Recently I worked with a couple who asked my advice on a topic I don't often discuss. They had fallen in love not just once but twice and needed my help.

They were remodeling their home exterior and had been doing their homework on which products and colors they wanted to use. By the time this couple contacted me they had already fallen in love with a DaVinci Slate roof in Smokey Gray. It is a great choice for their home.

They had also fallen in love with the idea of painting the siding of their home brown. They had seen other homes in their New England town that were brown and liked the look. They had looked at many dark browns but it was Benjamin Moore Falcon Brown 1238 that they loved.

DaVinci Roofscapes Multi-width Slate in Smokey Gray alongside Benjamin Moore Falcon Brown 1238

What this couple saw once they painted a section of their home and placed the roofing tile samples next to the dark brown was that the two didn't work well together. The two were both dark and although different in color similar in value (darkness or lightness) and they started to have their doubts that the two colors they fell in love with were going to work well together on their home. That is when they contacted me to give them my thoughts.

Both colors they selected were lovely on their own but were not the best choices together. Their home was large and you could see a good amount of the roof. There home was also shaded by many trees. Even with contrasting trim and a welcoming color on the front door the overall look would still be too dark and could seem a bit ominous. At the same time I understood that they had a vision of their home in brown and gray that they weren't ready to give up on.

Following my "top down" method for selecting home exterior colors it didn't take long before these homeowners and I came up with an alternative we all were happy with.

From two loves to true loves --
DaVinci Roofscapes Multi-width Slate in Smokey Gray and Benjamin Moore Bear Creek 1470

We started with the Smokey Gray roof and then looked for a brown that was a little lighter and slightly more gray. After sampling a couple of colors it was Benjamin Moore Bear Creek 1470 that captured the hearts of my homeowners. It isn't a huge change but the color was just different enough to change the exterior dynamic and created exactly the look these homeowners first had in mind.

You might think the reason people make mistakes with choosing color is that they aren't good at picking colors but believe it or not that isn't always the reason. Often is is because they get an idea in their mind and don't know how to create the look unless they use the same exact colors they've seen. Or they might find more than one color that they just love and are blinded to the fact that they don't work well together.

Over the years, I help many homeowners who are purchasing a gorgeous polymer slate or shake roof from DaVinci Roofscapes to choose the right color for their roof as well as the other elements of their exterior. From the choice of 50 color and a whole range of blends it is easy for homeowners to fall in love with one that they really want to use.

The next step is to make sure that all of the elements that will be used on the exterior work together. Since a DaVinci roof last a very long time and plays a major role in creating curb appeal, I always say to start from the top down. 

The roof can be 30 percent or more of what you see as you approach a home. Blending the color of your roofing material with other elements of the home exterior will create an overall cohesive look. When the roof and the main are working together it allows you to have many choices for your trim and accent colors. This also makes it easier to change the color of your front door or shutters and give you home a new look in a few years down the road. 

Four stars. Five diamonds. Two thumbs up. Everyone likes a good review.

At DaVinci Roofscapes, we're no exception. We're happy to hear from homeowners who are pleased with their new designer roofs featuring our synthetic roofing material. However, we're exceptionally pleased when we hear those same praises from condo communities. Why? Because it means even more consumers are happy!

In Fort Wayne, Ind., our Bellaforté Shake tiles were chosen to replace the rotted wood shake shingles on 207 condo units at Covington Creek. While homeowners loved the look of their cedar shakes, they hated the long-term maintenance issues.

"The homeowners wanted a similar look and color to the original shake roof, but one that would last longer," says Mike Hamilton, RRC, RRO and principal with MartinRiley architects and engineers. "The realistic-looking Bellaforté shake shingles in the Tahoe-VariBlend color of four gray-brown tones best matched the original shake.

"This product is aesthetically pleasing, economical, hail resistant and has solid longevity. These are all qualities that responsible condo owners look for when replacing building products in communities."

In Ohio, Bellaforté Shake roofs again came to the rescue after a severe hail storm damaged all 35 of the condos at Catawba Shores on Lake Erie.

