What is a Mansard Roof? The Full Guide
What is a Mansard Roof?
A mansard roof is a boxed-shape roofing style with four sides, featuring two sharply pitched lower slopes acting as vertical exterior walls, capped by a flattened upper slope.
Also known as a French roof, this architectural style was first popularized by the French architect François Mansart in 17th-century France.
Mansard roofs are often found on the second story of residential homes in middle and upper-class neighborhoods across Chicago’s western suburbs.
Essentially, it converts the top level of a home into additional living space by boxing it out with shingles, as opposed to the less usable attic space on the peaks of typically gable roofs.
At HomeHero Roofing, we have over 30 years of experience working on mansard roofs and their unique installation requirements.
Our expert roofers share the pros and cons of mansard roofs, along with costs and the best materials to use.
Basically, this mansard roofing guide goes through everything a homeowner needs to know and more.
Want to see why we’re trusted across the western suburbs? Visit our Why Us page.
Key Takeaways:
Pros of Mansard Roofs
These days, homeowners appreciate Mansard roof designs because they effectively convert empty attic space into usable living space.
In turn, this extra space on the top level adds to a home’s total square footage, which can increase its value.
Additional pros to purchasing a home with a Mansard roof style include:
- Ideal for dormer windows that allow for more airflow and natural light on the top level of your home.
- Maximizes interior space by transforming empty, dark attics into usable areas, improving overall heat distribution, and enhancing insulation.
- An easier roof structure to add additions to expand your top floor functionality and square footage
Can Mansard Roofs Increase Property Values?
Yes, a home built in the mid-1800s with a mansard roof can increase property values in historic, wealthier neighborhoods because it stands out to affluent buyers.
Well-maintained historic homes with mansard roofing are strikingly beautiful due to their unique architectural elements.
Add custom copper gutters and decorative metal flashing and you can have a jaw-dropping, timeless exterior look.
Moreover, the added square footage that a mansard-style roof allows on the top story also increases home values.
In some cases, the extra space may even add an extra bedroom or bathroom to boost sales prices.
“The shingles of your mansard roof are often the first thing people notice on your home from street level.
That’s why taking the time to choose the perfect shingle color is even more important on these types of roofs. This choice impacts curb appeal, big time.
Also, double-check your homeowners association or historical society doesn’t have any specific color requirements, since they often do with mansards.”
-Andre Kazimierski (President & Co-Owner of HomeHero Roofing)
When Was Mansard Roofing Popular?
While mansard roofs first became popular on homes built in the 1860s and 1870s, this was not the only period in history that the unique roofing style was trendy.
A modern version of mansard roofing styles came back about 100 years later, in the 1960s and 1970s.
No question, the mid-century version of mansard roofs looked a lot different than their historic predecessors.
However, this newer version of mansard roofing on residential houses doesn’t seem to hold up property values as well as their historic predecessors built in the mid-1800s.
Mansards on Newer Homes (built in the 1960s and 1970s)
Looking at market data, mid-century style houses with mansard roofs built in the 1960s and 70s may not be as appealing to home buyers these days.
However, the real issue is that mid-century modern home styles of all kinds, which mansards fall under, aren’t super popular with home buyers this year.
Accordingly, you see numerous mid-century style homes being demolished in favor of more contemporary-looking residential styles. This is even more prevalent in nicer suburbs like Western Springs or Burr Ridge, IL.
Although, some buyers appreciate the unique charm of a mansard roof home, regardless of when it was built, as long as the underlying structure has good bones.
“Maintaining a mansard roof is similar to any shingle roof, but you need to pay extra attention to the steep, highly visible lower slope.
Keep that section clean, free of mold, and check for any loose or uneven shingles where it meets the siding. If anything looks off, get it inspected right away to prevent bigger issues.
Repairs on this type of roof are expensive, so visually inspect your mansard roof for damage at least four times a year to prevent surprise costs.”
-Matt Balducci (CEO & Co-Owner of HomeHero Roofing)
Cons of Mansard Roofing
Considering buying a home with a mansard roof?
While mansard roofing can be stunning on larger homes in wealthy neighborhoods, it has some costly disadvantages, especially if you need to replace the roof soon.
Here are some drawbacks to consider when dealing with a house that has a mansard roof.
- The flatter, low-sloped roof section on top of mansard roofs tends to leak more often and get damaged by snow, water, and ice in colder temperature regions, like the Midwest.
- Mansard roofs cost 20%-50% more to replace than typical gable asphalt shingle roofs because of their complexity and special roof shingle requirements.
