For decades, the state of California has faced the challenge of providing sufficient and affordable energy to its large population. Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations was first adopted in 1978 to address air quality and stressed power grids.
Title 24 is updated every 3 years, with the last update affecting roofing codes in 2022. Why is roofing included in this energy-saving initiative? Because your roof plays a major role in energy conservation, especially in keeping the property cool in hot weather. A component of Title 24 is the requirement to install a “cool roof” under certain circumstances.
If you’re planning a roof remodel soon in most of California, you’ll want to know this information. As a bonus, when you choose stone-coated metal roofing to meet Title 24 codes, you’ll also get many other weather resistance and cost savings benefits.
Title 24 and Residential Roofing: A Review
Climate Zones Dictate Title 24 "Cool Roof" Requirements
The California Energy Commission divides the state into 16 climate zones that help determine energy-efficiency requirements under Title 24, Part 6. Roofing requirements vary depending on factors such as the climate zone, building type, roof slope, project scope (new construction or reroofing), and the applicable version of the Energy Code.
Because these requirements may change as the Energy Code is updated, homeowners and contractors should verify the current Title 24, Part 6 requirements that apply to their specific project.
Not sure which climate zone your home is located in? Use the California Energy Commission Climate Zone Tool to look up your climate zone by entering your ZIP code.
What Products Meet Title 24 Part 6 Cool Roof Requirements?
The Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) is the rating program recognized by the California Energy Commission for roofing products used to demonstrate compliance with Title 24, Part 6. Products listed in the CRRC Rated Roof Products Directory have been independently tested and rated for thermal performance.
The CRRC evaluates roofing products using several thermal performance characteristics, including:
- Solar Reflectance (SR): A roofing material's ability to reflect sunlight away from the roof surface.
- Thermal Emittance (TE): A roofing material's ability to release absorbed heat back into the atmosphere.
- Solar Reflectance Index (SRI): A calculated value that combines solar reflectance and thermal emittance to indicate how hot a roof surface is likely to become in the sun.
Depending on the project and the applicable Energy Code requirements, Title 24 compliance may be based on one or more of these performance characteristics. Always verify the current code requirements and product ratings when selecting a roofing system.
Batten Installation and Title 24
Title 24 includes multiple compliance paths and exceptions based on the roof assembly and installation method. In some applications, batten-installed roof systems may qualify under specific provisions of the Energy Code. The applicability of these provisions depends on the project and the current edition of Title 24.
Battens are wood strips installed between the roof deck and the roofing material, creating a continuous air space beneath the roof covering. This ventilated air space promotes airflow beneath the roof, helping reduce heat transfer into the attic by allowing heated air to move upward and exit through the roof ventilation system.
Because Title 24 requirements are periodically updated, homeowners and contractors should consult the current California Energy Code, the CRRC Rated Roof Products Directory, and the roofing manufacturer to determine the appropriate compliance path for their project.
Were Changes Made to Title 24 Roofing Codes in 2025?
Yes. The 2025 update to California's Title 24, Part 6 Energy Code includes several changes affecting roofing requirements. While many of the cool roof requirements for single-family homes remain consistent with previous editions, the 2025 code updates include revised mandatory requirements for calculating Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) and updated prescriptive cool roof requirements for certain multifamily residential buildings.
One significant change is that SRI calculations must now follow the ASTM E1980 (2019) methodology specified in the Energy Code. The 2025 standards also update minimum solar reflectance and SRI requirements for some steep- and low-sloped multifamily roofing systems in specific California climate zones.
Because Title 24 requirements vary based on factors such as building type, roof slope, climate zone, and whether the project is new construction or an alteration, contractors and homeowners should always consult the current California Energy Code and verify that selected roofing products meet the applicable compliance requirements.
For a complete list of changes, refer to the 2025 California Title 24, Part 6 Energy Code and related guidance from the California Energy Commission.
2026 Roofing Recommendations for California Homeowners
Choosing the right roof for your California home isn’t just about meeting Title 24 codes. It’s about protecting your home from a range of weather-related threats, including storms and fire. The good news is that you can find a roof that does both when you choose carefully.
What should California homeowners look for in a roof, besides compliance with Title 24? The Golden State sees a wide range of climate issues, often within the same location. Your best bet is to find roofing that offers all of these benefits:
- A Class A fire rating from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to protect against the state’s worsening wildfire problem
- Impact resistance that meets Class 4 UL standards in case of hailstones or flying storm debris
- Resistance to wind uplift from events like Santa Ana and Diablo winds that can reach 80 miles per hour
- Protection from wind-driven rain at high wind speeds that could otherwise damage the roof, roof decking, or the home’s interior
- In mountainous areas, the ability to withstand heavy snowfall without sagging and to prevent ice dam formation is required.
- Lightweight but sufficient sturdiness to support the additional weight of solar panels for further energy efficiency
If you choose a top-performing metal roofing product, you may also enjoy:
- Longevity, with metal roofing lasting up to 3x longer than traditional options
- -Insurance discounts and fewer worries about coverage
- A reduction in cooling costs of up to 25% (depending on color)
DECRA Metal Roofing: Energy Efficient and CRRC Approved
DECRA’s stone-coated metal roofing products come in a wide variety of colors and textures to suit any style. DECRA has an architecturally diverse variety of roofing products that meet or exceed the requirements of Title 24, including our profiles that are installed on battens:
We also offer three CRRC-approved cool colors that are available across all DECRA profiles:
- Royal Oak
- Mist Grey
- Spanish Clay
Ready to see and feel the difference DECRA makes? Order a complimentary sample of our cool colors today!
