What Is The Difference Between A Gambrel Roof And A Mansard Roof?
What Is The Difference Between A Gambrel Roof And A Mansard Roof?
The mansard has four sides, but the gambrel has just two. This is how they vary from one another. Like the mansard, the gambrel roof has a sharp, nearly vertical slope on its lower side and a gentler slope on its upper side.
Additionally, gambrel roofs have double-sloped sides and are constructed similarly to mansard roofs; however, they only cover two of the home’s sides, whereas mansard roofs cover all four.
Although they are also popular in Dutch Colonial-style homes, gambrel roofs are the most popular option for barn roofs in the United States.
What Is A Mansard-Style Roof?
Mansard roofs have two slopes on each side, with the lowest slope being much steeper than the top. In cross-section, a straight-sided mansard might resemble a gambrel roof, but it varies from a gambrel in that it has a uniform profile on all sides.
The name of this roof style comes from French architect Francois Mansart, who designed a type of roof with a similar profile in the 17th century.
A famous example of a mansard-style house is the White House in Washington, DC. It was changed only after President Thomas Jefferson (a noted astronomer) complained that the structure blocked his view of the sky.
Most people associate mansard roofs with buildings from North America or Western Europe; however, they can also be found in buildings built by people from other cultures outside of these regions. For example, you’ll find them atop traditional Chinese and Russian architecture.
How Can I Make My Mansard Roof Look Better?
I believe there are two primary options when decorating an attic with a mansard roof. Make it appear warm by utilizing wood and plenty of textures or bright and expansive by using light colors, glass, and skylights.
The first option may be good if your attic feels cold and small. The second option might be better if your attic feels spacious and airy, like a loft.
If you have a historic home with a mansard roof, you may wish to consider livening up the look by adding decorative gables (vertical or horizontal pieces) or bay windows. Although unnecessary, you can add dormers to your attic to bring in more light and air.
What Style Of House Has A Mansard Roof?
The Second Empire architectural style, also known as the French Second Empire style or mansard style, may be traced back to France, especially during Napoleon III’s rule from 1852 to 1870.
As a result, residences in this style were often spacious and intended for the wealthy homeowner, with two stories and multiple windows on the mansard roof.
You might also find traditional houses with mansard roofs. This architectural style is a French-inspired form of the American Colonial style, popular in the United States during the 19th century.
Mansard roofs were incorporated into various Victorian architecture and other styles by American builders during that time.
The best way to determine if your home or building has a mansard roof is to ask your contractor or architect. They should be able to tell you whether you have it or not and provide you with additional information about its design and functionality.
What Is The Purpose Of A Mansard Roof?
The purpose of a mansard roof is to add more floor area in attic rooms, which is impossible with normally pitched roofs because they would be too low when extended upward from one storey to two.
A mansard roof is a style of roof that has four sides, each with two slopes. Typically, the lower slope is substantially steeper than the top slope. This roof is not only physically pleasing, but its slopes also give homeowners extra room, most typically in the attic.
The form also facilitates home expansion. The mansard design maximizes internal attic space and provides a straightforward option to add one or more storeys to an existing (or new) structure without requiring masonry.
