Why Colorado Homeowners Are Choosing DaVinci for That Cedar Look
DaVinci roof shakes offer the timeless beauty of natural cedar with none of the headaches—no rotting, splitting, or constant maintenance. Here’s what makes them stand out:
- Material: Advanced polymer composite with virgin resins, UV stabilizers, and fire retardants
- Durability: Lifetime Limited Material Warranty; resists fading, cracking, curling, and pests
- Fire Rating: Class A (the highest rating available)
- Impact Rating: Class 4 (maximum hail resistance)
- Wind Resistance: Certified to 110 mph; tested up to 180 mph in High Velocity Hurricane Zones
- Maintenance: Virtually none—no treatments, no replacements, no worries
- Longevity: Designed to last decades without the problems that plague natural wood
If you’ve ever admired the rustic charm of a cedar shake roof but hesitated because of the maintenance nightmares—or if you’ve watched your existing wood shakes deteriorate under Colorado’s harsh sun, hail, and freeze-thaw cycles—you’re not alone. Traditional cedar shake roofs look beautiful on day one, but they dry out, crack, curl, and become fire hazards over time. Some Colorado municipalities have even banned them entirely due to wildfire risk.
DaVinci roof shakes solve this problem. They’re engineered from composite materials that capture the authentic look of hand-split cedar—deep grooves, realistic grain patterns, dramatic shadow lines—while delivering performance that natural wood simply can’t match. They won’t rot, won’t attract insects, won’t fade to gray within a year, and won’t require costly repairs or replacements every few years.
I’m Greg Jones, Managing Partner of New Roof Plus, and I’ve seen how DaVinci roof shakes transform Colorado homes, combining the warmth of natural cedar with the resilience needed for our extreme weather. As a certified installer with experience in these composite systems, I help homeowners steer their options to find roofing solutions that deliver both beauty and peace of mind.
What Are DaVinci Roof Shakes? The Science Behind the Beauty
DaVinci roof shakes are a revolution in roofing, marrying the aesthetic of natural wood with the superior performance of advanced composites. They offer the captivating charm of a hand-split cedar roof without the constant worry of maintenance, rot, or fire. That’s the promise of DaVinci roof shakes.
These aren’t your grandmother’s shingles. DaVinci has crafted a composite material that mimics the visual texture of natural wood and outperforms it in nearly every way. From deep grooves creating dramatic shadow lines to authentic grain patterns molded from real cedar, every detail replicates nature’s beauty using cutting-edge polymer technology.
Material Composition vs. Natural Wood
So, what are DaVinci roof shakes made of? Their secret is a state-of-the-art material: a proprietary blend of virgin resins, UV and thermal stabilizers, and a specialized fire retardant. This isn’t just plastic; it’s a carefully engineered composite designed for extreme durability and longevity.
Let’s compare this to natural wood shakes. While beautiful, natural cedar is inherently vulnerable to a host of problems. Over time, wood shakes dry out, causing them to fade, curl, crack, and split under the relentless sun and fluctuating temperatures. They become susceptible to insect infestations, algae growth, mold, and rot—all common issues that can compromise the integrity and appearance of your roof. And let’s not forget the rodents who occasionally decide your wooden roof is a cozy new home!
Our DaVinci roof shakes, on the other hand, are made to last for decades without these common headaches. Their composite nature means they inherently resist drying out, fading, curling, cracking, splitting, insect infestations, algae growth, mold, and rot. This fundamental difference in material composition is what sets DaVinci apart, offering homeowners a truly worry-free roofing solution that stands the test of time.
Aesthetic Authenticity: How They Replicate Natural Cedar
One of the most compelling aspects of DaVinci roof shakes is their uncanny ability to capture the authentic look of natural cedar. This isn’t a superficial resemblance; it’s a deep, textural authenticity achieved through meticulous design and manufacturing processes. DaVinci uses sophisticated molds that capture the realistic variations, deep grooves, and intricate grain patterns found in natural, hand-split cedar shakes. This attention to detail creates dramatic shadow lines and visual richness that can genuinely improve your home’s curb appeal and value.
