By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Advocacy, innovation and collaboration take center stage as PEPA broadens its impact across exterior building products.

The recent meeting of the Polymeric Exterior Products Association (PEPA) marked an important milestone, not only for the association but also for the broader exterior building products industry. For the first time, RoofersCoffeeShop® attended the meeting, joining a growing group of manufacturers, distributors and industry leaders who are shaping the future of polymeric materials across both siding and roofing. 

PEPA has long been recognized for its leadership in advocacy and the advancement of vinyl siding. Through consistent work in standards development, building code engagement and industry education, the association has helped drive growth and credibility for polymeric exterior products. Over the past year, that focus has expanded in a significant way. PEPA has welcomed polymeric roofing manufacturers and distribution partners into its membership, creating a more unified voice for polymer-based solutions across the entire building envelope. 

This evolution was evident throughout the meeting. From the opening welcome to the detailed committee presentations, the agenda reflected an organization that is actively growing and adapting to meet new opportunities. Discussions centered on advocacy efforts, ongoing research and the importance of clear, consistent communication to both the industry and consumers. With increasing regulatory pressures and a rapidly evolving marketplace, this level of collaboration is more critical than ever. 

Key to this expansion is the involvement of leading polymeric roofing manufacturers including Brava Roof, DaVinci Roofscapes and EcoStar. These companies are helping to bring high-performance synthetic roofing products into the mainstream, offering durability, sustainability and design versatility that align with today’s construction demands. Their participation within PEPA signals the growing importance of polymer-based solutions not just for siding but across the entire roofing sector. 

RoofersCoffeeShop’s participation also underscored that shift toward broader engagement. As a new partner with PEPA, the focus is on delivering timely, relevant information about these important building products to contractors, manufacturers and distributors. During the meeting, the RoofersCoffeeShop team presented on innovation and the power of online communities in today’s digital landscape. The conversation highlighted how industry is changing, especially as AI-driven search continues to reshape how information is found and trusted. 

I personally had the opportunity to speak about the growing importance of long format content, directories and multimedia in supporting visibility and credibility. Today’s search engines are no longer just indexing keywords, they are interpreting context, authority and engagement. For manufacturers and associations alike, that means investing in deeper, more educational content that answers questions, demonstrates expertise and builds trust over time. Directories that centralize company information and, combined with videos, podcasts and articles, are becoming essential tools for connecting with both professionals and consumers. 

The PEPA marketing committee also shared updates on their ongoing initiatives, outlining strategies to better communicate the value of polymeric products. Their work reflects a strong understanding of the need to align messaging across channels while supporting members with tools and resources that elevate the entire category. From digital outreach to educational materials, the committee’s efforts are helping to position polymeric solutions as high-performance, sustainable options for modern construction. 

What stood out most throughout the meeting was the spirit of collaboration. The full agenda demonstrated how much work is happening behind the scenes, from technical discussions to marketing alignment, all with the goal of advancing the industry. This kind of coordinated effort is essential for effective advocacy, meaningful research and clear communication. It ensures that polymeric products are not only represented but understood in the context of performance, durability and long-term value. 

For RoofersCoffeeShop, being part of this first PEPA meeting was both an honor and an opportunity. As the association continues to expand into roofing, the partnership will play an important role in sharing knowledge and supporting industry growth. By bringing together voices from across siding and roofing, PEPA is helping to create a stronger, more connected future for polymeric building products. 

To learn more about these innovative manufacturers and the association’s ongoing work, visit the directories for Brava Roof, DaVinci Roofscapes, EcoStar and PEPA on RoofersCoffeeShop.com. 

By DaVinci Roofscapes.

Multiple structures in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee have synthetic roofing.

Back in 2013 Michael Smelcer, principal at SRA Architects, Inc. indicated a preference for DaVinci Single-Width Slate when drawing up plans for the 232,000-square-foot Le Conte Events Center in Pigeon Forge. Now, more than a decade later, he’s designing more exhibit space and a new main entrance to the complex that will add 58,000-square-feet of space.

