FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Climate Versatility: Are Brava roofing products suitable for diverse weather conditions?

Yes, Brava roofing is designed to endure various climates, from intense heat to freeze/thaw cycles, without water absorption or mold concerns.

Miami-Dade County Certification: Are Brava roof tiles certified by Miami-Dade County for use in High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ)?

Yes, Brava has achieved Miami-Dade County Certification, meeting the highest level of certification standards in the roofing industry. This includes Wind Uplift, Wind and Wind Driven Rain, and other severe weather testing and certification.

Performance in High Winds: Can Brava tiles withstand extreme wind conditions?

All tiles are manufactured to uphold the highest quality control standards and withstand the harshest of weather conditions. Brava tiles are tested and approved to withstand wind speeds of up to 188MPH with nails and up to 211MPH with high wind / screw installation. Verify building specifics, product type, code requirements, and installation methods for more detail.

UV Resistance of Brava Tiles: How well do Brava roof tiles resist UV degradation?

Brava tiles boast inherent UV protection, ensuring they do not degrade over time, thanks to their patented natural mineral-based colorants.

Advantages Over Other Composite Roofing: What sets Brava roofing apart from other composite roofing options?

Brava stands out with its third-party-tested, Miami-Dade County certified products, a unique multi-color offering, and the highest impact rating (Class 4), all contributing to its superior market position. Brava's true to life look and profile stand out against the competition.

Brava Cedar Shake vs real cedar shake: How does Brava Cedar Shake compare to a real wood cedar shake roof?

When searching for a cedar shake roof alternative, Brava’s synthetic shake roofing tiles should be at the top of your list. Our polymer shingles have all of the true to life natural beauty and rustic split textures of real cedar, combined with the incredible benefits of a composite roofing material.

Composite Roofing Benefits: Why opt for Brava composite roofing over traditional materials?

Brava composite roofing surpasses traditional materials in durability, aesthetics, and environmental benefits, saving energy and reducing mining or harvesting impacts.

Cost-Effectiveness Compared to Alternatives: How cost-effective are Brava products compared to traditional roofing materials?

Brava Roof Tile's products offer comparable initial costs to high-end roofing but excel in reducing long-term maintenance and installation expenses, making them a cost-effective solution.

Synthetic Roofing Desirability: What makes Brava the preferred choice in synthetic roofing materials?

Brava's comprehensive product line, certified quality, and unmatched color variety in composite roofing make it the most appealing synthetic roofing choice.

Walkability: Can your products be walked on?

Yes. However, avoid walking on the roof whenever possible. Excessive or careless roof traffic may cause damage. When maintenance or other needs require accessing the roof, use caution as it can be slick when wet or dry.

Water Absorption: Do Brava roofing products absorb water?

With closed-cell technology, Brava products prevent water absorption, thereby mitigating freeze/thaw effects and reducing maintenance.

Pricing Information: What is the pricing range for Brava Roof Tile products?

Brava's pricing aligns with other high-end roofing options but stands out in terms of reduced maintenance and installation costs, offering long-term economic benefits.

Square Footage Estimation: Does Brava assist in estimating the number of tiles required for roofing projects?

While Brava does not typically calculate square footage, they offer support to installers for precise estimation and can provide take-off assistance when scale drawings are available.

Purchasing Process for Brava Products: How can one purchase Brava Roof Tile products?

Contact Brava directly for a personalized quote and detailed purchasing information. https://www.bravarooftile.com/...

Appropriate Fastening Areas for Brava Roof Tiles: Is fastening Brava Roof Tiles outside designated fastener areas permissible?

While Brava Roof Tiles are designed to be fastened at specific locations for optimal performance, fastening outside these areas is possible as long as the fastener penetrates through the fastener pad on the back side of the tile. This ensures that the tile is securely attached to the roof deck, maintaining the integrity of the installation. Always consult Brava's full installation instructions to ensure compliance with their guidelines.

Cold Weather Installation: Is it possible to install Brava roofing during cold weather?

Installation can meet warranty requirements when installed material is above 32° F (0° C), ensuring a year-round roofing solution in most areas.

Coverage Per Bundle: How much area does a bundle of Brava tiles cover?

Brava provides detailed bundle coverage information in our Installation Guides and Product Data Sheets ensuring accurate planning and order quantities for various tile profiles. Check with your Brava Sales Representative.

Existing Roof Overlay: Can Brava roofing be installed over existing roof materials?

To maintain warranty standards, Brava requires the removal of previous roofing materials, promoting optimal performance and lifespan.

Fastener Selection for Brava Roof Tiles: How long should fasteners be?

