Original article by: BUILDER Online [Featuring Builder Partnerships' Manufacturer Member: GAF]
While function and aesthetics remain at the forefront of importance for exterior products, manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing weather resistance and environmental performance. With frequent extreme weather events, homeowners require products that will make them feel safe and secure with little to no maintenance required. Manufacturers are also providing environmentally friendly options through solar shingle roofing tiles, low global warming potential insulation, and upcycled rice hull panels suitable for all exterior applications. Pergola options are expanding as homeowners continue to desire outdoor living areas, and decking manufacturers are offering deck-board cladding to provide options for homeowners willing to experiment with the exterior aesthetics of their homes.
GAF Energy
GAF Energy’s Timberline Solar is composed of shingles and protects and installs like a regular roof. The nailable solar shingles, named IBS’ 2022 Most Innovative Construction Tool, are water-shedding, strong, and warranted to withstand winds up to 130 mph. Timberline Solar has UL 7103 certification to serve as both solar panels and construction materials, due to the product’s composition of glass, polysilicon solar cells, and a top layer of proprietary fluorinated alkane ethylene fire-resistant, impact-resistant polymer. The shingles can stand up to hail and are less dense at the same thickness as a normal shingle. An average-sized 6-kilowatt array includes 130 solar shingles and takes up between 350 and 450 square feet on a roof. gaf.energy