Mansard Roofs: Design, Benefits, and Installation Guide

What Is Mansard Roof?

Generally, this mansard roof is also known as a French roof or curb roof, which is a combined form of hip and gambrel roof. The mansard roof is not completely familiar with the gambrel, which is a modified form of a gable roof, but it is unlike a gable roof.

Naturally, the mansard roof has two slopes on each side; the top slope of this roof is more slattered than the bottom slope, and the bottom slope is looking like almost vertical.

The mansard roof is a really beautiful art, which was started in the 16th century and became popular in the time of 17th century. The mansard roof is a fundamental part of the French and later became popular in several countries.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Mansard Roof

Advantages of Mansard Roof

1. Aesthetic Value: This type of roof increases the outlook and aesthetic value of your building.
2. Extra Room for the Attic: The mansard roof design and framing are unique because their design provides extra space, which the gable and the hip roof do not provide.
3. Make It Easier to Expand: This type of roof is very user-friendly; it is easy to expand, add, and dismantle.
4. Works in Rural and Urban Areas: This type of roof material is easily available in000 all the places

Disadvantages of Mansard Roof

1. Installation Cost: Due to the complex design, the installation charge is also high. In comparison with gable roofs, this roof charge is too high.
2. Not a Good Weather-Resistant: In the region of high rainfall and high snowfall, the mansard roof is not the best option to install. The drainage system is not also good in this type of roof. Some leakage also appears in the upper portion of the roof, and it may be collapse due to heavy water accumulation.
3. Maintenance Cost: Like installation cost, the maintenance cost of a mansard roof is also high. So, these are some disadvantages of the mansard roof.

Mansard Roof Replacement Cost

One of the most expensive roof replacements is mansard roof replacement; the average mansard roof cost is 11 lakhs. The replacement range may vary from 7.5 lakhs to 15 lakhs, making it a significant roof installation cost.

Strong wind pressure can damage the mansard roof, and it’s a moisture-pulling material. The curved portion installation is very complicated; that’s why the price is too high.

GAFMansard Roof Installation

There are several steps followed by civil engineers for GAF mansard roof installation. These steps ensure a robust and durable mansard roofing structure:

1. Nailing Operation: To ensure the sealing of shingles, the nailing operation is done. We apply four-quarter-inch size nails for this work purpose. Nails are applied in both directions (top and botto⌋m) of the shingles.
2. Installing Underlayment: For roof purposes, the slope should be 2: 12 and 4: 12. We install the GAF leak barrier in the portion where an ice dam may be formed. Eaves must be hung from 6mm from the top and must extend 610 mm inside the wall. The roof is totally covered by the GAF roof deck protection.
3. Installing Starter Strip Shingles: In this step, at first, we use GAF starter roof shingles along the rake and eaves portion. It is generally used to resist wind pressure.
4. Installing Shingles: Here, we place the shingles with the nail at the lower nail zone line. Shingle exposure must be 143 mm. Installing roof accessories and details: This is the last portion of the mansard roof installation where we install ventilation by some ventilation products.

Best Shingles for Mansard Roof

Synthetic shingles and cedar shake mansard roof shingles are the two types of shingles that are the best option for a mansard roof. The cedar shake mansard roof shingles, in particular, offer a unique and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Synthetic shingles are made from recycled plastic materials that look like slate or cedar shake shingles. It is generally a premium type of material; that’s why the cost of this product is much higher than asphalt materials.

Cedar shake shingles are also premium-level natural wood shingles. Six cedar shakes will make a panel, which we install on the roof.

FAQs About Mansard Roofs

What Is a Mansard Roof?

A mansard roof, also known as a French roof or curb roof, is a combination of hip and gambrel roofs. It features two slopes on each side, with the top slope being more slanted than the bottom slope, which is almost vertical.

How Is a Mansard Roof Different from a Gambrel Roof?

While both have multiple slopes, the mansard roof has two slopes on all four sides of the structure, unlike the gambrel roof which typically has two slopes on only two sides.

What Are the Historical Origins of the Mansard Roof?

The mansard roof originated in the 16th century and gained popularity in the 17th century, particularly in France. It has since become a common architectural feature in various countries.

What Are the Main Advantages of a Mansard Roof?

1. Aesthetic Value: Enhances the visual appeal of a building.
2. Extra Room for the Attic: Provides additional space not available with gable or hip roofs.
3. Ease of Expansion: Facilitates easier expansion, addition, and dismantling.
4. Versatility: Suitable for both rural and urban areas.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Mansard Roof?

1. High Installation Cost: Due to its complex design, installation is expensive.
2. Poor Weather Resistance: Not ideal for regions with high rainfall or snowfall as it can have drainage issues and potential leakage.
3. High Maintenance Cost: Maintenance is also costly due to its design complexities.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Mansard Roof?

Replacing a mansard roof is expensive, with costs averaging around 11 lakhs, ranging from 7.5 lakhs to 15 lakhs.

Why Is Mansard Roof Installation Costly?

The complex design, especially the curved portions, requires specialized skills and materials, leading to higher costs.

What Steps Are Involved in Gaf Mansard Roof Installation?

1. Nailing Operation: Securing shingles with nails.
2. Installing Underlayment: Using GAF leak barriers and roof deck protection.
3. Installing Starter Strip Shingles: To resist wind pressure.
4. Installing Shingles: Placing and securing shingles properly.
5. Installing Roof Accessories and Details: Adding ventilation and other necessary components.

What Are the Best Shingles for a Mansard Roof?

1. Synthetic Shingles: Made from recycled plastic, mimicking slate or cedar shake.
2. Cedar Shake Shingles: Premium natural wood shingles offering a unique appearance.

Are Synthetic Shingles Better Than Cedar Shake Shingles?

Both have their benefits. Synthetic shingles are durable and eco-friendly, while cedar shake shingles provide a natural, aesthetically pleasing look. However, both are premium materials and more costly than asphalt shingles.