5 Factors to Consider When Installing Solar Panels on a Roof

La línea más nueva de tejas asfálticas reflectantes diseñadas por GAF, Timberline HDZ® Reflector Series, puede brindarle a su hogar más protección contra la intemperie y un atractivo aspecto exterior.Las tejas para techado, disponibles en elegantes colores oscuros, crean una estética atractiva que puede usarse para cumplir con ciertos requisitos de códigos relacionados con la reflectancia. Esto es particularmente importante en California, donde los códigos edilicios estatales, como el Título 24, y las normativas locales, como el Código Edilicio Ecológico del condado de Los Ángeles, requieren una reflectancia específica en los techos para ayudar a conservar energía.A continuación le mostramos lo que debe saber sobre estas nuevas tejas reflectantes, incluida su tecnología exclusiva y el potencial para permitir ahorros en costos de energía.Características de las tejas Reflector SeriesLas tejas Timberline HDZ® RS tienen varios puntos fuertes que les permiten destacarse respecto de la competencia. Gracias a su diseño, las características de las tejas de techado mejoran la reflectancia y ofrecen protección adicional contra las algas y el viento.Gránulos EcoDark®Las tejas Timberline HDZ® RS cuentan con gránulos EcoDark®, una tecnología con una nueva fórmula que ofrece colores oscuros ricos y profundos sin perder reflectancia. Entre los colores disponibles se incluye carbón, que actualmente es el color más oscuro con alta reflectancia en California, y varias otras combinaciones, cada una con un aspecto completo y dimensional.Tecnología LayerLock®Las tejas asfálticas tradicionales tienen varias capas de material conectado con adhesivo o fijadores mecánicos. Con la tecnología GAF LayerLock®, las capas de tejas se fijan mecánicamente. Esto ofrece protección adicional contra el viento, que puede desprender las tejas del techo.Gracias a la tecnología, GAF puede afirmar que es pionero en otra cosa en la industria: ofrecer una garantía sin límite de viento máximo**.Cuatro beneficios de las tejas Reflector Series para propietariosLas tejas Timberline HDZ® RS le ofrecen varios beneficios.1. Cumplimiento de los códigos y reducción del costo de refrigeraciónEn California, las tejas RS pueden usarse para cumplir los requisitos de reflectancia solar de edificios residenciales altos, según se indica en el título 24, parte 6 del Código de Regulaciones de California de 2022 y el Código de Estándares Edilicios Ecológicos del condado de Los Ángeles. Ambos códigos fijan un índice de reflectancia mínima, denominado índice reflectivo solar (SRI, solar reflective index), que mide la capacidad de un material para reflejar el sol y la luz solar. Cuanto menor sea el valor de SRI (de 0 a 100), más caliente será un material bajo la luz solar. Cuanto mayor el valor, más frío será el material.Las tejas con un SRI más alto, como GAF Timberline HDZ® RS, reflejan más luz solar, ayudan a reducir la temperatura interna y la energía (y los costos) que se necesita para refrigerar su hogar.2. Colores oscuros y ricos que combinan con cualquier estilo o estéticaYa no tendrá que elegir entre colores oscuros, ricos y profundos, populares en la arquitectura moderna, y el cumplimiento de los requisitos de reflectancia. Además de ofrecer una opción en color carbón, el color de alta reflectancia más oscuro, los otros colores de la línea cuentan con mezclas de colores GAF High Definition® que le brindan a las tejas Reflector Series un aspecto dimensional similar a las tejas de madera.3. Protección contra algas verde-azuladasLas manchas de algas verde-azuladas, una cianobacteria llamada gloeocapsa magma, pueden reducir el valor de su hogar. Las tejas HDZ® RS incluyen la tecnología contra las algas GAF Time-Release, que utiliza cápsulas especialmente diseñadas impregnadas con miles de partículas de cobre. El cobre se libera de manera uniforme a lo largo del tiempo y evita el crecimiento de las algas durante muchos años. Gracias a esta tecnología, GAF ofrece una garantía limitada de protección contra las algas StainGuard Plus™ de 25 años*, que es especialmente beneficiosa en climas cálidos, húmedos y costeros como el de California.4. Garantía contra viento sin límite máximo de velocidad de vientoCuando se instala con la cantidad requerida de accesorios del sistema de techado GAF, la tecnología LayerLock® de las tejas Timberline HDZ® Reflector Series le permite a GAF ofrecer una garantía contra viento limitada WindProven™ de 15 años** sin límite máximo de velocidad de viento.Una opción elegante para los propietarios de CaliforniaSi vive en California, las tejas GAF Timberline HDZ® RS son una opción inteligente para cumplir los estrictos requisitos de reflectancia estatales y, al mismo tiempo, seguir el sentido estético y estilístico de la arquitectura moderna. Las características de las tejas le brindan protección adicional a su hogar y pueden reducir los costos de refrigeración, algo que puede suponer un ahorro para su bolsillo.