What is a COOL ROOF?
Simply put the California Energy Commission has targeted the roofing industry to help reduce the use of energy regarding air conditioners by the use of what is called COOL ROOF. COOL ROOF is a roofing system that will help with thermal emittance, reflecting the sun's heat up and away from the roof and thus keeping the attic below cooler where many air conditioning units and duct-work exist.
A COOL ROOF will send the budget for a roofing project "though the roof" and that's for sure, very uncool.....or is it?
It is a fact, purchasing cool roof shingles may cost twice as much as 30 year shingle. Some manufacturers are offering rebates on these cool roof shingles.
It is a fact, having a COOL ROOF will actually save you energy dollars by not using that air conditioner as much.
It is a fact, having a COOL ROOF will reduce the State of California's summer energy use.
It is a fact, having a COOL ROOF may get you a tax credit. {30 % of cost up to $1,500}
Will my COOL ROOF create more global warming sending all that heat up and away?
Will my COOL ROOF be cool thing to have in the winter when the sun use to warm my house? With the lack of the suns warmth increase the energy use in the winter?
Now a COOL ROOF may actually cost me more money this winter in heating bills.
With all that heat reflecting upwards, will roofers worker comps claims increase, with heat stroke, skin cancer and even heat related death?
Title 24-6 does have a few exceptions.
COOL ROOF shingles do not need to be installed if
No HVAC ductwork in attic
Minimum R-30 insulation in attic
Radiant Barrier present in attic
HERS certified Duct Test
1ft² attic ventilation for150ft² attic foot print, with 30% exhaust being within two ft from the ridge.
Please consult your roofing professional or local building department regarding this subject since the cool roof systems are now being enforced for new construction and re-roofs..
If you have specific questions about Title 24, please contact:
Title 24 Energy Efficiency Hot-line
E-mail: title24@energy.state.ca.us
Phone: 916-654-5106 (toll free in California) or
Phone: 1-800-772-3300
Bob is the director of technical advise for Ask A Roofer.com