Curb appeal is everything. Whether working on a new construction or remodeling project, creating a home with stand-out curb appeal is a goal for any building industry professional.
One element that can “make or break” a home’s visual appeal is the roof. From the selection of the roofing material to choosing the just-right color helps create long-lasting curb appeal.
However, there’s more at stake when picking a roof than just good looks. Low-maintenance, a strong warranty and reduced long-term homeowner insurance rates all come into play when making a roof decision. Those are just some of the reasons a growing number of builders and remodelers are choosing composite slate and shake roofing for their homes.
Roofing that Steals the Show
In Atlanta last year, builder Chris Davis had to make the decision of what roofing material to use on the high-profile 2020 Home for the Holidays Showhouse presented by Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine. He chose Select Shake from DaVinci Roofscapes.
“I wanted to use an upgraded roofing product for several reasons,” says Davis, owner and founder of KBD Development & Construction. “This Nantucket shingle-style house has a hip roof that’s very visible from the street. I knew the roof would play a large role in the home’s curb appeal, and I wanted the roof to ‘connect’ with the other elements of the home exterior.
“With so many creams and whites on the façade of the home, it was important to anchor the house with a natural, contrasting color. The Black Oak color of the composite roofing did this superbly.”
According to Davis, the Select Shake product gives dimension and character to the 6,500-square-foot custom home.
“This DaVinci roof does as much or more than any other single aspect of the house in terms of curb appeal,” says Davis. “The composite shake has a realistic look that appears very authentic, and very expensive. However, this is not a ‘bust the bank’ product. It’s just a well-priced roofing shingle that has exceptional qualities.
“In my opinion, too often builders fall back on asphalt roofing. The DaVinci roof on this house shows how vital it is to create strong curb appeal. Overall, builders need to know that composite roofing adds long-term value to a home. With this DaVinci roof, we were able to provide the new homeowner with a Lifetime Limited Material Warranty.”
Authentic Shake Appearance
The fourth shake profile available from DaVinci Roofscapes, Select Shake has the genuine look of real cedar shake. Taken from natural wood profiles, the multi-width shake tiles resemble a traditional cedar shake.
Available in eight- and 10-inch widths, each DaVinci Select Shake tile is 22-inches long and has a 5/8-inch thickness. The 10-inch wide pieces have a simulated keyway to give the appearance of four- and six-inch width shakes placed together. The unique tile design of DaVinci Select Shake allows for fast installation.
Realistic Color Blends
DaVinci Select Shake tiles come in eight color blends, including Autumn, Chesapeake, Mountain, Tahoe and Weathered Gray. The additional three color blends come from the Nature Crafted Collection and include Aged Cedar, Black Oak and Mossy Cedar.
The Black Oak color, which Davis used on the 2020 Home for the Holidays Showhouse, reminds people of natural cedar shingles that have been saturated with moisture and mold for many years. The color tells the story of dark, aged mature-looking cedar on a home.
The Aged Cedar color reflects a burnt reddish cedar tone. This color is generally found when there's a transition from a new cedar shake roof into the weathered deeper tone.
Mossy Cedar features a damp, greenish character. While in real cedar this is achieved by moss and lichen that are not good for the longevity of the roof, the color is one that people desire for their natural-looking shake roofs.
“The Nature Crafted Collection is for people who are true lovers of cedar shake shingles,” says Wendy Bruch with DaVinci Roofscapes. “They get the colors they desire from the very first day the roofing tiles are installed, without waiting years for the aging process to occur.
“The hues are remarkably realistic and are ‘locked in’ for a lifetime on the roof. Best of all, with composite roofing people have none of the maintenance hassles or decay worries they would normally experience with real cedar shingles.”
DaVinci Select Shake products meet the same testing classifications as with other DaVinci roofing products. The tiles are backed by a Lifetime Limited Warranty and resist fading, rotting, cracking and insects. They are rated Class A for fire resistance, Class 4 for impact and are certified to handle high winds up to 110mph.
For more information, visit www.davinciroofscapes.com or call 800-328-4624.