Roof Type: Mansard & Gambrel
There are a lot of architectural roof designs out there and sometimes it’s hard to know which type is on your home. Do you know what type of roof you have?
A common roof type is called a mansard. According to Wikipedia, “A mansard or mansard roof (also called a French roof or curb roof) is a four-sided gambrel-style hip roof characterized by two slopes on each of its sides with the lower slope, punctured by dormer windows, at a steeper angle than the upper.” A mansard slopes down on all four sides of a structure.
Another common roof type is called a gambrel. Wikipedia defines a gambrel roof as “…a shortened name for a gambrel roof shape, a usually symmetrical two-sided roof with two slopes on each side. The upper slope is positioned at a shallow angle, while the lower slope is steep.” The gambrel is easily recognized by its two slopes, the lower one being steep and the higher one being more shallow. The overall appearance is very similar to a mansard roof except that the gambrel only slopes down on two sides of a structure (as is the case with most barns).
Sometimes all this is just words and rather it would be better just to see photos of what these words mean. Below are photos that display both a mansard roof and a gambrel roof.
Here is an example of a mansard roof with DaVinci composite slate roof:
Here is a gambrel roof with DaVinci composite shake:
Wondering what roof type you have? You can send us a photo and even ask us what color might look good on your roof. Or you can also visit our color studio and have some fun experimenting with what might be a good fit for your home.