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A lot of homeowners are skipping traditional roofing and looking for something that lasts longer, holds up better, and looks sharp. That’s where synthetic shakes come in. They’re tough, low maintenance, and built to perform in real-world conditions. Two names you’ll keep hearing: Brava and DaVinci. They’re both considered top-tier, and for good reason.
As trusted roofing contractors with years of experience installing both systems, we’ve installed both brands on plenty of homes, and we’ve had more than a few long conversations with families trying to make the right call. If you're weighing your options, this breakdown will give you the real differences, without the sales pitch.
Are Homeowners Really Switching to Brava and DaVinci Roofing?
Talk to a few homeowners about Brava and DaVinci, and you'll quickly realize there's no clear consensus. Some are all in on Brava and won’t consider anything else. A user on Reddit put it this way:
"I was going to use DaVinci for our roof (replacing our cedar) until I saw Brava. I drove by a few houses in our area that have Brava and it’s gorgeous. The samples seem to have held up much better than the DaVinci as well..."
For many, that real-world look and performance is all it takes to sway a decision. But scroll through the comments on a Brava video where Greater Midwest Exteriors CEO Nico Soave breaks down the benefits of Brava’s roofing system, and you’ll find the exact opposite take:
"No one chooses this overpriced roof".
Strong words, but that’s the thing — this isn’t a one-size-fits-all debate. The truth is, both brands have loyal fans and vocal critics. Why? Because choosing a roof is personal. It depends on your style, your budget, your climate, and what matters most to you. That’s exactly why this comparison matters — and why finding the right fit means digging deeper.
*Project photos are sourced from the official websites of Brava Roof Tile and DaVinci Roofscapes.
Brava vs. DaVinci Shakes: Quick Overview
Before we get into the details, here’s what you should know upfront. Brava Roof Tile manufactures eco-conscious synthetic roofing using recycled materials like rubber and plastic. Their shakes are built to last and designed to look like real wood, with textured surfaces and layered color that hold up over time.
DaVinci Roofscapes, on the other hand, focuses on precision engineering with virgin resins, UV stabilizers, and specialized fire retardant. Their composite roofing brand emphasizes performance testing and color consistency, earning loyalty from architects seeking premium synthetic shakes.
Aesthetics and Design Options of Shakes
Your chosen roofing material dramatically influences your home's character and curb appeal. Both manufacturers have mastered synthetic shake technology, but with different aesthetic philosophies.
Material Appearance and Texture
Brava roof shakes excel at replicating natural wood's inconsistencies. Their synthetic tiles feature deep grooves, authentic grain patterns, and varying thicknesses (â…ť" to â…ž"), creating shadow lines nearly indistinguishable from hand-split cedar shingles. This commitment to textural authenticity appeals to homeowners seeking the most realistic appearance of real wood.
DaVinci tiles emphasize precision while maintaining beautiful aesthetics. Their multi-width synthetic shakes offer the look of rough-hewn cedar with subtle color variations, but maintain more uniformity in texture and thickness than Brava. This controlled approach appeals to homeowners who want natural cedar beauty with a refined appearance.
Color Selection and Profile Variations
Brava has a wide range of colors, including popular picks like Aged Cedar, Canyon Gray, Lake Forest, and Natural Cedar. Their coloring process uses mineral pigments that run through the material, not just on the surface, which helps the tiles age more like natural wood over time.
DaVinci also offers plenty of standard colors and can develop custom options for specific projects. Their tiles are made with UV stabilizers built in, so the color holds up against long-term sun exposure. You can choose between multi-width shakes for a more rustic layout or go with single-width tiles for a consistent look.
Performance and Durability Comparison
If you’re putting serious money into your roof, you want to know it’s going to hold up. Brava and DaVinci both meet high performance standards, and here’s how they compare:
Both synthetic roofing materials outperform traditional options like natural cedar shake in durability. Their Class 4 impact ratings make them ideal for hail-prone regions, while their fire ratings far surpass natural wood. The significant difference in wind resistance might matter for coastal homeowners, where resistant Brava tiles offer additional security.
What They’re Made Of: Materials and Environmental Impact
More homeowners are paying attention to how roofing materials are sourced and what that means for the environment. Brava and DaVinci take different routes when it comes to sustainability.
Manufacturing Process
Brava creates its roofing materials using recycled rubber and plastic, turning landfill-bound waste into long-lasting roof tiles. This approach cuts down on environmental impact while producing textured, realistic shakes with through-body color that keeps its look even after decades of exposure.
