A Calm, Architectural Guide for Premium Homes in Georgia & South Carolina

Choosing a Brava Synthetic Shake roof is more than selecting a material. It is selecting an installation process that protects your home’s architecture, structure, and long-term value. Premium homes demand precision. Historic and HOA-governed communities demand consistency. And homeowners deserve a process that is orderly, predictable, and respectful of their property.

This guide walks you step-by-step through what to expect during a Brava Synthetic Shake installation—from pre-construction planning through final inspection.
No surprises. No unnecessary noise. Just a well-orchestrated process designed to uphold the dignity of your home.

1. Pre-Construction Planning: The Most Important Phase

The success of any Brava installation begins long before a single shake is set.

Premium homes require:

Architectural review
HOA or historic board preparation
Structural and decking assessment
Color and profile alignment
Scope definition for complex rooflines

Architectural Review

The roofline is evaluated for:

Dormers
Valleys
Turrets
Pitch transitions
Complex intersections
Primary sightlines from street and rear elevations

This ensures the new roof reinforces the home’s architectural rhythm—not disrupt it.

HOA & Architectural Committee Submissions

Many premium neighborhoods require:

Material samples
Color blend documentation
Profile verification
Manufacturer technical sheets

A complete, well-prepared submission prevents delays and maintains compliance throughout the project.

Structural & Decking Assessment

Even though Brava is lightweight, deck performance still matters. Installers review:

Deck thickness
Fastener condition
Ventilation channels
Existing underlayment condition

If repairs are needed, homeowners receive a clear explanation before work progresses.

2. Site Preparation: Quiet, Orderly, Predictable

Premium homes demand elevated protection and care.

Landscape & Hardscape Protection

Expect:

Coverings for landscaping
Driveway protection for material staging
Clearly defined safety zones for crew and equipment

Material Staging

Materials—including Brava Shake, fasteners, underlayment, and ventilation components—are staged neatly and away from high-visibility areas such as walkways and main entrances.

Communication

You receive:

Daily schedules
Crew arrival times
Anticipated sound windows
Weather updates, if needed

A premium installation is defined by predictability rather than disruption.

3. Removal of the Existing Roof

This phase is handled with care to protect the structure and surrounding property.

Careful Tear-Off

The existing roof is removed section by section to avoid deck damage and prevent debris from scattering. All debris is contained immediately rather than accumulating throughout the day.

Immediate Deck Repair

If installers identify:

Rot
Soft areas
Nail pops
Delaminated decking

…it is corrected while the deck is fully exposed. This protects the long-term integrity of the new Brava Synthetic Shake system.

4. Underlayment: The Foundation of Long-Term Performance

A premium synthetic shake roof relies on a premium underlayment system.

Expect:

High-temperature, self-adhered underlayment in valleys and around penetrations
Breathable synthetic underlayment across all roofplanes
Ice and water shield in designated climate zones

Underlayment provides:

Moisture protection
Wind uplift resistance
Heat management
Long-term structural stability in the Southeastern climate

All underlayment is photographed and documented before shake installation begins.

5. Brava Synthetic Shake Installation: Order, Precision, Craftsmanship

This stage defines the architectural character of your roof.

Starter Courses

Proper water channeling begins with correct starter placement, aligning the system for long-term performance.

Course-by-Course Installation

Brava’s authentic appearance comes from intentional variation. Installers:

Stagger courses
Blend color packets evenly
Maintain consistent shadow lines
Align shake patterns with primary sightlines

A premium installation avoids repetition and maintains a natural architectural flow.

Valley, Dormer & Transition Details

These areas require advanced craftsmanship:

Woven or metal valley options
Waterproofed dormer transitions
Reinforced step flashing
Clean, precise terminations

Attention to detail here ensures both beauty and durability

6. Ridges, Hips & Final Architectural Accents

Premium roofs often include:

Multiple ridges
Hip intersections
Peaks and returns

Brava ridge and hip caps are installed with:

Hidden fasteners
Reinforced underlayment beneath each seam
Clean, consistent alignment

These finishing elements define the roof’s final architectural expression

7. Final Inspection: A Quiet, Complete, Documented Review

Upon completion, a comprehensive inspection confirms system integrity.

Structural Review

Fasteners verified
Transitions sealed
Roofplanes visually consistent

System Integrity

Ventilation paths confirmed
Accessory components secured
Flashing photographed and documented

Cleanup

Full magnetic sweep
Complete debris removal
Landscape restoration
Walkthrough of protected areas

Documentation Delivered