Want the look of natural slate, hand-split cedar shake, or Spanish clay tile, without the weight, upkeep, or price tag that comes with the real thing? Synthetic roofing makes it possible. McGuire Roofing installs DaVinci Roofscapes and Brava Roof Tile composite roofs for clients in Knoxville and across East Tennessee. Between the two brands, you can choose from more styles, widths, and colors than almost any other roofing material offers.
What Is Synthetic Roofing?
Synthetic (composite) roofing is made of engineered polymer tiles. They’re molded to copy the texture, thickness, and shadow lines of natural slate, wood shake, and clay tile. The tiles are installed one at a time, like the materials they imitate, so the finished roof has the same varied, handcrafted look.
- DaVinci tiles are made from virgin resins with UV and thermal stabilizers and a fire retardant. They’re manufactured in Lenexa, Kansas and Metamora, Michigan.
- Brava tiles are made from recycled materials and are made in the USA.
- Tiles from both brands can be recycled.
Benefits of a Synthetic Roof
A Huge Variety of Styles
Slate, shake, and barrel tile, in single widths and multi-width blends, with dozens of colors and color blends. Composite roofing works on almost any home: a stately brick traditional, a mountain lodge, a lake house, or a Mediterranean-style build.
Impact and Fire Ratings
DaVinci roofing carries a Class A fire rating and a Class 4 impact rating. Brava tiles are Class 4 impact rated (UL 2218). They reach a Class A fire rating when installed over the specified fire-rated underlayment, or Class C with standard underlayment.
Wind Resistance
DaVinci lists a 110 mph straight-line wind rating and 180 mph in hurricane zones. Brava says its tiles are tested to 188 mph with nails and 211 mph with its high-wind screw installation.
Lighter Than the Real Thing
Natural slate and clay tile are heavy enough that many homes need extra structural support. Composite tiles are much lighter. DaVinci Multi-Width Slate weighs about 262 lbs per roofing square at an 8″ exposure, and Province Slate about 201 lbs per square. Brava says no additional structural support is needed for its shake system.
Low Maintenance, Lasting Color
Synthetic tiles don’t rot, split, or need the ongoing treatments real cedar does. DaVinci says its UV-stabilized resins mean “the color you pick is the color you keep.”
DaVinci Roofscapes Styles
DaVinci makes composite slate and shake, and it is now part of Westlake Royal Building Products. Its current profiles include:
DaVinci Slate
- Single-Width Slate: uniform 12″ wide tiles for a clean, classic slate roof.
- Multi-Width Slate: a mix of 6″, 7″, 9″, 10″, and 12″ widths for a hand-laid, old-world look.
- Province Slate: a shorter, thicker 12″ x 11.5″ tile for a bolder, more dimensional slate look.
Slate colors include Aberdeen, Aurora, Brownstone, Canyon, Castle Gray, European, Evergreen, Rock Ridge, Slate Black, Slate Gray, Smokey Gray, Sonora, Vineyard, and Weathered Green, plus Cool Roof options. Available colors vary by profile.
DaVinci Shake
- Single-Width Shake: 9″ wide shakes with the texture of cedar.
- Multi-Width Shake: 4″ to 9″ widths for the varied look of hand-split cedar.
- Select Shake: another DaVinci shake profile that McGuire Roofing installs. Ask us for samples.
Shake colors include Aged Cedar, Autumn, Black Oak, Blonde Cedar, Chesapeake, Mossy Cedar, Mountain, New Cedar, Tahoe, Timber Black, and Weathered Gray, plus Cool Roof options.
Warranty: DaVinci Slate and Shake carry a Lifetime Limited Material Warranty, which includes 10 years of non-prorated coverage against manufacturing defects. You’ll receive the written warranty, and we’ll walk you through the terms.
Brava Roof Tile Styles
Brava is based in Washington, Iowa. It makes composite tile designed to replace cedar shake, natural slate, and Spanish clay tile.
- Brava Cedar Shake: 22″ long shakes in 5″, 7″, and 12″ widths, about 1″ thick, cast for a hand-split look. You can install them in straight or staggered courses.
- Brava Slate: available as 12″ standard slate or as a 6″, 9″, and 12″ multi-width slate.
- Brava Spanish Barrel Tile: the warm look of traditional clay barrel tile at a fraction of the weight.
Cedar Shake colors include Aged Cedar, Aspen, Beechwood, Canyon Gray, Lake Forest, Natural Cedar, and Weathered. Premium colors include Arendale, Light Arendale, New Cedar, Onyx, and White.
Slate colors include Arendale, Atlantic, Cottage, Graphite, Light Arendale, Onyx, and Washington. Premium colors include Sandstone, European, Pine Green, Tuscan Clay, and Victorian.
Brava also offers Cool Roof colors and custom color blends. Premium, Cool Roof, and legacy colors cost more than standard colors.
Warranty: Brava backs its tiles with a 50-year limited warranty. You’ll receive the written warranty, and we’ll review it with you.
Cost and Value
A synthetic roof costs more than an asphalt shingle roof. It usually costs much less than natural slate or clay tile, which can also require structural reinforcement. You’re paying for a premium look that lasts, low maintenance, and strong impact ratings. Your price depends on:
- Roof size and pitch
- The brand, profile, and color you choose (premium colors cost more)
- Tear-off and decking
- Details like chimneys, valleys, and dormers
We give every client a free written estimate based on their actual roof. Financing is available to help make a premium roof fit your budget.
Why Clients Choose McGuire Roofing
- Local to Knoxville: Our office is at 623 Simmons Road, Suite 1, Knoxville, TN 37932, and we serve clients across East Tennessee.
- Specialty roof experience: Composite tiles call for different layout, fastening, and flashing than shingles. We install to each manufacturer’s specifications.
- Help choosing a style: We’ll help you compare DaVinci and Brava profiles and colors and find the right fit for your home.
- Phones answered 24/7: Call 865-338-7663 any time.
- Honest insurance help: Free inspections, photo documentation, and meetings with your adjuster. We never cover or waive deductibles.
- Financing for qualified clients.
Synthetic Roofing FAQ
Does synthetic slate or shake look fake?
Not when it’s done well. DaVinci tiles are modeled from real slate and hand-split shake, and Brava casts its shakes from naturally split wood. Multi-width blends and mixed colors make the roof look even more natural.
How does synthetic roofing handle hail?
DaVinci and Brava both carry Class 4 impact ratings, the highest available. If a storm comes through, we offer free inspections.
Is synthetic roofing fire-rated?
DaVinci carries a Class A fire rating. Brava reaches Class A when installed with the specified fire-rated underlayment.
Is it environmentally friendly?
Brava tiles are made from recycled materials and can be recycled again. DaVinci uses virgin resin for consistency, but its tiles are 100% recyclable through its recycling program.
Does McGuire’s GAF certification apply?
No. Our GAF certification applies to GAF shingle systems. Synthetic roofs are covered by the DaVinci or Brava manufacturer warranty, plus our own workmanship.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. Ask about financing options when we give your estimate.
Get a Free Synthetic Roofing Estimate
Want to see DaVinci and Brava samples next to your home? Request your free quote or call 865-338-7663. We answer 24/7.