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It’s Home Improvement Month – How About a New DaVinci Roof!

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Environmentally Friendly RoofDid you know that the month of May is Home Improvement Month? Warm weather, bright sunshine and time outdoors means it's time to brighten up your exterior for the summer.

Do you have any projects planned to improve your home this month, or even this year?

Have you considered a new roof? Whether you need to replace a roof because of storm damage or you just have an old roof that needs replacing, you might consider DaVinci's lightweight roofing materials as an option.

When it comes to DaVinci you have several green roofing options:

  • DaVinci Slate - This is our original slate - it comes in 5 different widths and you can choose whichever color blend fits your fancy.
  • DaVinci Shake - This is our original shake - it comes in 5 different widths too and a number of color blends to fit your tastes.
  • DaVinci Fancy Shake - Our Fancy Shake has a more sawn appearance rather than a the hand split look.  It comes in 3 different widths.
  • Single-width Valoré Slate - As the name suggests - this is a single width shingle of our popular Slate.
  • Single-width Valoré Shake - As the name suggests - this is a single width shingle of our popular Shake.
  • Bellaforté Slate and Shake- Our newest line of DaVinci products is our Bellaforté - they are interlocking tiles that look like their natural counterparts - in this case, Slate and Shake.

 

What DaVinci roof profile do you fancy?  Tell us about your home improvement projects this year in the comments below!


Home Exterior Shines with Colorful Roof

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Mercedez Tylock didn’t let a hailstorm ruin her love of her 13-year old home. Instead, the Texas professional interior designer turned her talents to the outside of her home and created a new exterior.

Tylock started “from the top down” by selecting a Multi-Width Slate roof from DaVinci Roofscapes. National color expert Kate Smith of Sensational Color, helped Tylock decide to have DaVinci create a custom blend for her roof of Light and Dark Gray, Light and Dark Purple and Dark Violet tones.

“The Tylocks really wanted to make a color statement on their home’s exterior that unified their entire house,” says Smith, president of Sensational Color. “They were working with a great deal of pink/red hues in the exterior brick and also with natural stonework. To unify all these colors, I suggested they go with rich, deep colors for the roof to help the brick stand out on its own.

“Working from the top down, I next encouraged the homeowners to get rid of the yellow-painted front door and use something stained or in a more cohesive color. A stain with a wood tome featuring more red/pin or gray would help them achieve the look they’re after. Overall, the unity of this house depends on respecting the fixed brick features of the home, then starting with the roof color and working downwards. Using deep, dark colors against the brick makes a stand-out statement and gives the Tylocks a terrific visual advantage.”

Finding the Perfect Custom Roof Color

According to Tylock, Smith’s advice made sense and the family embraced the idea of “top-down” color. “Having a career in the design field, I always appreciate the input of other design professionals,” says Tylock. “Along with making recommendations for the roof, Kate’s suggestion for changing the color of our main entry door validated that the entire home exterior needed to be cohesive. Now we’re working on final touches like lighting sconces and softscaping, and then we’ll have an entirely fresh exterior for our home!”

Tylock also spent time visiting area homes with similar polymer roofing tiles to get an up-close look at DaVinci products, and she used the free online Color Designer tool on the DaVinci website.

“I’m not sure anyone has ever created this custom blend of grays and purples before, but it’s perfect for our home,” says Tylock. “I wouldn’t change a thing about this experience. We now have a roof we can depend on to resist future severe weather along with colors that embrace the full aspect of our home. Thanks to that one hail storm, our house looks better than ever before!”

           

Polymer Shake - All the Beauty Without the Hassles!

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Composite ShakeSo you have an old shake roof and you love the look of it, but it has started to fail and you need to replace it. Or wait, you love the look of shake and have always wanted a shake roof, but don't see how it can be practical these days. Not a problem. DaVinci has the answer for you. Our cedar shake alternative is a roofing tile that is made from a polymer.

Here are some of the things that you will love about our composite shake product compared to it's natural counterpart:

  • You don't have to worry about your polymer shake fading to an unrecognizable color where natural shake can fade to a number of different colors. As well, DaVinci shake products come in several different color blends so that it looks authentic and the color you buy is the color that will be on your house for years to come!