- Maintenance and roof repairs are more expensive due to the mansard roof’s vertical shingle design style, especially around dormers.
- Higher insurance costs and more complex permitting in many states because insurers view mansard roofs as higher risk and more expensive to replace.
Not to mention, a larger shingle roof surface area means more upkeep, especially on outer and inner corners where vertical shingles meet the flatter shingles above and the flashing at the base.
Finally, not every roofing contractor has the expertise to repair or replace a mansard roof properly, so be extra careful when selecting a roofer near you.
Find out what red flags to look for when interviewing roofing companies for your repair or replacement project.
Should I Buy a House With a Mansard Roof?
Due to the high cost of maintenance, I personally would not buy a house with a mansard roof unless it has a newer roof that has been properly installed within the last 10 years.
Don’t get me wrong, these Second Empire-style homes with mansard roofs are gorgeous.
Even the more modernized mansard roofs built in the 1960s and 70s stand out in any cookie-cutter suburb.
But knowing how expensive these hip and gambrel hybrid roofs are to maintain and eventually replace would make me think twice about buying a home with a mansard roof.
However, if you already own a home with this beautiful, but expensive, roof style, here’s how much it’ll cost to repair or replace it.
How Much Do Mansard Roofs Cost to Replace?
A mansard roof costs $22,826 on average to replace, for a standard-sized home, including labor and materials.
That’s a lot more than the typical asphalt shingle roof replacement cost in, lets say, Chicago or it’s western suburbs.
Mansard roofs cost 20%-50% more than standard asphalt shingle roofs on residential homes because of their complexity, requiring more labor and higher-priced materials.
Here are some specific reasons why mansard roofs cost so much to install, replace, repair, or maintain:
- Accessing the vertical shingle portion of a mansard roof requires multiple ladder placements versus simply walking on the roof, so it takes longer.
- Custom flashing, gutter systems, ventilation, and specialized waterproofing methods must be used to repair or replace mansard roofing, all of which are more expensive.
- Installing vertical shingles not only takes longer, but you also have to take additional measures to secure them properly.
- Both low-slope and vertical shingle sections require more expensive roofing materials and premium shingles that can withstand rain, wind, and snow at those angles.
What’s The Best Roofing Material for a Mansard Roof?
The best roofing materials for the steep sides of mansard roofs are lightweight metal shingles, such as copper or aluminum, or synthetic slate shingles.
More expensive, slate or metal shingles can withstand the unique pressure of a near-vertical pitch better than any asphalt shingle.
If money is no object, natural slate installed with a reinforced structure is the very best choice for the vertical or wall portion of a mansard roof.
For a lighter-weight option, consider using cedar shakes if they fit your home’s aesthetic style. They are still expensive but not as pricey as natural slate.
On the flatter, low-slope top portion of mansard roofs, use a water-tight membrane, such as EPDM or rubber roofing, and TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin).
These are designed specifically to waterproof roofs with a pitch of less than 2:12 or completely flat surfaces, where asphalt, slate, aluminum, or cedar shake shingles are not suitable.
More Affordable Asphalt Shingle Options
Because of the high cost of metal or slate shingles, many homeowners opt for properly installed architectural asphalt shingles or luxury asphalt shingles instead.
But when installing architectural or luxury singles on mansard roofs, ensure your roofer is well-versed with the enhanced fastening patterns and additional hand sealing techniques required.
Why Cheaper Asphalt Shingles Won’t Work
Indeed, using standard three-tab asphalt shingles won’t last long if installed on a near-vertical Mansard roof.
Cheap three-tab shingles are just too thin and only have a single, thin strip of factory sealant to last on mansards.
This won’t bode well for the unique stress points that high-pitched vertical walls of mansard roofs put on cheaper asphalt shingles, no matter how well it’s installed.
The more you know as a homeowner, the higher the chance you make the right choice when getting quotes from roofers. Find out how long different roofing materials are supposed to last in Illinois.
Below are a few mansard roofing cost and material guides for both low-slope side sections and the flatter, top sections of shingles.
These should make picking the best mansard roof material easy for you as a homeowner or roofing contractor.
