Mansard Roof

Mansard roofs are comprised of steep, sloping roof faces, often 70 degrees or more on all sides of the roof, with the main roof section being at a much lower or a flat pitch. You’ll commonly find dormer windows on Mansard roof types, as one of the main benefits is the additional roof space a mansard provides, maximising interior space turning the roof space into a completely habitable floor.

What properties are mansard roofs found on?

Whilst extremely popular across mainland Europe, Mansard roofs can be found all across the UK, coming into popularity due to the elegant perception and classical French architecture. This is why you’ll find mansard roofs on many period properties across the UK on Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian homes; particularly in London.

The added benefit of providing additional living space means a mansard roof type is perfect for urban terraced properties and town houses which often require extra headroom or would benefit from an additional living floor whilst maintaining a durable, sleek roof design.

Many new build properties however in the UK are still being specified with mansard roofs on; mainly in conservation areas or those where planning permission requires traditional architectural aesthetics to be maintained to match in with the surrounding areas.

What are the benefits of a mansard style roof?

The main benefit a mansard roof provides is the additional living space it offers, enabling an extra floor to the property that can be fully utilised, maximising the usage of the building; whilst also providing sought after traditional aesthetics as aforementioned.

This additional living space offers another benefit in providing ample natural light to the building through incorporating dormers or roof lights; making these loft conversions far more viable for full-time living than traditional attic spaces.

From a homeowners perspective, data shows that utilising a mansard roof can also add property value to homes due to the option of this additional living space and perceived elegance of the property due to the classical roof design.

Whilst the roof shape requires careful, complex installation, the design of a mansard roof doesn’t only provide aesthetic benefits, but also keeps the property secure. The steep roof pitch allows for excellent water run-off and drainage, whilst also being extremely resistant to strong-winds and extreme weather conditions.

However, with mansards being a complex design and requiring traditional aesthetics, the right roofing materials are required to ensure homeowners get the benefits listed.

Best Roofing materials for mansard roofs

Where can you find a roofing material that provides classical aesthetics, enables simple installation and gives long-lasting durability to the property? Look no further than lightweight steel roofing tiles.

Lightweight steel roof tiles, such as Metrotile, are available in a variety of profiles and colours to suit any client or specification demands, making them a suitable choice to suit design needs where planning permission or matching into surrounding roofs is a key part of the criteria.

Metrotile’s roof tiles don’t only provide versatility in the choices, but also in the applications of them. Metrotile roof tiles are perfect for any pitched roof, and can be installed from pitches as low as 10 degrees up to vertical; making them an ideal option for Mansard roofs due to exceptional performance, long-term weather resistance and ease of installation on steep pitches.

The durability of steel means less damages, wastage and a longer lifespan compared to traditional roofing materials; whilst the lightweight aspect of thin-gauge metal roof tiles puts less stress on the roof structure, a vital component on steep pitches like those on Mansards.