  • Fire retardance in natural shake isn't always the best. Coupled with the right underlayment, our shake products have a Class A fire rating.

  • Freeze and thaw cycles can do a number on natural shake - much like it can do to your trees. However, with DaVinci Shake, you don't run into problems with freeze and thaw cycles, as our products are impervious to freeze/thaw cycles.

  • Hail resistance in natural shake only lasts for a short amount of time before the shakes become brittle from weather cycles. DaVinci tiles offer a Class 4 Impact rating.

 

Are you interested in a DaVinci cedar shake roof?  How can we help?

 

 

 

Featured Project - Denver, CO

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Bellaforté's name says it all - the tiles are beautiful and strong. Those are the two reasons the homeowner for this house, located in Denver, CO, chose Bellaforté in the Tuscano Blend. Installed by DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor Program Member Advanced Exteriors, the synthetic shake roof tile is the perfect color to complement this home's pale exterior.

Are you looking for some advice on a new polymer slate or shake roof for your home? Our Project Specialists are happy to consult with you on your project and help you find a DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor Program Member in your area!

DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor Program Member
Advanced Exteriors
303-756-7663
http://advancedexteriors.biz/
 

 

From the Architect's Corner - Recent Featured Projects

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The great thing about this blog is that we can regularly feature projects so that we almost always have a project to point to when somebody calls and says, "Do you have any examples of ____________ (fill in the blank) that you can show me?". So we can definitely check the next four Featured Projects off the list - a historic clock tower, a residential project using the very colorful Vineyard Blend, a roof in Oklahoma that needs to stand up to the highest wind and impact standards, and a Bellaforté Shake roof that was a natural cedar shake tear off project. 

Featured Project - Vail, CO

Click here to read how this luxury roof tile has transformed the Vail Village skyline. 

Featured Project - Des Moines, IA

Click here to read about this project and the phases it took to complete the job. 

Featured Project - Greenwood Village, CO

Click here to read about this natural shake tear off and re-roof project in Colorado. 

Featured Project - Oklahoma

Click here to read about this impact resistant roof in Oklahoma. 

To see more of our projects, visit our media room and browse through our project profiles.

Happy Memorial Day, Architects! 

 

What Do More DaVinci Customers Say About Their Roofs?

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DaVinci Shake and Slate Alternative RoofingOver the years our clients have been giving us the thumbs up about our products. We love getting their feedback and continually work to make our products the best in the industry. We’ve selected some key points from some testimonials to give you an inside peek into how our products change lives and leave many people smiling. We also provided a ‘how it works” section to make it easier for you to understand our products and the points mentioned in the testimonial.

Client: The Alsmillers
Location: Ft. Worth Texas
Key testimonial points:“….durability and appearance…” “…Light Grey custom blend…” Read full testimonial
How it Works: The durability and appearance of our products are intrinsically tied with technology and science. Each slate and shake we design is engineered with 100% pure virgin resins and offers a 50-year warranty. You can choose from our palettes or provide your own color preference to get the color and appearance you prefer.

Client: B. Gale
Location: Whittier, CA
Key testimonial points:“…tired of breaking concrete tiles”, “…lightweight makes up for additional weight of solar panels…”, “association does not allow asphalt shingles…needed something that looks like tiles…” Read full testimonial
How it works:  Concrete tiles are heavy and can break easily when load is applied. This makes it difficult for homeowners and business owners to maintain and install solar panels because of the extra weight of the panels and fragility of the tiles. DaVinci Roofscapes lightweight roofing tiles are easy to install and imitate the look of tiles. Our products are accepted by a wide variety of building associations so installing them should be hassle free. Furthermore, you can install solar panels on them and make your building even more energy efficient with the green characteristics of our tiles.

Need to renovate or are you considering constructing a new building? DaVinci has a varied line of products that will suite your project needs and give leave you with a beautiful designer roof.

Do you have a DaVinci roof?  Tell us about it and we might post it here on our blog!
 

Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 26 - June 1

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Chances are if you live in a hurricane prone area you are aware of how to be prepared - however, you can never be too prepared. Actually, the more aware you are of your home and/or business' vulnerability in a hurricane, the more precautions you will take.

The National Hurricane Center is a great online resource to learn all about hurricanes and how to be prepared for them.

One of the ways in which we have prepared for hurricanes is by making a product that can withstand hurricane force winds up to 110MPH.  Did you know that Bellaforté fake slate and fake cedar shake are excellent roofing solutions for a hurricane prone areas? Our Bellaforté tiles all carry Miami Dade, ICC-ES ESR-2119, and TDI approvals. As well, Bellaforté has passed the ASTM D 3161 Wind Test and is certified to 110MPH.

You might be interested in this video on our YouTube channel, The Weather Channels "Weather Proof" demonstrates what can happen to roofing material during high winds.

What are some of the ways in which you prepare for a hurricane?  Have you been through one? What are some of the things in hindsight you wish you would have done before the hurricane came through? We would love to hear your thoughts and ideas in the comments below!

Top Questions You Should Ask Your Roofing Contractor

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So you've made the decision to replace your roof, or perhaps you are building a new home. Whatever the case, whether it's your first time or fifth time installing a new roof on your home or business, it's important to know what questions are imperative to be asking of the contractor that is going to install the roof:

  • DaVinci ShakeHow long have you been installing roofs?

  • Do you use your own crews or do you sub out?

  • Do you have installations in the area that I can look at to see your work?

  • Do you have a list of references?

  • Are you licensed, bonded and insured?

  • May I see your proof of insurance?


Other questions that might be important to ask will vary based on where you live - what sort of regulations your city or homeowner's association puts on roofing/re-roofing or contractors in general. An experienced roofing contractor is also going to know what fake slate or composite shake is allowed in your area - and if they don't know for sure, they will know to check with the city and/or HOA to avoid installing anything not allowed. It is important to get bids from at least three contractors and from there you can determine what to do next. For example, you might be wanting to look into green roofing systems and there might be only a handful of contractors in your area that are experienced with this type of roof installation.

You might also find out who neighbors, family and friends used to install the roof on their home or business and see how they liked their experience with the company or that individual.


Prepare Your Home for 2013 Hurricane Season

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Are you ready for the 2013 Hurricane Season? National Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 26 to June 1st, which is a great time to get the exterior of your home ready for potentially severe weather.

According to Jill Hasling, President and Meteorologist with the Weather Research Center in Houston, at least nine to 12 named storms will form in the Atlantic this year with six of them intensifying into hurricanes. She also predicts that the coastal areas from Louisiana to Alabama and the western coast of Florida have a 70 percent chance of experiencing landfall of a tropical storm or hurricane this year, with the coast from Georgia to North Carolina being the second highest risk area.

And, as Hurricane Sandy proved in 2012, you don’t have to live directly on the coast to be impacted by hurricane conditions. Twenty-four states were affected by Hurricane Sandy, with home damage resulting from strong winds, flying debris and massive flooding.

“Now is the time to carefully evaluate your home’s exterior,” says Mark Clement, co-host of MyFixitUpLifehome improvement radio show and a professional contractor. “Never assume that the roof, windows, doors or garage doors that held up well during previous storms will again be able to handle severe weather conditions.

“Repeated exposure to strong weather can take a toll on the home. Always review and evaluate the effectiveness of the entire home ‘envelope’ each year at the beginning of the hurricane season.

A home’s roof should be examined yearly to determine if there are missing shingles, curling or splitting shingles, lifting shingles or loss of granules. Both straight line winds and pressurized winds can cause different damage --- from uplifting the shingles off the roof to pushing intense wind-driven rain and flying debris onto the roof.

“Weather conditions have changed so much in recent years,” says Clement. “My recommendation is to always select an impact-resistant roof for the home. Even though we live inland in Pennsylvania, we put a DaVinci Roofscapes polymer slate roof on our home.

