Synthetic Slate, Clay & Cedar Roofing: EcoStar, DaVinci, Brava, and Local Brands

Synthetic Slate & Shake Roofing by The Cedar Cleaners: EcoStar, DaVinci, Brava, and Local Brands

Synthetic roofing solutions have become very popular among Toronto residential and commercial property owners as an efficient alternative to traditional materials like slate, asphalt, clay tiles, and even canadian cedar shakes.

Why Is Composite Roofing So Popular?

Covering roofs with clay tiles, slate tiles and cedar shakes has been a popular roofing solution for many centuries. Clay, slate, wooden shakes, and other natural materials have long been considered the most effective, durable, and decorative solutions for both commercial and residential roofs. Today, there are numerous styles, colors, and types of tiles, shakes, or slates designed for optimal performance. Yet, despite their environmental friendliness and high decorative appeal, natural materials have several drawbacks:

  • Natural slate tiles are fragile and can be broken by hail.
  • Clay tiles are very heavy and require reinforced roof constructions.
  • Cedar shakes are quite expensive to install and maintain.

The solution with fewer drawbacks, and one that we at The Cedar Cleaners recommend, is composite synthetic roofing.

Image: bravarooftile.com

The Reasons to Install Synthetic Roofing Shakes in Toronto GTA and Hamilton Area

Synthetic roofing offers several benefits:

  • High decorative features: Composite cedar shakes look exactly like natural ones.
  • Durability: Synthetic roofing shakes will last for many years, similar to natural ones.
  • Waterproofness: Special sealers, tapes, screws with waterproof gaskets, airtight sockets, and other mounting details ensure that composite roof shingles do not absorb or let moisture through.
  • Frost resistance: This feature is especially important for freezing cold Toronto winters.
  • Heat resistance: Composite shingles are more resistant to fire than natural cedar.
  • Environmental friendliness: The materials used to produce synthetic roofing shingles are non-toxic.
  • Affordability: Both installation and maintenance are much less expensive than working with natural materials.
  • Perfect sound insulation: With proper roofing systems, synthetic cedar shingles provide excellent noise insulation.
  • Resistance to weather impacts: Composite shingles will not lose color or corrode due to rains, snow, UV radiation, and other weather influences.

Synthetic Cedar Shake Roofing

When searching for a cedar shake roof alternative, Brava’s synthetic shake roofing tiles should be at the top of your list. Our polymer shingles combine the true-to-life natural beauty and rustic split textures of real cedar with the incredible benefits of composite roofing material. When it comes to quality and craftsmanship, no one does it better. We manufacture the best composite shake shingles available. (Title 24 options available)

Cedar Shake Roofing Product Profile

Brava composite shake tile offers the aesthetics of hand-split cedar, appealing even to the most discerning consumers. Our multi-colored synthetic roof tile is unparalleled in the composite roofing market and is available in three different widths. It can be installed in straight courses or in a staggered application for a more rugged appearance. No other imitation shake comes close to our authentic appearance and quality.

Environmentally Friendly Roofing

Our polymer roofing products are made of recycled materials and are fully sustainable. This not only makes the product more durable but environmentally friendly as well. Brava’s cedar shake alternative is maintenance-free, unlike traditional shake roofing. Throughout the roof’s lifecycle, you will not need to repair or replace individual shakes as you would with real wood.

Cedar Shake Roof Tiles Durability

Brava’s composite roof tiles vary in thickness from ⅝” to ⅞”, creating desirable shadow lines that make your home appear to have real cedar roof shingles. With its dramatic and classic look, combined with a 50-year limited warranty, it is clear that our polymer shake roof tile is a desirable and intelligent way to protect your home. When you install our composite roofing product, you can be confident that your new imitation cedar shake roof will have a much longer life expectancy than natural wood shingles. Less maintenance and repairs result in a greater return on investment.

Synthetic Shake Roof Accessories

Our shake roofing system offers solid tile accessories to assist in the installation at gables and valleys. Starter pieces and hip/ridge trim complete the line. No special tools are required for installation, and no additional structural support is needed. This makes our product ideal for new construction and re-roofs for both residential and commercial projects.

Color Disclaimer: The printed colors shown on this website or in the brochure may vary from actual colors. Before making a final selection, be sure to review actual material samples and roof installations. Please contact your sales representative for further assistance.

Wind Testing

All tiles are manufactured to uphold the highest quality control standards and withstand the harshest weather conditions. Brava tiles are tested and approved to withstand wind speeds of up to 188 MPH with nails and up to 211 MPH with high wind/screw installation.