The beauty goes beyond mere replication. DaVinci has even developed technologies, like their Nature Crafted Collection, to simulate the warmth and softness of a patina—that beautiful, aged look that natural cedar develops over many years. But unlike natural wood, which often develops this patina at the cost of its structural integrity and fades rapidly to gray within a year, DaVinci roof shakes retain their beauty and color stability for decades. The color you select today is the color you will enjoy for years to come.
As we often tell our clients, you won’t find a better-looking or better-performing roof at any price. The goal is to provide the rustic beauty and charm of a natural shake shingle roof with none of the disadvantages associated with wood shingles. For a deeper dive into choosing the right shake for your home, you might find our Shake Roof Buyer’s Guide | DaVinci Roofscapes particularly useful.
Best Performance: Why DaVinci Outlasts Traditional Shakes
When it comes to protecting your home, especially here in Colorado, performance is paramount. Our weather can be notoriously harsh, throwing everything from intense UV radiation and temperature swings to hailstorms and high winds our way. This is where DaVinci roof shakes truly shine, offering superior durability, longevity, and weather resistance that natural wood simply can’t compete with.
We believe a roof doesn’t get any better than DaVinci. These composite shakes are engineered to withstand the toughest conditions Mother Nature can dish out, making them an ideal choice for homeowners across our service areas, from Denver to Fort Collins, and all the way up to Vail and Summit County. For more on how these products stand up, check out DaVinci Roofscapes | Slate and Shake Composite Roofing.
Superior Durability and Longevity
A primary reason homeowners choose DaVinci roof shakes is their superior durability and longevity. While natural cedar shakes once lasted 25+ years, the quality of available wood has declined. Modern natural shakes have a shorter lifespan and require ongoing maintenance.
DaVinci roof shakes flip this script. They are backed by a robust Lifetime Limited Material Warranty on residences and a 50-year warranty on commercial projects. This is a testament to the product’s engineering. Our composite shakes are designed to last for decades, resisting common issues like splitting, cracking, curling, and fading. There’s no need for periodic treatments against termites, fungal decay, mold, or rot.
This means significant long-term cost savings. While the initial investment may be comparable to premium wood, eliminating maintenance and replacement costs offers tremendous value. With DaVinci roof shakes, you install it and largely forget it, enjoying decades of beauty and protection. For more details on the benefits in our local market, visit More info about DaVinci Roofscapes in Denver Colorado.
Key Performance Benefits for Colorado Weather
Colorado’s climate presents unique challenges for roofing materials. From the scorching summer sun to heavy snowfall, and particularly our notorious hailstorms and high winds, a roof here needs to be tough. DaVinci roof shakes are built for these conditions, offering performance benefits that provide true peace of mind.
- Class A Fire Rating: This is incredibly important for many of our communities, especially those in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas around Denver, Evergreen, and Conifer. A Class A Fire Rating is the highest possible fire resistance classification for roofing materials, significantly reducing the risk of a roof igniting from airborne embers during a wildfire. This is a critical advantage over natural wood shakes, which, when dry, can become a significant fire hazard.
- Class 4 Impact Rating: Colorado is no stranger to hail. A Class 4 Impact Rating is the highest rating achievable under UL 2218 testing, meaning DaVinci roof shakes can withstand impacts from steel balls dropped from significant heights without cracking. This superior hail resistance is a game-changer for homeowners, often leading to potential discounts on yearly insurance premiums.
- Wind Resistance: Our region experiences strong gusts, especially in areas like Boulder and Fort Collins. DaVinci roof shakes are certified to withstand winds up to 110 mph. For extreme conditions, they have even passed tests for High Velocity Hurricane Zones, including Miami-Dade County and the Texas Department of Insurance, demonstrating their resilience against wind speeds up to 180 mph. This means your roof stays put, even when Mother Nature is at her angriest.
These rigorous certifications and superior performance characteristics make DaVinci roof shakes an outstanding choice for any Colorado home, providing unparalleled protection against our most challenging weather elements.
Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
Beyond their stunning looks and robust performance, DaVinci roof shakes also contribute to sustainability and energy efficiency, a growing concern for many homeowners. While our focus is always on durability and aesthetics, it’s nice to know your roof is doing a little extra for the planet and your wallet.
