DaVinci Multi-Width Slate tiles emulate the color and texture of natural slate while providing impact resistance, light weight and fade resistance.

DaVinci Roofscapes, part of Westlake Royal Building Products™, a Westlake company (NYSE: WLK), is expanding the color options for its Multi-Width Slate profile with the additions of Aurora and Rock Ridge. Previously available only in the Single-Width Slate profile, the extension responds directly to customer demand for additional options in the popular two colors.

Aurora and Rock Ridge are both part of DaVinci’s Nature Crafted Collection™:

• Aurora: like its namesake Aurora Borealis, Aurora elegantly combines soft mottled greens and purples. This sophisticated yet timeless hue is well-suited for historical renovations, including Old World, Colonial, Tudor, Modern Farmhouse and Mansard.
• Rock Ridge: blends of dark grays and blacks emulate the iron sulfide, graphite and carbon found in quarried slate from New York and Vermont. The effect is authentic as it is dramatic. Rock Ridge is ideal for Colonial, Federal, Victorian, Greek Revival, Neoclassical and Revival homes.

“Aurora and Rock Ridge combine the elegance and natural color variation of slate with the durability and long-term performance of our trusted composite, so it’s no surprise customers have responded so positively since their launch last year, based on feedback our sales team received from roofing contractors and property owners,” said Eric Miller, vice president of sales for Westlake Royal Building Products’ stone and roofing solutions brands. “, we’re pleased to expand these two popular colors from Single-Width Slate into our Multi-Width Slate offering, giving pros and homeowners even more design versatility.”

Made with virgin resins, UV and thermal stabilizers and a highly specialized fire retardant, DaVinci Roofscapes’ Multi-Width Slate composite tiles capture the beauty of natural slate without many of its common challenges. Unlike natural slate and shake which can be heavy and prone to breakage, DaVinci tiles are lightweight, impact resistant and engineered for long-lasting performance and carry a Lifetime Limited Material Warranty.

To learn more, visit DaVinci Roofscapes' Multi-Width Slate product page.

About DaVinci Roofscapes

Industry-leading DaVinci Roofscapes captures the authentic look of real cedar shake and natural slate in each of their composite roofing tiles. Made of virgin resins, UV and thermal stabilizer, plus a highly specialized fire retardant, each tile resists impact, fire and severe weather. They also defy insects, rotting, fading and splitting. Available in dozens of colors, the composite tiles are backed by a Lifetime Limited Material Warranty. DaVinci Roofscapes is a brand of Westlake Royal Building Products™.

About Westlake Royal Building Products

Westlake Royal Building Products USA Inc., a Westlake company (NYSE:WLK), is a leader throughout North America in the innovation, design and production of a broad and diverse range of exterior and interior building products, including siding and accessories, trim and mouldings, roofing, stone, windows and outdoor living. Westlake Royal Building Products manufactures high quality, low maintenance products to meet the specifications and needs of building professionals, homeowners, architects, engineers and distributors, while providing stunning curb appeal with an unmatched array of colors, styles and accessories. For more information, please visit WestlakeRoyalBuildingProducts.com.

By Emma Peterson. 

How upselling your customers with premium products can help them spend their money smarter. 

When we hear the term upselling, often it conjures an image of a salesperson who pressures you and won’t take no for an answer. But this negative connotation does not fully encapsulate what upselling is. To learn more about upselling and how it can help customers get higher-quality and longer-lasting solutions, Heidi J. Ellsworth hosted Mike Vaughn of Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions’ DaVinci Roofscapes, Jake Daniels of Classic Construction & Consulting, Cody Raymond of Westlake’s Unified Steel and Austin Davis of The Roofing Center for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®. 

Upselling at its core is the process of selling a customer a higher-value, more premium product than they walked in thinking they were going to purchase. A big reason those car salespeople try to upsell their customers through pressure is because it can lead to more revenue. But there are other reasons salespeople upsell their customers that are not tied to profits. Austin shared his team’s philosophy on upselling:  

My team, we view our role as an educator. We enter every customer conversation with the goal of finding out what the homeowner needs out of their roof. And a lot of the times we see people looking for durability and savings. And from there, we try to educate them on how investing in premium products, like DaVinci and Unified Steel can help them get to those goals.  

