Synthetic slate roofing, also known as composite roofing, has grown in popularity over the last 25+ years despite its existence in the United States since the early 1900s. Today, this roofing material is loved for its high durability, stylish appearance, easy maintenance, and money-saving features.
The success of synthetic roofing depends on the materials used and the way it’s designed. When compared to other synthetic slate roofing brands, DaVinci’s synthetic slate wins by a landslide. Keep reading to see all the reasons we recommend this US-based brand.
DaVinci synthetic slate tiles are made from engineered polymer and virgin resin. These materials create roof tiles that are fire-retardent, heat-resistant, and protected against UV exposure. Unlike natural slate tiles, synthetic slate tiles aren’t susceptible to rotting, chipping, cracking, breaking, or damage from wildlife and insects. These synthetic tiles are also protected against fungi, mold, and algae.
A common issue with natural slate is how heavy it is. Natural slate is so heavy that it frequently requires additional roof support during installation. DaVinci synthetic slate tiles solve this problem by being lightweight and easy to install. Because of its lightweight properties, synthetic slate roofing can be used for almost any type of house. Best of all, synthetic slate roofs are low-maintenance while being considerably cheaper and longer lasting than natural slate roofing.
Part of the aesthetic appeal of synthetic slate roofing is how realistic it looks. DaVinci’s synthetic slate tiles mimic the style of natural slate roofs with chisel marks and grooves. To do this, DaVinci creates molds from natural slate. These molds then produce tiles that are non-repeating and look like genuine slate. While DaVinci’s synthetic slate tiles are not made with recycled materials, the tiles themselves are 100% recyclable.
Additionally, DaVinci offers “Cool Roof Colors” that don’t absorb heat. By choosing roof colors that reflect sunlight, your home will stay cooler and your electric bill will be lower. When creating roof tiles, DaVinci ensures colors reach the whole way through and aren’t just surface coats.
Synthetic slate roofing works well in all climates and locations because of its heavy-duty durability and lifetime limited warranty that keep homeowners protected. DaVinci synthetic slate roofs are especially popular for commercial and residential buildings in locations that frequently get major storms and extreme weather. These roofs hold up against strong winds, heavy rain, snow, hail, salty air, and sea spray so homeowners don’t have to frequently repair or replace their roofs.
DaVinci synthetic slate roofing is excellent for homes in areas with heavy and frequent snowfall. Homeowners don’t have to worry about snow sitting on their roofs as synthetic slate allows snow to slide right off. So not only are these roofs strong enough to endure ice and snow storms, they prevent snow from laying and gathering on top of houses. However, if snow sliding off your roof is something that concerns you, snow guards can easily be installed for additional safety.
DaVinci synthetic slate roofs are durable enough to endure decades of rough weather conditions without the roof materials wearing down. These tiles are waterproof and don’t absorb moisture, which ensures homeowners won’t experience any issues with warped or expanded tiles when temperatures shift. In addition to these other protective features, DaVinci’s synthetic tiles have a special rib structure that prevents them from curling no matter what weather conditions they’re exposed to.
DaVinci is the top brand in synthetic roofing and has passed tests on material durability for Miami-Dade County, the Texas Department of Insurance, and High-Velocity Hurricane Zones. This brand’s synthetic slate tiles specifically have gotten the best ratings for both impact and fire resistance.
Synthetic slate created by DaVinci has an impact 4 rating, the highest rating for roof durability. This test is done by dropping steel balls on the roofing material to see how well it will withstand hail and impact. Because Impact 4 roofing protects the home against damage and repairs, homeowners with this type of roofing see their home insurance rates lowered and their home value raised. Even in negative temperatures, DaVinci slate tiles don’t crack or break when hit.
These tiles are protected against wildfires and are created with materials that lower the risk of fire spreading. Just like impact damage, DaVinci synthetic slate roofing has the highest rating for fire resistance, a Class A rating. To get this rating, roofs must pass 3 different types of fire activity tests.
First, tiles are subjected to 2 minutes of bursting flames with 2 minutes of rest in between each session. This is done 15 times and in order to pass this test, the roof must come out still functional with the roof deck unharmed.
The next test exposes roof tiles to wind and fire for 10 minutes straight. Again, if there is any sign of the roof being unable to function after this test, it doesn’t pass.
