Asphalt vs. DaVinci Composite Roofing

A Practical Comparison for Lasting Roofs

Roofing is one of the most important investments a homeowner can make when considering major home improvements. When shopping around for a new roof, you have a lot of factors to consider, including cost, durability, performance, aesthetics, and lifecycle value. In this guide, we’ll dig into two majorly popular roofing materials that homeowners consider: asphalt and DaVinci composite roofing. What are the major differences? What tradeoffs come with each option? And which material is the best choice for your home?

In our guide, we’ll also recap the latest Ask a Roofer podcast episode, featuring DuraShield owner Anthony Walsh and Megan Stone of DaVinci Roofscapes, as they discuss the key differences between asphalt and DaVinci composite roofing.

Listen to the full podcast!

Asphalt Roofing: The Familiar Baseline

When most homeowners think of roofing, they picture an asphalt shingle roof, and it’s no wonder why. According to RubyHome roofing statistics, asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material, being used in around 75% of roofing projects. Made by saturating a fiberglass mat with asphalt and coating it with mineral granules for weather and UV protection, asphalt shingles are an affordable, lightweight option for Midwestern homeowners. They are popular and widely known, so many contractors have experience installing and repairing them. The materials are easy to find, which helps keep the cost more affordable.

Asphalt does have its limitations, however. A high-quality asphalt roof may be warranted to last about 20-30 years, but over time, UV exposure and granule loss can degrade the shingles. And, in severe weather conditions, older shingles can crack or split.

What is DaVinci Composite Roofing?

Of the two options we’re discussing in this blog, DaVinci composite is the lesser-known. Firstly, “composite” simply means made up of various materials. DaVinci composite roof tiles are made from pure virgin resin that is enhanced by thermal modifiers, UV stabilizers, and fire retardants. These tiles are made to replicate the look of natural slate or shake tiles, including mimicking the natural texture, color variation, and depth.

What makes DaVinci composite roofing stand out from other roofing materials on the market is its durability and high performance. DaVinci synthetic tile holds a Class A fire rating and a Class 4 Impact rating under UL 2218; this means that their roofing has top fire resistance and strong resistance to hail and other impacts. For Midwest homeowners, this is a game-changer considering the harsh weather conditions they face. This roofing option also offers a lifetime limited material warranty.

Given these ratings, DaVinci composite roofing is quickly becoming a long-term, low-maintenance favorite for homeowners that gives them the aesthetic they’re looking for.

Asphalt vs. DaVinci Composite: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Here is a direct comparison across the most relevant homeowner criteria when they’re considering roofing material options:

The Tradeoffs

While knowing the specs of asphalt and DaVinci composite roofing is helpful, it’s more important to consider how each type will benefit you.

Here are some key factors to weigh:

1. Budget vs. the Real-Time Value

Not everyone can afford the upfront cost of a new roof. If you’re working on a constrained budget, a quality asphalt roof may be the better short-term fit. If you’re not sure that you’re going to stay in your current home for the rest of your life, you may not want to put a lot of money into your roof. However, if you’ve found your forever home and want to invest in that home long-term, a DaVinci composite roof serves you much better in the long run. It offers less maintenance, fewer repairs, and an extended shelf life.

2. Weather, Climate, & UV Exposure

The Midwest is no stranger to harsh weather conditions, and your roof needs to be able to withstand different environments, including yearly freeze/thaw cycles, strong UV exposure, heavy rain and snowfall, hail damage, and more. While both asphalt shingles and DaVinci composite roofs boast the highest impact and fire ratings, asphalt shingles do wear more over time and are susceptible to degradation the older they get. Asphalt shingles need to be occasionally treated against algae and mold buildup, while DaVinci is resistant to mold growth because it’s made of pure virgin resin.

In more benign climates, high-quality asphalt shingles may perform very well long-term, especially when properly installed and ventilated.

3. Warranty, Installer-Quality, & Insurance Coverage

Another major factor that homeowners need to consider when looking at a new roof is the warranty attached, and a warranty is only as good as the installation. No matter what roof they’re installing, DuraShield’s certified roof installers are very detail-oriented and knowledgeable. From the underlayment to the ventilation, our team guarantees that your roof meets every manufacturer spec and keeps your warranty valid.

