KANSAS CITY, Mo., Sept. 27, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Although no roof can withstand the devastation from a hurricane the magnitude of Katrina or Rita, synthetic roofing shingles can offer greater protection than traditional roofing materials. In fact, in a season laden with severe storms across the country, insurance industry regulators find them key to reducing claims and holding down insurance rates.
For example, in Texas, where roughly 40 percent of all property claims come from hail damage, property owners may be eligible for discounts as high as 35 percent on their insurance premiums when they install hail-resistant synthetic roofs. As more property owners install these roofs, the impact on losses associated with hailstorms should decrease.
Traditionally, many homeowners have opted to use standard materials such as wood or slate for aesthetic purposes. The availability of DaVinci Slate -- and the newly introduced DaVinci Shake product -- elevates the status of synthetic roofing products by establishing a new standard for attractiveness and durability.
In response to the recent storms, DaVinci Roofscapes is increasing manufacturing capacity in areas of need along the Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida coastal regions. The move will reduce lead times for homeowners to less than three weeks.
"Most of the media coverage we are seeing focuses on homes that have been completely destroyed," said Martha DeJoia, chief of sales and marketing at DaVinci Roofscapes. "Yet in reality, there are many homes still standing that need repairs made quickly. Our ability to fulfill orders promptly enables us to assist contractors as they work to repair damaged roofs in a timely fashion."
Using an engineered polymer specifically formulated for durability and colorfastness, DaVinci products offer thick, yet lightweight, easy-to-install shingles that have all the beauty, fire resistance, and timeless performance of the standard residential roofing materials.
DaVinci Slate and DaVinci Shake are UL certified for Class A fire resistance, Class 4 impact resistance, and high wind resistance (90 mph for shake, 110 mph for slate). The products are UV-resistant to avoid fading and are backed by a 50-year limited warranty.
About DaVinci Roofscapes
DaVinci Roofscapes is a leading provider of authentic-looking and durable synthetic slate and shake shingles. The company was founded in 1999 by John Humphreys, son of the late J.P. Humphreys who was president and CEO of one of the largest asphalt shingle manufacturing companies in the United States. Humphreys grew up with the roofing industry. Starting with his father's commitment to total quality management principles, he used his background to design and manufacture revolutionary roofing materials that offers natural beauty and high performance at affordable costs.
DaVinci Roofscapes' flagship product, DaVinci Slate, received HGTV's Most Valuable Product (MVP) award in 2004. To learn more, visit www.davinciroofscapes.com.