Lastly, the roof tiles are put to the test against a burning brand and wind. The fiery brand is set on the roof tiles for 90 consecutive minutes with air blowing on it. The roof tiles pass this last test if the brand is unable to burn through the roof. To put it simply, Class A fire-resistant roof tiles must resist surface fire-spreading, withstand intermittent blasts of fire, and prevent fire from burning through the roof decking below.
Historical homes have many requirements for new roofing and renovations. Over the years, DaVinci synthetic slate tiles have been frequently approved and used to replace roofs on historic buildings. These tiles are perfect for preserving a historic home’s appearance and functionality as they are lightweight and match in style and color.
Replacing a roof on an old building can come with many problems, including the building not being able to withstand the weight of a new roof. DaVinci synthetic slate roofing is easy to install and light enough to avoid any issues with the building below. Additionally, DaVinci can create custom colors to complement or replicate a building’s unique colors. This is especially beneficial to historic and old buildings where matching colors and maintaining a vintage style can be challenging.
At E&E Contracting, we’ve done many projects featuring DaVinci synthetic slate roofing and highly recommend these beautiful, stylish roofs that last decades. These strong roof tiles are worth the investment and are highly praised by homeowners across the US. Get started on your own project by speaking with one of our roofing specialists and requesting a free estimate.
The decision to replace your roof is a big one and you may find yourself wondering if it’s worth it. There are many reasons to get a new roof including wanting a different aesthetic, updating an old roof, or replacing a roof that’s damaged. So if you’re contemplating whether to freshen your roof along with your spring cleaning, here are 5 signs you need a new roof.
The age of your roof can let you know if the time has come to replace it. While different roof types can have different lifespans, asphalt and wood-shingled roofs generally last anywhere from 20-50 years depending on the weather conditions where you live.
You don’t want to wait until the roof is no longer holding up to replace it. Once a roof becomes damaged and begins to leak, more problems will be created. You’ll want to keep ahead of these problems by knowing your roof’s expected lifespan.
You can also know if your roof is aging out if you live in a neighborhood with homes that were built around the same time. Because these houses are around a similar age, you will be in sync with your neighbors’ new roof needs. So if roofs around you are starting to be replaced, you may need to do the same.
Shingle damage and loss of granules are significant problems that may be a sign your roof needs replaced. Your house shingles should be flat against your roof and should not have curling, disfiguration, broken pieces, or lifting. Sometimes shingle damage only needs repairs, however, damaged shingles can cause problems requiring a whole roof replacement. For example, lifted shingles can expose the roof underneath and curled shingles can lead to leaking.
Unscathed shingles and granules are essential for roof preservation. Granules protect shingles from exterior damage, including damage from the sun. It’s normal for shingle granules to fall off and wear down over time, but too many lost and worn can mean it’s time for a replacement. You can tell if you are having significant granule loss if you notice loose shingle granules gathered in your gutters and downspouts.
Your roof should be protecting you from the weather, so having leaks and holes is a big sign you’ll be needing repairs or a new roof. If you live in a location that gets a lot of rain and snow, it’s good to consistently check your roof for leaks and deterioration. One easy way to check is to go into your attic after it rains and look for any leaks. Additionally, going into the attic during the daytime will help you see if there are any spots with light coming through.
Leaking roofs are more than just annoying, they can wreak havoc on your family and home through structural damage, higher utility bills, and health issues from mold. Additionally, leaks can also cause roof rot and interior ceiling stains. You can check for sagging areas on your roof to see if rot might be present. It’s important to note that you should avoid and not walk on any of these sagging spots.
If you’re noticing plants making a home on your roof, you’ll want to pay attention. Vegetation and moss growing on top of your house can be a sign of roof damage. You can occasionally clean off spreading greenery without needing roof repair or replacement. Unfortunately, other times this is indicative of a bigger issue as vegetation on your roof can be a sign of trapped moisture and water damage.
If you’re spotting black streaks on your roof, you are seeing algae. Sometimes this is only an aesthetic flaw that owners want to have removed. However, at times this algae can cause damage by trapping moisture and accelerating granule loss, both things that shorten the lifespan of roof shingles.
Lastly, it might be time to replace your roof if you have the budget and want something different. You can decide on something new before your roof ages out or becomes damaged. We love helping owners create a unique home that has their own personal touch and style. Each house deserves to be one-of-a-kind, just like the people that live in it!
At E&E Contracting we are always here to help! Contact us today for a complimentary quote and more information on roof consultations, repairs, and replacements.
How long has it been since your roof was inspected? If it’s been a while, your roof may have damage that you don’t know about, which could be detrimental to your home and property. Ideally, you should get a professional roof inspection once a year, and also after major storms. Here are some of the key advantages of having a residential roof inspection on a regular basis.
Roof damage isn’t always easy to spot and may not be visible from the ground. Professional roofing contractors are trained to recognize signs of roof damage that homeowners may overlook, which is why regular inspections are so important. Roofing professionals have a trained eye, and they possess the skills and equipment necessary to properly check your roof for damage.
After the inspection is complete, most roofers will give you an overview of what they found and inform you of any necessary repairs, allowing you to take the next steps towards getting your roof back in great shape.
A professional roof inspection provides confidence and peace of mind by allowing homeowners to understand the state of their roofing system. If your roof does need to be repaired, the roofer will recommend the best time to do it. It will be simple to plan and budget for repairs using the information and specified timeline from the roofer.
Failure to remove collected dirt and debris can block gutters and interfere with a home’s drainage system. Additionally, water may accumulate on the roof and erode the roofing materials, resulting in leaks. A professional roof inspection will help spot this sort of damage before it leads to leaks that can damage your home and lead to mold and mildew.
To avoid spending money, many homeowners neglect to get their roofs inspected and repaired on a regular basis. Some people also choose to assess and fix their own damages rather than hire a professional. While this strategy may save money in the short term, it will likely end up costing more in the long run to fix secondary damage. Getting an inspection from a professional, however, will help you handle minor roofing problems.
Allowing a roofing professional to evaluate your roof is far safer than attempting to inspect it yourself. Roofers understand how to safely walk on rooftops, and they have proper safety equipment and experience. They also recognize the indicators of roof deterioration so that they do not walk across a weak spot and fall through your roof by accident.
Even the most durable roofing materials may be damaged by extreme weather conditions such as thunderstorms, strong winds, and hurricanes. Sometimes, the effects of the roof damage may not be apparent right away, making filing an insurance claim difficult. Having your roof evaluated by a professional after severe weather will assist you in identifying problems and requesting compensation.
If you’re in need of a residential roof inspection, trust the trained professionals at E&E Contracting to perform an in-depth and comprehensive assessment. Our experts know exactly what to look for, and we’ll check your roof for any potential hazards. If we come across any damage to your roof, you can rely on us to perform whatever repair your roof may need. If the damage is extensive, we may recommend a full roof replacement. E&E is a master elite certified roofer with GAF, and we’re able to provide our homeowners with the best materials and services possible. Contact us today for more information!
The realization that your roof needs to be repaired or replaced can be a daunting one, especially when it is time to hire a roofing contractor. To make things easier, we have put together a guide that will show you how to find a roofing contractor that fits your needs and will make the process as smooth as possible.
As you are searching for a contractor to repair or replace your roof, you are just one Google search away from dozens of companies in your area. How do you weed through the results and choose the roofing company that is right for you?
There is no better way to find a reputable roofing contractor than speaking with friends, family, and neighbors who have recently had work done. You can ask them questions about the sales process, pricing, and the quality of work. Having just gone through this process, your friends and family may have already compared pricing with other companies as well, which can alleviate some of the research on your end.
Over the last 10 years, sites like Angie’s List and Houzz have made finding home improvement contractors much easier. On these sites, you can compare contractors side by side, which can drastically reduce your research time. We have made some great connections on our Houzz profile, and it is a great place to view customer testimonials. Below is a list of some of the most popular sites to find roofing contractors:
Now that you’ve put together a list of companies, it’s time to interview the prospects. It’s easy to forget about questions you meant to ask during consultations, so we recommend writing down your questions beforehand. We have outlined some topics that should be covered as you are vetting potential roofing contractors.
Asking this question will give you an idea of how experienced the contractor is, and how equipped they are to deal with permits and other details the project will entail.
Many states require licenses for contractors, and there are also other credentials that contractors can obtain to prove their competence in their craft. Here is a guide of roofer requirements by state so you have an idea of what you should expect.
