You’re probably thinking, “who on earth has a home with a hexagonal roof?”. Well, you’re not wrong. People don’t really utilize hexagonal roofs for their homes. However, you might see a hexagonal roof on:

• Gazebo
• Back patio
• Sunroom
• Greenhouse
• Roof cupola

Curious about how you can enhance your property with a stunning hexagonal roof? This guide will help!

WHAT IS A HEXAGONAL ROOF? 🛑

How well do you remember geometry class? If you recall, a hexagon has six sides, angles, and planes. Thus, a hexagonal roof is a six-sided roof with this unique shape. This type of roof is often seen on gazebos, sunrooms, and greenhouses. While it’s not a common roofing choice for homes, it can add a touch of elegance and style to any property. Here are some of the pros and cons of a hexagonal roof to consider.

✅ADVANTAGES OF A HEXAGONAL ROOF

• Beautiful aesthetic
• You can use any roofing material with it
• Hexagon gazebos provide outdoor shade from sun and rain
• Can be combined with other roof types on a home

🚫DISADVANTAGES OF A HEXAGONAL ROOF

• Require complex carpentry and installation
• Have a lot of seams that are susceptible to water leaks
• Not ideal to be used for the main roof of a home

HOW TO BUILD A HEXAGONAL ROOF

Building a hexagonal roof can be quite complex and requires the right expertise to build the frame and rafters before even laying the roofing material. This simple step-by-step guide can help you get started!

🔨TOOLS REQUIRED:

• 6 74-inch pieces of lumber for the rafters
• Plywood
• Tar paper
• Mitre saw
• Roofing materials (asphalt shingles, cedar shake, metal, etc.)
• Nail gun and nails
• Galvanized screws
• Hammer
• Silicone caulk
• Utility knife

STEP 1— BUILD THE RAFTERS

The rafters make up the structure of a hexagonal roof and are the first thing to put in place before installing the roof, obviously. The rafters are made up of six pieces of wood that will meet in the center at a point. Your initial frame will need to be set first, which you can see here.

You have two options for installing your rafters:

1. By assembling the roof frame on the ground, you avoid having to do all the work on top of a ladder. But you will need some help to lift and hold the roof frame while attaching it to the main railings.
2. If you’re DIYing, it will be easier to install each rafter on top of the existing posts. Just make sure your ladder is positioned on a flat, stable surface.

You will want to cut the ends of your rafters to be 45 degrees so they can fit flush against the posts. Then, you’ll secure them using galvanized screws.

STEP 2— BUILD THE ROOF

After you’ve put up the frame for your roof, it’s time to add the bottom layer. You can use either plywood boards or slats— both work just fine. However, if you’re looking to save some time, go with the plywood boards.

1. Measure one of the triangular sections of your roof, between two rafters. This will require some math: use these formulas to calculate the area of your triangle.
2. Once you determine the size, trace the corresponding triangle shape on your first sheet of plywood, using the mitre saw to carefully cut it out.
3. Repeat step 2 six times until you have all of your plywood pieces cut.
4. Using a hammer or nail gun and nails, tack these plywood pieces to the rafters to frame your roof.

STEP 3— WATERPROOF THE ROOF

Just like any roof, waterproofing the roof deck (plywood) is vital to ensuring your home or structure stays safe from water leaks and damage. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Cover the plywood boards with a sheet of tar paper and use staples to secure them.
2. Next, you should install a breathable membrane that will allow air to circulate, decreasing the chance of condensation.
3. Lastly, apply a thin layer of silicone caulk over the screw or nail heads to seal their holes which can be susceptible to minor leaks.

STEP 4— INSTALL THE SHINGLES

The final step is to install the roofing material of your choice! There are many different types of roofing materials you can use on a hexagonal roof, including asphalt shingles, cedar shake, and metal.

If you’re using asphalt shingles, start from the bottom and work your way up, overlapping each row as you go. Make sure to line up the shingles with the center of each rafter so that they’re evenly distributed. Following the manufacturer’s instructions will be key to instilling these properly. Just keep in mind that a hexagonal roof will have six peaks that require proper flashing and sealant to ensure a watertight seal.

And there you have it— your very own hexagonal roof!

WORK WITH TECTUM ROOFING FOR YOUR CUSTOM ROOFING NEEDS

If you’re looking for a custom roofing solution, look no further than MARS Roofing. We specialize in creating one-of-a-kind roofs for all types of homes and commercial buildings. No matter what your vision is, our team of experts can make it a reality. Contact us today to get started on your project!

Have you ever been to a beautiful old house, and in their finished attic space, they have a cute little reading nook in the window? Maybe another one has a writing desk and some plants? These cute offshoots of the attic are thanks to them having a dormer roof. Dormer roofs are like a standard gable roof but with small roofed window additions that jut out the sides of the roof.

