Cool Roof California: Title 24 and Class A Roofs

Your roofer says the shingle color you picked "won't pass." Another says you need Class A roofing because of your fire zone. Suddenly a roof replacement involves energy codes, fire maps and product directories you have never heard of.

Here is the plain English version. California has two sets of rules that shape what goes on your roof: the Title 24 energy code, which can require a cool roof, and the state fire rules, which can require a Class A rated roof. This guide explains both, which products meet them, and how to make sure your roofer handles them before you sign.

What is a cool roof in California?

A cool roof is a roofing product that reflects more sunlight and sheds heat faster than a standard roof. California measures this with two numbers from the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC): aged solar reflectance (how much sunlight it still reflects after three years of weather) and thermal emittance (how well it releases heat). They can be combined into a Solar Reflectance Index (SRI).

Cool roofs are not only white. Many asphalt shingles, concrete and clay tiles and metal roofs come in cool rated colors, including grays, tans and some darker earth tones.

When does Title 24 require a cool roof?

Under the 2025 California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6), section 150.2(b)1I, the roofing rules kick in for homes when 50 percent or more of the roof is replaced. What you need depends on slope and climate zone:

• Steep slope roofs (2 in 12 or steeper), in the climate zones where the rule applies, need a product with at least 0.20 aged solar reflectance and 0.75 thermal emittance, or an SRI of 16.
• Low slope roofs (flatter than 2 in 12) face a much higher bar, for example 0.63 aged solar reflectance and 0.75 emittance, or an SRI of 75, in Climate Zone 11.

There are exceptions for steep slope roofs, such as R-38 ceiling insulation, a qualifying radiant barrier, or continuous roof deck insulation. Roof areas under building-integrated solar panels are also exempt. Your roofer records the CRRC product ID on the permit paperwork.

Source: 2025 California Energy Code §150.2(b)1I; City of Roseville 2025 CF1R-ALT-01-E Reroof form instructions; Nevada County Residential Cool Roof Requirements handout.

The climate zone rules differ across the state, and hot inland areas see the strictest requirements. Ask your local building department or check the permit form for your city.

What does a Title 24 roof mean on my bid?

When a bid says "Title 24 compliant" or "cool roof," ask three questions:

1. What is the exact product and color?
2. What is its CRRC product ID, aged solar reflectance and thermal emittance?
3. If it does not meet the numbers, which exception are you using?

A roofer who cannot answer is guessing. Title 24 is checked through the permit, which is one more reason never to skip it. See do you need a permit to replace a roof in California.

What is Class A roofing?

Roof coverings are fire tested under ASTM E108 or UL 790 and rated Class A, B or C. Class A is the highest rating and means the roof resisted severe fire exposure in testing. Some products are Class A on their own. Others are only Class A as part of an assembly, for example with a special underlayment or cap sheet.

In California, very high fire hazard severity zones and wildland urban interface areas require Class A roofing on new roofs and most replacements. Many cities go further and require Class A everywhere. Untreated wood shake is effectively ruled out in those zones.

Source: ASTM E108 and UL 790 fire test standards; California Building Code Chapter 7A and California Residential Code §R337. Confirm current rules for your address with your local fire and building departments.

What fire rated shingles can California homes use?

Good news: most modern asphalt shingles are Class A rated. That includes the mainstream lines:

• GAF Timberline HDZ, Timberline UHDZ and designer shingles like Grand Sequoia and Camelot II.
• Owens Corning Duration series shingles.
• CertainTeed Landmark series and Presidential Shake.
• Malarkey Vista and Legacy.

Concrete and clay tile and metal roofing are also commonly Class A, sometimes as an assembly. The trick is finding a product that is both Class A and cool rated in the color you want. Many manufacturers sell cool versions, such as GAF Timberline CS, CertainTeed Landmark Solaris and Owens Corning's cool roof colors. Check the CRRC directory for the exact color.

Can a roof be both a cool roof and Class A?

Yes, and in much of inland California it has to be. Pick the product line you like, then ask your roofer for the colors that are both CRRC rated and Class A. Lighter colors usually make it easier. If you love a dark color, ask whether an exception like added attic insulation or a radiant barrier could let you use it, and get the plan in writing.

What else matters for wildfire protection?

The roof covering is only part of it. Embers enter through vents, gutters full of leaves and open gaps at the eaves. Ask your roofer about ember resistant vents, metal drip edge, closed eave details and keeping gutters clear. These details are often more important than the shingle.

How do you hire the right roofer for a cool roof or Class A job?

These jobs need a roofer who pulls permits and knows the paperwork. Before you sign:

• Confirm an active California contractor license with the CSLB, usually a C-39 roofing classification.
• Make sure the roofer is licensed and insured, with workers' comp on file. See does your roofer need workers' comp.
• Get the product, color, CRRC ID and fire rating written into the contract.
• Compare bids side by side with our roofing bid guide.

A ConFacts report checks the roofer's license, bond, workers' comp and public record in minutes, and ConFacts never takes money from contractors.

Frequently asked questions

Is a cool roof required in California?

For many homes, yes, when 50 percent or more of the roof is replaced, depending on slope and climate zone. Low slope roofs face stricter rules.

Are asphalt shingles Class A?

Most modern fiberglass asphalt shingles from GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed and Malarkey are Class A rated. Check the specific product.

Can I use dark shingles under Title 24?

Sometimes, if the color is CRRC rated or your home meets an exception, such as R-38 ceiling insulation or a radiant barrier.

What is the CRRC?

The Cool Roof Rating Council, which tests and lists roofing products by reflectance and emittance. California permits reference its product IDs.

Does a Class A roof make my house fireproof?

No. It resists fire better, but vents, gutters and eaves matter too.