used to create additional living space on the roof, especially in older and more traditional buildings.
Modern loft apartment
No, a mansard roof is not flat but it does have a smaller slope of around 30 degrees, which cannot be seen from street level, thus appearing flat. The small portion at the top, the flatter portion at the top, which is not flat, is the reason why mansard roofs are not recommended in areas with a lot of snow. Mansard roofs were created and designed to maximize upper-story space while minimizing the amount of taxes paid due to the height of the building. Therefore, builders were able to add additional room without increasing the overall height of the building and thus, reduce the amount of taxes they had to pay.
The General Grant Style

The mansard roof gained popularity because of its ability to turn attic space into an extra floor with ample living space. If you’re enchanted by the elegant style of Victorian homes and buildings with dormer windows and grand design, the appeal of a mansard roof is hard to ignore. While the roof style has been around for centuries and can be seen on many historic buildings, it’s not outdated and can enhance modern buildings and homes.
The upper slope of a mansard roof is a lot closer to being flat than a traditional roof, with a slight slope of between 15 and 30 degrees. This angle provides a more gradual transition between the roof and the walls of the building, which gives the roof its distinctive look. The angle of the upper slope also plays a role in the design of the roof, as it affects the amount of light that enters the space beneath the roof. This type of roofing system serves a multifaceted purpose that can benefit homeowners in many ways. The mansard roof design originated in France during the 16th century, but it was not until the 17th century that the style became popular. François Mansart, a renowned French architect [1], is credited with popularizing the design during the reign of Louis XIII.
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When pierced with dormers, the mansard provides a spacious and economical attic story. During the mid-19th century it was particularly popular, especially in France and in the United States. Red brick is notoriously difficult in a color scheme, and when paired with a mansard roof it can make for quite the design challenge.
Aesthetical Value
Our designers suggested a limewash on the brick and a deep slate shingle roof for a unique take on the classic black-and-white color palette. Homesthetics is an online magazine and community focused on high-quality architecture, design and DIY in the home design, crafts and outdoor sphere. We research and try the best products, we find simple solutions to the most complicated problems out there and we serve them here, fresh, always ready for you.
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The choice to use Iron Ore on the trim, eaves, and plentiful dormers gives the exterior depth. Plus the color connects the mid-tone gray in the roof to some of the deeper hues found naturally in the brick. As we come to a conclusion, it is pretty evident that the biggest advantage you get with Mansard Roofing is the flexibility of adding rooms in the future due to its distinctive design. Even after knowing all the disadvantages, many people in the modern world prefer Mansard roofs for their advantages and a traditional classy look. Yes, a mansard is a type of hipped roof, consisting of four sides with a gambrel–style design.
In fact, because of their unique shape, mansard roofs can actually make small houses look larger than they are. So if you’re looking to add some extra space to your small house, a mansard roof could be the perfect choice for you. A hip roof is similar to a gable roof in that it has sloping sides, but the sides meet at a ridge that is not straight. Hip roofs are popular for their durability and stability, but they also offer less living or storage space than a mansard roof.
They became popular in the mid-19th century during the Second French Empire and were used extensively in the construction of public buildings, commercial buildings, and grand homes. Mansard roofs in American architecture are usually characterized by their simpler design variations and the use of simpler dormer windows. Notable examples of mansard roofs in American architecture include the 1870 Heck-Andrews House in Raleigh, North Carolina. The characteristics of a mansard roof are what make it unique and popular in architecture. From its double-sloped design (especially when combined with the use of dormer windows), the features of a mansard roof provide both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. The upper slope of a straight mansard roof has a very gentle slope, making the top appear almost flat.
Simply put, the Mansard roof, also known as the French roof or Curb roof, is a hybrid between a gambrel roof and a hip roof. If you are not familiar with a gambrel roof, then let us first explain its architecture in brief. The cost of a mansard roof, like any other roof design, mostly depends on the materials used on it.
The French roofs or Curb roofs are known for their energy efficiency, as they are designed to keep heat in during the winter and keep it out during the summer. This can help to reduce energy bills, as the roof will act as an additional insulator. Mansard roofs also have a longer lifespan than other roofing materials and are not as susceptible to damage from severe weather. A françois mansart is relatively easy to install as it does not require complicated framing or engineering and adds additional interior space with reduced costs. In this Chalet in Krkonoše designed by Znameni Ctyr Architekti, small bedrooms can be found on the higher levels, most of which are attics and mansard roofs.
So, anyone having such roofs would require extensive waterproofing methods. Sometimes a single-plane conventional roof is misunderstood as a Mansard roof. Well, there is also a concept of curb hip roof and curb gable roof to distinguish between Mansard and Gambrel.
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Although the creation of the Mansard roof is accredited to François Mansart (1598 – 1666), he was not the first to implement this roof architecture. That honor would have to go to Pierre Lescot (1510 – 1578) who used this roofing style on a part of the Louvre Museum in the year 1550. The concave Mansard roof, also known as a French curve Mansard roof, is very complex and requires specialized experience to install. The lower, steeper slope of the roof curves inward slightly, creating a gentle scoop in the roofline.