Roof Alterations - Steep Slope

If you are replacing 50% or 1000 sq ft of roof (whichever is less), than you are required to comply with Title 24 requirements.

Roof Alterations – Prescriptive compliance


Standard Edition

Climate Zones

Minimum Aged Solar Reflectance

Minimum Aged Thermal Emittance

Minimum Aged Solar Reflectance Index

Roof Density*

2013

10-15

0.20

0.75

16

2008

10-15

0.20

0.75

16

Less than 5 lb/ft2

1-16

0.15

0.75

10

5 lb/ft2 or greater

  • * Tile roof products typically weigh more than 5 lb/ft2 while most shingles and metal roof products weigh less
  • For exceptions and more information on the cool roof compliance requirements, visit the California Energy Commission’s Title 24 resources (http://www.energyvideos.com/splash.php).

Roof Alterations – Performance compliance


Follow this method if you are making multiple upgrades and do not want to follow strict compliance requirements. This method allows you to complete a whole house energy analysis to reduce your home’s total energy use through the various energy efficiency measures, such as cool roofs, increased insulation or efficient HVAC. These trade-offs make compliance more flexible. For more more information on performance compliance, visit the California Energy Commission’s Title 24 resources (http://www.energyvideos.com/splash.php).

Find out specific building code requirements for your area.


Cool roof requirements for many of the building codes and standards vary depending on climate zones. You can reference the following maps to find your climate zone. Also, check out California Energy Commission's website to locate your climate zone by cities/towns or zip code.

California Building Climate Zones (for California Building Standards Code)

CA Climate Zones

California’s 16 building climate zones

Image source: LBNL – Heat Island Group