Frequently Asked Questions
What is Title 24 and what makes a roof compliant?
Title 24's primary objective is to establish energy efficiency standards for buildings - both residential and nonresidential - in order to reduce energy consumption. Title 24 was originally created by the state of California in 1978 and has been around for over 40 years. Although these building specific energy efficiency standards are mandatory in California, they are relevant regardless of where you are or the type of building. In most cases, the benefits including money and energy savings outweigh the associated implementation costs.
An energy efficient office building for example, uses less energy to heat and cool which means less reliance on the energy grid, lower operating costs and an overall environmental impact reduction as well. This also means we (humans) can stay more comfortable indoors while spending less. Given the size of California's population and continued growth, it is estimated that Title 24 energy efficiency standards have saved over $50 billion since inception. Regardless of where a building is located, these standards make sense and will save money. You don't need to be in California to take advantage of the benefits of a "cool roof".
Roofs and roofing materials are only one - albeit important - aspect of Title 24. In order to meet the Title 24 Part 6 requirements, residential and nonresidential roof materials need to meet minimum requirements for:
- Solar Reflectance - measure of the roof surface's ability to reject sun rays and heat;
- Thermal Emittance - ability of the roof surface to release heat, measured using infrared;
Is Title 24 only relevant in California?
No. Title 24 energy efficiency standards will save energy and money regardless of where you are. Simply put, especially considering the relatively low cost of options like elastomeric roof coating and potential proven benefits of "cool roofs", it should be considered regardless of location or building type. However, Title 24 energy efficiency standards are only mandatory in the state of California.
How long will Deck Flex T2424 or other elastomeric roof coatings last?
When it comes to building materials in general, and coatings in particular, a generic warranty number is almost always incorrect. How long your roof coating protects your surface and lasts will primarily depend on four (4) critical factors:
- surface preparation - your surface will need to be properly prepared, repairing any damaged areas as well as cleaning and removing all debris using a power-washer and allowing adequate dry time prior to using any products;
- application and coverage - two full coats is a minimum requirement for most surfaces but this will depend on your existing surface, if you are in doubt ask a professional to help;
- quality of product - cheap products (often available at big box retail stores) don't have adequate or quality ingredients like resins help adhere to and protect a variety of existing surfaces;
- weather conditions - the life of your roof will depend a lot on how much punishment it gets from the elements, if you are in an area known for sever weather for example, make sure you regularly inspect your surface. In these areas, an annual inspection and recoating as needed is not uncommon.
With that said, water-based elastomeric roof coatings can easily last 10-15 years without issues when applied properly to a prepared surface with a quality product.