What is a cool roof?
Cool roofs are highly reflective and emissive materials that stay 50°F to 60 °F cooler in the summer sun, thereby reducing energy costs, improving occupant comfort, cutting maintenance costs, increasing the life of the roof, and contributing to the reduction of urban heat islands and associated smog.

What kind of “Cool Roof” roofing products is available for commercial and residential applications?
At GoGreen we primarily focus on two Title 24 compliant product applications for flat roofing systems.
1. Single-ply material Green Roofs Single-ply materials are large sheets of pre-made roofing that are mechanically fastened over the existing roof and sealed at the seams.
2. Green Roof Coatings Green Roof Coatings are applied using rollers, sprays, or brushes, over an existing clean, leak-free roof surface.

What if my roof is sloped?
Products for sloped roofs, usually found on residences, are currently available in clay, concrete tiles, and asphalt shingles. These products stay cooler by the use of special pigments that reflect the sun's infrared heat. Some shingles are available in “cool roof” versions.Visit the ENERGY STAR® Website for a list of cool roof products and manufacturers. www.energystar.gov

How cool is a cool roof?
During the summer, a typical dark roof is 150°F to 190°F at peak, while cool roofs peak at 100°F to 120°F.

Do cool roofs cost more than conventional roofs?
Initial material costs are comparable with traditional roofing materials. Some cool products cost less than traditional materials; some cost up to 20% more. Cool protective coatings can be re-applied repeatedly every 10 to 15 years. Keeping your cool roof up to date can reduce, if not eliminate the need for expensive roof tear-offs. Combining these maintenance savings with an average of 20% savings on air conditioning, cool roofs are the most cost effective solution for the long term.

Are rebates available for cool roofs?
In addition to energy and life cycle savings, rebates are available from some local utility companies for cool roofing in California.

Where do I find cool roofs in California's Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards?
Cool roofs are included as a performance option in Title 24. Refer to Section 10-113 for information on certification and labeling requirements for reflectance and emittance of cool roof products. For the prescriptive compliance approach in the energy efficiency standards, view section 118 of Title 24. Sections 141, 142, and 151(b) outline the performance approach. For the latest applicable standard see: www.energy.ca.gov/title24/

Are cool roofs required in the residential or nonresidential energy standards?
No, they are not required, but there are energy credits available to those who use the compliance options in the performance approach.

What specifications does a roof need to meet to be considered for credit under the Title 24 Standards?
Commercial and residential products must meet the following specifications according to the ASTM standards outlined below: