Los Angeles’ Cool Roofs Mandate Offers Example for Palo Alto Roofing

Climate Progress reports in a December 18, 2013 news article that the Los Angeles City Council revised its building code standards and instructed all homeowners to utilize cool roofing materials that keep temperatures down:

“Los Angeles is the first major city to require such a measure, which was pushed for by the local organization Climate Resolve.

“Cool roofs are a win-win-win for the people of Los Angeles,” said Jonathan Parfrey, Executive Director of Climate Resolve. “Keeping temperatures down on Extreme Heat Days will protect lives; energy efficiency will save millions of dollars; and cool roofs will help Los Angeles combat global climate change at the local level.””

This policy presents a great example for other Californian city councils and builders, including Palo Alto roofing companies, to adopt and to embrace. California currently has a green building code, but only prescribes regulations covering technical aspects to meet the minimum standards and refrains from identifying the specific materials that can maximize a structure’s efficiency levels.

With California’s hot and sunny weather, the policy in Los Angeles should be able to help other cities mitigate the consequences of climate change, especially the prevailing urban heat island effect. Concrete, asphalt, and most roofs not outfitted for energy efficiency absorb the sun’s heat, hold it, and slowly radiate it. The heat emitted leads to warmer buildings, higher energy bills, and hot temperatures all around.

Homeowners who want to adapt to the changing times should seek assistance from professionals practicing green re-roofing in Palo Alto, like Shelton Roofing. These experienced contractors can assess the conditions of existing roofs and can recommend tailor-made solutions for every client, plus the necessary measures to make environment-friendly homes certified for tax credits.

With cool roofs, homeowners can save more money in the long run, enjoy better indoor air quality and comfort, and face fewer chances of suffering heat-related injuries.

(Article Information and Image from Los Angeles Becomes First Major City To Require ‘Cool Roofs’, Climate Progress, December 18, 2013)