Architect Christopher Derrick is like most people --- he sticks with what works. For his roof specifications, that often means recommending DaVinci Roofscapes polymer slate roof tiles.
“When the home style fits with a composite roofing product, I always recommend DaVinci,” says Derrick, principal and founder of Derrick Architecture out of Wheaton, Ill. (See DaVinci Polymer Tiles Meet Needs of Chicago Area Architect )
Over the years Derrick has worked with a variety of builders to construct his single-family custom home designs. Most recently he partnered with Charleston Building and Development to create two custom homes in Naperville, Ill. that feature Bellaforté Slate tile roofs.
“Working with Chris is exciting because he’s so creative and passionate about his home designs,” says Adam Van Someren, president of the residential division of Charleston Building and Development based out of Naperville. “He brings both historical perspective and solid product recommendations to his work.
“The Bellaforté product looks very realistic. I’ve seen other man-made plastic slate roofing products before that looked too fake. The DaVinci products look natural and complement the home styles very nicely.”
For their most recent project, Van Someren points out that using Bellaforté slate tiles probably saved the homeowner more than $50,000 as opposed to having natural slate on the roof.
“Considering the high cost of natural slate, the waste you get with cracked and broken pieces, plus the additional support required for the roof and rafters to support the weight of natural slate, the Bellaforté is a great option,” says Van Someren. “This product really has it all. Good looks, lightweight and durability. There’s definitely a value there with Bellaforté.”