Turrets have their own story to tell.

Seen as whimsical, elegant and historical, turrets that cap off different sections of homes and commercial structures make those projects a stand out success.

Initially designed as small towers on medieval castles to provide vantage viewpoints to see oncoming enemies, today's turrets are much more decorative than functional. The circular tops on today's pointed roof turrets look like the final "cap" on a piece of architecture.

At DaVinci Roofscapes, we love to talk turrets (see Custom Colors, Turrets and Tiles... Oh My!  and Turrets Are Easy With DaVinci’s Turret Package). Our talented team can create a custom engineered polymer roofing package for any turret. You provide us with four dimensions for the turret and we'll create a custom engineered turret package of composite roofing designed just for you that includes starter tiles and numbered field bundles custom engineered for each course.

In Kansas, one homeowner was so in awe of how her DaVinci turret took shape on her designer roof that she snapped these pictures along the way. And, if you need more details to create your own luxury roof turrets with composite roofing products, click HERE to connect immediately to our turret package brochure!

If you're headed to Las Vegas in a few weeks for the 2015 International Builders' Show, we invite you to meet us in booth 2136 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center!

January 20 - 22 are the key dates to be at this mega trade show to see all the newest items available from manufacturers across the country. DaVinci Roofscapes will be one of those companies launching new products at the show --- our new Single-Width Slate 12-inch tile with an enhanced profile and a new Smokey Gray color!

Available starting January 1st, the new Single-Width Slate 12-inch tile boasts a more authentic quarried look. This new slate alternative tile has a thicker, more realistic profile that accurately replicates genuine slate in an imitation slate tile. Deeper impressions in the slate alternative tiles make them appear thicker, even though they're the same lightweight roofing tiles as previous tiles in this product offering.

And, at DaVinci we just can't get enough of color! Already the leader in color options in the polymer roofing industry, we are enhancing our position in 2015 by introducing our newest color, Smokey Gray.

When you get your first look at our Smokey Gray color, you'll see that this deep, rich blackish gray is reminiscent of real slate shingles. The color reminds some people of a dark, stormy night or of charcoal. The distinct Smokey Gray color will be available as a standard color option starting in January in the DaVinci Multi-Width and Single-Width Slate composite slate product lines, along with the Bellaforté Slate® line of green roofing materials.

In case you're counting, Smokey Gray will be the 50th color offered by DaVinci, and the darkest gray available from us. Other gray options from DaVinci include: Slate Gray, Medium Gray, Light Gray, Light Weathered Gray, Medium Weathered Gray, Medium Light Weathered Gray, Medium Dark Weathered Gray, Dark Weathered Gray, Light Chesapeake, Medium Light Chesapeake, Medium Chesapeake and Dark Chesapeake!

Click here to register for a free 3-day pass to the Builders' Show!

Every year, top executives and color experts at Pantone, a leader in the color industry, choose a color of the year that they have seen designers and product development professionals from around the globe planning for their future products and designs. Their choice is announced with grand fanfare beginning with a release in the Wall Street Journal. What this means for you is that you are going to be seeing this color everywhere. With so much attention on this color I wanted to give you some ideas for how Marsala could be used on your home exterior! 

Pantone describes the color as “a naturally robust and earthy wine red.” Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, said the color would enrich the mind, body and soul.

source: www.stepuppainting.com

Homeowners in Seattle, WA chose a color similar to Marsala for their Queen Anne style home. Notice how they carried the color onto the trim and chose a brighter color for their front door. Nicely done!

source: Country Living

Awning Red is the color that Lonny chose as a match for Marsala but I like the slightly more toned down Red Brick for an exterior. It is a wonderful color and I like it with any gray roof but the DaVinci Multi-Width Slate in European blend might be the best match for this color of the year. Since this rich tone is often used with neutrals bringing a bit of the color into the roof adds another dimension to the exterior design.

I rarely think that white is the best choice for a front door and when I talk to homeowners who have white front doors it isn't because they thought it was the best choice either. They just couldn't decide on an accent color. Don't go that route. Go with color to create a focal point at your entrance.

Here are some ideas for accent colors that you can pair with colors like Marsala. These are five colors from my Hot New Door Colors For 2015 but there are many other colors that would be perfect for the front door, too so don't be shy. Go with the color that speaks to you.

