If you want a roof that turns heads and outlasts asphalt shingles, you have four main choices: DaVinci synthetic slate and shake, Brava composite tile, natural cedar shakes, and metal. Each has a very different look, price, weight and maintenance profile. Here’s an honest side-by-side so you can pick the right fit for your home.
| DaVinci Roofscapes | Brava Roof Tile | Natural Cedar Shake | Metal Roofing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Composite polymer, color-through | Composite made from recycled material | Natural cedar wood | Steel or aluminum panels or shingles |
| Looks like | Natural slate or hand-split shake | Slate, cedar shake or Spanish tile | Real cedar (it is real cedar) | Standing seam, or shingle, shake and tile profiles |
| Impact rating | Class 4 (Slate & Shake) | Class 4 | Not typically rated Class 4 | Many systems Class 4; varies by product |
| Fire rating | Class A | Class A with the specified underlayment | Class A only with fire-treated shakes/assemblies | Class A (noncombustible) |
| Wind | Up to 110 mph | 110 mph warranty approval | Depends on installation | High; varies by system |
| Weight | Much lighter than real slate; no structural reinforcement for most homes | Much lighter than slate or concrete tile | Light | Lightest option |
| Maintenance | Very low | Very low | Highest: cleaning, treatment, replacing split shakes | Very low |
| Warranty | Lifetime limited material warranty (DaVinci Slate includes a 10-year non-prorated material and labor period) | 50-year limited warranty | Varies; often shorter | Separate panel and paint-finish warranties; long-life finishes available |
| Relative cost | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$ to $$$ |
| Best for | Slate or shake looks with top storm performance | Slate, shake or tile looks from recycled material | Homeowners who want authentic wood and accept upkeep | Longevity, modern style, snow shedding |
Ratings and warranties are from manufacturer literature and vary by product line and installation. We’ll confirm the specifics for the exact product and color you choose.
DaVinci Roofscapes
DaVinci’s composite slate and shake tiles are molded from real slate and cedar to capture authentic texture and color variation, and the color runs all the way through the tile. They’re offered in single-width and multi-width styles, and their Class 4 impact rating can qualify for insurance discounts with some carriers. Explore DaVinci roofing.
Brava Roof Tile
Brava tiles are made in the USA from recycled material and come in slate, cedar shake and Spanish tile profiles, including multi-width slate. They carry a Class 4 impact rating and a 50-year limited warranty.
Natural cedar shakes
Nothing looks quite like the real thing. Cedar is beautiful and naturally insulating, but it needs periodic maintenance and is more vulnerable to rot, moss and fire than synthetic options. Learn about cedar shake roofing.
Metal roofing
Metal offers the longest service life of any residential roof we install, sheds snow, and reflects heat. Choose sleek standing seam or a metal shingle that mimics slate, shake or tile. See metal roofing options or read our metal roofing FAQs.
Which premium roof is right for you?
- Want a slate look without the weight? DaVinci or Brava synthetic slate.
- Want the warmth of wood with less upkeep? DaVinci Shake or Brava Shake.
- Want the longest-lasting roof? Standing seam metal.
- Want authentic, historic character? Natural cedar shakes.
Ready to see your options?
Get a free, no-pressure estimate from Style Exteriors by Corley, or try our complimentary Visualizer Tool to see new colors and materials on your own home first.
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