What Homeowners and Property Managers Need to Know
Since 2003, Durashield Roofing & Contracting has helped homeowners and commercial property owners across Wisconsin and Illinois make informed roofing decisions that last. One of the most important choices you’ll make when it’s time to replace your roof is the material. While cedar shake has long been a traditional favorite, there is a smarter, more durable option: DaVinci roofing in Milwaukee, WI.
Below, we break down the key differences between DaVinci Roofscapes and natural cedar shake and why more property owners are making the switch to DaVinci.
The Problem with Cedar Shake Roofs
For decades, cedar shake roofs have been admired for their rustic charm and natural beauty. They add character to a home, blending in well with traditional and high-end architectural styles. However, beneath their curb appeal lies a growing number of concerns that homeowners and property managers can no longer afford to overlook.
Vulnerability
The first major issue with cedar shake roofing is its vulnerability to the elements. Cedar is, by nature, an organic material, and while it’s initially durable, it begins to degrade over time when exposed to Wisconsin’s extreme weather conditions. Harsh winters, heavy rainfall, and high humidity accelerate the aging process, leading to curling, cracking, and splitting of individual shakes. As the roof weathers, the structural integrity of the material declines, increasing the risk of leaks, water damage, and pest infestations. In many cases, this deterioration starts well before the expected 20–30-year lifespan, especially if the roof hasn’t been meticulously maintained.
High Maintenance
Maintenance itself is another pain point. Cedar shake roofs in Milwaukee require regular cleaning, treatment, and inspections to prevent mold, mildew, moss growth, and rot, all of which are common in shaded or moist environments. Unlike more modern roofing systems, cedar shake cannot simply be left alone. Homeowners often find themselves in a costly cycle of repairs, replacements, and chemical treatments, which only serve to delay the inevitable.
Not Insured
Perhaps the most pressing issue facing property owners today is the increasing reluctance of insurance providers to cover cedar shake roofs. Because of their susceptibility to fire, storm damage, and general degradation, many insurers either deny coverage altogether or attach high premiums and exclusions that make insuring a cedar roof impractical. This means that when damage does occur, whether from a hailstorm, fire, or simple age, homeowners may be left footing the bill for a full roof replacement. For those living in HOA-governed communities, this can also lead to conflicts over insurance liability and replacement standards.
Availability
Another concern is consistency and availability. The quality of cedar shakes can vary depending on the source, treatment, and installation method. It’s not uncommon for different parts of the same roof to weather at different rates, creating uneven color and texture that detracts from the home’s appearance. Additionally, as cedar becomes less common and sustainable harvesting becomes more regulated, sourcing high-quality shakes is becoming more difficult and expensive.
Cedar shake roofs may still hold aesthetic appeal, but when you weigh the ongoing maintenance, increasing insurance complications, environmental vulnerabilities, and overall cost of ownership, it’s clear that cedar is no longer the practical choice it once was. For homeowners and property managers looking for long-term performance, reliability, and peace of mind, it’s time to consider a more modern solution, like DaVinci roofing in Milwaukee, that delivers all the charm of cedar without the compromises.
The DaVinci Roofscapes Advantage
As more homeowners and property managers grow frustrated with the ongoing challenges of cedar shake roofs, many are turning to DaVinci Roofscapes for a smarter, more durable solution. DaVinci synthetic shake is engineered to replicate the timeless look of natural cedar, but with modern technology that eliminates the issues traditional wood roofing can’t overcome. It’s not just a replacement, it’s a major upgrade in both performance and peace of mind.
Resilience
One of the most practical advantages of DaVinci roofing in Milwaukee, WI, is its insurance friendliness. Because DaVinci products are engineered to resist fire, impact, and severe weather and carry top-tier roof ratings such as Class A for fire and Class 4 for impact. Many insurance providers view them as a lower-risk roofing material. This risk reduction often translates into more favorable coverage terms for homeowners, and in some cases, even reduced premiums.
In contrast to cedar shake, which is increasingly seen as a liability due to its flammability and susceptibility to damage, DaVinci roofs provide insurers with greater confidence in long-term performance and safety. Homeowners who make the switch often find that their new roof not only offers lasting protection but also leads to financial benefits through improved insurability, something especially valuable in regions like Wisconsin and Illinois where storms and seasonal extremes are more common.
Low Maintenance
Maintenance is minimal with DaVinci roofing, which is a major draw for both single-family homeowners and large-scale property managers. Unlike wood, it doesn’t rot, fade, attract insects, or require chemical treatments. The color is blended into the product during manufacturing, so it retains its rich, natural appearance for decades without staining or repainting. That visual consistency is especially valuable for HOAs, condo associations, and hotel operators who need uniformity across multiple buildings and want to avoid the piecemeal repairs that come with aging cedar roofs.
Longevity
Longevity is where DaVinci truly shines. With an expected lifespan of 30-50 years or more, and backed by a limited lifetime warranty, DaVinci offers not just a roof, but a long-term investment. For many property owners, that means replacing their roof once, instead of dealing with two or more cedar shake replacements over the same time span. And with reduced maintenance, fewer repairs, and less worry about weather-related damage, DaVinci pays for itself in reliability and reduced hassle.
Curb Appeal
Lastly, there’s the visual appeal. DaVinci Roofscapes products are designed using molds taken from real hand-split cedar shakes, ensuring a remarkably authentic look. From the street, most people can’t distinguish a DaVinci roof from high-quality wood, but the performance benefits are unmistakable. Whether you’re aiming to maintain a historic aesthetic or elevate your home’s curb appeal with a modern twist, DaVinci provides style without sacrifice.
Durashield Roofing & Contracting has been installing DaVinci roofing systems across Wisconsin and Illinois for years, and we’ve seen firsthand how transformative this product can be, especially for property owners ready to move on from the problems of natural cedar. When installed by our experienced team, a DaVinci roof doesn’t just look exceptional — it performs flawlessly, season after season.
Not All DaVinci Installations Are Equal
As DaVinci roofs grow in popularity, more contractors are offering them, but not all are trained or experienced in proper installation.
Durashield Roofing & Contracting has installed and replaced hundreds of DaVinci roofs across Wisconsin and Illinois. Our certified crews understand the unique techniques required to:
* Ensure full warranty protection
* Prevent common installation issues
* Seamlessly replace existing cedar shake roofs with DaVinci
* Repair or replace poorly installed synthetic roofs
If your current DaVinci roof was installed incorrectly, we offer full inspection and replacement services to restore your roof’s performance and appearance.
Ready to Replace Your Cedar Shake Roof in Milwaukee?
Whether you’re looking to upgrade the look of your Milwaukee home, reduce maintenance headaches, or improve your property’s fire and weather resistance, DaVinci synthetic shake is the superior choice.
Durashield Roofing & Contracting is your local expert in high-performance DaVinci roof replacements in Milwaukee. Contact us today and see why more homeowners and property managers are choosing DaVinci over cedar.
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