Cody added, “The perspective of being an educator is huge, because homeowners don’t know all the details. They don’t realize that premium products like DaVinci and Unified Steel might be more expensive now, but over the course of the roof’s lifespan they’ll actually save them money.” 

How does investing more in a premium roof save you money? Mike explained:  

When we're talking about Unified Steel and DaVinci, aesthetics really stands out. These products make buildings look really fantastic, which raises property values. And they are also really durable and quite low maintenance... So not only does this mean you get peace of mind with these products, a lot of homeowners get savings related to their insurance premiums. Further, these roofs last longer than asphalt’s typical 20-year lifespan, meaning you have to pay for fewer roof replacements overall. 

At the end of the day, Jake put it best when he said: “Unified Steel and DaVinci products create beautiful, long-lasting, bulletproof roofs.” 

Want to learn more about the value of selling premium products? Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording!

By DaVinci Roofscapes.

How synthetic slate and shake tiles build roofing sales.

During a time when closing consumer sales is tougher than ever, learn how leading roofers nationwide rely on composite roofing to help build business for their companies. Listen to the insights from award-winning roofers as they explain how DaVinci® Roofscapes products have helped increase sales for their companies.

"We install DaVinci roofing full time during the roofing season. Focusing on this composite product has increased our business tremendously over the years. DaVinci has the staying power in the composite roofing market and the quality is second to none. I can only sell a product that I know is top notch. I have a DaVinci roof on my own home. That says it all."

— Jason Chase, JnJ Restoration

"DaVinci products are a game-changer for our sales because they meet the high standards our customers expect. Homeowners are drawn to the combination of beauty, durability and low maintenance that DaVinci offers. This makes it an easy sell for our team.

The wide variety of styles and colors from DaVinci allows us to cater to diverse customer preferences, while the strong warranty and proven performance give clients peace of mind. This confidence in the product translates directly into more closed deals and increased referrals, as satisfied customers share their positive experiences with friends and neighbors. Ultimately, offering DaVinci has enhanced our reputation as a company that delivers premium solutions.”

— Scott Odom, Oconee Designer Roofing

"DaVinci products appeal to customers wanting a premium, low-maintenance roofing solution. The company’s extensive color palette and customization options allow us to cater to a wide range of architectural styles, making it easier to close deals with homeowners seeking both performance and curb appeal. The brand’s reputation also instills confidence in our customers."

— Chris Paulus, Shake Guys

"When you show a customer a photo of a DaVinci job, even if composite roofing is not being used for a particular job, it shows a high level of craftsmanship. This has helped us land higher-end projects across the board.”

— Jason Totin, Totin Too, LLC

"Being able to showcase some of these products and projects to customers both wanting DaVinci, or just wanting a standard asphalt shingle, allows us to show off the quality workmanship our crews can perform. It is always nice to be able to talk to customers needing any product about our ability to install a high-end product like DaVinci."

— Ryan Lephart, Great Roofing and Restoration

"DaVinci has maintained a strong relationship with Allstar for decades. This allows us to remain very familiar with their products and know what it takes to ensure a successful installation that keeps our clients satisfied. Since a large portion of our business comes from word-of-mouth referrals, this partnership allows us to make a lasting impression with our clients’ friends and family when they see the quality of our completed projects."

— Nate Limerick, Allstar Construction

By Emma Peterson. 

How Anthony Walsh found a career — and purpose — in roofing. 

One of the best parts about working at RoofersCoffeeShop® is getting to hear the stories from professionals across the industry about their journey into roofing. And that’s just what Anthony Walsh shared with us when he came onto an episode of Stories From the Roof sponsored by SRS Distribution. 

