The manufacturer warranties are pretty much BS, though anyway because most will prorate and not pay for re-installation in a large failure. Lots of horror stores on the internet.

In areas with extreme weather (where we are 110-120+ degree summers are the norm) the actual life of the roof is about half what the manufacturer says. We bought a 40 year comp roof when we built our house (upgraded from the standard 20 included with the house price) back when they were still putting years on it. The 20s in our neighborhood lasted 10 before they started shedding and our 40 started shedding noticibly last year at 20 years old. Then we had a huge hailstorm last year with giant hail I've never seen in CA. Insurance is buying us a new roof.

Been through all the same confusifications as the OP with this process. Ruled out GAF right off the bat. Looked at Owens-Corning and Certainteed came across a local roofer with good ratings that's big on Malarkey. After looking at their lines, we're likely going with the Malarkey Windsor, but the contract's not signed yet.

Yeah, I don't understand why some roofing materials are regional. Maybe because of the hurricanes in FL, Malarkey doesn't want the headaches for claims?

It's just weird that they're available pretty much everywhere in the south and southeast, but when you get to Alabama, Georgia, Florida - nothing. Makes it seem like it's a weather-related decision by Malarkey to stay out of that region.

https://malarkeyroofing.com/where-to-buy

Set the range to 400 miles and try Atlanta GA or Orlando FL. Then try Dallas TX or Omaha NE. Massive difference in availability.

I dunno where he is, but the energy companies have been lobbying like crazy (and in many cases succeeding) to take away incentives for solar roof installations in CA and NV. Also, cities like mine protect the city owned electric plant by removing/reducing rebates for solar and not approving 100% solar installations so you still have to buy some electricity from the city. It's lame and should be illegal. Strictly a play by traditional old energy companies to keep their game going just a little longer.

Roofing shingle warranties are a joke. Good luck if you have a problem outside of the first 5 years or so, regardless of what the bill of goods warranty says.