As a responsible homeowner, you want the best roof possible, and keeping up to date with the latest trends is one of the ways you can get the best roofing option. Regarding these trends, the shingle industry has seen numerous advancements in recent years. These developments led to the creation of products that offer improved performance, durability, and aesthetic value. One of the most notable advancements in recent times include the introduction of solar shingles.
This is what we’ll cover in this blog post. The purpose of this guide is to provide you with a comprehensive overview of GAF solar shingles and the benefits they offer. We aim to educate you on the various factors you should consider when choosing the right solar shingles for your home, and the steps involved in the installation process.
What Is GAF Energy?
If you are a homeowner living in Pittsburgh, then by now you must be aware of GAF roofing products. GAF is one of the largest roofing shingle manufacturers in North America, with over 1.4 million buildings in the county having a roof with GAF-manufactured shingles.
The focus of this blog, GAF Energy, is a sibling company of GAF and the proud manufacturer of Timberline Solar™ shingles.
GAF Energy designs and installs solar energy systems for homes and businesses. This Standard Industries subsidiary offers you sleek and integrated solar roofing options through a wide and accomplished network of GAF’s certified roofing professionals affiliated with the company. Currently, GAF Energy’s operations are based in the San Francisco Bay area and the Greater New York City metropolitan region.
Getting To Know GAF Solar Shingles
GAF solar shingles are a type of roofing material that combines traditional shingle design with photovoltaic technology to generate electricity from sunlight. Photovoltaic is a term that refers to the process of converting thermal energy from the sun into an electrical current.
These shingles are designed to look like traditional asphalt shingles and can be installed on any home with a shingle roof. The photovoltaic cells in the shingles convert sunlight into electricity, which can then be used to power a home, reducing the homeowner’s reliance on a traditional power grid.
GAF solar shingles are known for their durability and low maintenance requirements. They are made from high-quality materials designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and last many years. In addition, they offer energy savings, helping to reduce your home’s energy bills and carbon footprint.
Benefits Of GAF Solar Shingles
GAF solar shingles have successfully revolutionized the way we think about both asphalt shingles and energy conservation. Though a lot of companies have tried their hand at manufacturing competent solar roofs and solar shingles, most of them have not been as popular on the market as GAF’s product. So, what makes these solar shingles so special that they have garnered widespread recognition? The answer lies in the benefits they offer. Continue reading the following section to know more.
Energy Savings
One obvious advantage of the Timberline Solar shingles is that they save money on energy bills. Solar shingles allow homeowners to generate their own electricity, reducing their reliance on a traditional power grid and leading to significant energy savings. Over time, this can result in significant reductions in monthly energy bills.
By saving energy regularly, you are not only saving money but are doing your part as a responsible homeowner to help the environment. This roofing system may even pay for itself over time, making it a smart investment for homeowners looking to improve their property and reduce energy costs.
Waterproof Nature
One area where GAF solar shingles really stand out is their ability to shed water effectively. Most solar shingles or solar panels are designed to be water resistant, but constant precipitation can still take a toll on them. This is not the case with the Timberline Solar shingles.
GAF Energy uses architectural shingles on this roofing system, not solar panels or heavy roof tiles. Roofing shingles are designed to shed water effectively and are strong enough to withstand winds up to an impressive 130 mph. In contrast, traditional solar panel systems require multiple holes to be drilled into the roof, which can cause damage to the roofing material.
Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Adding solar shingles to your home can increase its aesthetic appeal. This is because the solar roofing system from GAF consists of beautiful architectural shingles that will raise the aesthetic level of your roof. The modern and sleek design of GAF solar shingles will blend seamlessly into any roof, giving the home an attractive and aesthetically pleasing look.
GAF also has a supreme color palette, including four high-definition shades. Here are the shades from the Timberline Solar HDZ™ selection.
- Birchwood Plus
- Charcoal
- Weathered Wood
- Pewter Gray
Solar Shingles Can Improve The Value Of Your Home
Another important thing to note is that the use of renewable energy sources is becoming increasingly popular, and solar shingles are a great way to showcase your commitment to a more sustainable future. Furthermore, homes with solar shingles are often seen as more energy-efficient and cost-effective, making them more attractive to potential buyers and increasing a home’s overall value. Overall, solar shingles can enhance the appearance and value of your home, making it a smart investment for homeowners looking to improve their property.
