If you’ve gotten a quote for a roof replacement in California recently, you may have heard the contractor mention “Title 24 compliance.” But what does that actually mean — and does it affect you? Here’s a clear, homeowner-friendly explanation of what Title 24 roofing requirements are, when they apply, and what your options look like.
What Is Title 24?
Title 24 is California’s Building Energy Efficiency Standards, a set of regulations developed by the California Energy Commission (CEC) that govern how new and renovated buildings must be built to conserve energy. It covers everything from HVAC systems and lighting to insulation — and yes, roofing.
The standards are updated every few years (the current version is the 2022 Title 24 Standards, effective January 1, 2023) and apply statewide, though some local jurisdictions have adopted stricter versions.
What Does Title 24 Require for Roofing?
For roofing, Title 24 primarily requires what’s known as a cool roof — a roofing system that reflects more sunlight and absorbs less heat than a standard roof. The key metrics are:
- Solar reflectance: How much sunlight the roof surface reflects (measured 0–1; higher is more reflective). Title 24 requires a minimum of 0.20 for steep-slope roofs and 0.63 for low-slope roofs.
- Thermal emittance: How efficiently the roof releases absorbed heat. Minimum 0.75 for most products.
- Solar Reflectance Index (SRI): A combined score. Low-slope roofs generally need an SRI of 75 or higher.
Products that meet these thresholds are listed in the CRRC (Cool Roof Rating Council) rated products directory, which your contractor and building inspector will reference.
Which Projects Trigger Title 24 Cool Roof Requirements?
Not every roofing project requires a cool roof. Here’s when the requirement kicks in:
Low-slope roofs (flat and nearly flat — pitch less than 2:12)
Title 24 cool roof requirements apply to all low-slope re-roofing projects in California, regardless of size. If you’re replacing an existing flat or low-slope roof — even just one section — you’ll need a compliant product. This affects most commercial buildings and many older San Francisco-style residential buildings with flat or near-flat roofs.
Steep-slope roofs (pitch 2:12 or greater)
For steep-slope roofs (the kind on most single-family homes), Title 24 cool roof requirements apply when you’re replacing more than 50% of the roof surface during a re-roofing project. If you’re only patching or replacing a small section, you may be exempt — but check with your local building department since some jurisdictions have lower thresholds.
New construction
All new construction in California must meet Title 24 roofing requirements, regardless of roof slope or size.
Does Title 24 Apply to My Home?
Most Bay Area homeowners doing a full roof replacement will need to use a Title 24 compliant product. Here’s a quick guide:
- Replacing your entire shingle roof on a pitched home? → Cool roof required (steep-slope rules apply)
- Replacing just a few damaged shingles? → Likely exempt, but confirm with your local building department
- Replacing a flat or low-slope roof? → Cool roof required, full stop
- Building a new home or addition? → Cool roof required on all roof surfaces
Your roofing contractor is responsible for installing compliant products and obtaining the necessary permits. At Lifetime Roofing, we handle all Title 24 documentation and permit submissions as part of every replacement project.
Cool Roof Materials That Meet Title 24
The good news is that many popular and attractive roofing materials are available in Title 24 compliant versions. You don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for compliance:
Asphalt shingles
Most major manufacturers (GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed) now offer reflective shingle lines in a full range of colors. These look identical to standard shingles but are rated for cool roof compliance. Light and medium colors are easiest to certify; some darker colors may require additional insulation to compensate.
Metal roofing
Metal is one of the best naturally reflective roofing options available. Most light-colored and unpainted metal roofs meet Title 24 thresholds easily. Coated metal panels with ENERGY STAR certification are an excellent choice. Learn about our metal roofing options.
Concrete and clay tile
Light-colored concrete and clay tile have good natural reflectance. White, light gray, and terracotta tones typically meet standards without additional treatment. Darker tiles may need a cool-roof coating applied. See our concrete tile and clay tile pages for details.
Low-slope membranes (TPO, EPDM)
White TPO membranes have excellent solar reflectance and are the most common compliant solution for flat roofs in California. White or light gray EPDM and modified bitumen products are also available in compliant versions. Our cool roofing page covers these options in detail.
How Much Does Title 24 Compliance Add to Roof Costs?
In most cases, very little. The price difference between a standard shingle and a Title 24 compliant shingle from the same manufacturer is typically $0.10–$0.30 per square foot — often negligible on a full roof replacement. For flat roofs, white TPO membranes are already the standard product and carry no premium.
Where compliance costs can add up is if a lower-reflectance product requires additional insulation (R-value) to compensate — but a good contractor will spec compliant products from the start to avoid this.
Energy savings can also offset any marginal cost: California’s cool roof requirements are estimated to reduce cooling costs by 10–15% annually in homes with air conditioning — a real benefit in the warmer parts of the Bay Area.
How to Get a Title 24 Compliant Roof
The simplest approach is to work with a licensed Bay Area roofing contractor who handles Title 24 compliance as part of their standard process. At Lifetime Roofing, we:
- Specify only CRRC-rated compliant products
- Pull all required building permits (which include energy compliance documentation)
- Complete and submit the CF2R-ENV energy compliance form required by the building department
- Coordinate inspections with your local city or county
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I fail inspection if my roof isn’t Title 24 compliant?
Yes. Building inspectors in California verify that re-roofing projects meet energy code requirements. A non-compliant installation can result in a failed inspection, requiring you to tear off and reinstall with compliant materials — a costly mistake. Work with a contractor who knows the requirements from the start.
Does Title 24 apply in San Jose, San Francisco, and other Bay Area cities?
Yes. Title 24 is a statewide standard that applies in all California cities and counties, including San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, Sunnyvale, and all Bay Area jurisdictions. Some cities have adopted local amendments that are stricter than the state baseline — your permit application will clarify which requirements apply.
Can I choose a dark-colored shingle and still comply?
Sometimes. Darker shingles have lower reflectance, but some manufacturers make dark colors that meet the minimums. If your preferred dark shingle doesn’t meet the solar reflectance threshold, your contractor may be able to specify additional insulation to achieve compliance through an alternative path. Ask your contractor about compliant options in the color you want.
Does Title 24 affect my insurance or home value?
Not directly — but having permitted, code-compliant work protects your insurance coverage and makes your home easier to sell. Non-permitted work can create complications at resale and may affect claims if a related issue arises.
Planning a Roof Replacement in the Bay Area?
We handle all Title 24 documentation, permits, and inspections — no extra steps for you. Get a free estimate and we’ll spec a compliant roof that fits your style and budget.
Related: Cool Roofing Options | Roof Replacement San Jose | Metal Roofing | Bay Area Cost Guide
Planning San Jose roof replacement with Title 24 compliance? Lifetime Roofing & Renovation handles all permit requirements and inspections from start to finish. Contact us for a free estimate.
