Alabama Home Transformed with Synthetic Shake Roof

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Two months ago if you drove up to the Gapultos home in Russellville, Alabama you’d swear aliens had chewed off part of their cedar shake roof. Just 12 years after being installed, several shakes were missing, while others were curling up badly. The entire roof was faded, stained and had suffered hail damage. Now, after the installation of synthetic cedar shake roofing tiles from DaVinci Roofscapes®, the home’s exterior has been transformed.

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“The original cedar shakes should have lasted another eight years or so, but they were installed straight to the deck without an underlayment, so they’re history,” says Jim Butters, owner of Advanced Roofing and Gutters Systems. “When I was called in on this project I knew the only way to restore the homeowner’s faith in their roof was to install synthetic shake shingles.”

The 125 squares of DaVinci Classic Shake tiles installed on the Gapultos home have a deep-grained surface that reflects the natural texture of cedar shakes. Butters and his team of 12 installed the Tahoe blend of tiles in May of 2010. “Along with being able to withstand the hail that originally damaged them, these eco-friendly tiles have been tested for high winds and fire resistance,” says Butters. “This new roof will endure whatever kind of weather comes our way in Alabama.”

Architect — and Daughter — Approved
When Dr. and Mrs. Gapultos decided to replace their worn-out roof, they went to an expert — their daughter, Aimee Gapultos, for advice. An architect with Wiser Company in Murfreesboro, Tenn., Aimee has had experience with specifying roofs.

“The roof is a focal point in this home, so it was important to select a product that complements the structure’s natural stone and wood exterior facade,” says Gapultos, AIA, LEED AP. “My parents liked the cedar shake look but wanted to completely eliminate the potential for weathering and damage like they had experienced with real wood.

“My advice was to use synthetic tiles from DaVinci. I previously specified similar synthetic tiles for a historic train depot project and was impressed with them. With the DaVinci shake roofing tiles in particular, I like the thickness, profile, and texture of the shakes. I also like that DaVinci offers an array of colors that are inspired by nature. My folks latched on to the 50-year warranty as a major reason to make the investment in synthetic roofing.”

Installed in a staggered application, the DaVinci Classic Shake tiles have dramatically enhanced the Gapultos home. “When I visited recently I couldn’t believe it was the same house I grew up in,” says Gapultos. “This new roof transformed the home and looks so natural.

“The goal was to maintain the integrity of the original house design with a more durable product. The end result enhanced the beauty and gave the home a facelift. And, best of all, we know that the roof will simply laugh at any hail storm that comes along in the future.”

DaVinci Roofscapes has manufactured award-winning synthetic slate and shake roofing since 1999. The polymer roofing tiles are virtually maintenance free and far more cost effective than the natural product. DaVinci leads the industry in tile thickness, the tile width variety and the greatest selection of subtle earth-toned colors. Company products have a 50-year warranty and are 100 percent recyclable. DaVinci proudly makes its products in America and is a member of the National Association of Home Builders, the Cool Roof Rating Council and the U.S. Green Building Council. For additional information call 1-800-328-4624 or visit our website.