What is Title 24

If you’re building a new home or remodeling your home, you may hear the term “Title 24” thrown around, but what exactly is Title 24? 

Title 24 is California’s Building Energy Efficiency Standard, which can be found here: https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards says: “California’s energy code is designed to reduce wasteful and unnecessary energy consumption in newly constructed and existing buildings.” These standards are updated every three years by the California Energy Commissions. It was most recently updated in 2019.

In the roofing industry, Title 24 plays a big role in roofing projects. When replacing a roof, Title 24 requires a “cool roof” be installed. Most building departments will not issue permits without the proof of the roof materials meeting Title 24 standards. A “cool roof” is a roof system that meets the industry energy efficiency standards as outlined here: https://www.energy.ca.gov/publications/2008/2019-building-energy-efficiency-standards-residential-and-nonresidential

Many roof systems are naturally compliant with the Title 24 roofing standards. Metal roofing, and tile roofs on elevated battens are compliant because the roof system contains appropriate air flow to meet the standards of energy efficiency. 

However, until the more recent years, the only composition shingle roof colors that met these standards were bright white, which is not a roof color frequently desired by homeowners. And, with a large percentage of customers needing roof replacements opting for shingle roofing, Title 24 presented a hindrance for those who wanted a stylish roof option. Fortunately, the biggest composition shingle roofing companies now offer shingle roofs that meet title 24 standards without sacrificing color and style. Due to the solar reflecting granules, even rich and dark roof colors meet the Title 24 standards. The major shingle manufacturer, GAF offers a beautiful line of shingle colors that range from light to dark, tans, browns, and grays. See the eight beautiful shingle colors that GAF has to offer here: https://www.gaf.com/en-us/products/timberline-hdz-rs

There are exemptions to installing a cool roof which a knowledgeable roofing contractor would be able to guide you through, should you not love the color options available. These exemptions include installing a high R-value insulation which you may already have. You can ask your roofing contractor to check in the attic to see if this exemption applies to your project. 

It is important to have a knowledgeable roofing contractor for your roof project so that you can ensure your project meets title 24 standards. For more information, call American Eagle Roofing at (916) 671-2915.