“This roof has achieved Class 4 ratings for impact resistance along with the Miami Dade County Acceptance (High Velocity Hurricane Winds) and the Texas Department of Insurance, showing that the roofing tiles can withstand hurricane-force winds. In addition, DaVinci slate and shake roofing tiles are rated Class A for fire retardance and have achieved the highest rating for straight line wind testing at 110 mph. The roof also has a limited 50-year warranty for added peace-of-mind.”

 

Tennessee Homeowners Win “Shake it Up” Exterior Color Contest

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Dennis and Pat Hodkinson, of Paris, Tenn., have won the $5,000 cash grand prize in the nationwide DaVinci Roofscapes“Shake it Up” Exterior Color Contest. The Hodkinsons were named the contest winner after receiving more public votes than four other finalists out of 757 online votes cast. They can now use the cash prize to help add color to the exterior of their home.

“We’re stunned and excited about winning this national contest,” says Dennis Hodkinson, who has owned the home for eight years. “The rendering of our house with new and colorful products makes us see the house in an entirely different light. We hope to be able to use the $5,000 to make home improvement changes along with adding some of the suggested colors to our home!”

Hodkinson submitted his contest entry under the title of “Facelift Needed!” He explained how the 100+ year-old home’s black-and-white exterior made the house look like an “old maid” rather than one of the “grand old ladies” of the neighborhood.

Hodkinson

Product Details - Before & After Home Makeover: Dennis Hodkinson Of Paris, TN “Shake it Up” Exterior Color Contest Finalist

Meet the Judge: Color Expert Kate Smith

Hodkinson Entry

Protect Your Roof with Class 4 Impact Rated DaVinci Tiles!

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Your roof protects you from the elements and also from allowing any object to get inside your home. When it is damaged you run the risk of leaks, structural failure, and a whole list of other issues. Storm damage is one of the top causes of roof damage, and the impact rating of the material on your roof will determine just how resistant it is to hail and debris. A Class 4 Impact Rating is the highest on the market and products with this classification will give you more comfort and peace of mind for longer periods of time.

DaVinci products are engineered to withstand impact so that you do not have to worry as much about hail, falling debris, or any other external force. With our manufactured slate and composite shake, you get a Class 4 impact rating, can select the color you prefer (even get a personal color recommendation from our color expert), and most importantly you have peace of mind.

Depending on your insurance company, using a Class 4 Impact rated product may reduce your home insurance costs. If you live in an area that is prone to inclement weather that causes flying debris, wind and hail, talk to your insurance provider about the discounts that are available. Additionally, installing high-quality products on your roof will increase resale value and add a personal touch to curb appeal.

 

 

For more information on DaVinci Roofscapes products, contact us - we're here to help.

From the Architect's Corner - Restaurants

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If you are looking to add some elegance to your restaurant project it's time to consider using one of DaVinci's lightweight roofing systems. Eating establishments can tend to blend in with one another and, with one on every block, your client needs an exterior that stands out and screams, "COME IN HERE!". 

We have featured some restaurants on our blog in the past that have our eco friendly roof on them. 

 

Jean Bonnet Tavern in Bedford, PA

Ole Liberty Station in Bedford, VA 

Yesterday's Restaurant in Hazlet, NJ

Captain George's Seafood in Kill Devil Hills, NC

Spring Brings Severe Weather....Help Your Roof Survive.

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Multi-Width DaVinci ShakeSpring is a lovely time of year when the flowers are blooming, new bright green grass is coming through and the birds are chirping and singing their way into the nice weather.

However, with Spring there are also usually weather patterns that can be not-so-pleasant like hail storms, tornados, etc. Not to mention, of course, we've just come out of winter, which means that the piles of snow, ice dams and more may have already damaged your roof and the individual shingles.

Spring time is a great time to check to see if there has been any damage to your roof from from the harsh winter it just went through or recent spring storms. While you might be able to see cracked or curled shingles from where you stand on the ground, to get an accurate assessment of potential damage (especially if you are having water leakage problems on the inside), you will want a professional roofer to inspect your roof.