¿Está listo para obtener estos beneficios en su techo? Comuníquese con el contratista de techado certificado por GAF*** más cercano para obtener más información.*La garantía limitada StainGuard Plus™ de 25 años contra decoloración provocada por algas verde-azuladas está disponible solo en productos vendidos en paquetes que incluyen el logotipo StainGuard Plus™. *La garantía limitada StainGuard Plus PRO™ de 30 años contra decoloración provocada por algas verde-azuladas está disponible solo en productos vendidos en paquetes que incluyen el logotipo StainGuard Plus PRO™. Consulte la Garantía limitada de tejas y accesorios GAF para conocer la cobertura y las restricciones completas.**La garantía limitada contra viento WindProven™ de 15 años en tejas Timberline® HDZ™ requiere el uso de fajas iniciales GAF, protección de cubierta de techo, cumbreras para tejas y barrera contra filtraciones o ventilación de áticos. Consulte la Garantía limitada del sistema de techado GAF para conocer la cobertura y las restricciones completas. Visite gaf.com/LRS para conocer los productos GAP elegibles.***Los contratistas inscritos en programas de certificación GAF no son empleados ni agentes de GAF, que no controla ni supervisa de ningún otro modo estas empresas independientes. Los contratistas pueden recibir beneficios, como puntos de recompensa de programas de lealtad y descuentos en herramientas de marketing de GAF, por participar en el programa y ofrecer garantías mejoradas de GAF, que requieren el uso de una cantidad mínima de productos de GAF. Sus arreglos con un contratista, y todos los servicios que le pueda ofrecer, están sujetos a los Términos de uso del contratista.

Installing a new roof that will protect your home and family for years to come is a major investment. That's why it's important to have adequate roof warranty protection once the job is complete.While most reputable roofing manufacturers provide basic warranty coverage against manufacturing defects in the roofing materials, it's often better to choose enhanced warranties that also cover installation. These warranties are available through your roofing contractor or manufacturer, and they're transferrable should you sell your house.Understanding what is—and isn't—covered can help you make an informed decision. Here's what you need to know when selecting your warranty.Comparing Types of Roof WarrantiesRoof warranties come in three main types, and understanding the differences can help you select the right one for your needs.Standard Manufacturer's Product WarrantiesMost roofing manufacturers provide basic coverage against factory defects, often at no additional cost. And if you install qualifying accessories in addition to shingles, some manufacturers offer better coverage.For example, if you purchase and install GAF Designer or Timberline® Shingles, the GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty automatically covers them. It also covers qualifying GAF accessories for up to 40 years. If you install at least three qualifying GAF accessories, you'll also receive the GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty, which provides a lifetime warranty on accessories and shingles.Most standard manufacturer warranties—also known as product warranties—only cover defective materials and components, not shingles that fail due to installation or maintenance mistakes.Contractor WarrantiesThe roofing contractor you hire to install your roof system plays a vital role in how well it performs and lasts. In addition to basic manufacturer warranties, many contractors offer a workmanship or contractor warranty, which covers you against future problems resulting from application errors (roof issues due to contractor installation mistakes).These warranties' details and terms vary by contractor. Some provide lifetime coverage against worker errors and damages inside your home stemming from faulty workmanship. However, contractor warranties don't protect your roof from weather damage, falling trees, or issues from roof modifications after installation. Ask your roofing contractor what their warranty does and doesn't cover.Enhanced or Extended Manufacturer's WarrantiesAn enhanced or extended