Anthony is the founder and current president of DuraShield Roofing & Contracting, a well-known, full-service roofing company that has served Wisconsin and Northern Illinois since 2003. But his story of entering the roofing industry doesn’t start with founding his company; it starts back in 2000 at a buddy’s house. He explained:  

I was going to college at the time, I was over at my buddy's house from high school and he's like, ‘Hey, you want to go golfing with me and my boss? You know, that guy that owns this roofing company that I'm working for in Oshkosh.’ I'm like, ‘Sure. I'll go golfing with you guys.’ And I talked with his boss, and he offered me an interview to work with them that summer.  

Anthony went to that interview, got hired and sold his first job that summer. And in his words, “I saw the homeowner was happy, got my commission check and I have been hooked ever since.” 

He spent the next couple of years working for different companies, before he founded Custom Exteriors in 2003 (which would be rebranded into DuraShield in 2012). Interestingly, the company didn’t actually do any roofs during their first year of operation. But by 2006, the company was doing 300 roofs. And today, they are known for "working on high-end luxury homes, specifically installing DaVinci composite cedar-shake and slate products.”  

Looking back at his journey, Anthony’s top moments are all about helping his customers. As he put it, “It seems like once a year, there's somebody, maybe an elderly couple or a single mom, that's not being treated right by insurance or some other power. And we are in a position where we’re able to help them navigate that and find a solution that protects their family. And you really can’t put a dollar amount on those moments, where people are just relieved and happy and you know you’ve done right by them.” 

Hear more from Anthony by listening to the whole episode of Stories from the Roof.

By Emma Peterson. 

How a strong relationship with an HOA can create a reliable workstream. 

From making sure that roof materials are approved by the organization to coordinating work schedules with HOA requirements, finding out that a client’s home is in a neighborhood with an active homeowners association (HOA) can often cause some headaches for roofers. But headaches aren’t all HOAs offer; they can also be a great opportunity. To learn more about working with HOAs, Karen Edwards hosted Scott Kim, owner of WGM Contracting, and Brian Ricci, project manager at Adco South Roofing & Waterproofing, for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®.  

For Scott and his team in Virginia, the key to working with HOAs is to keep education at the center. He explained, “When we work with HOAs, we always have an education mindset. We want to be able to teach them about their roofs and what the best investment in their community is... a great example is how we talk to them about the long-term savings of investing in more expensive products, like DaVinci composite, that will last 50 some-odd years rather than the seemingly more economical asphalt that’ll only last 25 years.” 

By showing this deep investment and care, Scott and the WGM team have built strong bonds with multiple HOAs in the area, a fact that has been greatly beneficial for them when it comes to leads. Scott explained:  

We work closely with multiple HOAs in our area and not surprisingly, they talk to each other. And that was key to securing one of our big projects, Chapel Crossway. We got a letter from the HOA there talking about a project where we redid seven roofs in another HOA. Those homeowners were delighted in our work, and that got around to the Chapel Crossing HOA in a domino-effect.  

This domino-effect, the word-of-mouth referral that got work coming to Scott’s team, is one of the big reasons building strong relations with HOAs can be beneficial for roofers. Brian, all the way on the opposite coast in California, has also seen the HOA domino-effect of consistent work. He explained, “80-90% of our work at Adco South is done with HOAs. Often it's townhomes, condos and places with shared walls where the roofs connect, and the decision making is done by an HOA. And we’ve been able to really build a relationship with these places and communities that have gotten us reliable work.” Brian went on to give an example, “We had one, the Zuma Bay Villas in Malibu, where we worked on 17 buildings (90 different units). It went really well, and they keep coming back to us for other projects.”  

Overall, both Scott and Brian’s stories are great examples of how HOAs can be more than a headache – they can be a powerful lead generator and source of reliable work.  

Learn more about working with HOAs by Listening to the episode or Watching the recording.

By DaVinci Roofscapes.

The story of a just-in-time installation giving a homeowner relief in the face of a storm.