Some DaVinci roof shakes are available in “Cool Roof” colors, such as Mountain, Tahoe, and Weathered Gray. These specially formulated colors are designed to reflect sunlight and heat away from your home, rather than absorbing it. While these options are particularly noted for meeting California’s Title 24 requirements, the principle of reducing heat absorption benefits any home by potentially lowering cooling costs during our hot Colorado summers.
Furthermore, DaVinci products can contribute to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, signifying their role in sustainable building practices. By choosing DaVinci roof shakes, you’re not only getting a long-lasting, low-maintenance roof but also making a choice that supports energy efficiency and broader environmental goals.
Exploring the Styles and Colors of DaVinci Roof Shakes
One of the most exciting parts of choosing DaVinci roof shakes is the incredible array of styles and colors available. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; DaVinci offers a diverse palette and distinct profiles designed to complement any architectural style, from rustic mountain homes to traditional suburban residences. The goal is always to achieve that authentic cedar aesthetic, but with the freedom to customize and create a truly unique look for your home.
Whether you’re aiming for the classic charm of a weathered shake or a more contemporary blend, DaVinci has an option for you. It’s truly inspiring to see the possibilities that open up with such a versatile product line. You can start exploring the full range of options at Composite Shake Roofing Shingles | DaVinci Roofscapes .
The Different Styles of davinci roof shakes
DaVinci has masterfully engineered several distinct styles of DaVinci roof shakes, each offering a unique aesthetic while sharing the same underlying composite performance benefits. These options allow us to perfectly tailor the roof to your home’s character and your personal preferences:
- Multi-Width Shake: This is a fantastic option for achieving a truly authentic, varied look. Multi-Width Shake tiles are available in a range of widths—specifically 9″, 8″, 7″, 6″, and 4″. This variation in width, combined with deep grooves and realistic grain patterns, creates a dynamic and natural appearance that beautifully mimics hand-split cedar. Each tile has a substantial 5/8″ thickness at the butt, contributing to significant shadow lines and visual depth.
- Single-Width Shake: For those who prefer a more uniform, yet still authentic, aesthetic, the Single-Width Shake offers a consistent 9″ width. Like its multi-width counterpart, it features the same 5/8″ thick profile and realistic texture, providing a clean, classic cedar shake look without the variability in width.
- Select Shake: DaVinci Select Shake is renowned for being the most realistic composite shake on the market. Created from authentic roofscapes, it offers a 5/8″ thick profile that, despite its thickness, remains lightweight due to an engineered rib structure on the underside. This style is designed to mimic the warmth of a patina, retaining its beauty for decades. The engineered rib structure helps achieve that authentic look while keeping the product manageable for installation.
Each of these styles is crafted to bring the rustic beauty of cedar to your home, while eliminating the inherent disadvantages of natural wood. For a closer look at the Multi-Width Shake options, visit Composite Multi-Width Shake Roof | DaVinci Roofscapes .
A Palette of Natural Colors and Blends for davinci roof shakes
Beyond the distinct styles, DaVinci roof shakes truly shine in their color offerings, providing a palette that perfectly mimics the natural hues and aging process of cedar. We’re talking about a full spectrum of authentic cedar colors, with natural variance that ensures your roof looks genuinely organic, not manufactured.
DaVinci’s Nature Crafted Collection, for instance, includes beautiful blends like Aged Cedar, Black Oak, and Mossy Cedar, designed to simulate the warmth and softness of a patina that typically develops over decades of exposure to the elements. Other popular options include Autumn, Chesapeake, Tahoe, Mountain, and New Cedar, each offering a distinct character.
What’s truly ingenious is how DaVinci achieves this natural look. The tiles are delivered to the job site in bundles that are pre-collated with shingle widths and color variations in the ordered blend. This means our installers don’t have to sort through tiles to create a varied pattern; DaVinci has already done the heavy lifting, ensuring a beautiful, random, and authentic appearance right out of the bundle. This factory-sorting eliminates guesswork and simplifies installation, producing the right aesthetic effect every time.
With over 50 standard slate and shake colors available, the possibilities for customization are vast. You can even work with us to create custom blends, allowing your imagination to be the only limit. To visualize how these stunning colors and blends would look on your home, we encourage you to use DaVinci’s color visualizer tool at See your color options come to life byusing our color visualizer. It’s a fantastic way to explore options and ensure your new roof perfectly complements your home’s exterior.