DaVinci's performance fire retardant system uses virgin resins as its primary composite shakes component. These virgin resins combine with UV stabilizers to create precisely engineered synthetic materials with uniform characteristics and exceptional durability against harsh weather conditions.
Environmental Considerations
Brava Roof Tile entered the market with a commitment to creating eco-friendly synthetic roofing products that deliver authentic appearances and exceptional performance. They incorporate post-consumer recyclable materials, appealing to eco-conscious homeowners seeking sustainable roofing solutions.
DaVinci focuses on manufacturing efficiency and has implemented programs for recycling production waste, making their synthetic tiles more environmentally responsible than materials natural slate or cedar shingles.
Installation and Maintenance: What to Expect on Your Roof
The roofing installation process and ongoing maintenance requirements significantly impact both the initial cost and long-term satisfaction with your roofing choice.
Installation Complexity and Requirements
Brava Roof Tile products come with detailed installation guidelines that must be followed precisely to ensure proper performance and warranty coverage. The system includes starter pieces and hip/ridge trim components for a complete installation. Brava requires professional installation to deliver its full performance benefits, and GM Exteriors is a preferred installer for all Brava Roof Tile products, ensuring every project aligns with the manufacturer's highest standards.
DaVinci also requires professional installers and provides step-by-step materials to support proper setup. Their system includes custom components for different parts of the roof, from ridges to dormers. Both products can be installed with standard roofing tools, although the way they're cut and handled varies slightly due to differences in the material.
Long-Term Maintenance Requirements
The exceptional durability of both Brava and DaVinci shake products eliminates the intensive maintenance requirements that traditional roofing materials need. Unlike natural cedar that demands regular treatments to prevent rot and mold growth, these synthetic roofing materials need only basic care:
- Seasonal cleaning: Remove leaves and debris to keep the roof looking sharp and stop moss or algae from forming.
- Annual inspections: Have a pro take a quick look each year, especially after storms or heavy tree activity.
- Drainage maintenance: Regularly clean gutter systems to ensure proper water flow across your roofing system.
This kind of low-maintenance setup makes life easier and saves money in the long run, all while helping your roof look great for decades.
Cost Analysis and Value Comparison
While style and performance matter, cost always plays a role. Here’s how Brava and DaVinci compare when it comes to price and long-term value:
Brava roof tile cost usually comes in a bit higher than DaVinci shakes on upfront cost, thanks to its textured detail and recycled material process. Both, though, are a big step up from asphalt shingles — offering far better durability and far fewer headaches down the road.
When comparing asphalt shingles or metal roofing features against these synthetic options, both Brava and DaVinci deliver comparable longevity with superior aesthetic appeal. Their exceptional durability eliminates costly maintenance cycles required by traditional materials like Spanish barrel tiles or concrete tiles, resulting in significant lifetime savings despite the higher upfront cost.
Think Brava might be out of your budget? Check out our detailed breakdown on Brava roof cost and see how the numbers actually come out. You might be surprised — while the upfront cost is higher, the long-term savings and peace of mind from a roof that lasts over 50 years can make it well worth the investment.
So, Which Roofing Shake Is Right for You?
Choosing between these two premium synthetic shake options ultimately comes down to understanding your specific priorities. Here's a concise guide to help you determine which product might better suit your needs:
- Want the most realistic wood look? Brava’s texture and depth make it hard to tell from hand-split cedar, even up close.
- Need to watch your budget? DaVinci usually costs a bit less per square foot, which can add up if you’re covering a large roof.
- Live in a high-wind zone? Brava’s stronger wind ratings give it the edge in coastal or storm-prone areas.
- Dealing with local fire codes? Both are fire-rated, but DaVinci’s consistent Class A rating makes approvals a little easier.
- Looking for a greener option? Brava’s recycled materials make it the better pick if sustainability matters to you.
Remember that proper installation is critical regardless of which product you choose. To avoid falling victim to roofing scams and ensure manufacturer warranty coverage, always work with certified installers.
Invest in Excellence
Brava and DaVinci have changed the game in roofing, offering high-performance synthetic shakes that look incredible and hold up where traditional materials fall short. These systems are built to handle tough weather without sacrificing style, giving you the natural look of cedar or slate without the constant upkeep.
Ready to explore premium roofing options built to outlast the rest? Greater Midwest Exteriors has helped homeowners across Chicagoland boost their curb appeal and protect their homes with both Brava and DaVinci systems. Whichever one you choose, our expert installation ensures you get lasting performance and real value from your investment.
Contact us today and let our certified team help you choose a roof that looks better, lasts longer, and pays off for decades.
