Houston Energy Code amendments to Chapter 28 require low-slope commercial roofs to meet minimum solar reflectance and thermal emittance values, reducing heat absorption and lowering cooling demand in the citys hot, humid climate.
Houston adopted the International Energy Conservation Code with local amendments addressing the regions cooling-dominated climate zone 2A. Commercial buildings with low-slope roofs must use roofing materials carrying a minimum three-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and thermal emittance of 0.75, or meet a Solar Reflectance Index of 64. Alternative compliance allows additional insulation in lieu of cool-roof products. Single-ply membranes, coatings, and tile products certified by the Cool Roof Rating Council typically qualify. Permits for re-roofing projects above 25 percent of roof area trigger compliance review by the Houston Permitting Center under building inspection.
Permit denials, stop-work orders, and certificate of occupancy holds apply to non-compliant projects. Civil penalties under Chapter 28 can reach 2,000 dollars per violation per day.
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