They’re a great way to add extra space and functionality to your home. However, it’s so much more than that. In this simple guide, we’ll cover everything about dormer roofs, from their pros and cons to how you can decide if one is suitable for your home.

WHAT IS A DORMER ROOF?

A dormer roof is a type of roof that has one or more dormers. Dormers are small, roofed additions that stick out from the main slope of the roof. They usually contain windows that help bring light into the otherwise dark attic space.

Dormer roofs are most commonly found on older homes. They were originally designed to add extra space and light to attics, which were often only used for storage. Nowadays, dormer roofs are still used for those same purposes. They’re also a popular choice for homeowners who want to create a more unique look for their home’s roof.

8 TYPES OF DORMER ROOFS 🏠

There are many different types of dormer roofs. The most common are gable dormers, hip dormers, and shed dormers.

1) GABLE DORMER

Gable dormers are the most popular type of dormer. They have a triangular-shaped roof that resembles a traditional gable roof.

2) HIPPED DORMER

Hip dormers have a hipped roof, which means that the dormer slopes down on all four sides.

3) SHED DORMER

Shed dormers have a single-sloped roof. They’re the simplest dormer type and are often used to add extra light and headroom to attics.

4) EYEBROW DORMER

Eyebrow dormers have a curved semi-circle-shaped roof on the top— resembling an eyebrow. They’re often used for decorative purposes rather than to add additional space.

5) FLARED GABLE DORMER

Flared gable dormers are similar to gable dormers but with flared sides like a miniature hipped roof. This gives them a unique look and can help guide more rainwater away from the dormers and windows.

6) RECESSED DORMER

Recessed dormers are set back into the roof’s slope rather than sticking out. This gives them a more subtle look and can help to preserve the architectural integrity of older homes.

7) WALL DORMER

Similarly, a wall dormer sits almost flush against the rest of the roof and is most often found on very steeply sloped roofs. It helps create a usable attic space where even though there’s no dormer space; there is still a covered window to allow natural light into the attic.

8) POLYGONAL DORMER

Polygonal dormers have a multi-sided roof (usually 3-5 sides) that looks like, you guessed it, a polygon. This shape is far more decorative than anything else, but still a very viable type of dormer. They’re very aesthetically pleasing and offer something other dormer windows can’t.

All these dormer types can be made from various materials, including:

• Wood
• Vinyl
• Aluminum
• Steel

Most often, homeowners choose to use the same roofing material on their roof as they do the dormers, but it’s not necessary. For example, some homes might utilize a metal or copper roof on the dormers themselves as an added design element and to ensure more durability.

✅ WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A DORMER ROOF?

There are many benefits to having a dormer roof. The most common are:

1) EXTRA SPACE AND FUNCTIONALITY

The most significant benefit of dormer roofs is the extra space and functionality they add to your home. Dormers can be used for various purposes, from extra storage to a small office or guest bed space.

2) MORE LIGHT

Another big benefit is that dormers help to bring more light into your home. This is especially true if you choose to add windows to your dormers. The extra light can help to make your home feel more open and airy while maintaining airflow in an upper-floor attic space.

3) IMPROVED VENTILATION

Dormers can also improve the ventilation in your home. This is helpful in hot weather (or cold) when you want to open the windows and let some fresh air in.

4) ENHANCED CURB APPEAL

Dormers can also enhance the curb appeal of your home. They add character and interest to an otherwise plain roofline. This can be especially beneficial if you’re trying to sell your home.

5) INCREASED PROPERTY VALUE

Finally, dormers can also increase the property value of your home. This is due to the extra space and functionality they add as well as the enhanced curb appeal.

🚫 ARE THERE ANY DOWNFALLS?

Yes, of course. There are always pros and cons to things like this. When adding a dormer roof to your home, you’ll want to consider some of these potential downfalls first.

1) EXPENSE

Adding a dormer roof to your home can be expensive. It requires an addition to your roof, which means more materials and more labor. This can add up quickly, so it’s important to consider your budget before you move forward and add a dormer to your roof.

2) STRUCTURAL CHANGES

Another potential downfall is that dormer roofs require structural changes to your home. This means that you’ll need to get the proper permits and have a professional do the work to avoid any issues.

3) RISK OF LEAKS

Dormers are basically an addition to your roof, which means they come with all the same potential problems (leaks, drafts, etc.). To avoid this, make sure you choose a reputable contractor and use high-quality materials and always make sure there is proper flashing installed around the dormers to seal in those creases.

