DaVinci Synthetic Slate and Shake Roofing We Install

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What DaVinci synthetic slate and shake are made of

DaVinci tiles are polymer composite, not stone or wood. Composite slate and shake tiles are generally injection-molded from polymers and shaped to copy the texture of real slate or cedar; some products add UV and fire additives to the resin. DaVinci’s data sheet for the profile you choose gives the specifics, including its weight per square.

The tiles are lighter than natural slate, one of the heaviest roof coverings, but the framing should still be checked against the published weight. Composite roofing is also a different trade from shingles. Tiles are fastened individually, side laps and exposures are set by the profile, and hips, ridges and valleys use dedicated pieces. Expect more labor per square than an asphalt roof, and expect the crew to work from DaVinci’s installation guide rather than shingle habits.

Choosing a DaVinci slate or shake profile

Multi-Width profiles mix several tile widths in a random pattern. That is closest to how natural slate and hand-split shake were laid, and it hides the repetition that gives some synthetic roofs away. Single-Width profiles use one tile width for a more orderly, tailored look that suits newer homes. Bellaforté is a separate DaVinci family; if it appears on a quote, compare its thickness, weight and price with the core profiles before deciding.

Color choice matters more than with asphalt. A blend of several shades usually makes a slate roof look real from the street, while one flat color can look manufactured. Ask to see a full-size sample board outdoors, not a printed chip.

Composite roofing through Illinois freeze-thaw and hail

Natural slate and cedar both suffer in a freeze-thaw climate. Water that soaks into cedar or into soft or delaminating slate expands when it freezes, and over decades that splits shakes and flakes stone. Composite tiles do not absorb water the same way, which removes that failure mode. DaVinci markets its core slate and shake profiles as Class 4 under UL 2218, the top impact class, which matters when hail crosses the suburbs in late spring and summer.

Two winter details still apply. Slate-look roofs shed snow in sheets, so snow guards above entries, decks and gutters are often a good idea. And ice dams are still an attic problem: ice barrier at the eaves and proper ventilation matter as much under composite as under asphalt. Our synthetic slate and shake guide compares composite with other premium roofs.

Replacing natural slate or cedar with DaVinci

Some older homes in the inner suburbs still have original slate or cedar. When a slate roof is genuinely failing, rather than just needing repairs to flashing and broken pieces, composite is a practical way to keep the character of the house. Before agreeing to a full replacement, get an opinion on whether the slate itself is sound, because good slate can outlast several asphalt roofs. A roof inspection is the place to start.

If the house is in a local historic district, check with the village before choosing a material. Some review boards accept composite slate and some do not.

What belongs on a DaVinci Roofscapes quote

• The profile and width (Single-Width, Multi-Width or Bellaforté), the color or blend, and the exposure.
• Deck work: tear-off, a deck replacement allowance, and whether the framing was checked against product weight.
• Underlayment and ice barrier by product name, and where each goes.
• Dedicated DaVinci hip, ridge and starter pieces, plus copper or painted metal flashing details.
• Snow guards, if planned, with spacing and placement.

Compare composite bids against each other rather than against asphalt; the labor and materials are in a different bracket. Our roof replacement page explains how we structure estimates.

How DaVinci Roofscapes warranties are structured

DaVinci provides a limited material warranty on its composite tiles against manufacturing defects. Read how it handles fading and wind, since those terms can depend on the profile, the color and how the building is used. If a bid mentions enhanced DaVinci coverage, ask whether it is available only through contractors the manufacturer has certified to install its products, and what it requires. Composite tiles have their own fastening, underlayment and flashing rules, so the warranty relies on following DaVinci’s installation instructions. Read the current documents at davinciroofscapes.com before committing.

ALTA installs DaVinci Roofscapes products. We do not currently hold a DaVinci Roofscapes manufacturer credential, so enhanced warranties that require one are not offered on our installations; your estimate names the warranty that applies.

Where DaVinci Roofscapes fits best

• Tudor, French Provincial and colonial homes where a slate look suits the architecture
• Replacing a failing natural slate or cedar roof without the structural weight or upkeep of the original
• Homeowners planning to stay long-term who want impact resistance with a high-end look

Product information last reviewed November 5, 2026. Always confirm current specifications and warranty terms at davinciroofscapes.com.

DaVinci Roofscapes questions

Is DaVinci synthetic slate lighter than real slate?

Yes. Natural slate is among the heaviest roof coverings, and composite slate is lighter. How much lighter depends on the profile, so check DaVinci’s published weight per square and have the framing checked against it before you commit.

Can DaVinci tiles be installed over an existing roof?

Composite tiles are normally installed after a full tear-off down to the deck. That lets the deck be inspected and repaired, keeps the tiles lying flat, and leaves room for the underlayment and fastening details DaVinci specifies.

Will a DaVinci roof look fake from the street?

Profile and color make the difference. Multi-Width layouts and multi-shade blends look most like a hand-laid natural roof, while a single flat color in a uniform width can look manufactured. Viewing a full-size sample board outdoors in daylight is the most reliable test.