Marsala also makes a great accent color on the home exterior. Marsala would make a beautiful front door color with gray siding. It could be the color for shutters with stained front door.

Is your home ready for the warm earthiness of Marsala? Whether as your main color just a pop of this deep reddish brown as an accent don't forget to top it off with the perfect roof color.

63,000+ people will huddle in the University of Phoenix Stadium on February 1st waiting for the kickoff of Super Bowl XLIX. Those lucky football fans will have front row seats to sports history while most of America watches the mega show on televisions in their homes.

If you're one of those gathered at home with family and friends to cheer on your favorite team, take a moment to think about the roof over the player's heads --- and your own roof. In Phoenix, the stadium roof is made of two translucent "Bird-Air" fabric retractable panels (each weighing about 550 tons!) and the entire roof takes about 15 minutes to open.

What type of roof do you have over your home?

If your roof isn't living up to your high standards ... or if it has started to leak, curl or break apart ... now may be the time to kick off the year with a new designer roof from DaVinci Roofscapes.

Made in the U.S.A. of dependable composite roofing materials, our Class A Fire Rated roofs are available in both imitation slate and synthetic cedar shake. Constructed of lightweight roofing materials, DaVinci roofs resist hail and impact damage, severe weather, fire and insects. And, so you can show your team spirit, we even have 50 standard colors available for our synthetic roofing material!

Choosing an eco friendly roof from DaVinci is a winning experience. From our easy-to-use online Color Designer tool to our free FRESH Home Exteriors guidebook, we're here to support your game-winning moves in selecting the luxury roof that is perfect for you and your home.

Touchdown!

Welcome to 2015! As we all get back into the swing of things here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. It is time to schedule your local DaVinci Slate and Shake specialist in for an update meeting! We have a new profile for our Single-Width Slate product, you are going to want to see it! 

2. We offer two continuing education courses for your learning needs. Both courses can be found on AEC Daily's Website, are free and are available 24/7. 

3. Everything we offer to architects can be found online in online in our Digital Architect Binder. Do you need something you can't find? Let me know! The needs of the architectural community are always evolving and it is from your input and requests that DaVinci Roofscapes can evolve with you.

Click here to contact me via email or phone.

Happy New Year (and Happy Friday), Architects! 

You don't need a magical crystal ball or a palm reader to know if your house needs a new roof. If you have cedar shake roofing, just go outside and look up. Curling, dry cedar roofing shakes or cedar roof shingles with insect infestations are a sure sign that you'll soon be looking for a new roof.

At DaVinci Roofscapes, we do have a prediction to make. If you're in the market for a cedar shake alternative roof, you'll end up loving our synthetic shake roofing product. You may even Swing, Shag, Shuffle and Shake!

An authentic replica to real cedar shakes, our simulated shake roofing gives you the shake look you want, without the hassles of popping nails, curling shakes and insect infestations. Our synthetic cedar shakes are also Class A Fire Rated, so you don't have to worry about flame spread. And, as a bonus, DaVinci lightweight roofing solutions are also impact-rated so you can say farewell to concerns about high winds, hail and severe weather damage.

When you're ready to start your composite shake roof research, start with DaVinci and these terrific looking products to create your next designer roof!

• DaVinci Multi-Width Shake: Available in 9", 8", 7", 6" and 4" widths that can be installed in a non-repeating fashion in either a straight or staggered pattern. A deep 5/8" profile has both wavy and straight grains throughout the blend to create enviable shadow lines.
• DaVinci Single-Width Shake: 9" shake alternative tiles resemble hand-split cedar shake roofing. The 5/8" profile deepens shadow lines replicate real cedar roofing.
• Bellaforté Shake: The 12" tile width with multiple profiles simulates a multi-width, staggered rough hewn wood shake. And, at 1" average tile thickness, Bellaforté Shake designer roof tiles are reminiscent of natural jumbo shakes.
• Fancy Shake: With a clean, smooth look replicating machine-sawn shake, these 7/16" thick shake shingles provide a polished beauty for your roof. Available in 12", 7" and 5" widths with bundles arriving at the job site pre-sorted by color and size, eliminating on-site sorting and guesswork.

