LENEXA, Kan., Jan. 9, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Put together several opinionated designers, dozens of professional contractors and hundreds of volunteers to build a magnificent new home in just seven days and what do you get? The answer is -- Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. And millions of viewers are tuning in each week to this primetime ABC hit show to see how the lives of one deserving family are changed forever.
In the case of last night's episode, companies from nearby Wichita and many from across the country donated their time and products to the Rose Hill, Kansas, home owned by Kevin and Cathy Nutsch and their five daughters. While on vacation in August, the Nutsch's home exploded and left them homeless.
Lead contractor Mark Eaton, owner of Wichita Roofing and Remodeling, put out the word that donations were needed and Cliff Nielsen of Spec Building Materials answered the call. His company distributes what he calls the best product available, DaVinci Shake, which is manufactured just a few hours away in the Kansas City area.
"I've been at this a long time and the DaVinci product is absolutely the best shingle out there," said Nielsen, whose company sells roofing and building materials. "It's the best looking product because of its realistic detail, and its superior packaging system makes it easy for roofers to install. This was especially important on the Extreme Makeover job, due to the short time period they had to install it."
The Extreme Makeover: Home Edition design team selected DaVinci Shake to cap off the home. DaVinci Shake is a durable synthetic shake shingle that is available in four realistic blends -- New Cedar, Autumn, Weathered Cedar and Weathered Gray. Each blend features five different sizes and five wood-tone colors to create a natural-looking blend with subtle variation. The product, which applies just like natural wood shake shingles, is packaged with all five sizes and all five colors in each bundle. DaVinci Shake received HGTV's Most Valuable Product (MVP) award in 2005.
With the DaVinci Shake roof overhead, the Nutsch's will have added protection against wind, rain and hail. These shakes have earned the highest ratings available from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), including UL's Class A rating for fire resistance. DaVinci Shake also passes UL's wind test at 90 mph, and has earned UL's highest impact rating: Class 4. These ratings from UL qualify homeowners for reduced premiums from many insurance companies.
"DaVinci Roofscapes is proud to be associated with this very worthwhile project," said John Humphreys, CEO for DaVinci Roofscapes. "It was an honor to be part of the excellent team that built this amazing dream home for such a deserving family. Everyone at our company is extremely proud that DaVinci Shake was chosen for this commendable cause."
About DaVinci Roofscapes
DaVinci Roofscapes is a leading provider of authentic-looking, long-lasting synthetic slates and shakes. The company was founded in 1999 by John Humphreys, son of the late J.P. Humphreys who was president and CEO of one of the largest asphalt shingle manufacturing companies in the United States. Humphreys therefore grew up in the roofing industry. Starting with his father's commitment to Total Quality Management, he coordinated a team of scientists, artists and roofers to develop revolutionary roofing materials that offer natural beauty and high-performance at affordable costs. To learn more, visit www.davinciroofscapes.com.