Josh Maggard is a lucky man. How lucky? Just two days after his DaVinci Select Shake roof was installed on May 13, 2025, a storm came through his neighborhood dropping golf ball sized hail.

“I immediately contacted our roofers,” says Josh. “They flew a drone over the roof and showed there was no damage at all. They weren’t even surprised because DaVinci roofs are Class 4 rated for significant impact resistance. I was immensely relieved. I’m sure the severity of that storm would have destroyed our old cedar roof. Frankly, I’m confident it would have significantly damaged even a brand-new cedar shake roof!”

Inheriting a troublesome roof

Josh's story starts in 2010 when he purchased his Oak Creek, Wisconsin home. The cedar shake roof on the five-year-old house was already showing its age. Despite routine maintenance, rough storms blew off shingles. A really bad hailstorm in 2024 did extensive damage to the roof.

After that storm roofers began calling on homes in the neighborhood offering their services. Josh was most impressed by a visit from Alex Walsh with DuraShield Roofing & Contracting.

“Alex was focused on helping me rather than making an immediate sale,” says Josh. “He offered to use his drone to take pictures of the roof so I could see the hail and storm damage. His company did a temporary repair on the ridge to prevent further damage until the roof could be replaced. Then he submitted the pictures and a claim to the insurance company on my behalf, making the it easy.”

Fooled ya …

With insurance approval achieved, Josh now had to decide what to do about a new roof.

“Josh was ready to go back to a real cedar shake roof,” says Alex. “He has a traditional neighborhood and many of his neighbors have kept original shakes over the years. However, shakes just keep getting damaged and rotting away. So, I brought over DaVinci Roofscapes composite shake samples and explained all the benefits of synthetic shakes.”

Josh appreciated the attributes of composite shake, but was hesitant to negatively set his house apart with a composite shake roof. He explained:

My primary concern was that the product would look inferior. Even though I liked the samples I saw, I couldn’t picture them on my roof. What ultimately sold me was Alex showing me that two of the homes in my neighborhood that I thought had original cedar shake have actually switched to DaVinci. Those roofs look great. That visual confirmation, along with the compelling differences in warranty and maintenance, made the decision easier.

Now that my roof is installed, I know I wasted a lot of time worrying about how it would look. The Select Shake roof in the Tahoe blend looks phenomenal. I can’t believe I was ever concerned about the potential appearance!

Trusting in DaVinci

Josh didn’t have much time to sit back and bask in the happiness of a decision well made. With the severe hailstorm two days after the project was finished, his mind went immediately to damage control.

“I was immediately concerned that my new DaVinci roof would be significantly damaged because the storm was so severe,” says Josh. “Once again, DuraShield Roofing & Contracting responded quickly. They reinforced that the DaVinci product can easily handle this kind of weather and my roof was in great shape. I hope to never replace another roof in any property I ever own. However, if I do, I will go with DuraShield Roofing & Contracting. And, from what I’ve quickly learned, the benefits of going with DaVinci (the warranty, low maintenance, impact ratings, etc.) are unmatched. If I could do this whole process again (and I hope I never do!) it will be a quick decision to go with DaVinci!”

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Advocacy, innovation and collaboration take center stage as PEPA broadens its impact across exterior building products.

The recent meeting of the Polymeric Exterior Products Association (PEPA) marked an important milestone, not only for the association but also for the broader exterior building products industry. For the first time, RoofersCoffeeShop® attended the meeting, joining a growing group of manufacturers, distributors and industry leaders who are shaping the future of polymeric materials across both siding and roofing. 

PEPA has long been recognized for its leadership in advocacy and the advancement of vinyl siding. Through consistent work in standards development, building code engagement and industry education, the association has helped drive growth and credibility for polymeric exterior products. Over the past year, that focus has expanded in a significant way. PEPA has welcomed polymeric roofing manufacturers and distribution partners into its membership, creating a more unified voice for polymer-based solutions across the entire building envelope. 