manufacturer's warranty offers the most comprehensive protection, covering contractor workmanship plus expanded roofing material coverage. Ask your roofing contractor if they provide enhanced warranty options backed by the roofing manufacturer.Usually, enhanced warranties are available at an additional cost, and they often require you to install shingles and accessories from the same manufacturer. These components can include leak barriers, underlayment, hip and ridge cap shingles, and soffit and ridge vents. Typically, an authorized roofing contractor enrolled in the manufacturer's certified contractor program must install the products.Extended manufacturer's warranties usually last longer than standard ones. For example, the GAF Golden Pledge® Limited Warranty provides a 50-year non-prorated period against manufacturing defects (versus the 10 years the standard warranty offers). It also gives you up to 30 years of coverage against the roofing contractor's misapplication of the GAF products and covered flashings (installed at valleys, dormers, chimneys, and plumbing vents to provide added protection from water penetration). This holds true even if the roofing contractor is no longer in business. The Golden Pled ge® also provides coverage for tear-off and disposal to repair your roof in the event of a covered claim.GAF also offers the WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty and the 25-Year StainGuard Plus™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty, which provide comprehensive coverage.Understanding Roof Warranty Exclusions and RequirementsEven with an extended roof warranty, not every situation that can damage your roof system is covered. For example, a heavy snowfall, hailstorm, lightning strikes, or severe wind can all result in damage that your warranty might not include.Ask your roofing contractor which situations are typically excluded from manufacturer warranties. Also, ask about coverage for proper roof ventilation.When considering roof warranties, it's crucial to understand their terms and conditions. Daniel McLaughlin, External Learning & Development Manager at GAF, cautions, "For homeowners, the initial risk of limited warranties is not understanding them and/or the verbiage that comes with them." He emphasizes the importance of knowing the difference between specific terms, such as "labor vs. workmanship" and "non-prorated vs. prorated," and understanding what kind of warranty homeowners can receive when the job is complete.To be eligible for an enhanced manufacturer's warranty, you'll likely need to hire a manufacturer-certified contractor. For example, to be eligible for the GAF Golden Pledge® warranty, you must hire a GAF Master Elite® Contractor to install your new roofing system.Registering and Maintaining Your Roof WarrantyCheck the roofing manufacturer's instructions on how to register your warranty. Even if a warranty is automatically included with your roof purchase, you or your contractor must activate it within a specific period once the roof system is installed, depending on which warranty you select.You should receive confirmation from the manufacturer that your roofing contractor registered your enhanced warranty. For example, if you purchased a GAF Golden Pledge® warranty, you'll receive a copy in the mail within 60 days after the job is complete. If not, contact GAF about your warranty status.Also, you can void your warranty if you don't properly maintain your roof. So, schedule regular roof inspections and cleanings—usually every two years—to address potential problems early. Use the contractor that installed your roof when you book maintenance service; most warranties don't allow you to outsource work or do it yourself.Finally, save your proof of purchase, including your contract with your roofing company and any receipts or invoices from your roofing supply store. These documents may be necessary if you need to file a warranty claim.Finalizing Your Warranty PlanBefore starting a new roofing project, do your research and speak to your roofing contractor about available warranties. Once you understand the different types of coverage standard, contractor, or enhanced warranties provide, it's easy to see how valuable they are. This GAF Limited Warranty Comparison Guide also outlines each roof warranty's requirements and coverage.Ready to move forward with a roof repair or replacement? Find a GAF-certified roofing contractor* near you to discuss your specific roofing needs and guide you through the process.*Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the GAF Contractor Terms of Use.