Sometimes it's simply no fun being a roofer. Like when the morning starts at 28 degrees outside and strong winds are blowing --- and it's time to climb on the roof to begin a new reroofing project. However, roofers are like other working people, and they need to keep going no matter what the weather conditions.

Fortunately, at DaVinci Roofscapes we make polymer roofing materials that can be installed in cold weather conditions, so roofers can keep on working. Our Multi-Width and Single-Width slate and shake composite roofing tiles can be installed even when the temperatures dip down to 20 degrees. If you're a roofer working through winter weather conditions, here are a few tips from our Tech Team experts to making it easier to install DaVinci lightweight roofing materials this winter:

1. Store your DaVinci composite slate and synthetic shake roofing tiles in the warmest area available to you when working at low temperatures. This conditions the product to allow for easier cutting and increased flexibility.

2. When cutting the imitation slate or shake alternative tiles in colder temperatures, here's a tip. It's better to score the lightweight roofing tiles with a straight blade and break the tile along the score or use a saw blade with smaller and finer teeth.

For more tips for cold weather installation, see Cold Weather? Bring on the DaVinci Roofing Tiles!  and How Cold is Too Cold to Install DaVinci Synthetic Shingles?

From coast-to-coast ... and in every state in between ... contractors are relying on DaVinci Roofscapes lightweight roofing materials to "top off" both residential and commercial structures.

On the East Coast, Captain George's Seafood Restaurant on the Outer Banks of North Carolina needed a sturdy roof to combat hurricane-force weather conditions, moisture, sea spray and potential rot.

Roofing installer Rex Simpson installed 150 squares of DaVinci synthetic shake atop the restaurant that seats 400 people. "These shakes completely replicate cedar shake roofing, but without the negative aspects that real wood shakes bring to a job," says Simpson, general manager of Gallop Roofing & Remodeling in Wanchese, N.C.

"You can't just throw anything up a roof and hope it will work — especially not in coastal areas. I believe this roof works perfectly because of its anticipated long life span, low maintenance needs for the restaurant owners and the product testing results. This DaVinci roof is Class 4 impact rated, Class A fire rated and tested for high wind endurance. It's darned hard to beat those qualifications in a roof!"

On the West Coast, Mike and Andrea Boone knew it was time to replace their old wooden cedar shake roof when their insurance company threatened to cancel their homeowner insurance due to concerns over potential wildfire spread.

The Boones turned to Jerry Shaw, the trusted designer who had previously created a home for the couple. Shaw embraced the roofing specification challenge and introduced the Boones to polymer roof tiles from DaVinci that resist fire, impact, moisture and insects — all potential problems for a California coastal home.

After selecting the composite roofing product,  the Boones next had to decide on the color of their new designer roof. "The wide assortment of color combinations was an important element in our decision to use the DaVinci product," says Shaw. "The ability to combine colors to achieve a custom color for this roof was a prime factor for us selecting this synthetic roofing material."

For more stories that address lightweight roofing systems for coastal projects, see The Roof Is On Fire! NOT! and California Roof Shake Up.

Remember the movie "Network"  back in 2000? A longtime television anchor creates a nationwide outcry during an evening news broadcast by encouraging viewers to shout out "I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore."

That classic movie moment has led to January 7 being named national "I'm Not Going to Take it Anymore Day."

At DaVinci Roofscapes, we invite you to celebrate this day by taking a long, hard look at your roof. If slate shingles are cracked, there are upturned cedar roof shingles or if water is leaking into your home, decide on January 7 that you're not going to take it anymore!

Then, take the next step and go to the DaVinci website to explore all the simulated slate roofing and composite shake products available to make your life --- and the life of your home --- better.

Need inspiration? Then see what other homeowners are saying:

"I was tired of our older wood shakes deteriorating with different weather conditions. Plus, mold would accumulate on the wood shakes and the shakes were fading. Overall, dealing with this roof was a huge headache. I wanted something that looked like real wood shakes but performed better.After doing research on DaVinci Roofscapes and discussing the product with our contractor, we decided our best option was the Bellaforté Shake product that resists impact, wind, algae and mold. I'd definitely recommend the roof to family and friends, and I believe the Bellaforté Shake product is a sensible long-term investment for our home."