This evolution was evident throughout the meeting. From the opening welcome to the detailed committee presentations, the agenda reflected an organization that is actively growing and adapting to meet new opportunities. Discussions centered on advocacy efforts, ongoing research and the importance of clear, consistent communication to both the industry and consumers. With increasing regulatory pressures and a rapidly evolving marketplace, this level of collaboration is more critical than ever. 

Key to this expansion is the involvement of leading polymeric roofing manufacturers including Brava Roof, DaVinci Roofscapes and EcoStar. These companies are helping to bring high-performance synthetic roofing products into the mainstream, offering durability, sustainability and design versatility that align with today’s construction demands. Their participation within PEPA signals the growing importance of polymer-based solutions not just for siding but across the entire roofing sector. 

RoofersCoffeeShop’s participation also underscored that shift toward broader engagement. As a new partner with PEPA, the focus is on delivering timely, relevant information about these important building products to contractors, manufacturers and distributors. During the meeting, the RoofersCoffeeShop team presented on innovation and the power of online communities in today’s digital landscape. The conversation highlighted how industry is changing, especially as AI-driven search continues to reshape how information is found and trusted. 

I personally had the opportunity to speak about the growing importance of long format content, directories and multimedia in supporting visibility and credibility. Today’s search engines are no longer just indexing keywords, they are interpreting context, authority and engagement. For manufacturers and associations alike, that means investing in deeper, more educational content that answers questions, demonstrates expertise and builds trust over time. Directories that centralize company information and, combined with videos, podcasts and articles, are becoming essential tools for connecting with both professionals and consumers. 

The PEPA marketing committee also shared updates on their ongoing initiatives, outlining strategies to better communicate the value of polymeric products. Their work reflects a strong understanding of the need to align messaging across channels while supporting members with tools and resources that elevate the entire category. From digital outreach to educational materials, the committee’s efforts are helping to position polymeric solutions as high-performance, sustainable options for modern construction. 

What stood out most throughout the meeting was the spirit of collaboration. The full agenda demonstrated how much work is happening behind the scenes, from technical discussions to marketing alignment, all with the goal of advancing the industry. This kind of coordinated effort is essential for effective advocacy, meaningful research and clear communication. It ensures that polymeric products are not only represented but understood in the context of performance, durability and long-term value. 

For RoofersCoffeeShop, being part of this first PEPA meeting was both an honor and an opportunity. As the association continues to expand into roofing, the partnership will play an important role in sharing knowledge and supporting industry growth. By bringing together voices from across siding and roofing, PEPA is helping to create a stronger, more connected future for polymeric building products. 

To learn more about these innovative manufacturers and the association’s ongoing work, visit the directories for Brava Roof, DaVinci Roofscapes, EcoStar and PEPA on RoofersCoffeeShop.com. 

By DaVinci Roofscapes.

Multiple structures in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee have synthetic roofing.

Back in 2013 Michael Smelcer, principal at SRA Architects, Inc. indicated a preference for DaVinci Single-Width Slate when drawing up plans for the 232,000-square-foot Le Conte Events Center in Pigeon Forge. Now, more than a decade later, he’s designing more exhibit space and a new main entrance to the complex that will add 58,000-square-feet of space.

“We’ll again use DaVinci Roofscapes overhead,” says Michael. “The LeConte Center’s roof still looks good, and it’s functioning well. We keep returning to the DaVinci product for our projects because it’s a durable product.”

DaVinci Single-Width Slate roofing tiles are constructed of a composite material made of pure virgin resins, UV and thermal stabilizers as well as a highly-specialized fire retardant. The result is a premium roofing tile that resists fading, rotting, cracking and pests. Lightweight yet durable, DaVinci tiles are Class 4 impact rated and can resist hail, severe weather and winds up to 180 mph.

Firewise construction

For another recent project, there’s an additional reason Michael relied on DaVinci roofing — its remarkable fire resistancy.

When designing the new Pigeon Forge Fire Station 1, a goal was to promote the construction of fire-wise structures. The Firewise USA® program, led by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), offers a structured approach for communities to enhance their wildfire resilience.

