The value of specifying composite slate and shake roofing for golf course clubhouses

By DaVinci Roofscapes.

Why architects and designers should consider DaVinci® Roofscapes for premium clubhouse projects.

Golf course clubhouses are more than just functional buildings — they serve as the social and aesthetic centerpieces of prestigious communities and resorts nationwide. Architects and designers face unique challenges when specifying materials for these high-profile projects. They must balance durability, beauty, safety and long-term value. DaVinci® Roofscapes composite slate and shake roofing products have emerged as a top choice for clubhouses, offering a compelling combination of performance and visual appeal.

Unmatched impact resistance

Clubhouse roofs are subjected to harsh weather, from hailstorms to fallen branches. DaVinci’s composite slate and shake shingles are engineered for Class 4 impact resistance — the highest rating available. This means the roofing can withstand severe impacts without cracking or breaking, drastically reducing the risk of damage and costly repairs. For golf courses, where aesthetics and uninterrupted operations are paramount, this resilience is invaluable.

Class A fire resistance for enhanced safety

Safety is a core concern for any public structure. DaVinci composite roofing products boast a Class A fire rating, providing the highest level of protection against fire. This is especially critical in clubhouses, which often host large gatherings and may be located in areas prone to everything from lightning strikes to wildfires. Specifying DaVinci not only helps safeguard occupants but also can potentially lower insurance costs, adding peace of mind for owners and guests alike.

Low maintenance and longevity

Unlike traditional wood shake or natural slate, DaVinci composite roofing requires minimal upkeep. The material does not absorb moisture, which means it resists mold and mildew growth. It is also insect and rot resistant, further lowering maintenance demands and preserving the roof’s integrity over decades. For golf course owners, this translates to fewer maintenance interruptions and lower long-term costs.

Fade-resistant beauty under the sun

A clubhouse roof is a highly visible architectural feature, and maintaining its appearance is crucial. DaVinci shingles are crafted with advanced UV stabilizers, ensuring the color remains vibrant and true even after years of sun exposure. Whether selecting rich slate grays or the warm tones of natural wood shake, with DaVinci, designers can be confident that the clubhouse roof will enhance curb appeal season after season.

Warranty: Long-term peace of mind

DaVinci offers robust long-term warranties. This level of protection underscores the manufacturer’s confidence in their product and gives golf course owners assurance that their total cost of investment is secure. For architects and designers, specifying DaVinci means delivering lasting value and reliability to clients.

Return on investment and nationwide success

Golf courses across the United States have realized substantial returns on investment by choosing DaVinci composite slate and shake roofing for their clubhouses. The combination of durability, beauty, low maintenance and warranty coverage leads to lower lifecycle costs and higher property values. Clubhouse roofs remain strikingly attractive and functional for decades, contributing to the overall reputation and success of the facilities.

Project: Chaska Town Course

The clubhouse at the Chaska Town Course in Minnesota is all roof. When the deeply-sloping roof needed replacement, the City of Chaska Building Department turned to DaVinci® Select Shake products.

“Installation of this project was a total success,” says Clint Aretz with Allied Construction out of Mayer, Minnesota. “We’ve done other Select Shake installations on this golf course. The clubhouse roof creates a unified appearance. And the Aged Cedar color is extremely natural looking. It blends in with the wooded setting. A bonus for Town Course is the minimal maintenance this DaVinci product requires. It’s an easy-care roofing material with a long lifespan. Best of all, the look they see today is what they’ll see for decades."

Project: Bull Valley Golf Club

After 32 years, the real cedar shakes on the Bull Valley Golf Club in Illinois were leaking badly. The owners took the opportunity to change up the appearance of the clubhouse and switched to composite slate roofing.

“Our roofer introduced us to DaVinci Roofscapes composite products,” says Brad Hisel, general manager of the 37,000-square-foot clubhouse at Bull Valley Golf Club. “We embraced the idea to switch to a synthetic slate roof to give the clubhouse a timeless look. The selection of the European color palette gave the building a true slate appearance. The new synthetic slate roof has made the clubhouse a center point in our community. We’re thrilled with the true slate look. In addition, the 50-year material warranty from DaVinci is a feature that we truly value. This is a win-win for everyone.” 

Project: Columbine Country Club Clubhouse

Encompassing 56,000-square-feet, the $25 million Columbine Country Club Clubhouse opened in 2017. Atop the sprawling Colorado clubhouse sits DaVinci Roofscapes composite slate roofing to enhance the exterior appearance of the structure while helping protect the facility from hail and severe weather conditions.

“The Board of Directors for the country club approved of this specific Single-Width Slate composite slate roof based on its excellent appearance, durability and Class 4 impact resistant rating,” says Matthew Williams with Horn Brothers Roofing in Denver, Colorado. “This is the same roofing product we’ve installed on a variety of churches and homes in our area. People with this composite roofing product are never disappointed.”

“With an investment like we’ve made in creating this extraordinary facility, it was essential that we find a roof to both complement and help protect our building,” says Michael Bratcher, COO and general manager of Columbine Country Club. “After an extensive national search and review process we hired the experts at Marsh and Associates, Inc. to design the new clubhouse. They researched our roof options and made the recommendation for a DaVinci composite slate roof in a Brownstone blend color. We’re absolutely thrilled with this product and how it complements the style of our clubhouse.”

According to Bratcher, some of the club’s members have the same type of composite roof on their own homes. “We’re familiar with the DaVinci roofing tiles in our area,” says Michael. “Asphalt shingles in our Denver market simply don’t work. The DaVinci slate has the durability we were looking for. Plus, it complements the natural stone on both the inside and outside of our new clubhouse. This roofing product helps complete the look of our building. We found that DaVinci was a great value, has a wonderful, finished style and its performance capabilities so far have been terrific.”

Conclusion

When designing or renovating a golf course clubhouse, the roofing material is a defining decision. DaVinci composite slate and shake products deliver the ideal blend of impact resistance, fire safety, low maintenance, fade resistance and aesthetic excellence — all backed by a long-term warranty. Architects and designers seeking to create memorable, enduring and beautiful clubhouses will find DaVinci a smart, forward-thinking specification that pays dividends for years to come.