“We’ll again use DaVinci Roofscapes overhead,” says Michael. “The LeConte Center’s roof still looks good, and it’s functioning well. We keep returning to the DaVinci product for our projects because it’s a durable product.”

DaVinci Single-Width Slate roofing tiles are constructed of a composite material made of pure virgin resins, UV and thermal stabilizers as well as a highly-specialized fire retardant. The result is a premium roofing tile that resists fading, rotting, cracking and pests. Lightweight yet durable, DaVinci tiles are Class 4 impact rated and can resist hail, severe weather and winds up to 180 mph.

Firewise construction

For another recent project, there’s an additional reason Michael relied on DaVinci roofing — its remarkable fire resistancy.

When designing the new Pigeon Forge Fire Station 1, a goal was to promote the construction of fire-wise structures. The Firewise USA® program, led by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), offers a structured approach for communities to enhance their wildfire resilience.

“We specified native stone on the exterior which is fire resistant,” says Michael. “Then for the roof we knew the DaVinci tiles are Class A rated, which is a plus. They also look great and provide a long lifespan on the roof. Those are all good reasons why we’ve included them on the fire station, and the upcoming police station and City Hall for Pigeon Forge.”

Fire-resistant roofing

According to Pigeon Forge Fire Chief Joshua Carr, Fire Station 1 was designed with fire safety in mind. The 30,000-square-foot facility includes a multi-story training tower, sleeping quarters and hot, warm and cold isolation zones for cancer prevention.

“The City of Pigeon Forge is proud to be a fire-adaptive community and is committed to maintaining its status as a certified Firewise community,” says Joshua. “The station was designed to promote the construction of fire-wise structures. After extensive research, it was decided that DaVinci composite roofing products would play a key role in that mission.”

The DaVinci Single-Width Slate tiles chosen for the roof were installed by Pinpoint Roofing in a Slate Gray color. “The fire resistance and impact ratings are a huge selling point for our customers looking at DaVinci roofs,” says Derek Davenport, commercial director with Pinpoint Roofing LLC in Pigeon Forge.

He went on, “I feel these qualities have helped us transform true slate or shake enthusiasts into believers in the synthetic lines.”

Pride in appearance

While durability is a key asset for the DaVinci roofing tiles, aesthetics come in a close second with many people. “We’re very pleased with the appearance of the roof on the fire station,” says Joshua. “It’s going to look great when the police station is finished nearby with the same roof.”

Derek also shared some closing thoughts: “At Pinpoint Roofing we pride ourselves in our ability to transform what could be another everyday roof into something people want to showcase. We do not take shortcuts. We do whatever is necessary for a fantastic final result. I drive by this fire station on a daily basis and I get a sense of pride every single time I see it. It’s such a work of art and it feels great knowing we were able to be part of its creation.”

From May 1 to July 15, 2026, the Tapco® Elite Roofing Awards 2026 competition will be open for submissions online. 

On May 1st Tapco® Roofing Products will launch its Second Annual Tapco® Elite Roofing Awards Program. Roofing contractors in the United Kingdom are invited to submit their past projects using TapcoSlate® and DaVinci Select Shake products into the contest.

From May 1 to July 15, 2026, the Tapco® Elite Roofing Awards 2026 competition will be open for submissions online at https://www.tapcoroofingproducts.com/tapco-elite-roofing-awards-entry-form/. Both re-roofing and new construction projects completed within the last six years may be submitted for consideration. There is no fee to enter.

“During our inaugural year in 2025 we identified four extraordinary roofing projects featuring superior craftsmanship,” says Michael Winter, general manager with Tapco® Roofing Products. “We’re seeking additional projects for this year’s competition that meet these high standards.

“Once we locate the winning projects, we’ll have professional photography taken of them to spotlight on our website and in our marketing efforts, and to share with the winners.”

In addition to the publicity and recognition, contest winners will receive £1000 credit on a future Tapco® roofing purchase, the ability to promote their winning project as a Tapco® Masterpiece Project, publicity on RoofersCoffeeShopUK and the creation of a dedicated project profile on the Tapco website. Winners will also receive a luncheon in their honor at their Tapco distributor location.

“We want to recognize the superior craftsmanship of those roofing contractors using our Tapco and DaVinci products to achieve outstanding roofing results and kerb appeal,” says Winter. “Whether it’s a conservatory, a hotel, a home project or any other beautiful use of our products that truly stands out, we want roofing contractors to be recognised for their efforts in the Second Annual Tapco Elite Roofing Awards Program!”

Winners in the 2025 inaugural Tapco Elite Roofing Awards Program include:

• Dean Potts Roofing Ltd. out of Upper Collwall, Malvern, for the restoration of the roof on the Malvern Hills Hotel & Restaurants using TapcoSlate® in Pewter Grey.
• H. I. Building Contractors, out of Horsham, West Sussex, for installation of a TapcoSlate® roof in Pewter Grey on a new build project in Coxwold.
• RF Roofing Ltd., out of Coldstream, Berwickshire, for installation of TapcoSlate® tiles in Charcoal Black alongside solar panels on a roof in Lanark in 2024.
• Visions of Oxford Ltd., Oxford, Oxfordshire, for a multi-year project involving a three-stage replacement/new build project transforming and expanding a small, older home into a spacious, larger house using TapcoSlate® tiles in Pewter Grey.

With its authentically shaped textured surfaces and riven edges moulded in each piece, TapcoSlate replicates real slate pieces. However, this durable product will not crack, break or delaminate like real slate. The lightweight, easy-to-install product provides a refined appearance with reduced jobsite waste, resulting in lower installation costs.

For those property owners seeking a real cedar shake look on their homes without the maintenance hassles, DaVinci Select Shake is the answer. Made of virgin resins, UV and thermal stabilisers along with a highly specialised fire retardant, these composite shakes have a BROOF(t4) Fire rating. The quality design provides an authentic appearance while the exceptional pieces stand up to Mother Nature in all types of weather. Plus, these man-made cedar tiles are backed by a 40-year warranty.

For more information and details on these products and the Second Annual Elite Roofing Awards Program in 2026, go to https://www.tapcoroofingproducts.com/tapco-elite-roofing-awards-entry-form/ or call 01482 880478.

By DaVinci Roofscapes.

Get an Earth Day advantage with roofing systems that maximize sunlight.

Would you put solar panels on your roof if almost the entire cost of the project was covered for you? Homeowner Trent N. just made this smart move.

“All in all, the incentives Trent received for installing the solar panels cover around 90% of the project costs,” says Robert Thacker, owner and CEO of Fibonacci Energy, the solar panel company Tamer purchased his system from. “First, he receives Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) from the state of Illinois in the form of a check within nine months of installation. Then he qualifies for the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for solar. ComEd also offers Distribution Generation (DG) rebates for solar and battery systems that he qualifies for. And then there’s a check from the utility with nine weeks of Permission to Operate (PTO). There’s also a federal tax rebate."

He went on, "That’s almost the full cost of setting up the solar panel system. Finally, in general, he can be saving between $2,500 to $5,000 in energy fees each year with the solar panels.”

Combining with DaVinci

These impressive numbers, combined with the failing status of Trent’s real cedar shake roof, encouraged the Illinois homeowner to make some drastic changes to his roofing system last year. While he had been thinking about solar panels for several years, a 2023 hailstorm that severely damaged his roof spurred him to take the next steps. One of those steps was contacting DuraShield Roofing & Contracting.

“Replacing the roof with another cedar shake roof did not make sense,” says Anthony Walsh, owner of DuraShield Roofing & Contracting out of Neenah, Wisconsin. “Especially when adding in the solar panels on the southern exposure of the roof. You need something stronger that you can walk on without worry to maintain the solar panels long-term. Our suggestion was definitely the DaVinci composite shake product.”

Made of virgin resin, UV and thermal stabilizers plus a fire retardant, DaVinci products are Class 4 rated for impact resistance. The sustainable tiles can handle hail, severe weather conditions and high winds. They also resist insects, fading, cracking and splitting.

Solar trend rising

“Trent chose the DaVinci Multi-Width Shake in an Aged Cedar color, which looks great on his home,” says Anthony. “We were able to work closely with Fibonacci Energy to form a strong fit of the DaVinci tiles with the solar panels on the roof. While this was our first solar panels project, I can definitely see a trend for this growing in our areas in the future.”

According to Robert, that trend in Illinois is rapidly on the rise, “Quick research shows that solar product usage has increased 288% from 2022 to 2025,” says Thacker. “Illinois is rich with solar incentives and is an ideal marketplace. We think the DaVinci roof on Trent’s home looks amazing...Solar belongs on every DaVinci roof! They go so well together. The future of energy and the future of composite roofing goes hand-in-hand.”

By DaVinci Roofscapes.

A decade later, still using DaVinci composiste roofing. 

Jack Sweeney, owner of Sweeney Brothers Construction, LLC out of Bedford, New Hampshire, is being held back at school. Actually, he’s being brought back to school…10 years after completing a roofing project. He shared, "We worked with the design team at Phillips Exeter Academy back in 2015 to find an alternative slate roofing product that requires low maintenance, is aesthetically beautiful and fiscally reasonable. Our company has been installing Inspire® Slate on historic projects for more than 20 years. We felt very positive about making this product recommendation for Wheelwright Dormitory."

Reflecting on the project, Jack went on, "At the time we were of the opinion that the Inspire Slate on Wheelwright dorm would serve as the benchmark for future campus projects. Now here we are a decade later and that feeling has come true. Inspire Slate in Steel Grey has once again been chosen to replace natural slate. This time for the Wetherell Dining Hall, Merrill Dormitory and Langdell Dormitory.”

Preserving history

The beautiful Phillips Exeter Academy campus in New Hampshire encompasses 700 acres. Established in 1781, the historical school has a pristine reputation. Its graduated more than 23,000 high school students. All across the campus are slate-topped buildings. Unfortunately, many of those old slate roofs are failing. The roofs on the 147 brick buildings that add to the setting’s New England charm are hard to maintain.

That’s where the composite roofing comes in.

Inspiring aesthetics, impressively constructed

Made of composite materials, Inspire Slate from DaVinci Roofscapes has textured surfaces and deckled edges modeled from authentic natural slate. Lightweight yet durable, the weather-resistant roof material is Class 4 hail rated and has a fire rating in accordance with Class A.

Inspire Slate is Miami-Dade NOA Approved, Florida Building Code Org. FL#7409, FL#16269, FL#16856; Texas Department of Insurance RC-404; and CCRR-0188 approved. The product can withstand winds up to 180 mph (with HVHZ installation standards) and comes in a wide variety of color selections.

“While the fire rating and several code ratings were mandatory, aesthetics were critical for Phillips Exeter Academy,” says Jack. “Having these roofs match adjacent buildings with natural slate roofing was essential. Inspire Slate does that. If Inspire Slate didn’t pass the authenticity test for visuals, it would have been ruled out immediately. When combined with flawless copperwork by our craftsmen, the finished project evokes the same curb appeal as a natural slate roof.”

Tasked with maintaining history

For Jack and his team, working on historical projects like Phillips Exeter Academy has special meaning. They feel blessed to maintain some of the country’s most valuable institutional properties. As he put it:

When you work in the restoration trade you develop an appreciation for preserving history. Using modern technology and materials to retain Old World charm and character is important. Our goal is to retain the original architectural intent while improving the long-term functionality and performance through the use of improved underlayments and synthetics.

