New Title 24 Changes for Roofs 2014

The new code changes disallow the attic ventilation in these zones as a way to comply with Title 24.

Cool Roof New Title 24 changes to be enforced later in 2014. What does this mean? Well, In California we have an Energy Commission. They write the codes and standards for construction, environment and fire and safety. It is called Title 24 part 6. The subject of concern today is the code regarding the energy-saving products called “Cool Roof.”

The cool roofs were designed to keep roofs cooler in the hotter summer months. The design of highly reflective surface materials gives the shingle the claim to saving energy. The Thermal Emittance is what sends the UV rays back up and away from the roof, keeping the sun’s heat from penetrating the house. This saves energy costs in cooling home in the hot central valley of California. California has 16 zones and 10-15 are the ones that get very hot in the summer. The new code changes disallow the attic ventilation in these zones as a way to comply with Title 24. So no longer after January 1, 2014 can we use ventilation instead of installing cool roof shingles. That does not mean it should not be used as it is still a requirement from the manufactures.

California Energy Commission Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24)

1. Install a “Cool Roofing Shingle” that is CRRC approved. It only applies to climate zones 10-15. (there are 16 climate zones, 10 -15 are hotter climates)

2. Create an air space of 1” inch between the top of the roof deck to the bottom of the roofing product. (Ventilated nail base).

3. Install a roofing product that has a profile ratio of rising to a width of 1 to 5 for a 50% or greater of the width of the roofing product. (Installing a tile roof meets this requirement).

4. Existing ductwork is insulated and sealed according to section 150,1(c)9. (Hire an HVAC contractor for her test and certificate)

5. R-38 insulation in the attic.

6. Radiant barrier in the attic meeting the requirements of section 150.1 (c)2. (can’t install over directly to skip sheathing)

7. The home has no HVAC ducts in the attic.

It is a California thing. Who cares? There are many states looking at Title 24 and how it is working out west and could be in your state soon. The thing you may want to look at is how using a few tips, energy can be conserved. That means saving money not running an air conditioner as much in the summer months. Everyone likes saving money and using one or more of these suggestions can do just that.

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