Fastener length will depend on several factors (profile, wind rating requirements, fastener type, etc). However, fasteners need to be long enough to penetrate through the deck or a minimum 3/4" into the decking. Brava offers a full line of accessory items so you can order the whole roof system. Corrosion-Resistant Ring Shank Roofing Nails or Screws are recommended depending on application, code, and warranty requirements.

Fastener Selection for Brava Roof Tiles: Which fasteners should be used to install Brava Roof Tiles?

Corrosion-Resistant Ring Shank Roofing Nails or Screws are recommended depending on application, code, and warranty requirements. DO NOT USE smooth shank roofing nails. Corrosion-resistant screws (#8, #9, or #10) are recommended for the highest wind performance and warranty coverage. Fasteners must penetrate a minimum of 3/4"into the roof deck or completely through the deck. Verify code requirements for the specific product being installed.

https://www.bravarooftile.com/...

https://www.bravarooftile.com/...

Flashing Type & Location: What type of flashing should I use and where should it be installed?

Flashing should be installed by a licensed professional using industry best practices and meeting all applicable codes. Proven durable flashing materials include copper, tin, lead, galvanized or painted steel, and stainless steel. Each roof will be different but common areas which need flashing include places where the roof surface meets a wall (sidewall/headwall), valleys, penetrations, eaves, and rakes.

Installation Gapping Requirement: Should gaps or spacing be left between installed Brava tiles?

Brava requires a minimum of 3/16-inch spacing between all Shake and Slate field tiles, Solid, and Starters. This is required due to normal thermal expansion and contraction during daily and seasonal temperature cycles. Installation without this minimum may negatively effect appearance and will void warranty coverage. Using a recommended 3/8-inch keyway spacing will ensure compliance with this standard.

Installer Certification: Are certified installers required for Brava Roof Tile installations?

While Brava does not mandate certified installers, they endorse Preferred Contractors experienced with their products and provide a valid warranty as long as installation guidelines are followed. Training for Brava installers is highly recommended. Brava Technical Support offers Online, Remote, and In-Plant Training for all products. https://www.bravarooftile.com/...

Minimum Roof Slope: What is the minumum roof slope Brava recommends for installation?

Brava products are designed for steep-slope roofing applications. Brava recommends a minimum slope of 4:12. When installed on a 3:12 slope, a self-adhered waterproof underlayment, such as Ice & Water Shield, should be used on the entire slope. For low slope or flat roofs (2:12 or lower), a flat roof system should be installed (PVC, TPO, EPDM, ModBit, etc.) and then transitioned to Brava on slopes of 3:12 or greater. If your project falls outside that scope, please contact Brava Technical Support.

Nail type: What type of nails should I use to fasten Brava roof products?

Corrosion resistant fasteners, such as stainless-steel, hotdipped zinc coated, copper or corrosion resistant ring shank roofing nails with a 3/8” diameter head may be used while ensuring building code and penetration requirements are met.

Non-Standard Roof Shapes: Is it possible to install Brava roofing on Turrets, "Eyebrows", and Curved Roofs?

Brava Cedar Shake and Brava Slate can be installed on curved and non-standard roof shapes. Depending on the radius of the curve and specifics of the roof, Solid Shakes or Solid Slates may be recommended or required. Brava Spanish Barrel Tile is designed to be installed in straight courses but still may be compatible with non-standard roofs.

Structural Ribbing: Is there a possibility that the structural ribbing on the back of the tile will show when the roof is installed?

Brava offers a solid tile accessory which can be used in valleys and along gables and rakes to give the authentic look of slate or shake. No need to be concerned about those cut edges with our solid accessory.

Technical Support Contact: Who should be contacted for Brava technical information and support?

Brava's dedicated team of technical representatives is available to address all queries and provide expert guidance. https://www.bravarooftile.com/...

Underlayment Type: What type of underlayment should I use?

Brava recommends using a synthetic underlayment and suggests finding an underlayment that matches the durability and limited lifetime warranty of Brava's Roof Systems. In some regions, fully adhered underlayment (ASTM D1970) is common on the whole roof (check venting requirements). ASTM D1907 underlayment is required in all valleys and is recommended at eaves and rakes. At a minimum, underlayment of not less than 30 lb. felt (ASTM D 226 Type II) should be used. Comply with applicable codes and regional industry best practice.

Ventilation Products: What type of ventilation products should I use on my roof?

Brava recommends Cobra Exhuast Vent for roof ridge ventilation on Shake and Slate and O'Hagan Vents for Spanish roofs.Gable and soffit vents should be utilized as required for adequate ventilation. Ensure roof and attic ventilation meets code and industry best practices. Insufficient roof ventilation may lead to roof deck failure.

