On January 1, 2010, the State of California implemented significant changes to the “Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards”. It is now mandatory in California that existing roofs comply with the requirements of these Standards when they are replaced, recovered or re coated. There are a few exceptions to this requirement (such as qualified Historic Buildings, etc.).
The current Energy Standards are extremely complicated and can be very frustrating. Roofing Concepts, Inc. can help to simplify this process. If you have questions or would simply like our help, give us a call or send us an e-mail
Current Title 24 Roof Requirements:Title 24 Energy Standards must be complied with on nonresidential buildings, high-rise residential buildings and hotels/motels where more than 50 percent of the roof or more than 2,000 square feet of roof, whichever is less, is being replaced, recovered or recoated.
Title 24 Energy Standards must also be complied with on low-rise residential buildings when more than 50 percent of the roof or more than 1,000 square feet of roof, whichever is less, is being replaced. Buildings are considered “low-rise” if they are three (3) stories high or less.
The requirements only apply to roof areas over “conditioned space”. Conditioned space means any portion of the building that is either heated or air conditioned.
There are different requirements for different types of buildings. The Energy Standards basically groups the building types into these categories:
• Non-Residential Buildings
• Low-Rise Residential Buildings (3 stories high or less)
• High-Rise Residential Buildings (more than 3 stories high)
• Hotel/Motel Buildings
There are also different requirements, based upon the geographical location of the building. The Energy Standards divide the State of California into 16 different Climate Zones.
One of the critical changes to Title 24 is that roof insulation is now required when existing roofs are removed down to the roof deck or to down to recover boards. This requirement applies to nonresidential buildings, high-rise residential buildings, hotels and motels. The amount of required insulation varies, depending upon building type and geographical location. There are some exceptions to this requirement.
To learn more about Title 24, visit
The California Energy Commission. Make sure you are reviewing the 2008 Version of Title 24 (which became effective on January 1, 2010).