Installation and Cost: What to Expect with Your New Roof
Deciding on a new roof is a significant investment, and understanding the installation process and long-term cost benefits is crucial. With DaVinci roof shakes, you’re choosing a product that not only looks incredible but also offers a streamlined installation compared to natural shakes and delivers exceptional long-term value.
| Feature | Natural Wood Shakes | DaVinci Roof Shakes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | Often lower, but rising with wood quality decline | Comparable to premium wood, sometimes higher |
| Maintenance Costs | High (treatments, repairs, replacements) | Virtually none |
| Lifespan | 15-25 years (often less with modern wood) | 50+ years (backed by Lifetime Limited Warranty) |
| Long-Term Value | Decreases over time due to maintenance/replacement | Increases home value, saves on long-term costs |
Installation Considerations
One of the pleasant surprises for many homeowners and even some contractors new to the product is how straightforward the installation of DaVinci roof shakes can be, especially compared to the intricacies and waste associated with natural wood. DaVinci products are lightweight, which can ease the burden on your roof structure and simplify handling during installation.
Here at New Roof Plus, we emphasize precision and adherence to manufacturer guidelines to ensure optimal performance. DaVinci roof shakes must be installed on a smooth, flat surface, typically a minimum 15/32″ APA approved plywood or 7/16″ approved OSB. This ensures a stable base for your beautiful new roof.
Given Colorado’s climate, especially the potential for ice buildup in winter, we always install a self-adhered membrane on all eaves, extending two feet above the exterior wall line. This “ice and water shield” is crucial for preventing water intrusion. Additionally, self-adhered membrane is required in all valleys, regardless of temperature, providing an extra layer of protection where water naturally channels.
For Class A fire-rated installations, we follow specific guidelines, which may include using fire-resistant roof deck protection like GAF VersaShield®. Fasteners are also key: we use nails long enough to penetrate through the roof deck by at least 3/16″, recommending copper, stainless steel, or hot-dipped galvanized nails for their durability. In high wind areas or on OSB decks, ring-shank nails are mandatory for superior holding power. We also maintain a minimum 3/8″ gap between shakes and typically use a 9″ or 10″ exposure for straight courses, or 9″ for staggered courses, to achieve that perfect aesthetic. The fact that the bundles are pre-collated with widths and colors makes our job easier and ensures a beautiful, random pattern without sorting on-site. Plus, these materials can even be installed in temperatures below 45°F, which is a definite plus for our longer roofing season here in Colorado.
As a certified installer for DaVinci roof shakes in the Denver area, we have the expertise to ensure your roof is installed correctly and beautifully. For local professional installation, consider us, your DaVinci Roofscapes Installer in Denver.
Cost vs. Value: A Long-Term Investment
Let’s talk numbers, because while beauty is important, value is what truly makes a smart investment. The initial cost of DaVinci roof shakes can be comparable to, or sometimes slightly higher than, premium natural wood shakes. For perspective, installed natural wood shakes can range from $10.50 to $18.50 per square foot, and their prices have been on the rise due to reduced quality wood availability. However, this is where the comparison shifts dramatically.
With natural wood, the initial cost is just the beginning. You’re signing up for ongoing maintenance—treatments, repairs, and eventually, a full replacement much sooner than you’d like. These hidden costs add up significantly over the lifespan of the roof.
DaVinci roof shakes are a different story. While the upfront investment is there, they save homeowners substantially on long-term maintenance and replacement costs. Imagine decades without worrying about treatments for insects, mold, or rot. No need to replace individual shakes that have curled or split. This virtually maintenance-free existence means significant savings over the roof’s lifetime.
What’s more, the superior durability and protective features of DaVinci roof shakes often earn homeowners a discount on their yearly insurance premiums. This is a benefit not typically offered for natural material roofs, especially in hail-prone Colorado. An authentic appearance, combined with incredible resilience, increases your home’s curb appeal and value, making it a wise long-term investment.
Warranty and Code Approvals
When we install a DaVinci roof shake system, we’re not just putting shingles on your roof; we’re providing a shield of protection backed by industry-leading warranties and rigorous code approvals. This gives our homeowners unparalleled peace of mind.
