Shingle Reroof in Oakland: A Full Roof & Solar Reset on Colby Street
When the asphalt shingles on this 6430 Colby Street home in Oakland reached the end of their life beneath an existing solar array, we removed the panels, tore the roof down to the deck, installed a new architectural shingle system, and reset the solar — giving the home 25–30 years of fresh protection without losing a day of energy production.
An Aging Roof Under an Existing Solar Array
This classic Oakland home near College Avenue had a rooftop solar array installed years earlier — over a roof that was already showing its age. By the time the homeowners called us, the asphalt shingles were faded and losing granules, and one panel had begun lifting at the roof edge. Patching around the panels would only have delayed the inevitable, because the real problem was the roof underneath.
A New Architectural Shingle Roof — Done Right, Under the Solar
We recommended a full roof replacement in premium architectural (dimensional) asphalt shingles — the right balance of durability, curb appeal, and value for an Oakland home in a mild, coastal-influenced climate. Because the roof was failing under the panels, the only correct approach was to remove the solar array, replace everything down to the deck, and reset the panels on a sound, warrantied surface — so the homeowners never had to choose between a new roof and their solar investment.
Solar Off, Down to the Deck, and Back Up
The project started with a full roof assessment, a signed contract, and a permit application in early January. Once the permit was in hand, our crew carefully removed and stored the homeowners’ solar array, then began a complete tear-off — stripping the home down to bare decking. Temporary tarping kept the house protected between work days.
With the old roof gone, we inspected the sheathing and replaced sections of damaged decking with fresh plywood, then installed premium waterproof underlayment and laid the new asphalt shingles course by course until the roof was fully dried-in. We added fresh attic insulation batts, reinstalled the solar array on the finished roof, and completed a full cleanup and magnetic nail sweep — then the project passed its final inspection and received an official completion certificate.
Before vs. After
| Feature | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Roof condition | End of life — faded, granule loss | New architectural shingle system |
| Expected lifespan | Effectively 0 years left | 25–30+ years |
| Decking | Damaged sheathing hidden under shingles | Damaged plywood replaced, sound base |
| Solar array | Sitting over a failing roof | Removed, stored & reset on the new roof |
| Compliance | Aging, unpermitted wear | Permitted & passed final inspection |
| Curb appeal | Dated and worn | Clean, updated rooflines |
What This Means for Oakland Homeowners
Many Oakland homes were built decades ago, and a lot of them had solar added long after the original roof went on. When that roof wears out, homeowners are often told they need to juggle two contractors — a roofer and a solar company. We handle both, so the panels come off, the roof is done properly down to the deck, and the solar goes back on a surface that’s built to outlast it. If your roof is aging under solar, the smartest first step is a free roof inspection — sometimes a targeted repair buys you time, and sometimes, like here, a full reroof is the honest call.
Reroofing Under Solar — FAQs
Can you reroof a house that already has solar panels?
Yes. We remove the solar array, complete the reroof down to the deck, and reinstall the panels on the new roof — so your roof is sound and warrantied and your solar keeps producing.
How long does a shingle reroof take?
The hands-on roofing usually takes just a few days, but the full project — permitting, tear-off, decking repair, shingle installation, solar reset, and final inspection — typically runs about two to three weeks. This Oakland reroof went from signed contract to passed inspection in roughly three weeks.
How long will a new architectural shingle roof last?
Architectural asphalt shingles typically last 25–30 years or more with proper installation and maintenance — a major upgrade from a worn-out roof at the end of its life.
Roof Aging — With or Without Solar?
From Oakland to San Jose, we handle shingle reroofs and solar resets start to finish. See more of our work in the project gallery, or get a free estimate today.
Gina K. writes about Bay Area roofing for Lifetime Roofing & Renovation, drawing on the team's 16+ years of experience and 1,000+ completed roofs across Silicon Valley.
