Cedar shingles have enjoyed a long run as top dog of the roofing world. They’re attractive, durable, and have a charm that suburbanites just can’t resist. Unfortunately, fireproof they ain’t, and that’s a big concern when you live in dry territory. Past attempts at synthetic and less flammable versions never quite took—their effect was often artificial and lacked the detail of the real thing. A new product, from DaVinci Roofscapes, has been making a stir in the builders arena. Their Synthetic Shakes, with deep shadow lines and textured surfaces, have fooled even the skeptics at recent trade shows. And because they are made of an engineered polymer, these shingles are less likely to fade, split, or dislodge in extreme weather. They meet UL performance standards for fire, impact, and wind, plus they can’t absorb water so they won’t be impacted by freeze/thaw cycles. The catch? Well, they aren’t cheap —somewhere in the $600-$900 range per 100 foot square, installed. DaVinci notes that their manufactured shakes can last up to twice as along as cedar, thus halving the lifetime cost. Still a pile of cash, but it’s worth it and might get you an insurance break if you live in a wildfire zone! Available now.
Fake Shake