Steep Side Mansard Roof Costs and Material Guide
| Material | Cost/sq ft | Lifespan | Best For | Key Advantage | Main Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Slate | $15-25 | 60-200+ years | Historic 1860-1890 homes | Authentic, extremely durable | Heavy, expensive, may need structural reinforcement |
| Metal (Copper/Aluminum) | $12-15 | 50-100+ years | Any era, longevity priority | Interlocking panels prevent sliding | Higher upfront cost |
| Synthetic Slate | $8-10 | 50 years | Historic homes, budget-conscious | Looks like slate, lightweight | Less authentic than real slate |
| Luxury Asphalt | $8 | 30-50 years | 1960s-1970s homes | Thick enough to avoid sliding | Double the cost of architectural |
| Cedar Shake | $8-12 | 30-40 years | Victorian authenticity | Natural beauty, lightweight | High maintenance required |
| Architectural Asphalt | $5.86 | 25-30 years | Budget option, 1960s-1970s | Affordable if properly installed | MUST use 6 nails + hand sealing |
| 3-Tab Asphalt | $4 | 15-20 years | NOT RECOMMENDED | Cheapest option | Will slide off steep slopes |
Use this crafty guide to learn about the pros and cons of different types of roof materials.
Flat or Low-Slope Mansard Roof Materials and Pricing Guide
| Material | Cost/sq ft | Lifespan | Best For | Key Advantage | Main Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPDM (Black Rubber) | $10-15 | 25-30 years | Not visible, tight budget | Least expensive, “bulletproof” | Absorbs heat, not attractive |
| TPO (White) | $12-17 | 25 years | Most residential | Energy efficient, good value | Newer technology, less proven |
| PVC (White) | $15-20 | 25+ years | Chemical exposure areas | Strongest option, chemical resistant | Most expensive, brittle in cold temps |
Please note that we do not recommend using PVC on roofs in cold temperature states like Illinois because it gets brittle in sub zero temperatures.
Best Mansard Material by Building Era
Below is a mansard roofing material decision guide based on when your home was built with pricing details.
| Era | Typical Steep Side Choice | Typical Flat Top | Total Budget Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Historic (1860-1890) | Natural or synthetic slate | TPO or EPDM | $25-40/sq ft (authentic) <br> $18-25/sq ft (practical) | May need historic district approval |
| Mid-Century (1960s-1970s) | Luxury or architectural asphalt | TPO | $14-20/sq ft | Focus on solving sliding/drainage issues |
Mansard Roofing FAQs
Here are some common questions we’ve received from homeowners replacing or installing mansard roofs the past few years.
What are the different styles of mansard roofs?
The different styles of mansard roofs are straight, convex, concave, and s-shaped, with each type having a different shaped vertical wall slope.
The most commonly found style of mansard roofing found on most residential homes is straight, which has an almost vertical lower slope section with a flattened top section.
How long does a roof installation take for a mansard roof?
A roof installation on a mansard roof typically takes 2-3 days for a standard house.
This is slightly longer than a typical residential roof replacement project because of the added complexities of the vertically pitched shingle section.
Your project timeline can be longer depending on the size of roof and if specialized gutter systems need to be installed. A full on mansard roof addition remodel takes much longer, averaging around 8-12 weeks.
Why is my mansard roof so expensive to replace?
The reason that mansard roofs are so expensive is mainly because of the additional labor and specialized material required to reroof it properly.
Depending on materials chosen, costs of mansard roofs can be 20-50% higher than an average asphalt shingle roof replacement project.
What is the difference between a dormer and a mansard?
Dormers are small window or siding sections that jut out from your roofline. Typically the window sections have trim surrounding the window and are flashed where the sidewalls hit the roof shingles.
A mansard roof is an altogether different way to build a roof, characterized by steep sloped shingle walls on the front and sides, typically on the 2nd or 3rd level of a home.
On top of these vertical shingle walls there is a low-slope, almost flat roof section that makes up the peak of the home.
Typically mansard roofs have a few dormers installed to add natural light, ventilation, and interior additional space.
Is a mansard roof a flat roof?
In most cases, a mansard roof’s low sloped top section of roofing has some pitch or angle to it so that water or snow can drain properly.
However, some commercial buildings with mansard roofs may have flat roof sections on top.
We recommend installing a waterproof membrane like EPDM on the top section of mansard roofs because shingles aren’t very effective in waterproofing flatter surfaces.
Why are insurance rates higher for houses with mansard roofing?
Home insurance rates for mansard roofs are typically higher because they cost more to maintain and eventually replace, driving up premiums.
With two decades of experience launching and scaling successful companies in the home improvement industry, Andre brings unparalleled expertise and passion to HomeHero Roofing. Committed to delivering the highest-quality roofing services, Andre ensures every project meets the exceptional standards that HomeHero customers expect and deserve.