                                                Thomas Meyers of Prior Lake, Minnesota

"More than fifty homes burned in our area during the one wildfire. If the winds had been stronger, our home would have been included. Our old shake roof was a tinderbox waiting to ignite. Our new Bellaforté polymer tiles are rated Class A for fire retardance, which gives us tremendous peace-of-mind."

                                                Dan Baer of Yorba Linda, California

Across the country new construction and remodeling commercial project planners are discovering that polymer roofing options from DaVinci Roofscapes deliver dependable results. From New York to Oklahoma to Colorado, DaVinci composite roofing can be found topping off university buildings, hotels, country clubs, apartment buildings and churches.

"Project managers reviewing the 'Total Cost of Ownership' aspects when making commercial project roofing decisions continue to be impressed by DaVinci composite roofing products," says Mike Ward, vertical market manager for DaVinci Roofscapes. "They're determining which roofing products have the greatest return on investment from the standpoint of durability, longevity, low-maintenance costs and aesthetics. These considerations point them to DaVinci."

According to Ward, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis plays favorably for polymer roofing products because they resist impact, fire, insects, mold and algae. Other advantages that commercial project planners look for in sustainable roofing include the color being blended throughout each tile and a strong roof warranty.

Gaillardia Country Club

The elegant 55,000-square foot, three-level clubhouse at Gaillardia Golf and Country Club in Oklahoma City now boasts a new Bellaforté Slate Black-VariBlend polymer roof from DaVinci.           

"The new owners wanted 600 squares of a Class 4 impact-resistant roof system to replace the concrete tiles on their 15-year old country club," says Andy Lacks, vice president of commercial roofing with Mallard Construction out of Oklahoma City, Okla. "They wanted a durable roof system that would fit the high-end neighborhood surrounding the Gaillardia Country Club while withstanding severe weather. Our confident recommendation was the DaVinci impact-resistant tiles for this job."     

Historic Hotel Breakers

Opened more than 100 years ago, the 650-room Hotel Breakers is the original on-property hotel at the Cedar Point theme park in Ohio. In 2014 hotel management decided to invest in the European-VariBlend of Bellaforté imitation slate tiles.

"One reason why Bellaforté was chosen was because the installation could be done in cold weather without having to warm the roof tiles before installation," says Jim Carson, vice president of A-STAR out of Macedonia, Ohio. "The hotel is on the shores of Lake Erie. That's a challenging situation, especially since we experienced the worst Cleveland winter in 30 years right in the middle of the installation!"

LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge

Opened in late 2013, the multi-purpose LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge in Tennessee includes 232,000-square feet of meeting and exhibit space in a sprawling lodge-type setting. Topping off the impressive structure is 965 squares of Single-Width Slate alternative roofing tiles from DaVinci in the Evergreen-VariBlend of light and dark green lightweight tiles to complement the facility's Smoky Mountain setting.

"The size of this complex plus the building code limitations made it impossible for us to specify weighty, expensive real slate for the roof," says Michael Smelcer, principal with SRA Architects, Inc. "After researching our options, we selected the DaVinci Single-Width Slate product because of aesthetics, weight and Class A fire classification. The owners of the center were very open to using this particular polymer slate roofing because it gave them the mountain lodge look they desired."         

North Abbey Apartments

New life has been given to the historic 1888 Protestant Episcopal Church of the Covenant in Philadelphia. After several years of renovation --- including the addition of a new DaVinci synthetic slate shingles overhead --- the church's 12,500-square foot property has been converted into 16 luxury apartments called North Abbey.

"The Bellaforté Slate roof we selected brings historical accuracy to the project while allowing us to have a roof that resists fire, impact, rot and decay," says real estate broker and developer Jordan Brody. "We were sold on this roof because of its aesthetic appeal, durability and longevity."  (Pictures coming soon).

Learn more about DaVinci commercial projects at Impact-Resistant DaVinci Roof Tops Kansas Churchand Back to School with DaVinci Roofscapes.