Having Contractor’s insurance is law in most states, but it’s still a question that we recommend asking. Specifically, you want to ask about comprehensive liability insurance and worker’s compensation. If a worker is injured on your property you may be held liable unless the contractor is insured.
A workmanship warranty goes beyond the manufacturer warranty that covers shingles and other roofing materials, and covers any potential issues with the roofing project. This shows that the contractor stands behind their work and gives you peace of mind during and after the project.
How contractors handle customer complaints can be a great representation of their character as a company. A reputable roofing company will handle customer complaints with grace, and do all they can to ensure their clients are satisfied with their service.
There is no better way to determine if a company is reputable than through referrals, references, and testimonials. You can gain insights into their customer service, quality, efficiency, and more. At E&E our customers have been very gracious and provided us with dozens of testimonials that you can find on our website.
You should inquire about each potential contractor’s cleanup process during the project, and after the roof is repaired or replaced. Roofing is dirty work, and there’s nothing worse than finding asphalt shingle pieces in your yard after a project is finished. We have outlined our cleanup process on each of our service pages so our customers know what to expect.
Replacing your roof can give you the opportunity to go for a new look or roofing material to spice up your home. It is important to know the options that will be available to you as you go through the process of hiring a roofing contractor.
The preliminary inspection not only allows roofing contractors to give you an accurate estimate, but gives them an idea of what your property looks like so they leave it looking the same. At E&E we take the preliminary inspection very seriously, and love the process of discussing options with our customers.
Now that you have interviewed potential contractors it’s time to get estimates and review them. Keep in mind, the answers to your interview questions will heavily influence the price and timeline of your project. Fully licensed and insured contractors remove some of the liability from the homeowner, and you will sometimes see an increase in cost because of it. Also, more reputable companies often get the job finished faster and leave a cleaner workspace.
Ultimately, you should feel comfortable with the contractor you choose. How did you feel after your interview? Was the salesmen pushy, or were they patient as you asked your questions? At E&E we view our work as a partnership. We take our customers’ vision and exceed their expectations with superior craftsmanship, customer service, and creativity.
Contact us today for a complimentary quote on our upcoming roofing project, we would love to speak with you!
Spring has sprung, which means it’s the perfect time to start thinking about some home improvements! Since you’ll likely be spending more time outside in the warmer months, why not consider some deck improvements? Specifically, adding a roof to your deck is a great way to revamp your outdoor living space. Keep reading to learn more about roofed decks and why you should be thinking about building a roof deck addition!
Building a roof over your deck creates a whole array of possibilities for ways to use your deck. Here are some of the most appealing benefits of roofed decks.
The most common reason why homeowners build roofs over their decks is for protection from the rain and sun. Building a roof deck addition will give you the opportunity to sit outside no matter the weather. Enjoy watching summer storms under the safety of your deck, or escape the sun on the hottest of days. Either way, adding a roof allows you to spend even more time on your deck with your family and friends throughout the year.
After building a roof over your deck, barbecue season will no longer be limited to the days when the weather is warm and dry. In fact, you’ll be able to fire up the grill just about any time of year, rain or shine (or even snow!).
Building a roofed deck is a surefire way to add curb appeal to your property, as well as increase the property value. Plus, if you plan on selling your home in the future, a roofed deck may make your property even more appealing to prospective buyers!
If you’re someone who does a lot of entertaining, a roofed deck is for you. Your guests will love spending time on your covered deck no matter the weather or time of day. Don’t be surprised if your home quickly becomes the go-to party spot!
Before officially deciding to add a roof over your deck, there are some things you should take into consideration. The first thing to think about is whether your existing deck will be able to support the additional weight of a roof or not. All decks are built differently, so some will be able to support a roof while others may not. Your best bet is to consult a professional contractor to evaluate your deck and determine its structural integrity. From there, you’ll be able to decide the best course of action.
Additionally, you’ll want to check with building codes in your area to see if any permits are required for roofed decks. Keep in mind that these building codes vary from place to place.
Generally speaking, there are three main designs for roofed decks:
Ultimately, the design you choose for your roofed deck will depend on the type and material of deck you have, its size, and your personal preference.
If you want to add a roof to your deck, look no further than E&E General Contracting. Our experts will work with you to help you design the perfect roofed deck.
Contact us today to learn more, or fill out a form to request a complimentary estimate!