“We specified native stone on the exterior which is fire resistant,” says Michael. “Then for the roof we knew the DaVinci tiles are Class A rated, which is a plus. They also look great and provide a long lifespan on the roof. Those are all good reasons why we’ve included them on the fire station, and the upcoming police station and City Hall for Pigeon Forge.”

Fire-resistant roofing

According to Pigeon Forge Fire Chief Joshua Carr, Fire Station 1 was designed with fire safety in mind. The 30,000-square-foot facility includes a multi-story training tower, sleeping quarters and hot, warm and cold isolation zones for cancer prevention.

“The City of Pigeon Forge is proud to be a fire-adaptive community and is committed to maintaining its status as a certified Firewise community,” says Joshua. “The station was designed to promote the construction of fire-wise structures. After extensive research, it was decided that DaVinci composite roofing products would play a key role in that mission.”

The DaVinci Single-Width Slate tiles chosen for the roof were installed by Pinpoint Roofing in a Slate Gray color. “The fire resistance and impact ratings are a huge selling point for our customers looking at DaVinci roofs,” says Derek Davenport, commercial director with Pinpoint Roofing LLC in Pigeon Forge.

He went on, “I feel these qualities have helped us transform true slate or shake enthusiasts into believers in the synthetic lines.”

Pride in appearance

While durability is a key asset for the DaVinci roofing tiles, aesthetics come in a close second with many people. “We’re very pleased with the appearance of the roof on the fire station,” says Joshua. “It’s going to look great when the police station is finished nearby with the same roof.”

Derek also shared some closing thoughts: “At Pinpoint Roofing we pride ourselves in our ability to transform what could be another everyday roof into something people want to showcase. We do not take shortcuts. We do whatever is necessary for a fantastic final result. I drive by this fire station on a daily basis and I get a sense of pride every single time I see it. It’s such a work of art and it feels great knowing we were able to be part of its creation.”

From May 1 to July 15, 2026, the Tapco® Elite Roofing Awards 2026 competition will be open for submissions online. 

On May 1st Tapco® Roofing Products will launch its Second Annual Tapco® Elite Roofing Awards Program. Roofing contractors in the United Kingdom are invited to submit their past projects using TapcoSlate® and DaVinci Select Shake products into the contest.

From May 1 to July 15, 2026, the Tapco® Elite Roofing Awards 2026 competition will be open for submissions online at https://www.tapcoroofingproducts.com/tapco-elite-roofing-awards-entry-form/. Both re-roofing and new construction projects completed within the last six years may be submitted for consideration. There is no fee to enter.

“During our inaugural year in 2025 we identified four extraordinary roofing projects featuring superior craftsmanship,” says Michael Winter, general manager with Tapco® Roofing Products. “We’re seeking additional projects for this year’s competition that meet these high standards.

“Once we locate the winning projects, we’ll have professional photography taken of them to spotlight on our website and in our marketing efforts, and to share with the winners.”

In addition to the publicity and recognition, contest winners will receive £1000 credit on a future Tapco® roofing purchase, the ability to promote their winning project as a Tapco® Masterpiece Project, publicity on RoofersCoffeeShopUK and the creation of a dedicated project profile on the Tapco website. Winners will also receive a luncheon in their honor at their Tapco distributor location.

“We want to recognize the superior craftsmanship of those roofing contractors using our Tapco and DaVinci products to achieve outstanding roofing results and kerb appeal,” says Winter. “Whether it’s a conservatory, a hotel, a home project or any other beautiful use of our products that truly stands out, we want roofing contractors to be recognised for their efforts in the Second Annual Tapco Elite Roofing Awards Program!”

