Premium Synthetic Roofing Solutions
When performance matters as much as appearance, synthetic shingles are the premier solution for luxury steep-slope roofing. From an installation and long-term durability perspective, composite roofing solves the primary failures of traditional materials—weight, brittleness, and organic decay—without sacrificing architectural authenticity.
We specialize in specifying and installing three industry-leading synthetic systems: Brava, EcoStar, and DaVinci Roofscapes.
Why Contractors & Engineers Specify Synthetic Shingles
From a structural and mechanical standpoint, synthetic composite shingles deliver distinct advantages over natural slate, cedar shake, and clay tile:
- Elimination of Structural Reinforcements: Natural slate (700–1,500 lbs/sq) and clay tiles require heavy structural engineering and framing reinforcement. Synthetics weigh 200–350 lbs/sq, installing directly on standard 15/32″ OSB or plywood decking.
- Impact & Thermal Performance: All three manufacturers carry UL 2218 Class 4 Impact Ratings (withstanding 2-inch steel ball impacts) and UL 790 Class A Fire Ratings (when installed with approved underlayment systems).
- Zero Moisture Absorption: Unlike cedar shake (which rots, cracks, and attracts moss) or natural slate/clay (which freeze-thaw spalls in cold climates), synthetic formulations do not absorb water, completely preventing freeze-thaw degradation.
- Extreme Wind Uplift Resistance: Engineered nail-zone guidelines, thermal expansion gaps, and specialized clip/screw fastening allow these systems to handle severe wind zones (up to 110–200+ PSF wind uplift ratings depending on brand/profile).
Brand Comparison: Brava vs. EcoStar vs. DaVinci
Each manufacturer utilizes unique polymer technology and manufacturing methods tailored to specific architectural and performance goals.
| Feature / Metric | Brava Composite | EcoStar | DaVinci Roofscapes |
| Material Base | Recycled post-consumer polymers & rubber | Up to 80% post-industrial recycled rubber/plastics (Starloy) | Virgin engineered polymers & UV stabilizers |
| Core Profiles | Old World Slate, Cedar Shake, Spanish Barrel Tile | Majestic Slate, Seneca Shake, Designer & Niagara Series | Multi-Width & Single-Width Slate & Shake |
| Visual Texture | Hand-crafted thick profiles, multi-colored variegated blends throughout tile | Classic thin slate profile (Majestic) & heavy 5/8″ cavity-back (Niagara) | Deep shadow lines, natural grain color blends, precise engineered ribbing |
| Fire / Impact | Class A Fire / Class 4 Impact | Class A Fire / Class 4 Impact | Class A Fire / Class 4 Impact |
| Warranty | 50-Year Limited Warranty | 50-Year Limited / 50-Year Transferable Labor & Material | 50-Year Lifetime Limited Warranty |
Deep Dive: System Profiles
Brava Composite Roofing
- Old World Slate & Cedar Shake: Replicates authentic multi-tone depth. The color run goes all the way through the material rather than a surface coat.
- Spanish Barrel Tile: The only synthetic barrel tile on the market approved for high-wind zones without requiring structural roof load changes.
- Installer’s Take: Brava’s closed-cell molding creates realistic backer depth and solid core density, making it exceptionally durable under foot traffic during installation.
EcoStar Synthetic Roofing
- Majestic & Niagara Slate: Available in traditional widths as well as the thick 5/8″ Niagara profile. Uses a cavity-back design that cuts roof load up to 20% while maintaining a deep shadow line.
- Eco-Friendly Credentials: Incorporates up to 80% recycled post-industrial polymers, making it an ideal choice for high-performance sustainable builds.
- Installer’s Take: EcoStar offers extensive flexibility with multi-width bundles (6″, 9″, 12″) and specialty cuts (Chisel Point, Beveled Edge, Beaver Tail) for historic restoration projects.
DaVinci Roofscapes
- Single-Width & Multi-Width Slate/Shake: Precision-engineered tiles engineered with high-grade virgin resins and custom UV inhibitors to resist fading.
- Consistency: Pre-sorted bundles and clear collated markings speed up installation and eliminate on-site sorting confusion.
- Installer’s Take: Exceptional thermal stability across temperature extremes. Ribbed underside structures maintain rigidity while remaining lightweight.
Contractor Specifications & Installation Practices
Proper installation is critical to system longevity. Our crews follow rigid technical protocols for every synthetic roof:
- Deck Preparation: Minimum 15/32″ OSB or 5/8″ plywood sheathing. Complete tear-off of legacy materials is required to inspect decking integrity.
- Underlayment Integration: High-temp self-adhered ice & water shield applied at eaves, valleys, sidewalls, and low-slope transitions, combined with synthetic underlayment across the field to secure a Class A fire rating.
- Thermal Expansion Layout: Synthetic materials expand and contract with temperature changes. We strictly maintain the manufacturer-specified expansion gaps (typically 3/8″ to 1/2″) between tiles during installation.
- Fastener Protocols: Corrosion-resistant ring-shank stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized roofing nails placed precisely within engineered nail-zone indicators to guarantee wind warranties.
- Flashing & Valleys: Custom fabricated open copper or heavy-gauge prepainted aluminum valley liners with copper or color-matched metal flashings at sidewalls and wall intersections.
Ready to Upgrade Your Roof?
Get an authentic, fully warrantied roofing system built to last for decades.
[Call Now: 301) 208-3201] [Request Your Free Estmate]