Re‑roof now or wait for integrated solar shingles to mature—what are the warranty and fire‑rating tradeoffs?
never wait to re roof.
Would maybe wait for those 25 year tesla solar shingles at this point.
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If your roof’s shot or leaking, fixing it with regular materials is the way to go – you can always tack on solar panels later.
But, if your roof is doing okay and you’re thinking about a solar roof, holding off might be smart, especially if the price drops and more people start using them.
Traditional re-roofing offers stronger warranties and proven Class A fire ratings. Solar shingles are improving but still have limited track records and may not match those standards. If your roof is failing, re-roof now. If not urgent, waiting could pay off just weigh warranty and fire safety tradeoffs carefully.
Warranty Considerations
- GAF Solar Shingles Warranty: GAF’s Timberline Solar ES Shingles have a 25-year warranty covering manufacturing defects that cause leaks. The warranty also includes options for extended coverage, such as the System Plus Limited Warranty, Silver Pledge Limited Warranty, and Golden Pledge Limited Warranty.
- Standard Warranty Terms: GAF Solar Shingles have a 25-year warranty covering manufacturing defects, with options for Solar Addendums that provide additional coverage for solar output and wind damage.
Fire-Rating Considerations
- Class A Fire Rating: Many solar shingles, including GAF’s Timberline Solar ES Shingles, have a Class A fire rating, which is the highest rating for fire resistance.
- Importance of Fire Rating: A good fire rating can impact insurance costs and provide peace of mind for homeowners.
Tradeoffs
- Waiting for Integrated Solar Shingles: Waiting for integrated solar shingles to mature may provide better warranty and fire-rating options, but it may also mean missing out on current energy-saving opportunities.
- Current Options: Current solar shingle options, like GAF’s Timberline Solar ES Shingles, offer robust warranties and fire ratings, making them a viable option for homeowners.