“We’re all extremely pleased with the authentic appearance of these synthetic shake tiles and how they’ve given a fresh, new look to our condos,” says Jim Packard, president of the Catawba Shores Homeowners Association in Port Clinton, Ohio. “More importantly, we feel we made the right selection with DaVinci since these roofing tiles are impact-, hail-, insect-, algae- and fire-resistant. We estimate that we’re saving more than $10,000 per year on the ongoing maintenance costs from our old roof, and we’ve got the peace-of-mind that these roofs will help protect our units from fire and hail."

Composite shake roofing was again the big winner for the 34 condo units in Newport, Calif., when their cedar shakes faded from salt air and sea spray.   

 “Our research and the recommendation of a design consultant led us to the DaVinci product for its appearance, durability and maintenance,” says John Adler, a member of the Mai-Kai condo board of directors. “We needed a material that could be walked on by various trades people who would need access to the roof in the future. The strength of the product really impressed us and helped influence our decision.

“Based on our experience so far with the product, I’d recommend the polymer slate or shake roofing tiles from DaVinci to another community if they had the same needs we did. Our experience has been positive with the product selection and installation, and we expect long-term satisfaction from this roofing product.”

See also: Why You Should Care that DaVinci Polymer Roofs are Used on Condo Communitiesand Condo Community Chooses Impact- and Fire-Resistant DaVinci Polymer Roofing Tiles.

Eric Salverson knows roofs. As a technical services manager for DaVinci Roofscapes, Eric devotes 100% of every day either at a job site assisting roofers or conducting hands-on training with our DaVinci composite roofing products.

When Eric's not up on a roof, he's in the car or on an airplane getting to another roofing project.

All these roofing experiences means that Eric is "the guy" to go to for roofing tips. Here are his top five:

Tip #1 - Save cut pieces to use on different areas of the roof. Pay special attention to where you can use cut pieces (as opposed to discarding them) and you can save 3% or more on job-site waste.

Tip #2 - Invest in an upgraded fastener. Ring shank stainless steel works really great. If you're using screws, they must be non-corrosive 5/16" pancake head type screws. Any fastener must penetrate all the way through the deck at least 3/16".

Tip #3 - For every 100 feet of valley, figure an extra square of lightweight roofing materials.

Tip #4 - Factor in roughly 2% transition tiles when ordering products.

Tip #5 - Try Bellaforté tiles. Depending on the job, Bellaforté Shake can install up to 40% faster than real cedar.

Need more win-win tips from the experts at DaVinci? Then check out Reduce Jobsite Waste with DaVinci Roofscapesand Return Those DaVinci Scraps!

As children, we used to laugh when someone would say "there's a fungus among us" ... a cute play on words. However, there's nothing funny about fungus or mold ... especially when it's growing on your roof.

With September being Mold Awareness Month, it's a good time to remind you that attics need ventilation to help stop the growth of mold. Damp areas of the home, like crawl spaces, attics and bathrooms, are some of the most likely places for mold to grow.

These areas of the home need extra attention. A basement or crawl space may need a dehumidifier. The bathroom needs fans turned on when showers are being taken. And, the attic needs air to flow through vents (see Roofing 101 for Homeowners),

Because many of us live in damp areas --- or even get lots of fog in the morning hours --- it's also important to select a roofing material that resists the growth of mold, fungus and algae. Synthetic roofing from DaVinci Roofscapes is the answer. (seeComposite Roofing Resists Mold)

Made of durable polymer, DaVinci simulated slate and composite shake tiles actually resist the growth of mold, algae and fungus. And, they also resist insects, rot, decay, fire spread and even impact.

Our number one tip for you this month is to check out the damp areas of your home and take steps to eliminate moisture and mold. Our second tip is that, when it's time to add a new roof to your home, invest in composite roofing that takes away your moldy headaches and makes life easier for you.

By Laura Gaskill, Houzz

The Craftsman-style home is one of the most charming (and popular) home styles in America, and it’s no wonder — from the rich, earthy colors to the beautiful architectural details and warm, welcoming front porch, there’s a lot to love about Craftsman homes. Make your Craftsman-style home look its best with these tips for choosing paint colors, windows, doors, landscaping and more.

Roots of Style: See What Defines a Craftsman Home

Nature-inspired color palette. Craftsman style is deeply influenced by nature, so turn to rich, natural hues for the exterior color palette. Soft olive green, earthy browns and cream (rather than stark white) allow the home to settle into its surroundings. Shingles are the most common exterior finish by far among Craftsman homes, and these can always be left natural with a clear finish if you do not wish to paint them. With so many architectural details, it is common to use at least two or three different complementary shades on the exterior to highlight the craftsmanship.