On average, the city of Hawley, PA gets more than 40 inches of snowfall annually. That is a pretty good amount of snow. When a home or a building is located in a climate with that level of snowfall, we would recommend installing snow guards along with your imitation slate roof system. Like natural slate, a manufactured slate needs snow guards in order to retain snow on the roof so it can melt and come off little by little, and not in one large amount. If you are interested in reading more about our thoughts on snow retention, click here. 

Champion Roofing out of Wyoming, PA recently installed a Multi-Width Slate roof on a home in Hawley, PA in the Slate Gray color blend. Coupled with it - snow guards!

DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor Program Member
Champion Roofing
570-362-2294

We have two great ways to celebrate today --- which is National Museum Day!

Start with a visit to a local museum to explore the mysteries that lie within ... and then end the day with a trip to the theatre to see the recently-released Night at the Museum movie.

If you're fortunate enough to live in the Chicago area, we encourage you to visit the DuSable Museum. The first African American museum campus in the United States, DuSable includes the 66,000-square foot historic Roundhouse that was originally built in the early 19th century.

Made of Joliet limestone, the structure was restored in recent years and now features DaVinci Roofscapes synthetic slate roofing overhead.

"The DaVinci multi-width slate roofing tiles look amazing on the Roundhouse," says Sarah Delezen, senior project manager for the Alter Group. "The structure's original roof was made of slate, so we were pleased that these polymer roof tiles have the texture and subtle variations of color that make them appear historically accurate. The Castle Gray blend of colors in the imitation slate roof perfectly offsets the copper gutters on this structure."

Bill Latoza, LEED AP and founding principal with Bauer Latoza Studio in Chicago specified the DaVinci composite roofing products for the Roundhouse roof. "For me, the real selling point was the varied color selection of the DaVinci blends because it didn't make the roof look monochromatic," says Latoza. "Combined with the larger profile that allows for a strong shadow line, these synthetic slate roof tiles are ideal for historic preservation projects.

"Another reason we sought out DaVinci is because they have green-friendly building products that complement the historical integrity of the Roundhouse. At the same time, these tiles are easy-to-maintain and offer long-term benefits for the future of the structure. We're pleased with these tiles and I'll be specifying them again in the future for other historic preservation projects."

The restored Roundhouse doubles the available space for DuSable Museum, which is dedicated to the collection, preservation, interpretation and dissemination of the history and culture of Africans and Americans of African descent. See for more synthetic shake and imitation slate tiles roofing stories!

I'm trying to decide between Slate Black and Slate Gray and wanted to get your expert opinion on what will look better. I believe our HOA will only allow different variations of Gray, but I think I could make a case for Black. I have to decide in the next day or two since I'm purchasing this home and need to replace the roof ASAP. So if there is any way you could respond soon, it would be most appreciated!

Amber Manry
Henrico, VA
Product: Bellaforté Slate

*******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Hello Ms. Manry,

I think that either the Slate Gray or Slate Black would be great choices for your new home. If you want a darker gray rather than going all the way to black take a look at the newest color being introduced to the DaVinci line - Smokey Gray. It is between Slate Gray and Slate Black and might be just the solution you need to get a dark look while meeting the HOA requirements.

Congratulations on you new home.

Sincerely,

Kate Smith
DaVinci Roofscapes Color Expert

The crates have been shipped, the suitcases are packed, and we're on our way to the 2015 International Builders' Show!

Starting January 20th, more than 100,000 building industry professionals will descend on Las Vegas for the 2015 Design & Construction Week containing five different trade shows: the NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS), the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), the International Window Coverings Expo, the Las Vegas Market (home décor & furnishings) and The International Surface Event.

DaVinci Roofscapes will play a major role in IBS with our booth C2136 that introduces our new refined slate profile and Smokey Gray color to industry professionals.

"The edges of our Single-Width Slate 12-inch composite slate tiles now have a more quarried look to them," says Ray Rosewall, CEO and president of DaVinci Roofscapes. "Deeper impressions in the tiles make them appear thicker, even though they're the same weight as previous tiles in this product offering. This is just one example of how we're continually refining our products and making improvements that enhance the overall aesthetical appeal of DaVinci polymer roofing products."

The other star of the DaVinci booth will be the new Smokey Gray color available as a standard color option in the DaVinci Multi-Width and Single-Width Slate product lines, along with the Bellaforté Slate line. The new deep, rich blackish gray color is reminiscent of real slate. It's also the 50th color launched by DaVinci to provide homeowners, roofers and builders with unlimited possibilities when it comes time to add a colorful roof to any home or commercial project.

