LENEXA, Kan., Oct. 12, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Homeowners no longer have to compromise on the beauty of their homes to gain maximum protection from roofing materials. A new synthetic slate roofing product has finally achieved the combined goals of elegance and durability previously impossible with any other roofing shingle. Starting today, selected synthetic shingles are now backed by the Florida Building Code (FBC) certification.
"Each year the storm season causes predictable, massive damage and destruction to the roofs of Florida," said Tim Gentry, director of technical services for DaVinci Roofscapes, a well-known Midwest manufacturer of polymer-based roofing shingles. "Recent advances in plastics technology have led to the development of very authentic-looking synthetic slate shingles. Unlike other 'fake-slate' attempts, these new shingles are convincing 'replicas' of natural slate."
Using an engineered polymer specifically formulated for durability and colorfastness, DaVinci products offer thick, yet lightweight, easy-to-install shingles that have all the beauty, timeless performance and fire, wind and impact resistance of high-end residential roofing materials.
"By unifying various long-proven plastics and double-protecting them against the sun's ultraviolet rays, these new shingles offer both the beautiful look of slate and a tremendous resilience to storms," Gentry said.
The Florida Wind Incentives program gives homeowners insurance discounts for construction features that reduce wind damage including stronger roofs backed by FBC certification. Homes fortified with synthetic roofs are also more attractive for resale.
The DaVinci product has completed a series of required tests in order to become one of the selected brands to receive important Florida Building Code (FBC) certifications including:
-- ASTM for Wind Resistance (passed at 110 mph with nailing
application, and passed at 130 mph with PolyFoam(r) application)
-- UL 2218 for Impact Resistance -- Class 4 (highest rating
available)
-- UL 790 for Fire Resistance -- Class A (highest rating available)
Other FBC-required tests passed by the DaVinci products include resistance to water absorption; resistance to fungus growth; tensile strength after long-term weathering; nail-pull-through resistance; extreme temperature cycling; and material performance in accelerated weathering situations.
DaVinci Slate is UV resistant to avoid fading and is backed by a 50-year warranty. DaVinci Roofscapes recently increased its manufacturing capacity in anticipation of the needs generated by storm-damaged areas across Florida. Order fulfillment time for DaVinci Slate is two to three weeks.
"We've created the most authentic-looking synthetic slate and shake shingles available," said Gentry. "Not only do these products provide a look that's virtually identical to their natural counterparts, they offer the added bonus of maximized performance and durability. It's a 'win-win' for beautiful homes in Florida."
About DaVinci Roofscapes
DaVinci Roofscapes, LLC is a leading provider of authentic-looking and durable synthetic slate and shake shingles. 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 grew up with the roofing industry. Starting with his father's commitment to Total Quality Management principles, he used his background to design and manufacture revolutionary roofing materials that offer natural beauty and high-performance at affordable costs.
DaVinci Roofscapes' flagship product, DaVinci Slate, received HGTV's Most Valuable Product (MVP) award in 2004. DaVinci Shake, recently introduced (and not yet certified by the Florida Building Code), received HGTV's MVP award in 2005.
To learn more, visit www.davinciroofscapes.com.