Winners in the 2025 inaugural Tapco Elite Roofing Awards Program include:

• Dean Potts Roofing Ltd. out of Upper Collwall, Malvern, for the restoration of the roof on the Malvern Hills Hotel & Restaurants using TapcoSlate® in Pewter Grey.
• H. I. Building Contractors, out of Horsham, West Sussex, for installation of a TapcoSlate® roof in Pewter Grey on a new build project in Coxwold.
• RF Roofing Ltd., out of Coldstream, Berwickshire, for installation of TapcoSlate® tiles in Charcoal Black alongside solar panels on a roof in Lanark in 2024.
• Visions of Oxford Ltd., Oxford, Oxfordshire, for a multi-year project involving a three-stage replacement/new build project transforming and expanding a small, older home into a spacious, larger house using TapcoSlate® tiles in Pewter Grey.

With its authentically shaped textured surfaces and riven edges moulded in each piece, TapcoSlate replicates real slate pieces. However, this durable product will not crack, break or delaminate like real slate. The lightweight, easy-to-install product provides a refined appearance with reduced jobsite waste, resulting in lower installation costs.

For those property owners seeking a real cedar shake look on their homes without the maintenance hassles, DaVinci Select Shake is the answer. Made of virgin resins, UV and thermal stabilisers along with a highly specialised fire retardant, these composite shakes have a BROOF(t4) Fire rating. The quality design provides an authentic appearance while the exceptional pieces stand up to Mother Nature in all types of weather. Plus, these man-made cedar tiles are backed by a 40-year warranty.

For more information and details on these products and the Second Annual Elite Roofing Awards Program in 2026, go to https://www.tapcoroofingproducts.com/tapco-elite-roofing-awards-entry-form/ or call 01482 880478.

By DaVinci Roofscapes.

Get an Earth Day advantage with roofing systems that maximize sunlight.

Would you put solar panels on your roof if almost the entire cost of the project was covered for you? Homeowner Trent N. just made this smart move.

“All in all, the incentives Trent received for installing the solar panels cover around 90% of the project costs,” says Robert Thacker, owner and CEO of Fibonacci Energy, the solar panel company Tamer purchased his system from. “First, he receives Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) from the state of Illinois in the form of a check within nine months of installation. Then he qualifies for the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for solar. ComEd also offers Distribution Generation (DG) rebates for solar and battery systems that he qualifies for. And then there’s a check from the utility with nine weeks of Permission to Operate (PTO). There’s also a federal tax rebate."

He went on, "That’s almost the full cost of setting up the solar panel system. Finally, in general, he can be saving between $2,500 to $5,000 in energy fees each year with the solar panels.”

Combining with DaVinci

These impressive numbers, combined with the failing status of Trent’s real cedar shake roof, encouraged the Illinois homeowner to make some drastic changes to his roofing system last year. While he had been thinking about solar panels for several years, a 2023 hailstorm that severely damaged his roof spurred him to take the next steps. One of those steps was contacting DuraShield Roofing & Contracting.

“Replacing the roof with another cedar shake roof did not make sense,” says Anthony Walsh, owner of DuraShield Roofing & Contracting out of Neenah, Wisconsin. “Especially when adding in the solar panels on the southern exposure of the roof. You need something stronger that you can walk on without worry to maintain the solar panels long-term. Our suggestion was definitely the DaVinci composite shake product.”

Made of virgin resin, UV and thermal stabilizers plus a fire retardant, DaVinci products are Class 4 rated for impact resistance. The sustainable tiles can handle hail, severe weather conditions and high winds. They also resist insects, fading, cracking and splitting.

Solar trend rising

“Trent chose the DaVinci Multi-Width Shake in an Aged Cedar color, which looks great on his home,” says Anthony. “We were able to work closely with Fibonacci Energy to form a strong fit of the DaVinci tiles with the solar panels on the roof. While this was our first solar panels project, I can definitely see a trend for this growing in our areas in the future.”

According to Robert, that trend in Illinois is rapidly on the rise, “Quick research shows that solar product usage has increased 288% from 2022 to 2025,” says Thacker. “Illinois is rich with solar incentives and is an ideal marketplace. We think the DaVinci roof on Trent’s home looks amazing...Solar belongs on every DaVinci roof! They go so well together. The future of energy and the future of composite roofing goes hand-in-hand.”