Don’t forget to test! The warm, earthy hues of the Craftsman palette can look wonderful when they work, but some colors (especially greens) can be tricky to get right. Be sure to test any color you are considering using so you can actually see it in situ, not only on a tiny paint chip. If you are feeling unsure about picking colors, consider hiring a color consultant to help with the process.

Go more modern (with caution). If you’re not a huge fan of the earth tone look, you can go with a more modern gray or “greige.” Just keep it a little bit muddy to pay homage to your home’s Craftsman roots, and choose an off-white rather than pure white for trim. A comfortable porch. Play up a deep porch with a few carefully chosen pieces — a Craftsman-style bench or pair of rockers and a cluster of potted plants will do the trick. If your home’s original tapered or double columns have been covered over or removed by a past owner’s renovations, consider working with an architect to renew the porch to its former glory.

Multipane windows and doors. Typically, Craftsman homes have double-hung windows with either a four-over-one or six-over-one pattern, while doors nearly always have panes of glass in the upper portion of the door.

When to replace your door. If your home’s door is original, but in not-so-good shape, you may be able to revive it with a good sanding and a fresh stain, plus new Craftsman-style hardware. If, however, your home’s original door was long ago replaced with a modern version, a new solid-wood Craftsman-style front door can be a worthy investment, since this is really the centerpiece of your home’s facade.

Charm with lighting. Options abound for Craftsman-style exterior light fixtures — one of the most popular is a lantern-style with multiple panes. Lanterns echo the multi-paned windows and doors of the typical Craftsman home, making for a put-together, intentionally designed look.

Quality craftsmanship. If you are adding any details to the exterior or landscape of your Craftsman-style home, it pays to seek out the highest quality craftsmanship you can — after all, it’s not called Craftsman style for nothing! Beautiful details on a fence or garden gate will echo the architecture of your home and enhance the view from the street.

The Craftsman garage. While some original American Craftsman homes were built before garages were common, if your home has a garage it will look its best if the overall style matches the rest of the house.

Naturalistic landscaping. Think of paths that curve and wind, natural stepping stones and native plantings. The best landscaping around a Craftsman home helps the house feel a part of the landscape and neighborhood around it, and it generally stays within a natural, earthy color palette as well.

Natural elements connect indoors and out. Increase the connection between landscape and home by repeating natural elements from the architecture (such as stone and wood) in the landscape.

Add warmth with copper, bronze and handmade details. Craftsman homes look their best when surrounded by warm-toned metals (like copper and bronze), natural ceramics and wood. Keep this in mind when selecting exterior details, and everything will look as if it’s meant to be together, from the planters to the rain gutters.

Live in the central part of the US and planning to head to Des Moines next week for the AIA Convention? Be sure to stop by booth # 70 and talk with synthetic slate and shake roofing experts. This is our first time exhibiting at this conference, and we look forward to introducing local architects to our steep sloped roofing options that are perfect for schools, churches, retail, restaurant, and residential applications! Hope to see you there!                                                                               

Want to nail your next DaVinci roofing project? Then opt for hot dipped galvanized (HDG) nails.

Made to last longer than electro galvanized (EG) nails thanks to a thicker zinc outer layer, HDG nails are submerged in molten zinc to get an even covering. Because the thick, smooth zinc coating on HDG nails is an advancement over EG nails, they're even less likely to rust over time. That's important because the DaVinci roof you install will last for decades ... and you want the nails to last that long too!

An added benefit is that HDG nails generally achieve higher ratings on salt spray tests and are especially good for use where environmental conditions can be challenging --- like high humidity or salt air locations.

DaVinci Roofscapes now makes it easy for you to purchase HDG nails when placing your order for our synthetic shake and simulated slate roofing products. We've started stocking HDG nails and can sell them to you with your order. We've even got HDG nails available in coils for gun nailing!

Need to know how many nails to request for your DaVinci composite roofing project? Click HERE to see our fast nail chart that tells you how many nails per roofing square to order by product type. We make it simple by breaking down products and exposure, and then telling you how many nails to ask for per square.

Art Reichert remembers clearly the tornado that hit his Illinois community a few years ago.