4) MAINTENANCE

Finally, dormers also require more maintenance than a regular roof. This is because they have more parts (windows, flashing, etc.) that can break or need repairs. Be prepared to do some regular maintenance on your dormer roof to keep it in good condition.

MAINTAIN YOUR DORMER ROOF THE RIGHT WAY

Just like any roof, you’ll want to ensure you maintain your dormer roof with immense care. Dormers can create a very susceptible spot for leaks to happen, especially if it’s not installed or maintained properly. Find yourself a team like MARS Roofing to help keep it in tip-top condition.

Our roofing experts can offer regular inspections and maintenance of your roof to ensure you catch issues early and uphold the integrity of your roof and home for years to come. Interested in learning more? Or want to see what a dormer roof might look like on your home? Schedule a FREE consultation today!

A Mansard roof is a roof with very distinct characteristics, such as slopes on each side. These types of roofs have what you would call an “old-world” quality to them, and they have remained relatively popular throughout time. Some reasons why a mansard roof is a great choice include:

• The beautiful aesthetic
• The added attic space
• The opportunity to add on

In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at mansard roofs and what advantages (and disadvantages) they come with.

THE DEFINITION OF A MANSARD ROOF

A mansard roof— also known as the French roof or curb roof — is generally defined by its four sloping sides. It’s often confused with two-sided gable roofs, gambrel roofs, and hip roofs (which are primarily associated with barn houses). However, they aren’t the same thing.

One of the primary characteristics of a mansard roof structure is that it’s hipped, meaning that it has four sections that tilt downward toward the walls of the house and are all roughly the same shape. The two opposite sides of a mansard roof also have a significantly steeper slope than their adjoining faces.

Their overall shape provides a vertical expansion that offers top-level room space, minus the pointy top. They also typically feature dormer windows, which allow more light into the space, making for a more liveable upper floor.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MANSARD ROOF

The mansard roof style has an architectural history that can be traced back to the type of buildings that existed throughout England and Italy during the 16th century. Of course, the Louvre, which was built in 1793, is historically noted for the roof’s “first appearance” crediting French architecture for its beginnings.

The style of the Louvre’s roof was eventually named after the French Baroque architect, Fraçois Mansart, who topped the Parisian countryside chateaus and hotels throughout the city with the roof. The mansard’s shape later became popular in Victorian architecture, which traveled to the United States in the mid-19th century.

The Victorian-style homes in the US during this time were referred to as “Second Empire homes,” as they emulated the revival of mansard roofs during the reign of Napoleon III in France — which was known as France’s Second Empire. This Second Empire design was added to major public buildings throughout America, specifically the Charity Hospital in New York City and the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

Both of these architectural works were completed by James Renwick and served as the roofing style inspiration for most civic buildings.

THE ADVANTAGES OF A MANSARD ROOF 👍

The advantages of the mansard roof include the following:

✅ Extra attic space. As mentioned earlier, mansard roofs have a more pronounced vertical slope, which provides more attic space. Combined with dormer windows and the length of the roof’s bottom slope, it easily enables the attic to become a lofty master bedroom if desired.

✅ Expandability. Despite the roof’s vertical nature, it has a mostly flat top — which offers homeowners flexibility should they decide to build an additional floor on top. This makes the mansard roof an excellent choice for homeowners looking to expand their homes in the future.

✅ Aesthetic value. Looks may be subjective, but this roofing style was an integral part of the French Renaissance period for a good reason. When constructed properly, it adds a certain level of elegance and sophistication, which in turn adds to the aesthetic value — especially since they can be tiled or shingled.

THE DISADVANTAGES OF A MANSARD ROOF 👎

Despite being sophisticated and practical for future planning, the mansard roof also comes with a few disadvantages:

❌ They’re not very weather-resistant. Due to having a flatter slope, the mansard style is more susceptible to leaks during heavy rainfall or snowfall. If not maintained properly, the entire roof could end up collapsing during a bad storm.

❌ High installation costs. These roofs have a pretty complex design, which naturally leads to higher installation costs. Additionally, thanks to the dormer windows along steeply raked bottom slopes, maintenance costs and repair costs tend to be higher compared to your standard roof.

❌ Contractor issues. Due to the complexity of their overall design and difficulty with upkeep, it can be difficult to find a roofing expert that’s familiar with installing, maintaining, and repairing mansard roofs.

WHAT TYPE OF ROOF IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Given the right neighborhood and structure of your home, a mansard roof can give it an elegant touch that elevates its entire aesthetic. Of course, mansard roofs aren’t suitable for everyone.

If you’re in need of a new roof, let our experienced and licensed contractors help you choose what will work best for your home, budget, and other needs. Schedule your free inspection today, and we’ll handle the rest!