"Subtle tone differences are so important in roof color offerings," says Rosewall. "While we have an industry-leading reputation for color at DaVinci, we will continue to respond to marketplace requests for new colors. This demand is what brought us to the launch of the dark gray pavement tone of Smokey Gray."

See these new designer roof products first-hand and join the fun in Las Vegas from January 20 - 22. Just make sure to pack your most comfortable walking shoes and circle booth C2136 on your exhibit hall map to see the best new composite roofing products in the industry!

In marketing we often use phrases like, "Give your home a total makeover!" and things along those lines. We aren't alone, you often hear this phrase from other exterior product manufacturers (even those that manufacture smaller items). The truth is for most of us our roof is the largest fixed feature on our home. So when it is replaced, it truly does makeover the entire exterior. The below project photos show a roof where the homeowners took off an old wood shake roof and replaced it with a polymer, luxury roof tile. See for yourself how this multi-width slate roof, in Slate Gray, transformed the look of this home.

Happy Friday, Architects! 

The DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor Program has gone international! After years of working with our loyal contractors in the States we have begun forming official alliances with contractors in Canada and welcoming new members into our exclusive loyalty program. So with that, this Featured Project blog is going to feature a project in Canada installed by a new member of our program C.R. Custom Roofing out of Victoria, BC. For this re-roof project, the Mountain Blend in Multi-Width Shake was installed. 

The Multi-Width Shake, which features 5 widths (9", 8", 7", 6" and 4") comes to the jobsite pre-blended for both size and color which saves everybody time and money on a project like this. The multiple widths also means less waste, especially around those skylights, because you can always fine a combination of 2 or 3 tiles that will fit the course without having to cut the material. In fact, over-all a multi-width tile roof can be installed with almost no waste. Don't believe me? Click here to hear it straight from our VP of Technical Services. 

DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor Program Member
C.R. Custom Roofing, Inc
Victoria, BC
250-882-8357

This is the color brick I will be using on my house. I am undecided which color Multi-Width Slate to use between the following colors:

• Castle Gray
• Slate Gray
• Slate Black
• European

Sandro Scaramuzzino
Little Neck, NY
Product: Multi-Width Slate
 

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Hello Sandro,

From a color standpoint all four of your choices could work however, because your brick has a distinct pattern I recommend that you select a roof color that has a more even tone.

The variations in color of the European and Castle Gray blends will compete for attention with the brick. Slate Black or Slate Gray would be a better match for your brick.

The choice between Slate Gray or Slate Black will come down to the style of home and your personal preference. I hope narrowing it down to these two choices will help you make your decision.

Sincerely,

Kate Smith
DaVinci Roofscapes Color Expert

The sport of fencing and the equipping of polymer roofing with snow guards share several commonalities, the most notably being the phrase "en garde!" ... or in the English language, "on guard!"

While the French shout "en garde" at the outset of a fencing match to warn participants to take their defensive positions, the team at DaVinci Roofscapes encourages you to be "on guard" if you live in a snow-prone area and have composite roofing. Oftentimes when snowfall mounts up on an imitation slate or synthetic shake roof, there can be "avalanches" of snow release when the sun comes out and the roof warms up.

Snow guards to the rescue.

Strategically placed on a composite slate roof or cedar shake alternative roof, snow guards help "break up" the snow as it melts, to reduce the chance of a snow avalanche coming down on shrubbery, walkways and people. Snow guards allow your roof to "parry" (a defensive technique found in fencing!) by helping control snow movement and the rate of the melting snow leaving your luxury roof. When doing their job properly, snow guards should help break down the roof's snow mass into smaller and safer sections.

While snow guards won't ever be considered an Olympic sport like fencing, they do display some of the same basic attack and parry techniques as fencing --- except their opponent is heavy snow accumulation!

For  more insights on snow guards, see these stories:Got Snow? Better Get Snowguards!and Are Snowguards Really Necessary?

When the doors open at the 2015 International Builders' Show on January 20, 2015 in Las Vegas, show attendees will have their first chance to view a new simulated slate roofing profile being launched by DaVinci Roofscapes at booth #C2136.

