Welcome back to the IAS Learning Academy! So far we have discussed terminology, gable and hip roofs. This month, we are highlighting the pros and cons of Mansard Roofs.

Mansard Roof:
A mansard roof, also known as a French roof, is a four-sided roof with a a double slope on each side that meet, forming a low-pitched roof.
The lower slope is much steeper than the upper. The sides can be either flat or curved, depending on the style.
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.
Mansard roofs are great for people wanting 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. – You can then add on a garret or dormers later. This will not only add value to the house, but it also allows homeowners to easily make additions as their needs change.
Cons:
A low pitched portion of a mansard roof isn’t ideal for areas receiving heavy snowfall.
Mansard roofs cost more than typical roofs because of the embellishments and details that go into them. However, the added space and character can more than make up for the extra cost of the initial construction.