Solar Shingles That Meet All The Requirements
Passing industry standards is a must for roofing products, be it roof shingles or solar panels. An industry rating associated with a solar roof helps you have peace of mind that the product is legitimate and can offer you long-term benefits.
Timberline Solar roofs are UL 7103 certified, and this certification is a testament to the rigor and quality of the product, as it requires independent testing from a reputable certification company with over a century of experience.
With such certifications in place, homeowners can trust that they’re getting a product that’s been thoroughly tested and meets the highest quality and performance standards.
What Are The Cons Of A GAF Timberline Solar Roof?
As we have seen, solar shingles from GAF Energy have a lot of benefits, but there are problems associated with these solar options as well. Let us look at some of the issues associated with a GAF Timberline Solar roof.
Lack Of Trust In The Shingles
As the GAF Timberline Solar roofing system is a relatively new product, some homeowners and contractors may be hesitant to trust its long-term performance and durability, particularly compared to traditional asphalt shingles. This lack of trust could make it harder for the product to gain widespread acceptance on the market. It’s worth noting, however, that the GAF Timberline Solar roofing system is made by a reputable manufacturer with a long history of producing roofing products, so the company has likely done significant testing and research.
Cost Can Be An Issue
The cost of the GAF Timberline Solar roofing system is generally higher than traditional asphalt shingle roofing, as well as many other types of solar panels. The cost of the GAF Timberline Solar roofing system may be higher than other solar options because it is a relatively new technology still gaining traction on the market.
GAF Solar Shingles vs. Traditional Solar Panels
GAF solar shingles and traditional solar panels both generate energy for a home, but they differ in several ways. Let us dive deep into the differences.
Solar panels are typically mounted on a separate rack system and are installed on top of the roof, whereas GAF solar shingles are integrated into the roof itself. This means that the solar shingles blend seamlessly into the roof, giving the home a modern and attractive look, while traditional solar panels can appear bulky and unattractive.
Since they are integrated with the rest of the roofing system, they provide a more complete and watertight seal, while traditional solar panels require additional work to ensure they are adequately sealed and protected.
GAF Timberline Solar Roofing System Warranty
GAF is known for its commitment to quality and reliability. It is a pioneer when it comes to offering comprehensive warranties for its roofing products. This extends to their solar products as well. With a lifetime limited warranty on solar shingles, GAF is setting a high standard in the industry for the durability and longevity of its products.
The company offers a 25-year warranty, the same that it offers on its architectural shingles. Additionally, as stated above, you will also get a wind warranty of up to 130 mph.
This warranty covers the performance of the solar shingles for their lifetime, which is a testament to GAF’s confidence in the quality of their product. This way you won’t have to worry about the quality of the system.
GAF Timberline Solar Cost
Cost is a critical factor to consider when choosing a solar roofing solution, and a GAF Timberline Solar roof is no exception.
Factors That Affect The Final Cost
The idea of installing a Timberline Solar roof seems intriguing and rather beneficial, right? But before making your decision, it is vital to consider certain factors that affect the overall cost and the type of solar shingles you’ll install.
Location
The home’s location is essential to consider when it comes to solar shingles. Homes in areas with abundant sunlight will benefit more from solar shingles than those with less sun exposure. It’s important to consider a roof’s position to the sun, and the position of surrounding buildings and trees when evaluating the amount of sunlight a roof receives.
Energy
The energy usage of a home is also an essential factor to consider. Homes with high energy usage may benefit more from solar shingles, as they will help generate extra energy and reduce monthly electricity bills. On the other hand, homes with low energy usage may not see as much benefit from solar shingles, as they will have little effect on your energy usage and the cost may outweigh the potential long-term savings.
Size Of Your Home
The size and area of a roof are other important factors to consider when choosing a solar roofing solution. The square footage of your home will impact the size of the solar roof that you need. A larger home will require a more extensive solar roof to meet its energy needs, while a smaller home may require a small solar roof.
Install An Eco-Friendly Roofing System On Your Home
To conclude, installing GAF solar shingles is an intelligent investment for any homeowner. If you are looking to reduce your energy bills and positively impact the environment, then contact the team of Hepler Contracting LLC. As a premier roofing contractor serving Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas, we are proud to offer the best shingle installation services for GAF Timberline Solar and other roofing shingles manufactured by GAF. So why wait? Transform your roof into a source of clean energy today and join the growing number of homeowners going green with GAF solar shingles. Contact us today at (412) 694-8785 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you improve your roof and other aspects of your home’s exterior.