When it comes to insurance coverage, DaVinci is often preferred because insurers favor Class A impact and Class 4 fire-rated roofs. While both asphalt and DaVinci composite roofs meet these ratings, DaVinci tends to hold up better over time. Some insurance companies even offer lower premiums for DaVinci roofs because of their durability.

Insights from the Ask a Roofer Podcast

During his Ask a Roofer conversation, DuraShield owner Anthony Walsh discusses how more homeowners are considering composite roofing because of their greater durability, aesthetic appeal, and lower maintenance. He shares a real-world example from one of his installations in Wisconsin:

“Class 4 impact DaVinci is not the same as an asphalt shingle Class 4 rating…we installed a rough earlier this spring outside of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where, it was like 2 or 3 days later, they had 2-inch hail hit his neighborhood, and he had a new DaVinci roof. Some of his neighbors had, you know, 2-year-old cedar shake roofs. Those 2-year-old cedar shake roofs were damaged, where literally, his DaVinci roof, like literally, nothing happened to it. He was freaking out and asked us to come take a look at it. We assured him there was nothing wrong, but for peace of mind, we still went out and looked at it. I mean, there weren’t even scuff marks.”

Listen to the full podcast!

For homeowners focused on a lower upfront cost or shorter-term plans, asphalt shingles may be a better fit. But, if your answers lean toward long-term durability, minimal maintenance, curb appeal, and weather-resistance, a premium composite roof by DaVinci is worth serious consideration. Midwest homeowners need a roof that they can rely on for years to come, and DaVinci truly does pay for itself over the years.

Balancing Style, Durability, and Cost

Choosing the right roof isn’t just about finding the right material – it’s about choosing a solution that balances style, durability, and cost. Asphalt shingles remain a dependable option for many homeowners. But, for homeowners looking for a higher long-term value, DaVinci composite is the way to go. This composite roofing system delivers durability, safety, and premium aesthetics that asphalt simply can’t match. 

Decision Checklist

Here’s a quick cheat sheet you can use when considering asphalt vs. DaVinci composite roofing:

A Practical Comparison for Lasting Roofs

Roofing is one of the most important investments a homeowner can make when considering major home improvements. When shopping around for a new roof, you have a lot of factors to consider, including cost, durability, performance, aesthetics, and lifecycle value. In this guide, we’ll dig into two majorly popular roofing materials that homeowners consider: asphalt and DaVinci composite roofing. What are the major differences? What tradeoffs come with each option? And which material is the best choice for your home?

In our guide, we’ll also recap the latest Ask a Roofer podcast episode, featuring DuraShield owner Anthony Walsh and Megan Stone of DaVinci Roofscapes, as they discuss the key differences between asphalt and DaVinci composite roofing. Click here to listen to the full podcast!

Asphalt Roofing: The Familiar Baseline

When most homeowners think of roofing, they picture an asphalt shingle roof, and it’s no wonder why. According to RubyHome roofing statistics, asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material, being used in around 75% of roofing projects. Made by saturating a fiberglass mat with asphalt and coating it with mineral granules for weather and UV protection, asphalt shingles are an affordable, lightweight option for Midwestern homeowners. They are popular and widely known, so many contractors have experience installing and repairing them. The materials are easy to find, which helps keep the cost more affordable.

Asphalt does have its limitations, however. A high-quality asphalt roof may be warranted to last about 20-30 years, but over time, UV exposure and granule loss can degrade the shingles. And, in severe weather conditions, older shingles can crack or split. 

What is DaVinci Composite Roofing?

Of the two options we’re discussing in this blog, DaVinci composite is the lesser-known. Firstly, “composite” simply means made up of various materials. DaVinci composite roof tiles are made from pure virgin resin that is enhanced by thermal modifiers, UV stabilizers, and fire retardants. These tiles are made to replicate the look of natural slate or shake tiles, including mimicking the natural texture, color variation, and depth. 

What makes DaVinci composite roofing stand out from other roofing materials on the market is its durability and high performance. DaVinci synthetic tile holds a Class A fire rating and a Class 4 Impact rating under UL 2218; this means that their roofing has top fire resistance and strong resistance to hail and other impacts. For Midwest homeowners, this is a game-changer considering the harsh weather conditions they face. This roofing option also offers a lifetime limited material warranty. 