We anticipate these materials, like Inspire Slate, will endure the New England elements and preserve these properties for future generations.

Por Jenny Yu, traducido por Jessica Bravo.  

El Retiro de Florida 2026 de NWIR zarpa hacia las Bahamas del 10 al 13 de abril para una experiencia de networking con temática náutica. 

¡Es momento de dejar atrás el estrés y disfrutar del sol en el Retiro de Florida 2026 de NWIR! 

National Women in Roofing (NWIR) de Florida Central será la anfitriona de su retiro anual a bordo del Celebrity Reflection del 10 al 13 de abril de 2026. Saliendo desde Fort Lauderdale, Florida, este viaje de tres días a las Bahamas es una oportunidad para reunir a mujeres de toda la industria para hacer contactos, desarrollar liderazgo y fortalecer la comunidad mientras disfrutan de la brisa del mar. 

Con el tema “Ancladas en el propósito, unidas por una visión”, este fin de semana en el agua promete ser inolvidable. Su directora de crucero, Daphne Livingston, junto con su equipo, ha preparado un emocionante itinerario para que todas las participantes lo disfruten. A continuación, algunos eventos y excursiones marítimas que no querrán perderse.  

Viernes, 10 de abril – Fort Lauderdale, Florida 

• 4:00 p.m. - Recepción de zarpe 
• 6:00 p.m. - Cena de despedida 
• 9:30 p.m. - Fiesta “Tropic Like It’s Hot”  

Sábado, 11 de abril – Bimini, Bahamas 

• 7:15 – 9:00 a.m. - Sesión educativa “Seas of Knowledge” 
• 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Búsqueda del tesoro “Sea Queens & Shingle Kings” 
• 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. - Encuentro “Mermaid Mingle” 
• 8:00 p.m. - Mixer náutico de Women in Roofing 

Domingo, 12 de abril – CocoCay, Bahamas 

• 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. - Sesión educativa “Trust Factor” 
• 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Día perfecto en CocoCay,  playas, toboganes acuáticos y comida 
• 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. - Ceremonia de clausura “Built Different” 
• 9:00 p.m. - Evento final “Sail & Slay” 

Varios fabricantes y proveedores ya han confirmado su participación en el crucero. Entre los patrocinadores se encuentran Brava Roof Tile, Owens Corning®, TAMKO®, JobNimbus y DaVinci Roofscapes. 

Entonces, ¿qué estás esperando? ¡Empaca tus lentes de sol, protector solar y traje de baño y regístrate hoy mismo!

Para obtener más información sobre el Retiro de Florida 2026, visita su sitio web o contacta a Daphne en daphne@itsaboutjustice.law.

By Jenny Yu.  

The 2026 NWIR Florida Retreat sets sail for the Bahamas from April 10-13 for a nautical networking experience. 

It’s time to cast off your stress and soak up some sun at the 2026 NWIR Florida Retreat! 

National Women in Roofing (NWIR) of Central Florida is hosting its annual retreat aboard the Celebrity Reflection from April 10 to April 13, 2026. Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the three-day trip to the Bahamas is an opportunity to bring women from across the industry for networking, leadership development and community building while enjoying the ocean breeze.  

With the theme “Anchored in Purpose, United by Vision,” this weekend on the water is sure to make waves. Your Cruise Director, Daphne Livingston, and crew have assembled an exciting itinerary for all sailors to enjoy. Below are some sea-tastic events and excursions you won’t want to miss!  

