If you're interested in installing a natural slate roof or wooden shakes for your roof replacement but are put off by the steep price, DaVinci Roofscapes offers an exceptional alternative. DaVinci is one of the largest manufacturers of synthetic slate roofing tiles, shakes, and shake siding. With synthetic materials, you'll pay half the cost and worry less about potential issues such as the added weight of real slate.
Let's take a closer look at what DaVinci has to offer and determine if it's right for you.
About DaVinci Roofscapes
After introducing its synthetic slate tiles to the world in 2004, DaVinci has become one of the largest manufacturers of synthetic roofing materials. DaVinci's polymer-based materials make their roofing tiles and shakes long-lasting and relatively maintenance-free for a more affordable price.
DaVinci's products
Slate tiles
Image source: DaVinci
DaVinci's synthetic slate is mostly made up of virgin resins, which are made without any recycled plastics, leading to a more durable material. The tiles are also made with thermal and UV stabilizers, which help absorb radiation and prevent degradation from consistent sun exposure. DaVinci's synthetic slate is available in a variety of single-width slate, multi-width slate tiles, and Bellaforté slate. DaVinci also features several Cool Roof colors, which are Energy Star certified and energy-efficient.
Other key features:
- Class 4 impact rating
- Lightweight
- Class A fire rating
- Withstands high winds up to 110 MPH
- Lifetime limited materials warranty
- Available in 12 different colors
Shake
Image source: Roofing Contractor
DaVinci's synthetic hand-split cedar shakes feature similar wood grain patterns as real wood at a more affordable price. Like their slate tiles, the shakes are made from virgin resins, UV, and thermal stabilizers which help them last for decades. DaVinci shake tiles are available in single width to give your roof a more uniform appearance, multi-width shake to give it a staggered appearance, and Bellaforté shake, which gives the shakes a single width but with split, staggered edges.
Other key features:
- Class 4 impact resistance rating
- Class A fire rating
- Withstands up to 110 MPH winds
- Lifetime limited materials warranty
- Available in 9 different colors
Siding
Image source: 3Rings
DaVinci also offers synthetic shake siding, available in several different widths. These shakes are fairly durable and are resistant to cracking, fading, insects, and expansion and contraction from temperature changes.
Other key features:
- Available in 8 different colors
- Lifetime limited materials warranty
- Resistant to fading, rotting, and cracking
Pros and cons
Pros
Durable - Because DaVinci's synthetic materials are made up of virgin plastics, which are not melted and molded like recycled plastics, they become more durable and have a stronger molecular structure.
Cost-effective - The most noticeable bonus to buying DaVinci roofing products is their low cost. Installing a new roof with natural slate or even asphalt shingles could cost between $100-$400 per square. For DaVinci slate or cedar shake roofing shingles, you can expect to pay between $50-$100 per square.
Long-lasting - Though they may not last as long as real slate or a metal roof, DaVinci's composite roofing systems feature a high wind rating and should last you a while. Backed by its lifetime materials warranty, you'll receive coverage for the first 10 years after your roof installation. However, the amount of coverage reduces each following year.
Energy-efficient - DaVinci’s slate and shake roofing products are made with UV stabilizers which help absorb solar radiant heat, preventing damage and keeping your home cool.
Cons
Not environmentally friendly - Because virgin plastics are not made from recycled materials and require natural gasses to be produced, they are not entirely environmentally friendly. While it is possible to eventually recycle virgin plastics, only 9% of plastics end up getting recycled.
Not the same as real slate or shake - Though composite slate and composite shake may look similar to the real thing, they just aren’t. Roofing manufacturers attempt to recreate the same textures and appearances, but nothing beats the appearance of real slate and shake.
Is DaVinci worth it?
For homeowners on a tight budget who want to replace their roof with something that looks like natural slate or shake, DaVinci is worth buying. They may not look the same or have the same lifespan, but they're relatively low maintenance, durable, and will last a while. Though they may not be as environmentally friendly as other roofing materials like clay and concrete, DaVinci is a solid choice.
Chris Gennone is a content specialist and video producer at Fixr.com. He has 5 years of experience writing and editing for a variety of web and print publications, currently specializing in home improvement projects such as roofing, remodeling, and repairs. When Chris isn’t writing or in front of the camera, he’s either playing with his band or tracking down the best sandwich shops.