When it comes to protecting and enhancing your home, your roof is more than just a cap on top—it’s a critical investment in curb appeal, resale value, and long-term peace of mind. For homeowners with large or luxury properties, synthetic roofing is becoming a popular choice as traditional asphalt or wood shake shingles may no longer be up to the task. At Michaelson Railey Improvements (MRI), we’ve seen a growing trend among high-end homeowners: the shift toward synthetic shake and slate roofing. Not because it’s trendy, but because it solves the problems that traditional roofing systems can’t. If your roof is 20+ years old, or if your insurance company is pressuring you to replace wood shake or aging shingles, it might be time to take a serious look at the future of roofing—synthetic materials that look incredible and last for decades.
What’s the Problem with Wood or Asphalt?
Wood shake roofs may look beautiful at first, but over time they split, curl, rot, and attract insects. Asphalt shingles, while affordable, often fall short when it comes to matching the architecture of larger homes—and they’re vulnerable to algae, wind damage, and premature granule loss. If you’re constantly dealing with maintenance, patching, or storm repairs, it might be time to ask: “Is this roof still serving my home—or just surviving?”
Why Synthetic Roofing Works So Well
Today’s synthetic roofing products—like DaVinci Roofscapes and Brava—are designed to look like hand-split cedar or natural slate, but with none of the drawbacks. You get the elegance of real wood or stone with the strength of high-tech engineering. Here’s what makes synthetic roofing the smart choice for discerning homeowners:
- Class A fire rating and Class 4 impact resistance (great for insurance)
- 110+ mph wind protection and UV resistance
- Lightweight design that doesn’t overload your roof deck
- Stunning, customizable styles and colors to match your home’s character
- Warranties that can last 50 years or more
What About Insurance?
In many cases, if your roof is showing damage from storms, wind, or hail, your insurance company may be on the hook for part or all of the replacement. MRI helps you navigate the claims process, providing photo documentation, product comparisons, and expert assessments that adjusters respect. And if your insurance company has told you they won’t renew your policy until you replace the roof? We’ll help you understand your options and protect your investment the right way.
The MRI Difference
When you work with MRI, we don’t just sell you a roof—we install a complete system that’s built to last. Our process includes:
- Complete tear-off of existing materials (including all nails and flashing)
- Premium underlayment and ventilation upgrades
- Expert installation of your chosen synthetic product
- Photo documentation of each stage of the job
- A free 6- and 12-month follow-up inspection after the job is done
Is a Synthetic Roof Right for You?
Ask yourself:
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- Does my current roof add value—or take it away?
- Am I spending more on repairs than I should?
- Would my home look better with a bold, timeless roofing profile?
- Am I looking for a one-time investment that will last 50 years or more?
If the answer to any of these is yes, it’s worth taking a closer look at synthetic shake or slate. MRI provides free inspections, side-by-side comparisons, and honest answers—no pressure. We’re here to help you bring your home back to good health, one roof at a time.