If you are a homeowner or business owner in California, you should be familiar with Title 24 requirements. Title 24 was created in 1978 by the California Energy Commission (CEC) in response to the energy crisis of the 1970s. This California Code of Regulations is a set of energy efficiency standards for new and existing buildings in California. It is one of the most comprehensive and ambitious building energy codes in the world.

Title 24 standards are updated every three years to reflect advances in energy efficiency technology and construction practices. The latest version of Title 24 requires new residential buildings to be nearly zero energy (NZE), meaning that they produce as much or more energy as they consume over the course of a year.

How Does Title 24 Impact Roofing Standards in California?

In CA, nearly all new or replacement low-slope roofs must be “cool roofs”.

A cool roof is designed to reflect more sunlight than a regular roof, so it absorbs less heat energy. This reduces the amount of heat that flows into the building, making it more comfortable and energy-efficient.

The actual Title 24 regulations vary from location to location and are based on climate zones. Homes in zones 4 and 8-15 are required to use roofing materials that meet the standards for a cool roof if more than 50% of the roof is replaced.

 

 

Unsure of which climate zone you live in? Use the California Energy Commission zip code tool to find out.

Specific Requirements For Roofing Materials Under Title 24

Roofing shingles, tiles, or shakes must meet the following standards.

  • Thermal emittance: Thermal emittance is a measure of how well a material radiates heat. Title 24 requires roofing materials to have a minimum thermal emittance of 0.70.
  • Three-year aged reflectance: Three-year aged reflectance is a measure of how well a material reflects sunlight after three years of exposure to the elements. Title 24 requires roofing materials to have a minimum three-year aged reflectance of 0.30.
  • Solar Reflectance Index (SRI): The Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) is a measure of how well a material reflects sunlight and emits heat. Title 24 requires roofing materials to have a minimum SRI of 65.

Title 24 has an exception to its cool color requirements for roofing materials. Section 150.2(b)1Hi states that any roofing product may be used if there is a 1-inch air gap between the top of the roof deck and the bottom of the roofing product – also known as battens. Battens are a grid of 2×2 wood strips that create a continuous air gap between the roofing material and the roof deck.

This air gap increases thermal emittance by allowing heated air to escape through ridge vents at the highest point of the roof. This creates a self-regulating “heat elevator” that moves hot air away from the home.

Does Metal Roofing Meet Cool Roof Standards?

Yes! In fact, the DECRA products available on our website meet and in many instances, exceed the requirements set forth in Title 24. Three attractive colors, Royal Oak, Mist Grey, and Spanish Clay are CRRC-approved cool colors.

In addition to meeting cool roof standards, there are many reasons to invest in DECRA metal roofing.

  1. Earthquake Resistance: DECRA metal roofing is stone-coated and lightweight. The design provides extra shear strength needed to withstand tremors in earthquake-prone regions.
  2. Fire Resistance: DECRA roofing materials have a Class A rating for fire – the highest rating available.
  3. Longevity: Roofs with DECRA installed typically last two to three times as long as those built with traditional materials. Not only does this save a property owner money, it also makes metal roofing the perfect material to install solar panels on!

Ready to learn more about how you can benefit from installing a metal roof? Contact our team today! Call (610) 466-5482 or email info@railingaluminum.com.