Friday, April 10 – Fort Lauderdale, Florida 

• 4:00 p.m. - Sail Away Soirée 
• 6:00 p.m. - Bon Voyage Dinner 
• 9:30 p.m. - "Tropic Like It’s Hot” after hours party 

Saturday, April 11 – Bimini, Bahamas 

• 7:15 – 9:00 a.m. - Seas of Knowledge educational session 
• 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Sea Queens & Shingle Kings Scavenger Hunt  
• 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. - Mermaid Mingle  
• 8:00 p.m. - NAUTICAL Women in Roofing Mixer 

Sunday, April 12 – CocoCay, Bahamas 

• 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. - The Trust Factor educational session 
• 9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. - Perfect Day at CocoCay beaches, waterslides and dining 
• 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. Built Different Closing Ceremony  
• 9:00 p.m. - Final Sail & Slay 

Several manufacturers and suppliers are already confirmed to cruise. Sponsors so far include Brava Roof Tile, Owens Corning®, TAMKO®, JobNimbus and DaVinci Roofscapes. 

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your sunglasses, sunscreen and swimsuit, and register today! 

Learn more about the 2026 Florida Retreat by visiting their website or by contacting Daphne at daphne@itsaboutjustice.law. 

By DaVinci Roofscapes.

Why DaVinci Inspire Slate was the champion’s choice for his North Carolina home.

For Rusty Wallace, choosing DaVinci Inspire® Slate for his North Carolina home was all about quality, reliability and peace of mind. After 55 NASCAR victories and earning the title of 1989 NASCAR Cup Series champion, Rusty brings his drive for excellence to every part of his life — including his home.

Rusty's old roof, weighed down by heavy tiles that leaked and fell off, needed a serious upgrade. Observing a neighbor’s newly-installed roof, Rusty was immediately drawn to the appearance and performance of DaVinci® Roofscapes tiles. Unlike most homeowners who rely solely on roofer recommendations, Rusty insisted, “I want that product, now show it to me!”

Seeking perfection with DaVinci

Rusty approached DaVinci’s customer service team, requesting samples to get a firsthand feel for the product. It was important to him not just to see, but to experience the options. Bill Landry, DaVinci’s territory sales manager, guided him through the selection process, using the DaVinci Visualizer to help Rusty compare shake and slate profiles and various colors. The aesthetics, availability and standout durability of Inspire Slate solidified Rusty’s decision.

Mock-up boards displaying different color options helped Rusty avoid a roof that would clash with his home’s multi-colored driveway. Ultimately, he selected the Charcoal Black Inspire Slate, which complements his house’s style and surroundings.

A roof that wins on all fronts

The lightweight, single-width Inspire Slate tiles are crafted from advanced resins and modeled after natural slate. They come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty and resist mold, algae, fire, pests and impact — features that appeal to Rusty’s desire for a worry-free home.

“Having a roof that’s virtually maintenance free means everything in the world to me,” says Rusty. “I like the composite aspect. It looks exceptionally realistic, and I know this will be a worry-free roof for decades to come.”

Rusty’s choice was also influenced by the practicality and longevity of Inspire Slate. He wants to ensure his home will be protected, with a roof that will never chip or crack, saving him from repeated maintenance headaches.

Installation that impresses

Rusty selected Trinity Roofing and Construction in North Carolina to install his new roof, impressed by their expertise and the efficiency brought by DaVinci Inspire Slate.

Chad Williamson of Trinity Roofing noted that installation time was reduced by up to 35%, thanks to the product’s quality and design. The team was so pleased with Inspire Slate that they now recommend it to future customers.

Peace of mind for a champion

For Rusty, the upgrade brings genuine satisfaction. “I never liked the old roof on this house. Now the house feels ‘right’ with the Inspire Slate roof. It fits the style better, and when I’m at home, I don’t have to worry about the roof anymore.”

In the end, Rusty’s choice was driven by his unwavering standards for quality and performance — values that have defined his legendary racing career and now ensure his home is protected for years to come.

By DaVinci Roofscapes.

How to protect roofs — and homeowners — when winter weather hits.

Soft, white and beautiful — A fresh snowfall transforms any landscape into a winter wonderland. But for roofers, snow brings significant challenges. Beneath that picturesque layer, every flake adds more weight to a roof and if you’re not prepared, the consequences can be severe. Have you ever paused to consider just how heavy snow and ice really are? More importantly, how much weight can the roofs you work on actually support?

We’ve all seen dramatic images of people shoveling mountains of snow off roofs during blizzards. But here’s something many homeowners and even some contractors might not realize: just one to two feet of heavy, wet snow blanketing a roof can weigh several tons. If that weight isn’t properly managed, it can mean major trouble for the structure.

March is National Snow Guard Safety month

March brings more than just the promise of spring — it’s also National Snow Guard Safety Month, sponsored by Rocky Mountain Snow Guards. This dedicated month is the perfect opportunity for roofing professionals to refocus on roof safety, especially when it comes to snow retention. It’s a critical reminder to revisit the best practices for ensuring snow and ice remain where they belong, particularly on composite shake and slate roofs, which can be more prone to dangerous snow slides.

Understanding roof load capacity

Every well-engineered roof starts with a careful design process. Architects and structural engineers factor in the anticipated weight of snow and ice, ensuring the roof will pass local building codes. These codes are reviewed and enforced by community building officials, aiming to keep everyone safe throughout the winter.

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) sets the national standards for these calculations. Their ASCE/SEI 7 Standard, “Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures,” defines how to determine design loads — including snow, ice and much more — for all types of buildings. Updated every six years, this standard is the foundation for safe, code-compliant roofs.

When designing for cold climates, roofing professionals consult the “Snow Loads: Guide to the Snow Load Provisions of ASCE 7.” This guide offers clear, authoritative details on how much weight a roof should hold, depending on its location, slope and materials.

How much weight can a roof really hold?

So, what’s the magic number? For a properly engineered, up-to-code home, the roof should be able to support the full ground snow load designated for its region, measured in pounds per square foot (psf). For example, consider a new roof measuring 20 feet at the eave with 20-foot rafters and a 10:12 pitch, in an area with a ground snow load of 30 psf. That roof could be designed to bear as much as 12,000 pounds (6 tons) of snow and ice — plus the weight of its roofing materials. That’s a massive burden!

Material matters: Why roofing type is important

Not all roofs handle snow and ice the same way. “Frictionless” or smooth-surfaced roofs, such as those made from composite slate or shake, pose special concerns. While these tough, nonporous materials — like the products from DaVinci Roofscapes — resist water absorption and are highly durable, they also make it harder for snow and ice to “grip” the surface. Unlike asphalt shingles with textured granules, composite roofs can let snow and ice slide off in one dramatic avalanche.

Here’s why: as snow and ice melt, water seeps to the bottom of the snow layer, essentially lubricating the roof. When the conditions are right, that entire mass can slide off at once — no shoveling required. The danger isn’t about the roof’s structural support, but what happens below when several tons of snow and ice come crashing down.

Composite roofs need snow retention systems

Here’s the bottom line. When it comes to composite roofing, the main danger isn’t the roof collapsing under the weight of ice and snow — it’s what happens when that accumulated snow and ice lets loose and avalanches off in sheets. Such slides can cause serious harm to people, pets, landscaping or property below.

To avoid this risk, every composite roof should be equipped with a snow retention system. Whether you’re installing a new roof or retrofitting an existing one, adding these systems is essential for safety. Snow retention can be seamlessly integrated during roof installation, but effective solutions are also available for roofs that have already been built.

The dangers of snow avalanches — And how to prevent them

Imagine a roof that’s 20 feet from the eave to the ground. In the right conditions, a snow avalanche could hurl ice and snow up to 15 feet from the house. That’s enough to seriously injure people and pets, or destroy landscaping and property below the eaves.

