MILWAUKEE, WI – June 09, 2026 – PRESSADVANTAGE –
DuraShield Roofing & Contracting completed a DaVinci Composite Cedar Shake roof replacement project on a home in Milwaukee. The project incorporated DaVinci composite shake roofing with a solar panel installation. Coordination occurred with Fibonacci Energy following damage from a storm to the original natural cedar shake roof.
Homeowner Trent N. sought replacement options after the storm caused significant damage to the cedar shake roof system. An assessment of the property determined that repeating the same natural material would not align with plans to install solar panels on the southern roof exposure. DaVinci composite shakes were selected as the replacement to provide a suitable base for the solar array.
“Replacing the roof with another cedar shake roof did not make sense, especially when adding in the solar panels on the southern exposure of the roof,” said Anthony Walsh, owner of DuraShield Roofing & Contracting. “You need something stronger that you can walk on without worry to maintain the solar panels long-term. Our suggestion was the DaVinci composite shake product.”
DaVinci composite shakes are manufactured from virgin resins and include UV and thermal stabilizers along with fire retardants. The products carry a Class 4 impact rating for hail resistance and a Class A fire rating. These characteristics support durability in Midwest conditions, where hail, high winds reaching up to 110 miles per hour, temperature fluctuations, and moisture are common. The material resists cracking, splitting, fading, mold, and insect damage. It also provides a stable, walkable surface that facilitates ongoing solar panel maintenance and servicing over time.
The installation used DaVinci Multi-Width Shake in Aged Cedar color. The roofing and solar components were integrated through coordination between the DuraShield and Fibonacci Energy teams. Robert Thacker, of Fibonacci Energy, noted the compatibility of the systems on this type of composite roofing.
DaVinci composite roofing is recognized in the industry for its compatibility with solar installations due to its engineered strength, dimensional stability, and longevity compared to natural cedar. The limited lifetime material warranty on DaVinci products transfers with property ownership, offering additional assurance for long-term performance.
The homeowner applied for Illinois Solar Renewable Energy Credits, federal tax credits, utility rebates, and related incentive programs. These incentives offset a substantial portion of the solar installation costs. According to project details, the completed solar system is projected to generate annual energy savings of approximately $2,500 to $5,000. These figures represent estimates based on typical performance modeling for the installed system and local energy rates rather than post-installation measured data.
Natural cedar shake roofs remain vulnerable to several environmental factors, including hail impact, high winds, prolonged sun exposure, insects, and mold growth. These vulnerabilities can shorten overall lifespan and create complications when retrofitting with solar technology. Composite alternatives address many of these concerns through consistent material properties that maintain appearance and structural integrity without the need for frequent staining, sealing, or individual replacements.
DuraShield Roofing & Contracting provides a full range of residential and commercial roofing services across Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. Services encompass full replacements, repairs, and detailed inspections for multiple system types, including cedar shakes, DaVinci Roofscapes Brava Roof Tiles, asphalt shingles, metal roofing, slate, tile, EPDM, and TPO flat roofing. Staff members receive specialized training on storm damage assessment, utilizing photo and video documentation to support accurate insurance claims processing.
“Trent chose the DaVinci Multi-Width Shake in an Aged Cedar color,” added Anthony Walsh. “We worked closely with Fibonacci Energy to integrate the DaVinci tiles with the solar panels on the roof.”
Founded in 2003 by Anthony Walsh, DuraShield Roofing & Contracting originated from his prior experience in roofing sales and Project Management. Walsh studied business administration and marketing before launching the company with an emphasis on dependable service standards. Kim Walsh joined the team in 2008, contributing operational and accounting expertise. The company expanded from its initial service area in the Appleton and Fox Cities region to additional Wisconsin markets, including Green Bay, De Pere, Milwaukee, and Madison, as well as Northern Illinois locations. Operations continue to follow core values of dependability, integrity, growth, and service. The firm maintains partnerships with major manufacturers, including being a DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor and a Brava Roof Tile Certified Installer, which support access to extended warranties on both materials and workmanship.
This project represents one example of combining durable composite roofing materials with solar technology in response to storm damage and rising energy considerations in the Midwest region.
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For more information about DuraShield Roofing & Contracting, contact the company here:
DuraShield Roofing & Contracting – Milwaukee
Anthony Walsh
(262) 360-6910
info@durashieldroofing.com
11414 W Park Pl #202, Milwaukee, WI 53224
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