Mansard Roof
A steep sloped face and dormer windows distinguish this type from other hip roofs
A mansard roof is a variation of a hip roof, with four sloping sides and two slopes per face. The steep slope of the lower portion of the roof has dormers to make the attic space more livable. Mansard roofs are most often associated with French design.
The Mansard roof was made popular by architect François Mansart in the early 1600s. Common features of the more ornate mansard roofs included cornices, round arched windows, stone carved details around dormer windows, balustrades and porticos.
During the mid 1800s, the mansard roof regained popularity in both Paris and in the United States. This "Second Empire" movement was considered a contemporary "modern" style.
Besides the decorative appeal of the stately mansard roof, the shape allows for increased interior attic or living space. Dormers are used for light and ventilation, and also assist in creating more head room.
This home combines a gambrel eaved roof and a mansard main roof. Gambrels are common on barn roofs, which has steep sides allowing snow loads to slip off easily.
Mansard roofs have many variations. They can have sloped sides that are straight or convex, and the rooftop can have a flat or low slope capping the steeper face where the dormers are placed.
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