What is a mansard on a roof?

mansard roof, type of roof having two slopes on every side, the lower slope being considerably steeper than the upper. In cross section the straight-sided mansard can appear like a gambrel roof, but it differs from the gambrel by displaying the same profile on all sides.

What is the difference between a gambrel roof and a mansard roof?

A gambrel, or barn roof, is much like mansard in a sense that it has two different slopes. The difference between the two is that the gambrel only has two sides, while the mansard has four. Similar to mansard, the lower side of the gambrel roof has an almost vertical, steep slope, while the upper slope is much lower.

Why is it called a mansard roof?

The Mansard Roof is named after the noted 17th-century French architect Francois Mansart. It was a most functional device to increase the usefulness of the attic storey with bet- ter light and headroom. On top of the steeply pitched lower surface is a low hip, frequently looking flat.

What kind of house has a mansard roof?

The Second Empire architectural style, also called the French Second Empire style or mansard style, can be traced to France, specifically to the reign of Napoleon III, 1852-1870. Residences designed in this style were, therefore, generally large and built for the affluent homeowner.

What is the benefit of a mansard roof?

Compared to a standard Gable roof or Hip roof, Mansard roofs offer significantly more attic space due to the almost vertical bottom slope. The loft area of a Mansard roof does not need to compromise on space and can easily house a master bedroom if needed.

What is a false mansard?

A false mansard is often added to the front of an existing building to provide a permanent awning over lower-floor windows, or to make an old building appear more modern. These assemblies can be framed of wood or steel studs; or of wood or lightweight steel trusses.

What is a Dutch hip?

A Dutch hip roof, sometimes called a Dutch gable roof, is a combination of hip and gable roof styles in which a gable is located at the end of the ridge , and at the top of a hip roof plane.