Given these ratings, DaVinci composite roofing is quickly becoming a long-term, low-maintenance favorite for homeowners that gives them the aesthetic they’re looking for.

Asphalt vs. DaVinci Composite: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Here is a direct comparison across the most relevant homeowner criteria when they’re considering roofing material options:

The Tradeoffs

While knowing the specs of asphalt and DaVinci composite roofing is helpful, it’s more important to consider how each type will benefit you.

Here are some key factors to weigh:

1. Budget vs. the Real-Time Value

Not everyone can afford the upfront cost of a new roof. If you’re working on a constrained budget, a quality asphalt roof may be the better short-term fit. If you’re not sure that you’re going to stay in your current home for the rest of your life, you may not want to put a lot of money into your roof. However, if you’ve found your forever home and want to invest in that home long-term, a DaVinci composite roof serves you much better in the long run. It offers less maintenance, fewer repairs, and an extended shelf life.

2. Weather, Climate, & UV Exposure

The Midwest is no stranger to harsh weather conditions, and your roof needs to be able to withstand different environments, including yearly freeze/thaw cycles, strong UV exposure, heavy rain and snowfall, hail damage, and more. While both asphalt shingles and DaVinci composite roofs boast the highest impact and fire ratings, asphalt shingles do wear more over time and are susceptible to degradation the older they get. Asphalt shingles need to be occasionally treated against algae and mold buildup, while DaVinci is resistant to mold growth because it’s made of pure virgin resin. 

In more benign climates, high-quality asphalt shingles may perform very well long-term, especially when properly installed and ventilated. 

3. Warranty, Installer-Quality, & Insurance Coverage

Another major factor that homeowners need to consider when looking at a new roof is the warranty attached, and a warranty is only as good as the installation. No matter what roof they’re installing, DuraShield’s certified roof installers are very detail-oriented and knowledgeable. From the underlayment to the ventilation, our team guarantees that your roof meets every manufacturer spec and keeps your warranty valid. 

When it comes to insurance coverage, DaVinci is often preferred because insurers favor Class A impact and Class 4 fire-rated roofs. While both asphalt and DaVinci composite roofs meet these ratings, DaVinci tends to hold up better over time. Some insurance companies even offer lower premiums for DaVinci roofs because of their durability.  

Insights from the Ask a Roofer Podcast

During his Ask a Roofer conversation, DuraShield owner Anthony Walsh discusses how more homeowners are considering composite roofing because of their greater durability, aesthetic appeal, and lower maintenance. He shares a real-world example from one of his installations in Wisconsin:

“Class 4 impact DaVinci is not the same as an asphalt shingle Class 4 rating…we installed a rough earlier this spring outside of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where, it was like 2 or 3 days later, they had 2-inch hail hit his neighborhood, and he had a new DaVinci roof. Some of his neighbors had, you know, 2-year-old cedar shake roofs. Those 2-year-old cedar shake roofs were damaged, where literally, his DaVinci roof, like literally, nothing happened to it. He was freaking out and asked us to come take a look at it. We assured him there was nothing wrong, but for peace of mind, we still went out and looked at it. I mean, there weren’t even scuff marks.”

Click here to listen to the full podcast!

For homeowners focused on a lower upfront cost or shorter-term plans, asphalt shingles may be a better fit. But, if your answers lean toward long-term durability, minimal maintenance, curb appeal, and weather-resistance, a premium composite roof by DaVinci is worth serious consideration. Midwest homeowners need a roof that they can rely on for years to come, and DaVinci truly does pay for itself over the years.

Balancing Style, Durability, and Cost

Choosing the right roof isn’t just about finding the right material – it’s about choosing a solution that balances style, durability, and cost. Asphalt shingles remain a dependable option for many homeowners. But, for homeowners looking for a higher long-term value, DaVinci composite is the way to go. This composite roofing system delivers durability, safety, and premium aesthetics that asphalt simply can’t match. 

Decision Checklist

Here’s a quick cheat sheet you can use when considering asphalt vs. DaVinci composite roofing: