I hear there’s new regulation…
As of January 1, 2010, the California Energy Commission’s updated Title-24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards for residential and non-residential roofing are now in force, otherwise know as “Cool-Roof."
The new Cool Roof requirements affect new construction, significant repairs of existing roofs, re-roofing, plus additions and alterations of existing buildings and homes.
Title 24 doesn’t regulate colors. Rather they require a certain reflective rating that the material must meet. Starting this year (1/1/2017 2016 version) all Residential properties are obligated to meet the title 24 requirements that basically say unless you have so much insulation in your roof system you must install a “cool roof” shingle.
It’s easy to find a cool roof shingle by looking at the shingle manufacturer websites. They will point out which is acceptable. Naturally to make it cool they generally have been making them white or gray. However some now have “black” shingles that are cool roof.