Every residential DaVinci roof shake installation comes with a Lifetime Limited Material Warranty. For commercial projects, this extends to a 50-year warranty. This commitment from DaVinci speaks volumes about their confidence in the product’s longevity and performance.
Beyond the warranty, DaVinci roof shakes boast an impressive list of building code approvals and certifications, demonstrating their compliance with the highest safety and performance standards:
- ICC-ES ESR-2119: This is a widely recognized evaluation report confirming compliance with building codes.
- Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) and Miami-Dade County, FL NOA: These are among the most stringent testing bodies for wind resistance, especially in hurricane-prone regions. Passing these tests means DaVinci roof shakes are built to endure extreme weather, which translates directly to superior performance in Colorado’s high winds.
- Class A Fire Rating: As mentioned, this is the highest fire resistance rating, crucial for fire safety, particularly in WUI zones.
- Class 4 Impact Rating: The highest rating for impact resistance, offering maximum protection against hail damage.
- WUI (Wildland Urban Interface) and CCMC 14094-R: Further approvals for specific applications and markets.
These certifications mean that when we install DaVinci roof shakes, you’re getting a product that has been independently tested and proven to meet and exceed industry standards for safety, durability, and performance. It’s a testament to the fact that you’re investing in one of the best roofing solutions available.
Frequently Asked Questions about DaVinci Shakes
We often get asked similar questions about DaVinci roof shakes by homeowners considering this innovative roofing solution. Here are some of the most common inquiries and our expert answers.
How long does a DaVinci composite shake roof really last?
DaVinci roof shakes are engineered to last for decades, resisting the elements that degrade natural wood. They are backed by a comprehensive Lifetime Limited Material Warranty for residences, ensuring your investment is protected for the long haul. Unlike natural wood, which can deteriorate quickly under Colorado’s sun, hail, and freeze-thaw cycles, DaVinci’s composite material maintains its integrity and appearance for many, many years, without the need for constant maintenance or premature replacement.
Can DaVinci shakes increase my home’s value?
Absolutely. The combination of stunning curb appeal that mimics natural cedar, superior durability, and virtually zero maintenance makes DaVinci roof shakes a premium feature that improves home value and attracts discerning buyers. A beautiful, long-lasting, and worry-free roof is a major selling point, signaling quality and thoughtful investment to potential buyers. Furthermore, the potential for insurance discounts due to the roof’s impact and fire ratings can be an added financial benefit that improves your home’s appeal.
Are DaVinci shakes a good choice for Colorado’s climate?
Yes, they are an ideal choice. Their Class 4 impact rating provides top-tier protection against hailstorms, which are a frequent and costly problem for Colorado homeowners. The Class A fire rating is crucial for homes in wildfire-prone areas (WUI), offering a significant safety advantage over natural wood. Additionally, their high wind resistance, certified up to 110 mph and tested for High Velocity Hurricane Zones, stands up to Colorado’s strong gusts, ensuring your roof remains secure. For these reasons, we highly recommend DaVinci roof shakes for their resilience against our local weather extremes.
The Final Verdict: A Superior Shake for Your Home
At New Roof Plus, we’ve seen countless roofs and worked with a wide array of materials. Our experience, combined with our deep understanding of Colorado’s unique climate, leads us to a clear conclusion: DaVinci roof shakes represent a superior choice for homeowners seeking the classic beauty of cedar with modern, lasting performance.
The key advantages are undeniable: the best aesthetic authenticity, the robust durability against fire, impact, and wind, the virtually maintenance-free longevity, and the significant long-term value. It’s a smart investment that protects your home, improves its curb appeal, and provides peace of mind for decades.
As certified installers, the experts at New Roof Plus are here to help you steer the options to find the perfect DaVinci solution for your home. We’re proud to bring this innovative roofing technology to our communities across Denver, Aurora, Boulder, Fort Collins, and beyond. If you’re ready to transform your roof with the DaVinci difference, we invite you to explore our services further. Visit our dedicated page to learn more about DaVinci Roofing Denver Colorado DaVinci Roofscapes by New Roof Plus and see how we can help you achieve the roof of your dreams.