Ventilation Products: What ventilation products do you recommend?

Brava recommends 8" or 9" COBRA Ridge vent, 8" self-adhering membrane for hips on Shake and Slate profiles. Zepher Roll/Block for our Spanish Barrel profile. O’Hagin Spanish Vent is also approved. Brava offers a full line of accessory items so you can order the whole roof system.

Vertical Installation Flexibility: Are Brava tiles suitable for vertical installation applications?

Yes, Brava tiles have been successfully utilized for various vertical applications, including mansard roofs and siding. When installed as siding, some warranty limitations may apply. (link to tech bulletin)

Wooden Strips for Breathability: Is it necessary to use wooden strips or battens under Brava tiles for breathability?

Brava's installation process does not require wooden battens for their Shake or Slate profiles. Battens are recommended (but not required) for the Spanish Barrel profile based on project specifics. See Installation Guidance for details. https://www.bravarooftile.com/...

Color: Does Brava offer different colors?

Yes! Brava can meet all your color needs. We have a team of color experts who work diligently to provide the most realistic blends for all our profiles. We can match virtually any color utilizing our revolutionary multi-coloring process which produces variation throughout each tile individually. We call this our fingerprint effect. No two pieces of Brava roofing will be identical. This allows the appearance of the product to have authentic color variation.

Samples: Where can request a sample?

To request a sample, please visit our website. https://www.bravarooftile.com/...

Slate Comparison: Does Brava's Slate look like natural slate?

Our synthetic slate roofing is molded from pieces of traditional slate roofing. Using our patented mineral-infusion process, we ensure no two Brava tiles are exactly alike, replicating the authenticity and beauty of nature for the most natural-looking tiles in the world.

Surface Color: Does the color extend below the surface of the tile, shake or slate?

Yes. Brava utilizes our revolutionary multi-coloring process to blend colors together, which produces variation throughout the entire tile, not only on the surface. This allows the product to have authentic color variation and flow.

Weight of Products: Are Brava's products heavy?

No. Brava's roofing products have a range between 257-430 lbs/sq. One of Brava's advantages is that we give you the look of heavy natural products without needing additional structural support. Brava weighs slightly more than a high quality asphalt shingle. Brava roofing minimizes weight but does not compromise stability.

What is Brava's return policy?

1. All sales are final.

2. Returns require approval.

3. Returns are typically approved for products that are clean, well-packaged, sorted, and in new condition. We reserve the right to refuse a return for any items that do not meet these standards.

4. A restocking fee of 30% plus freight applies to all non-stocking returns.

What is Brava's storage policy?
1. Notification of Ready Orders: Once your order is ready to ship, a Brava Shipping Coordinator will contact you.

2. Initial Holding Period:
If you are not ready to receive your order, we will hold the material for 30 days without any charges.

3. Cancellation of Orders:
If your order remains in storage for longer than the initial 30-day period without communication or action from your side, Brava reserves the right to cancel your order. In such a case, the material will be repurposed for other orders. See cancellation policy for additional fees.

4. Storage Charges:
Should your order need to be stored for longer than 30 days, a storage rate will apply. The storage rate is $50 per pallet per month, which equates to $1.66 per day (prorated). This charge will be incurred for each day beyond the initial 30-day period that your order remains at our facility.
Product Materials: Does Brava Use PFA's?

Brava does not add PFAs to any of our products, nor do we use brominated compounds or any other chemical additives to improve fire resistance.
Instead, mineral fillers and, in some cases, specialized underlayments are used to achieve the specified fire classification.

Product Materials: What are Brava products made of?

Brava is made of compressed recycled plastics, natural mineral colorants, UV stabilizers and other sustainable materials. This creates the most authentic, durable, and realistic synthetic roofing in the market.

Recycling Brava Material: Can Brava materials be recycled?

Yes, Brava materials are made from recycled materials and can be recycled again when the roof is eventually replaced. Material, cuttings, and scraps not used during installation can be recycled if shipped to the Brava plant, provided all fasteners and foreign materials are removed.

Sustainability: Are Brava's products sustainable?

Yes. Brava takes sustainability into consideration by reducing the burden on the environment and landfills as well as the extended lifespan of the roof. Brava uses up to 95% recycled plastic and is fully recyclable.

Title 24 and Cool Roofs: Does Brava have Title 24 cool roof options?

Yes. Brava offers a Title 24 approved, cool roof rated product line. https://www.bravarooftile.com/...

Warranty: What is the warranty coverage for Brava products?

All of Brava’s products are covered by our Limited Lifetime Warranty. https://www.bravarooftile.com/...