DaVinci Roofscapes’ Inspire Slate tiles represent a synthetic roofing material designed to replicate the appearance of natural slate. These single-width tiles are manufactured in Michigan and are intended for ease of installation and long-term durability. The system is engineered to withstand various environmental conditions and meet or exceed industry standards. This article details the specifications, installation considerations, and performance characteristics of the DaVinci Inspire Slate roofing system, based on available documentation.
Product Overview and Key Features
Inspire Slate tiles are designed to provide the aesthetic benefits of slate roofing without the associated weight and installation complexities. The tiles are 12 inches in width and ¼ inch in thickness. They are available in 20 different colors and color blends, allowing for a wide range of aesthetic options. The product is marketed as being resistant to mold, algae, fire, pests, impact, and salt air, and is designed not to chip or crack. A Limited Lifetime Warranty accompanies the product.
The tiles are designed for quick and easy installation, arriving at the job site pre-sorted in bundles. They can be cut using a standard utility knife. The system incorporates a Dual-Axis InFlex Cambered profile intended to enhance wind resistance.
Installation Guidelines
The Inspire Slate system is designed for relatively straightforward installation. The tiles are single-width, which simplifies the process compared to multi-width slate installations. Installation guides are available in multiple languages, including Spanish and French. Specific guides cover Classic Slate, Select Shake, and Province Slate installations, as well as mix bundle installation tips.
When installing, it is recommended that the ambient temperature not be lower than 45°F when using pneumatic fastening tools to avoid cracking or webbing. Hand nailing is required when the temperature falls between 32°F and 45°F.
Technical documentation includes a Plank Decking Technical Bulletin, and a Keys to Success Technical Bulletin, suggesting attention to these aspects during installation.
Technical Specifications and Dimensions
The following table summarizes the key technical specifications for DaVinci Inspire Slate tiles:
| Part | Exposure | Coverage | Pieces/Bu | Nails Required/Bu | Lbs/Bu |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Tile | 7.5″ | 6.4 BU/SQ | 25 | 50 | 38 |
| Field Tile | 7″ | 6.88 BU/SQ | 25 | 50 | 38 |
| Field Tile | 6.5″ | 7.39 BU/SQ | 25 | 50 | 38 |
| Field Tile | 6″ | 8 BU/SQ | 25 | 50 | 38 |
Where “BU” refers to bundles and “SQ” refers to square feet. Tile dimensions are 12 inches in width, 18 inches in length, and ¼ inch in thickness at both the butt and tip. Exposure varies from 6 inches to 7.5 inches depending on the specific installation configuration.
Performance Characteristics and Testing
DaVinci Inspire Slate tiles have undergone testing to assess their performance under various conditions. Testing includes assessments for wind-driven rain/wind uplift, freeze-thaw cycles, water absorption, and water permeation.
- Wind Driven Rain / Wind Uplift: Testing in accordance with TAS 100-95 and UL 580 demonstrated performance up to 110 mph, with no tiles blowing off, tearing, or being lifted.
- Freeze-Thaw Cycle: Testing in accordance with ASTM C666/C666M showed no signs of damage or cracking after more than 300 cycles.
- Water Absorption: Testing in accordance with ASTM C272 revealed no appreciable weight gain, indicating low water absorption.
- Water Permeation: Testing in accordance with ASTM E96/E96M demonstrated that the tiles are impermeable to water.
Approvals and Compliance
The Inspire Slate roofing system has received approvals from several organizations, including:
- Florida Building Code Org. (FL#7409, FL#16269, FL#16856)
- Texas Department of Insurance (RC-404)
- CCRR-0188
- Miami-Dade Approved
- Inspire Classic Slate CCRR-0217
These approvals indicate that the product meets specific building code requirements and standards in these regions.
Additional Resources and Documentation
A variety of additional resources and documentation are available, including:
- DaVinci Hand-Split Shake Siding Installation Guide
- DaVinci High Wind Installation Compliance guide
- DaVinci Inspire Classic Slate Installation Guide (available in French and Spanish)
- DaVinci Inspire Classic Slate Mix Bundle Installation Tips & Hints
- DaVinci Multi-Width & Single Width Slate Installation Guide (available in French)
- DaVinci Province Slate Installation Guide (available in French and Spanish)
- DaVinci Select Shake Installation Guide (available in Spanish and French)
- DaVinci Shake Installation Guide (available in Spanish and French)
- DaVinci Slate Installation Guide (available in Spanish)
- SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for Inspire products
- Sell Sheets for various DaVinci products
- DaVinci Cool Roof & Sustainability Brochure
- DaVinci Roofscapes Recycle Program information
- Cool Roof Ratings documentation
- DaVinci All Product Tech Sheet
- Fortified Roof Tech Bulletin
- Inspire Classic Slate Tech Sheet
- Code Evaluation Reports (Roofing and Siding)
- Engineered Evaluation Report for DaVinci products
- Technical Bulletin - Cleaning
- Technical Bulletin - Keys to Success
Conclusion
The DaVinci Inspire Slate roofing system offers a lightweight, durable, and aesthetically pleasing alternative to natural slate. The tiles are engineered for ease of installation and are backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Performance testing demonstrates resistance to wind, water, and freeze-thaw cycles, and the product has received approvals from several key regulatory bodies. The availability of comprehensive installation guides and technical documentation supports proper implementation and long-term performance.