Some of the things that a professional roofer is going to look for include:

  • damaged flashing
  • dented eaves
  • water leaks
  • minor repairs needed
  • tree branches too close to the roof

Maybe it's time to replace your roof? Maybe you're interested in our lightweight roofing systems? If you're ready to replace your roof and would like to learn more about DaVinci's composite roofing, please don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions that you might have.

Are DaVinci Slate Roofs Walkable?

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Lightweight Roofing SystemsFederal OSHA safety rules are very specific about roofing contractors and the work they perform on low slope and steep slope roofs. During roof installation, workers on low sloped roofs with unprotected sides or edges that are 6 feet or more above ground or lower levels must have protection in place such as a warning line or guard rail system. For steeper slopes, roofers need protection from falls with guardrail systems using toe boards, safety nets and/or personal fall arrest units.

To read the specifics of these rules, please refer to 1926.501 (b)(10) and (11).

DaVinci synthetic roofing materials are walkable for the purposes of installation and repairs. So OSHA laws notwithstanding, the fact that workers can walk on our roofs just means that combined with safety harnesses, they can easily move around to get the job done.

The same applies should a home or building owner decide to install solar panels or some sort of attic ventilation system that requires venting on the roof. Our tile roofs made of lightweight roofing materials can withstand the weight of people standing on them as well as the weight of solar panels. The only consideration property owners will need to make on do it yourself projects that require walking on the roof is making sure to follow proper safety precautions while up on the roof.

If you have questions, please contact us. We have answers.

 

Oregon Homeowner Takes Time Selecting DaVinci Roof

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Homeowner Henry Bretthauer is known for being cautious. He does his research and carefully weighs options before making purchasing decisions. That’s why it didn’t surprise his family and friends that it took 643 days for him to investigate and decide on his new DaVinci Roofscapes Multi-Width Slate roof.

“The original wood shake roof on our 20-year old home started to get soft from all the rain we have here,” says Bretthauer, a resident of Eugene, Oregon. “I had two companies tell us it needed replacing and from the ladder I could see that it was time for an upgrade.”

In the back of his mind Bretthauer had been thinking about a new roof two years ago. That’s when he and his wife went to a local home and garden show and saw a brochure from DaVinci. “We studied the brochure and then drove to a location with this polymer roof,” says Bretthauer. “I liked what I saw, so we requested samples and reviewed them. We could tell the product was tough and durable with a good look to it.”

After more research and sharing the samples with their neighbors to gain input and approval of the local homeowners association, the Bretthauers decided to make a change from shake roofing to slate. They selected the DaVinci Multi-Width Slate Gray roof to compliment the color of their house, the mortar and brick.

“Investing time to research our options really paid off,” says Bretthauer. “The company’s warranty is unbeatable and the roof looks sensational. I would recommend this roof to anyone because it resists moss and mildew so the roof is virtually maintenance free. Even the birds that used to gather on our old wood shake roof are finally gone. So this roof has solved many problems for us while enhancing the look and value of our home.”

 

           

 

 

 


So Many Roof Colors… How Do I Choose The Right One?

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At DaVinci, we are known for our wide range of color options, color blends, and custom color abilities. Also, our tiles are pre-blended at the factory prior to shipment to eliminate the hassle and extra time of on the job collation.

While we have a lot of options, sometimes it is hard to know what will really look fantastic on your home or business, especially if you don't have that creative eye.

That's where our national color expert Kate Smith can help. Kate is a certified color professional and knows first had what colors to select when it comes to a home or building's exterior. She has developed a five step process called the "FRESH" approach and is outlined below.

1. Fixed Features
2. Regional Colors
3. Environment and Surroundings
4. Style of the Home
5. Have-to-Use Colors

Thanks to Kate and her FREE online Color Book you can now use her same process to choose the right colors for your home. As well, Kate has created a quick video (below) that also outlines her "FRESH" approach. Just follow the tips as she outlines them in her guidebook and in the video and you are well on your way to a great color palette for your home. 

 

 

Of course, if you have any additional questions about which of our roofing profiles or color blends would look best on your home or business, simply submit a photo and description of your plans to be evaluated by Kate - she will provide you with her expert opinions to get you started creating your masterpiece.

