A mansard roof, also known as a French roof, is a four-sided roof with a double slope on each side that meet forming a low-pitched roof. The first slope is very much steep, almost vertical; the other slope is quite flat and it is in such location that it cannot be seen from the ground level. If you are thinking of installing such a roof in your home but are hesitating, here are some pros and cons that may be helpful to decide.
Pros
Mansard roofs can help create a great deal of extra living space. Using the space as a full attic or living quarters, called a garret, is very popular. The style lends itself to either open or closed dormers for more aesthetic appeal but such style isn’t available with other roof types.
Mansard roofs are great for people who want flexibility to make future home additions. When first designing and building a home, you can actually save money by having a simple mansard design to start off. And later you can then add on a garret or dormers when you have money and other opportunities. This will not only add value to the house, but it also allows homeowners to easily make additions as their needs change.
A mansard roof, or a French roof, is always a creative and chic idea for a home.
Such a roof usually features some very cozy garret space inside, where you can make a bedroom.
Mansard roofs looks aesthetically cool and they are very original unlike other roofs.
You may create a very cozy and airy open space for living in a house with a mansard roof.
Use this garret space to advantage enjoying the light and views coming from the windows.
You may organize your living space in the garret or go for a guest bedroom here.
You may first go for a usual mansard roof and add a livable garret space to it later.
A mansard roof can be easily changed and you may add spaces whenever you want and feel like it.
A mansard roof is great for those who like changes and feel like additions to the home.
If you want an extrension but don't have space for it, go up and use your mansard roof to make additional living space.
A mansard roof is sure to add value to the house with additional living space and you can do it any time.
A red brick house with a grey shingle mansard roof looks very chic and eye-catchy.
A modern big city home with a black shingle mansard roof with a room there.
A chic vintage-inspired home with a blue shingle mansard roof looks really wow and inspiring.
Cons
A low-pitched portion of a mansard roof isn’t ideal for areas receiving heavy snowfall.
As compared with that of traditional gable roofs, a mansard roof needs quite a lot of maintenance. A mansard roof has one flatter portion and due that it has lots of accumulation of debris on that. This can be a big drawback for those homeowners who have to work with tight budget situation.
Mansard roof takes more time for installation as compared to other types of roof and in turn it will also need more labor leading to more cost. But still you can handle all these drawbacks for a cool and unusual look and a comfy garret bedroom! Get inspired!
Any mansard roof requires more maintenance than any other, and it can be a bit costly.
Don't consider a mansard roof if you live in a region with heavy snow storms for an obvious reason.
A mansard roof is harder to install than any other roof, so it may cost you enough money.
Keep in mind that a house wiht a mansard roof looks a bit old-fashioned or vintage.
If a Victorian feel isn't what you want for your home, choose another roof type.
But still a mansard roof looks unique and very creative, unlike any other type of the roof.
A Victorian-inspired house in black and white with a chic embellished mansard roof.
A small footprint yet tall home with a mansard roof, which becomes another floor for living.
If you have a very small footprint, a mansard roof is a good idea to add living space to your home.
A beautiful Victorian-inspired home with a grey shingle mansard roof and blue framed windows as a decorative element.
A stylish home in white and grey with a mansard roof used as an additional living space.