The Installation of Synthetic Cedar or Slate Shingles by EcoStar, DaVinci & Brava

Many people believe they can handle the installation of roofing materials on their own. However, at The Cedar Cleaners, we don’t recommend this.

First, the proper installation of solutions like shingles and tiles by untrained individuals is practically impossible. Second, high-rise construction work requires specialized equipment and proper training, which our staff possesses. Finally, why waste time when you can call our experienced workers and have everything done in a very short while?

The installation of tiles and shingles demands professional attention, especially for non-flat roofs. The steeper the slopes, the more careful the installation process must be. This is why we strongly recommend contacting our contractors and designers first. They will quickly arrive, discuss all the important details and your demands, take necessary measurements, and all of this free of charge!

Our professionals will help you choose the most effective ventilation and insulation systems, crucial for big industrial buildings or residential homes with inhabited attics. If you already have a synthetic roofing solution that needs repair, we are here to help you seven days a week. With over 15 years of experience and the most contemporary tools, we can perform the most effective repairs without affecting the entire construction.

Roof Fire Retardant Restriction For Cedar Roofs

United States:

  1. California: The state has strict building codes that often prohibit natural cedar roofing materials unless they are treated to achieve a Class A fire rating. This is due to the high risk of wildfires in many parts of the state.
  2. Other Western States: States such as Colorado, Nevada, and Oregon also have regions where untreated cedar roofs are not allowed due to similar wildfire concerns. Homeowners in these areas must use fire-retardant-treated cedar shingles or alternative materials that meet local fire codes.

Canada:

  1. British Columbia: Given the province’s focus on wildfire prevention, there are areas where untreated cedar roofs are prohibited. In some parts, cedar shakes and shingles must be treated with fire-retardant chemicals to meet safety standards.
  2. Alberta and Ontario: These provinces also have stringent building codes that may restrict the use of natural cedar roofing in high-risk fire zones, requiring treated materials instead.

Overall, jurisdictions with high wildfire risks tend to have regulations prohibiting or limiting the use of untreated natural cedar roofing materials. For regions where natural cedar is allowed, it often must be treated to improve fire resistance. For the most accurate information, it’s advisable to check with local building authorities or consult a professional roofing contractor familiar with regional building codes.

Compare Synthetic Cedar Shake with Traditional Cedar Shake

Feature Ecostar Synthetic Cedar Shake DaVinci Synthetic Cedar ShakeBrava Synthetic Cedar ShakeCerti-Sawn® Tapersawn Cedar ShakesCerti-Guard® Fire-Retardant Treated
Prohibited JurisdictionsNoneNoneNoneProvince’s focus on wildfire prevention: British Columbia, California, ectNone
Fire RetardantClass A or Class CClass B Varies by manufacturerClass C Varies by manufacturer
Impact ResistanceClass 4Class 3-4, Vulnerable to hailClass 3-4, Vulnerable to hail
Hail WarrantyYesNoNo
MaintenanceMaintenance every 5-10 years.Maintenance every 5-10 years.Maintenance every 5-10 years. Requires individual replacements & soft wash cleaning every 3-5 years Requires individual replacements & soft wash cleaning every 3-5 years
ColorsBig variety of Colors. Have the same colour up to 10 years.Big variety of Colors. Have the same colour up to 10 years.Big variety of Colors. Have the same colour up to 10 years.Few options. Colour change with in 2-3 years.Few options. Have the same colour up to 10 years.
Potential issues in the futureRelatively new product that might encounter issues such as shingle lifting or degradation in the future, and it is less tested and regulated in different climates.Relatively new product that might encounter issues such as shingle lifting or degradation in the future, and it is less tested and regulated in different climates.More tested and regulatedMore tested and regulated

Composite Shake Shingles Cost

If you’re tired of dealing with the costly maintenance and repairs required for cedar shake roofs, our imitation shake shingles are your best alternative. Brava composite shake roof costs are comparable to their natural counterparts, but in the long run, you will save money by installing a synthetic roofing product. Brava composite cedar shake tiles are not only energy efficient but also far more durable than wood shingles, requiring virtually zero maintenance. Our synthetic cedar shake roofing tile can be installed in any climate without concern. Synthetic shake shingle prices will vary depending on your property and location. Get a free estimate for composite shake shingles cost per square now!

For more information on our composite cedar roofing costs per square, or if you need contact info for a local Brava Roof Tile installer, contact us today.

Contact The Cedar Cleaners for all your synthetic roofing needs!