If you have trees on your property, you're probably aware of their many benefits. They can boost your property's aesthetic appeal, create privacy, and provide shade to keep your home cooler. Trees can also protect your roof from ultraviolet rays and block wind, minimizing related damage.However, if trees aren't maintained, they can cause damage to your roof. Here are the signs to look for, what to do if a tree falls on your roof, and how to prevent tree damage to your roof in the future.How Nearby Trees Can Damage Your RoofYou're likely aware that the worst damage to a roof can occur when an entire tree falls on your home. This can happen during a severe storm or if an older tree is ill or damaged.However, one tree branch can cause plenty of structural damage, too. Even a small branch falling on or rubbing against your roof can scratch or dent its protective layers, especially if it's laden with snow or ice.And branches aren't the only culprits that can damage your roof. Fallen leaves, nuts, and needles from trees can accumulate, blocking your gutters and roof valleys. This creates an environment that absorbs moisture, leading to moss or mold growth—both of which can reduce your roof's lifespan. Ponding water from this debris can cause leaks over time.Overhanging branches can also create too much shade, exacerbating any moisture issues by making it challenging for your roof to dry. Additionally, branches that touch your roof create easy access for squirrels and other animals, potentially leading to intrusions and damaged roofing components.Signs of Roof DamageTo stop any issues from a tree over the roof from worsening, watch out for signs of roof damage. While a professional inspection can help pinpoint problems by taking a closer look at your roof, you can also perform an inspection from the ground.Look for any cracked, broken, scratched, or curled shingles. Also, note any missing shingles, especially after a windstorm. Check for moss, mold, or an accumulation of debris like leaves and needles. All of these issues can lead to leaks or larger problems down the road, such as structural damage.What to Do If a Tree Falls on Your RoofIf a large branch or entire tree has fallen and damaged your roof or siding, prioritize your safety. If you see any live wires, smell gas, or spot major water leaks, call your utility company right away to shut off your service. Evacuate everyone from your home, and call your insurance company. In most cases, the company will send a professional roofer to evaluate the damage.While you're waiting for the expert to arrive, document the damage by taking photos and video of any areas the fallen tree affected. Once the insurance company has approved your claim, hire a professional to remove the tree and repair the damage.While most homeowners insurance policies cover roof repairs from tree damage, your insurance company might deny your claim if it discovers you failed to do preventive maintenance.How to Prevent Tree Damage to Your RoofProactively addressing tree-related challenges can help you minimize potential roof damage, saving you time and money in the long run.Clear DebrisRemove leaves, twigs, needles, and nuts from your roof and gutters. Installing gutter guards can also help prevent debris from clogging them.Trim BranchesTrim any tree branches that are too close to your roof. Avoid having any part of a tree over the roof—there should be at least 6 feet between your roof and the tips of a tree's branches. If you can't safely trim branches yourself, hire a tree expert.Remove Dangerous TreesIf an arborist determines that more than one-quarter of a tree's limbs need pruning, you might have to cut down the tree before it can fall on your roof. Don't forget to check with local authorities regarding bylaws and protected tree species.Plant Trees at a Safe DistanceIf you're planting new trees, remember they'll grow large over time. So, select species appropriate for your property's size, and plant them about 20 to 30 feet away from your home.Prepare for the Next Storm with Expert HelpAs the saying goes, the best defense is a good offense. Before another storm can threaten the health of your home's roof, take proactive measures to prevent as much damage as possible.For more information about preventing tree damage to your roof, check out GAF storm and hurricane roofing resources. To enlist professional help in repairing roof damage or installing a fortified roofing system, reach out to a GAF-certified roofing contractor* in your area.*Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the GAF Contractor Terms of Use.