This project in Fort Collins involved the complete removal of aged, weathered cedar shake shingles and the installation of a premium, high-performance synthetic shake system. This transformation provides the homeowner with a stunning, durable, and Class 4 impact-rated roof that meets and exceeds local building codes and offers superior longevity. As a dedicated Fort Collins roofing company, we are proud to deliver a range of roofing solutions that improve the curb appeal, safety, and longevity of homes in our community.
Project Overview
This residential roofing project documents an important transition from an outdated roofing material to a modern, high-performance solution. Our objective was to provide the homeowner with an aesthetically superior, functionally advanced roof that offered significantly improved fire and impact resistance. The new system uses the DaVinci Select Synthetic Shake, selected for its ability to meet the mandatory Class 4 impact rating required by Fort Collins building codes.
Cedar Shake Upgrade
The total roof area covered approximately 43 squares (with required waste factored in). Detailed linear measurements included 160 LF of eaves, 243 LF of rakes, and 161 LF of hip/ridge coverage. As a leading Fort Collins roofing contractor, we specialize in high-end, durable composite installations, ensuring every roof component, from underlayment to trim, improves the home’s safety and value for decades to come.
Key Scope of Work
Our team followed a rigorous process to help this Fort Collins homeowner achieve a flawless and long-lasting installation, focusing on superior materials and adherence to best practices.
- Demolition and Job Management:
- Removal of Existing Roof: Carefully removed and disposed of all existing cedar shake shingles.
- Debris Management: On-site dump trailer utilized to haul away old roofing material.
- Permitting & Inspection: Custom Exteriors pulled local permits and scheduled all necessary inspections with the City of Fort Collins.
- Decking Inspection: Prior to replacing the roof, a thorough inspection was completed. While this home’s decking was in great shape, in instances of damaged or spaced decking, it will be replaced before shingle installation.
Barrier System
- High-Performance Water Barrier System:
- Ice & Water Shield: High-Temperature Ice and Water Shield was installed at all eaves and in all valleys for critical leak protection. It can also help protect your home from the damage that can be caused by ice dams.
- Fire-Rated Underlayment: SolarHide Underlayment was installed on the entire roof deck. This critical layer is the highest fire-rated underlayment, contributing to the roof’s overall Class A Fire Rating.
Roof Replacement
- Installation and Finishing Details:
- Shingle Installation: New DaVinci Select Synthetic Shake was installed with a Straight Line exposure pattern for a clean, uniform aesthetic.
- Hips & Ridges: DaVinci Top of the Line Hip/Ridge Shake was installed at all hips and ridges, ensuring a seamless, high-definition appearance.
- Valleys: Replaced the existing W-Profile Valley with brand new W-Profile valley metal.
- Flashing & Drip Edge: All existing flashing was replaced. New drip edge was installed on all rakes, and eave drip edge was replaced as needed around existing gutters.
- Chimney Cricket: A custom cricket was installed behind the chimney, as its width exceeded 30″ per local code, to ensure proper water diversion.
- Vents & Penetrations: New pipe jacks and turtle vents were installed. Existing plastic power vent covers were replaced with new plastic covers.
The DaVinci Difference
Replacing wood shake with DaVinci Select Synthetic Shake is a significant upgrade in durability, safety, and longevity, making it an ideal choice for the Colorado climate. The primary advantage is the Class 4 Impact Rating, which is mandated by Fort Collins to withstand the region’s severe hail and resulting damage, offering maximum protection and often qualifying homeowners for insurance premium discounts.
The Key Differences
It is resilient because of the shingle’s superior material composition, a proprietary blend of virgin resins, UV and thermal stabilizers, and a highly specialized fire retardant. This construction ensures the greatest degree of color control and consistency throughout the manufacturing process, resulting in longevity that resists cracking, fading, and rot in any climate.
Furthermore, unlike natural cedar, which poses a fire risk, the combination of the DaVinci shingles and the SolarHide Underlayment provides a top-tier Class A Fire Rating, which is the highest level of resistance against external fire exposure, offering critical safety and meeting modern fire codes. Finally, DaVinci shingles provide a sustainable solution, requiring low maintenance because they require virtually no upkeep compared to natural wood, which is prone to moss and rot and requires periodic treatment.
Ready to Upgrade Your Home?
This project showcases our commitment to using top-of-the-line materials and providing expert craftsmanship for the highest level of home protection. Contact Custom Exteriors today to discuss how we can transform your roof with a premium, Fort Collins-compliant roofing system.