"The roof peeled off my home like a house of cards falling," says Reichert, a resident in the Prestwick community in Frankfurt, Ill. "It was amazing to see the devastation to our area."

After the storm, Reichert started searching for a replacement roofing product to help protect his 12,000 square foot home. That's when he learned about composite slate roofing from DaVinci Roofscapes.

"Art was looking for a synthetic slate roof that preserved the character of his house," says Scott Owen, president of Owen Enterprises and the roof installer for the project. "There were numerous extruded concrete roof tiles missing and damage to his roof from where the falling tiles had been lifted and displaced by the tornado.

"He especially liked the authentic look of the DaVinci Single-Width slate, the reflectivity and lightweight aspects of the product. I've installed more than 30 DaVinci roofs in the past 15 years, so I know it's a good product. Plus it's Made in America, which is important to us so we can support the U.S. economy."

Owen recalls using body harnesses and an articulating boom (a type of mobile crane) to tackle the roofing project at Reichert's home. Along with proper safety precautions he offers this tip to other roofers: "Watch the DaVinci installation videos and look at the installation manuals on their website," says Owen. "These are very useful and can help save you time on the jobsite."

In a unique twist to this story, Reichert served on the board when the Prestwick community decided to replace the old roof on their club house this year. He made the recommendation for Bellaforté Shake roofing from DaVinci ... so now he's not the only one in the neighborhood with durable synthetic roofing overhead!

Everyone has an idea of their dream home. I bet when you imagine your dream home it is filled with personal style and amenities to make your life easier and more enjoyable. My dream is to have a perfect little "jewel box" of a home that is smaller than what most people imagine but my dream home is more luxury than extra space.

What is your dream home like? I bet it is far different than the dream home of your parents or grandparents. You may have similar dreams for your family and our future but today our vision of what makes an ideal home are different than they were in post-War America when developers considered rows of similar homes to be the perfectly planned suburban neighborhoods.

Today home builders have shaken the 1950's idea of a "one size/style fits most" approach. They know that the perfect homogeneity that developers once imposed is no longer a match for the range of today's families and their needs.

And when it comes to finding a home with your dream design it’s easy to be envision lots of the details you want. It is just as important to choose a home that not only meets your individual needs but also considers where you'll be building, the typography of your lot, the look of the natural landscape and whether it will be marketable to future buyers.

Often the best way to do this is by simply looking at lots of home styles and floor plans. Companies like The House Designers offer what seems like unlimited options for your floor plan and home style. With so many different designs I was curious about which one was their most popular house plan.

Their most popular house plan is #1895 - L'Attesa di Vita. It is an affordable, mid-size home featuring classic Craftsman details in a 2,091 square foot design.

For those wanting more, the house plan #7878 - Vita di Lusso is a luxury version of the classic L'Attesa di Vita featuring high-end Craftsman detailing, a 3-car garage and a finished walkout basement.

Both of these dream homes are topped off with a designer roof from DaVinci Roofscapes that adds to the beauty of the exterior and gives both of these home Craftsman-Style Curb Appeal.

If you are ready to start working on making your dream home a reality you don't want to miss your chance to Vote for the New Look of America's Best-Selling House Plan! Win up to $1,000 in Prizes!!! But don't wait. Voting ends on October 10, 2016.

Steep slope roofing projects, mansard roofs and truly unique roofing requests can drive some roofers crazy. For others, it's all about embracing the challenge.

When roofer Guy Galitski was asked to re-roof a home in California with a steep 12/12 pitch, he and his team eagerly tackled the job.

“We used Bellaforté Shake polymer roofing tiles for this project which really helped the job go smoothly because they’re typically lighter in weight than actual wood shakes,” says Galitski, president of G.G. Roofing. “A square of Bellaforté Shake (with 100 pieces per square) weighs just 190 pounds. The lower tile weight helps reduce our installation time.”

“The roof is clearly the most visible part of this home and reaches up more than three stories high,” says Galitski. “It was previously covered in real wood shakes that had badly deteriorated over time. The homeowner selected the Bellaforté Shake in an Mountain-VariBlend color blend because it was the closest product to actual shake she’d ever seen.”

The fourth-generation roofers at Detroit Cornice and Slate Company were tasked with a different challenge when the chapel at the Dayton Veterans Administration Medical Center needed a new roof. They were asked to replicate a large cross with a star-studded border in light colors against a background of black that was originally on the historic church.

 “Working with a 7-1/2-inch exposure and 9-inch wide field tiles, it was important that the vertical and horizontal band dimensions come out looking the same width," says Dawn Hesse, project manager of the Ferndale, Michigan company. "The client also wanted the vertical line of the cross to be completely straight. However, it is not recommended to create a ‘slot on slot’ configuration with any roofing.”

To solve the challenge, Detroit Cornice blended together different widths of DaVinci tiles in 6-, 9- and 12-inch sizes to come as close as possible to creating the cross while maintaining the warranty. A chalk outline of the pattern was sketched on the roofing felt for the installation crews to follow.

According to Hesse, the biggest challenge facing the team on the chapel project was gaining a full understanding of the roof’s original design. “We’re experts in slate and flashing details, and knew that this project would require careful pre-construction planning,” says Hesse. “Multiple layouts were created and reviewed by all members of the team. It was a time-consuming process that required patience and input from everyone involved.

"A variety of roofing tile colors, sizes and patterns were considered. Overall, the coordinated efforts needed to make this project happen were a key to its success. Part of that success was due to the support we received from DaVinci, as well as providing one of the better looking synthetic slate products on the market today.”

If you're a homeowner calling into the Customer Service Department at DaVinci Roofscapes, you're in good hands. Our team of experts can help you with everything from finding a roofing contractor to creating a custom color for your synthetic shake or imitation slate roof.

Now, if Katie Thoele answers your call, you're even more fortunate. That's because she is a project specialist with 10 years of experience in handling homeowner inquiries.

"They call me the original DaVinci Wizard!" says Thoele. "I've handled thousands of homeowner inquiries over the years and we've always been able to work our magic to make sure every customer gets the personalized service they need."

You won't feel any time pressures when calling DaVinci with your questions. According to Thoele, the average call can last up to 20 minutes.

"Selecting a roof is a personal process," says Thoele. "The longer I talk with someone the more I get to know about the style of their home, their lives and even their pets and vacation plans! We're building a relationship that is often continued through future calls as we personally walk them through the entire roof purchase experience.

"There's no 'set limit' on our calls or our relationship with homeowners. I worked with one Texas homeowner who had at least 20 calls with me. Each call was about 25 minutes. We sent him seven sets of custom color roofing tile samples. The project took 160 days from start to finish, and when completed he had a sensational-looking roof."

Thoele works with the goal of providing peace-of-mind, product information and basic support to homeowners in need of roofing advice. "Over the years I've seen the DaVinci composite roofing product we manufacture become more and more popular with consumers," says Thoele. "We receive calls from people referred by a roofing contractor or who have simply driven around and seen our polymer roofing on other homes.

"In many ways, I believe I have the best job at DaVinci. I get to help people make important roofing decisions related to a product I really believe in that can make a long-lasting impact on their homes."

The sizzling summer has finally passed.

Now that we're headed toward cooler autumn days, it's time to "take stock" of what projects need to be done around your house exterior.

More comfortable weather means you can upgrade your landscaping, wash your windows and clean out your gutters. At the same time, don't forget to check on your downspout connections. It's important to clean out gutters and get your home's outdoor "drainage system" ready before winter weather makes an appearance. Why? Because gunked-up gutters can result in ice dams and damage to your gutter system.

If you're not comfortable up on the ladder, hire a professional. After cleaning out the gutters and spouts, make sure the person flushes them out using a garden hose. This simple practice assures that the gutter system is truly clean and can also show you where any potential connection problems exist.

While you're handling autumn clean-up, now is a good time to have a professional roofer come and give your roof an evaluation. Especially if you had severe weather in your area during the first part of the year, you need to make sure your roof is ready to handle the onslaught of winter. The best idea is to invest some time now on exterior home maintenance to save on headaches and hassles later on!

Need more autumn prep work ideas from DaVinci Roofscapes? See Autumn is Just Around the Corner… Is Your Roof Ready? and Autumn Is Approaching... Is Your Roof Ready for Cold Weather?

Durable: able to exist for a long time without significant deterioration; lasting.

There you have it. Webster's Dictionary has defined synthetic roofing from DaVinci Roofscapes for us.

Our cedar shake alternative and imitation slate tiles are manufactured to last --- and they're backed by a lifetime limited warranty.

Interested in how our durable, impact- and fire-resistant polymer roofing compares to other real and man-made products? Here's a fast look at the pros and cons of some competitive roofing products:

NATURAL SLATE:

            Pros: Doesn't burn; strong durability
            Cons: Heavy and brittle; requires beefy rafters and skilled roofers for installation; expensive

REAL SHAKE:

            Pros: Turns colors and fades when exposed to the sun; lightweight
            Cons: Vulnerable to fire, hail and moss growth; short lifespan; can crack and split

ASPHALT:

            Pros: Lightweight; inexpensive; fast to install
            Cons: Sheds granules; short lifespan; thin shadow lines

CLAY:

            Pros: Fireproof; long life span
            Cons: Heavy; brittle; expensive; requires heavy rafters and skilled roofers for installation

CONCRETE:

            Pros: Fireproof; unaffected by the sun; many shapes
            Cons: Heavy; vulnerable to freezing weather

Naturally we're firm believers in composite roofing for durability. You will be too once you hear how we make our polymer roof tiles.

Each shingle starts with pellets of colored plastic polymer blended with ultraviolet inhibitors and fire retardants. The mix is heated into a liquid state and then injected into a hot steel mold. Next, up to 1,000 tons of hydraulic pressure produces a tile of uniform density with a crisp, flawless profile.

That tile pops out of the press, is cooled, inspected and collated by color blend before being shipped. Want to see this operation in action? Here's our plant tour video:

Recently I read an Elle Decor article that asked the question, Trump vs. Clinton: Who Will Decorate The White House Better?. It reminded me of how much interest there is about how the new president and their spouse will redecorate the White House. But why all the interest on the interior when far more people see the exterior?

I'd like to see our future president take my top down approach and make at least one major improvement to the exterior. After all, the White House is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world and represents America to the rest of the world. It's exterior must communicate the spirit of the county and its exterior must have international "curb appeal".

Built in 1793 the president's mansion was designed by James Hoban. It has been home to every president of the United States since John Adams was in office. I would like to see the next president take the building back to its original roof, which was slate.

Slate provided a solid roof overhead protecting the first family for more than 100 years. In the 1880s during the building expansion (when what would eventually become the West Wing was added) a metal roof replaced the original slate. The metal roof has since been repaired and/or replaced many times including during the major refurbishments of the White House during the 1920s and late 1940s.

Metal may have been thought to be a better choice than slate during earlier times but that is no longer true. Besides no one ever "oohs and aahs" over a metal roof.

By upgrading to a DaVinci Roofscapes slate roof the White House will benefit from the technical advancements that make it a long-lasting, eco-friendly and overall great choice. Plus the residents, staff and public will benefit from a roof that is beautiful as well as one that is rooted in the building's history.

As for color, originally the roof was a dark gray that was almost black. For today, I'd go in a similar direction with Smokey Gray. This would upgrade the look of the building while being true to James Hoban's original vision.

And in case you're now wondering about what I'd do with the exterior color - I'd keep it white! The color white is symbolic and deeply connected with our identity as Americans.

Here is a fact about the white that I think you'll find interesting. Many think that the White House was first painted white color during the restoration after the British burned the building in 1814. While it was coated with white at that time it was not the first time.

The original color of the White House was white. According to the White House Historical Association, when the walls were finished in 1798, they were whitewashed to keep the porous Aquia Creek sandstone from freezing in winter. It has been repainted white ever since.

Image: Freshstock

As the new owners of a 137-year old home in Mt. Airy, Pa., the Nasratullah family knew the original terra cotta roof had to go. They hesitated, not wanting to give up the historic look of the roof, but it was in bad shape. That's when they learned about synthetic roofing materials.

"A very good friend has composite roofing tiles installed at his home and he highly recommended his roofer and the product," says Ahsan Nasratullah. "We selected the Sonora blend of terracotta and clay colors to replicate the original tiles that were still on the roof."

Replacing the old roof tiles took time and patience. The original tile roofing had to be stripped down and disposed of and the entire project took nine months to complete.

"After handling the countless issues with the roof structure itself, installing the DaVinci Roofscapes synthetic slate tile was a breeze," says Rich Bennett with Bennett Construction. "Our team was able to tackle all these challenges and bring the home back to its former glory. This home now represents the perfect combination of old world construction and modern materials."

For more information on synthetic slate shingles, see Choosing Polymer Slate Tiles Over Real Slate Roofing Shingles.

Headed to Los Angeles next week for Greenbuild 2016? Be sure to come by booth 2513 to visit with the experts on our environmentally friendly roof tiles. We'll be displaying products rated by the Cool Roof Rating Counsel, and will be there to discuss how our products can add to LEED Points, our recycling program, and how the long lasting durability of DaVinci Roofscapes' polymer slate and shake roof tiles can add a quality you can feel good about recommending to your customers. See you next week!

The 25th anniversary of Energy Awareness Month in October serves as an ideal time for builders and home buyers to pay special attention to the construction of new homes. Originally designated by President George Bush in 1991, Energy Awareness Month spotlights how specifying energy-efficient products when a home is built can help homeowners save substantially on long-term energy bills.

While we usually like to focus on top-down home exteriors at DaVinci Roofscapes (because the roof plays such an important visual role in the overall home!), most energy-efficient homes are constructed from the ground up. That's why the first decision --- what the foundation is made of --- sets the "energy tone" for the rest of the home.           

"I start construction with Xi® precast concrete wall panels and then add an insulated basement slab to give my homes a head start on their high performance energy efficiency package," says Shawn Jessup, owner of S.D. Jessup Construction, Inc. in Pilot Mountain, N.C. "I'm building homes that are more than twice as efficient as a standard home built to 'code.'

"Superior Walls foundation products are crafted to help give a basement an excellent water, thermal and air barrier. I haven't found any other system that works as fast and easy, plus offers so much to the overall home in so many important areas backed by a strong warranty."

In creating the rest of the home envelope, builders consciously using foam-backed siding, extra insulation and structural insulated panels are helping create an energy-efficient structure. When it comes to the openings in the house, ENERGY STAR® qualified vinyl windows and fiberglass entry doors offer some of the best resistance to weather, wind and air infiltration.

Perhaps the largest opening in the home, the garage door, also deserves special attention. "Advances in steel and aluminum bring both strong insulation factors and beauty to the garage door offerings for the home," says Jeffrey Nofziger, president of Haas Door. "Mother Nature can throw some pretty nasty weather at a home, and a garage door takes the brunt of that weather.

 "Making a smart choice for a garage door means it will stand up to brutal temperatures and frigid, snowy weather while helping keep the garage interior safe and comfortable. Consider the advantages of a 5200 Series insulated aluminum or 2000 Series insulated steel garage door. These two-inch thick doors are filled with dense CFC-free polyurethane foam insulation with a calculated R-value of 17.66. That's a garage door that will help keep energy bills lower long term."

At the top of a home, nothing gets more direct exposure to the sun than the roof. And all those searing sun rays can cause the home interior to heat up if the right roofing tiles are not selected. Fortunately, the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC), an independent testing organization, has developed accurate and credible methods for evaluating and labeling the solar reflectance and thermal emittance of roofing products.

Choosing a synthetic tile roof, such as the DaVinci EcoBlend® composite slate or shake options, can help reflect sunlight and heat away from the home. Approved by the CRRC, six color blends are available that all meet California's newly-adopted 2016 Building Energy Standards (Title 24, Part 6) requiring the use of energy-efficient roofing materials. Two of the roof colors from DaVinci Roofscapes --- Weathered Gray EcoBlend and Castle Gray EcoBlend --- also meet the stringent requirements to receive the ENERGY STAR designation.

Tyler Storfa KNOWS about installing DaVinci Roofscapes composite roofing. As one of our Technical Service Manager he spends a great deal of time traveling to help roofers. (See On the Road with DaVinci's Tyler Storfa)

From his time on the road, he's collected a few "top tips" to share with other roofers. See if some of these can help you out on the jobsite.

Tip #1 - Use a 3" by 3" metal, at the hip, over the field tile and under the two-piece hip and ridge piece. This is needed for water tightness plus makes the installation of the hip and ridge pieces go much easier.

Tip #2 - Remember to use a back cut (sometimes called a "dog ear") on the cut pieces in the valley.  It's easy to forget this fast step, but it's essential.

Tip #3 - Don't be afraid to cut down the vertical ribs in DaVinci's multi-width and single-width roofing tiles. This does two things: first, it makes sure the cuts are straight and secondly, leaving the vertical rib gives it the appearance of the piece being solid.