"We've taken our terrific-looking Single-Width Slate 12-inch tiles and made them even better with a more authentic quarried look," says Ray Rosewall, CEO and president of DaVinci Roofscapes. "A significant amount of time and energy has been invested in design improvements to make this slate tile have a thicker, more realistic profile that accurately replicates genuine slate.

"The edges of these composite slate tiles now have a more quarried look to them. Deeper impressions in the tiles make them appear thicker, even though they're the same weight as previous tiles in this product offering. This is just one example of how we're continually refining our products and making improvements that enhance the overall aesthetical appeal of DaVinci polymer roofing products."

The refinement affects all eight different composite slate 12-inch tiles found in DaVinci's blended bundles, including all color and blend options for Single-Width Slate. Make your plans now to see the full array of DaVinci composite roofing products at the International Builders' Show!

Check out DaVinci Slate Profiles for more details on our roof tiles!

Ringing in the new year gets most of us thinking about the changes we want to make. For many that means working out more, eating better, finding a new job or spending more time on a hobby. For others making improvements to their home tops the list. For those of you that have resolved to freshen up or completely renovate your home exterior, I'm sharing five companies choices for the 2015 Color of the Year to inspire you to come up with your own perfect colors this year.

In 1990 Pantone, the global color matching company, announced their first color of the year and since then many other companies have followed suit. The color of the year represents the hue that the color gurus at each company feel will influence design over the next 12 months. Here is a look at the color of the year as predicted by these five companies -- Benjamin Moore, PPG Pittsburg Paints, Sherwin-Williams, Akzo Nobel, and Pantone. 

Complex and full-bodied, Marsala can provide a rich tone for an exterior or unifying element for interior spaces. This deep reddish brown has been used on home exteriors throughout history and is reminiscent of aging red barns that dot the countryside. I'm showing the closest match to this color and its coordinating colors above using Behr paints

It is a perfect match for the many shades of gray that are on trend right now but also goes well with shades of brown. With its burnished undertones, Marsala pairs fabulously with amber, umber and golden yellows, greens in both turquoise and teal, and blues in the more vibrant range.

Coral Reef is Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year 2015. It is an uplifting, vivacious hue with floral notes is the perfect mélange of pink, orange and red that can be used to liven up any home. While it would be too bold as a main color on most homes it does make the perfect accent color. This energizing color stands beautifully alongside, white, black and warm neutrals or other lush flower-garden hues. For vintage quality that’s hard to beat, Coral Reef and aged matte brass make a perfect pair.

Blue Paisley was announced as PPG Pittsburg Paints 2015 Color of the Year. This vibrant, almost-but-not-quite royal shade of blue plays well with so many colors. It is a great complement to warm wood tones, copper, peachy stone or brownish bricks. It only takes a small amount of Blue Paisley to transform the look of a home making it perfect for a front door, shutters, or outdoor spaces.

Benjamin Moore's 2015 Color of the Year is Guilford Green. This is a hue that complements both modern and traditional styles. This is a very timely choice for home interiors and exteriors that connects the home to nature and gives it feelings of vitality, energy and growth. Guilford Green is a very livable color that works well with a variety of colors. I like this warm green as a main color. It works especially well with natural wood tones and with stone or brick with a warm colorcast.  It would also be gorgeous paired with blue, blush or berry.

AkzoNobel, a global colors and coatings company headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands Copper Orange. This color was selected by an invited panel of independent design and color experts following in-depth research into emerging worldwide trends. The strong appeal of this color is in its warmth and approachability. It makes an inviting front door or accent color that works with most neutrals. It can also be used as a main color but works best on beach cottages, Victorians or in neighborhoods where brighter colors are the norm.

I never recommend going with a color just because it is on trend but it can be fun to look at what colors are at the forefront of design as inspiration for coming up with your own perfect scheme. Have these color schemes give you any ideas for a new look for your home? If you now have some ideas but want to make sure they are going to be right for you home go here to find a wealth of resources on selecting color for your home.

Source for images for each color: Guilford Green - Blue Paisley - Coral Reef - Copper Orange1 - Copper Orange2 - Marsala