Roofs and Hail Damage

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DaVinci SlateWhen it comes to hail damage, we usually think about our vehicles first.  But another common item damaged by hail is your roof. Therefore, if you live in a hail prone area, it is best to look for a roofing product that can withstand the impact hail can bring. At the same time, if you find a roofing product that has a Class 4 Impact rating, your roof may qualify for discounts on your homeowner's insurance premiums. Why? Because the insurance companies know that the product has been tested and therefore is less likely to need replaced.

Recently homeowners in Nichols Hill, OK choose to redo their roof with our lightweight roofing materials that are Class 4 Impact rated. Looks pretty good! Another homeowner whose roof was demolished by "Tennis Balls of Ice" selected DaVinci Slate to protect his home.

Whether you're looking to get a new roof or you need to replace a hail damaged roof, you might be interested in checking out our lightweight tiles.

Wondering how the Class 4 impact test is executed? Check out this video below to see a simulated version of the test:

 

 

You might also enjoy this video of Mark Clement, home remodeling expert and contractor from MyFixitUpLife, as he takes a hammer to our shingles!

 

 

From the Architect's Corner - AIA Convention & Expo

Shake Color Options

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Shake Color Options  DaVinci Roofscapes offers a gorgeous line of shake colors that epitomize every aspect of your preferences. You can confidently choose from the different synthetic wood tones to give you a natural, realistic appearance that blends perfectly with existing surroundings without being overbearing. Whether you are building or remodeling, our polymer shakes can be used for roofing or as siding no matter how large or small your project.

Our shake profiles include multi-width DaVinci, single-width Valoré, Fancy Shake and Bellaforté. With a full spectrum of authentic cedar colors to choose from, you are not confined in your imaginations and can get colors that accentuate the curb appeal of your building and boost its value on the market.

If you find that one of our 49 standard colors or multiple color blends isn't quite right, visit our online color studio to create your own blend or contact one of our Project Specialists to create your own color blend or custom color. 

To help you select the perfect color for your home, DaVinci Roofscapes offers several tools to help, starting with color from the top down. For homeowners this allows you to work in the following sequence when choosing a color for your home: roof, siding, windows, front door, trim and then garage doors. When choosing shake roofing for commercial buildings, factors that come into play range from neighborhood, function, pre-approved color palettes and logos that will be used on the building. When these are carefully assessed you eventually choose color blends that will genuinely make a difference in your architecture.

 

Be sure to read some of our customer stories to see how our proprietary VariBlend technology exceeds color expectations and put smiles on many faces.

 

Roof Type: Mansard & Gambrel

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There are a lot of architectural roof designs out there and sometimes it's hard to know which type is on your home. Do you know what type of roof you have?

A common roof type is called a mansard. According to Wikipedia, "A mansard or mansard roof (also called a French roof or curb roof) is a four-sided gambrel-style hip roof characterized by two slopes on each of its sides with the lower slope, punctured by dormer windows, at a steeper angle than the upper." A mansard slopes down on all four sides of a structure.

Another common roof type is called a gambrel. Wikipedia defines a gambrel roof as "...a shortened name for a gambrel roof shape, a usually symmetrical two-sided roof with two slopes on each side. The upper slope is positioned at a shallow angle, while the lower slope is steep." The gambrel is easily recognized by its two slopes, the lower one being steep and the higher one being more shallow. The overall appearance is very similar to a mansard roof except that the gambrel only slopes down on two sides of a structure (as is the case with most barns).

Sometimes all this is just words and rather it would be better just to see photos of what these words mean. Below are photos that display both a mansard roof and a gambrel roof.

Here is an example of a mansard roof with DaVinci composite slate roof:

Gambrel Roof with DaVinci Slate

Here is a gambrel roof with DaVinci composite shake:

Mansard Roof with DaVinci Shake

Wondering what roof type you have? You can send us a photo and even ask us what color might look good on your roof. Or you can also visit our color studio and have some fun experimenting with what might be a good fit for your home.

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