To mitigate these risks, snow retention systems are a must for composite and other smooth-surfaced roofs in snowy climates. There are two main types:

• Pad-style snow guards: These break up sliding snow and ice, ensuring it comes off in smaller, less dangerous pieces.
• Pipe-style snow guards: These act as a barricade, holding back snow and ice so it melts slowly, dropping down as small chunks or simply as water.

Using the right snow retention system protects both people and property from the unpredictable dangers of falling snow.

Choosing the right snow retention system

Designing an effective snow retention system starts with understanding the local ground snow load. The manufacturer must ensure that their system can withstand the force of snow and ice pushing against it.

Brian Stearns, president and founder of Alpine SnowGuards, emphasizes, “The first step is to estimate the mass or volume of snow and ice that you’re attempting to manage.” The most reliable way? Reference the local building design ground snow load — the same data used by architects and engineers when designing the roof in the first place.

Key takeaways for roofing professionals

• Always know the ground snow load for the area before starting a roofing project.
• Understand how the roof’s material will affect snow and ice behavior — and advise homeowners accordingly.
• In snowy climates, always recommend and install appropriate snow retention systems to prevent dangerous avalanches.
• Partner with reputable manufacturers who design snow guards based on local loads and code requirements.
• Take advantage of National Snow Guard Safety Month in March to review roof safety practices, with special attention to composite shake and slate roofs.

Winter brings opportunities and challenges for roofing professionals. By staying informed and proactive, you can help homeowners enjoy the beauty of the season without risking their safety — or their investment.

With the craftsmanship from the Allcon installation team and the authentic look of the DaVinci product, the buyer had a hard time believing the roof wasn’t real slate.

Allcon of Greenville, Inc., a leading residential and commercial roofer out of Piedmont, has been designated the primary roofer at the new Le Jardin community in Greenville. The experienced roofing company has installed more than half the roofs in the planned 64-home luxury community, including a showcase home at 590 Adaliz Way featuring a DaVinci Province Slate roof.

Located on E. Howell Road and Adaliz Way in Greenville, Le Jardin is being created by the design/build firm of Stoneledge Luxury Homes.

“Allcon has been a reliable and strong trade partner of ours for over a decade,” according to Jackson Bailey, co-owner and chief operating officer at StoneLedge. “Allcon continues to inspire confidence, deliver a quality installation and provide reliable insight into the ever-evolving roofing material industry.

“For the Province Slate roof at 590 Adaliz Way, we believe the product looks stunning on the home. With the craftsmanship from the Allcon installation team and the authentic look of the DaVinci product, the buyer had a hard time believing the roof wasn’t real slate!”

Allcon of Greenville, Inc. has completed other DaVinci roofing installations within Le Jardin with the same reaction from homebuyers. “We’ve installed DaVinci roofing materials since 2010,” says Craig Perfect, president of Allcon of Greenville, Inc. “This product has a proven track record for aesthetic appearance, durability and low maintenance. Our crews are highly experienced with DaVinci installations, and the results are always outstanding.”

Made of virgin resins, UV and thermal stabilizers plus a fire retardant, the composite tiles are Class A fire and Class 4 impact rated. The lightweight tiles also resist fading, rotting, cracking and insects. The shake and slate tiles are covered by a Lifetime Limited Material Warranty.

“As these features of DaVinci products become more widely recognized, we expect more people in our area to request the composite product for both new and replacement roofs,” says Perfect. “In addition to the exceptional warranty offered by DaVinci, we provide a 5-year workmanship warranty, which gives peace-of-mind to homeowners.

“Whether a large luxury home like the Le Jardin community or a smaller home, the DaVinci roof is the ideal investment for a new roof. And, having installed more than 30 of these composite roofs, our experienced team can ensure a professional, long-lasting roof system for any homeowner.”

Allcon of Greenville, Inc. was established with a vision of providing quality roof installation and repair services. The company has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, is licensed and insured. Allcon can assist customers with insurance claims, storm damage restoration and inspections. The company proudly supports Habitat for Humanity and Homes of Hope in Greenville.