Tip #4 - DaVinci has a new step flashing with small ribs that's available for contractors who can't locate a 4" x 4" x 14" metal so that they don't have to cut and bend their own.

Tip #5 - If you're working in freezing temperatures this winter, store the DaVinci products in a garage to keep them warm. Only pull out what you will immediately use. Working with the "warmer" tiles makes your life lots easier!

For more polymer roofing installation tips, seeDaVinci on the Roof: Ridges and DaVinci Slateand Five Top DaVinci Install Tips.

The battle of nature vs. science is one that has been argued for centuries. It’s been debated by artists in the eras of Romanticism and Enlightenment, scholars whose focus is in the realm of academia, and even politicians in modern-day elections.

Consequently, the two are often presented in opposition. There are those who appreciate the authentic beauty and eco-friendly benefits of natural elements, and those that say science can perfect what nature got wrong.

The debate has become similar for people choosing products for their home, thanks to an ever-growing selection of synthetic or alternate building products like decking, columns, and of course, roofing. When choosing a new roof, for example, people have grown accustomed to asking themselves which is more important to them: natural beauty or scientifically proven performance?

Though it should be a careful balancing act between the two, homeowners, architects, and installers are often forced to tip the scales toward one or the other based on affordability, aesthetics, or their ability to install it easily and quickly. But the question should always have been, “how can I get both?”

In today’s day and age, it’s not enough simply to invest in a new roof that will reduce heating and cooling costs and last for years to come—it’s equally critical for that roof to have true aesthetic appeal, resembling the materials of nature that add character and authenticity to a home. Striking that balancing act is not easy, but DaVinci has learned it can be done; science and nature, as it turns out, do not always have to be in opposition.

DaVinci Shake was developed with an emphasis on science, but an appreciation for nature. In conceiving of the product, we knew that whatever performance benefits our science-driven approach to shake roofing would produce would ultimately mean nothing if it didn’t have the appearance of natural materials that homeowners love. We developed our Polymer Shake material to look like an authentic shake roof, but without the hassle. The natural variance of the material creates the perception of nature, but the long-lasting, weather resistant performance is all science—and best of all, it’s affordable to purchase, requires minimal maintenance, and comes with a lifetime limited warranty.

In short, someone making the decision about a new roof no longer has to look for ways to tip the scales between nature and science—they can have it both ways. DaVinci Shake has perfected the balancing act.

So while artists, scholars, and politicians are still debating the merits of nature vs. science, DaVinci Roofscapes has had another focus: making life easier for homeowners, installers, and architects by bridging the gap between the two.

Now, you too can have another focus:

“Which color do I pick?”

To learn more about DaVinci Shake roofing, download the product guide.

For a more in-depth comparison of natural vs. man-made roofing products, read our Shake Comparison Guide.

When Rob and Holly Fanjoy moved to Maine five years ago they looked up ... and saw that their new home absolutely needed a new roof.

Given the harsh winter weather Maine gets each year, they knew a reliable roof was needed. They selected a Multi-Width Slate roof in a Vineyard blend from DaVinci Roofscapes. (See Maine Challenge)

After five tough winters, we checked in with homeowner Rob Fanjoy to see how his synthetic slate roofing has held up.

Q: What type of weather conditions has your roof been exposed to since 2011?

Fanjoy: The weather in Maine has been atypical the past several years. A bitterly cold winter with several feet of snow would be followed by a cool summer with drenching rains. The next winter was very icy, followed by a brutally hot and humid summer. Through it all, our imitation slate roof has held up perfectly and retains its beautiful appearance.

Q: You researched DaVinci roofs quite a bit before making your roof selection. Has the DaVinci product lived up to your expectations?

Fanjoy: No. Actually, it has exceeded our expectations. We set the expectation bar very high for this roof. The performance and aesthetics are top-notch and we have absolutely zero complaints.

Q: What would you say to someone asking your opinion on whether or not to invest in a DaVinci roof?

Fanjoy: I would wholeheartedly recommend a DaVinci roof to anyone looking to replace their old roof --- and I often have! I tell them the initial higher cost is more than worth it when you factor in the durability, worry-free performance and fantastic curb appeal. The beauty and longevity of these synthetic slate shingles make them a great bargain!