Memphis has no mandatory cool-roof ordinance for private buildings, but city facilities and MLGW efficiency rebates encourage reflective roofing materials to lower cooling load and curb urban heat.
Cool roofs are not required by Memphis code for residential or commercial buildings. Instead, the city pilots reflective roofing on its own facilities, and MLGW offers energy-efficiency rebates that can include qualifying high-reflectance roofing as part of broader weatherization upgrades. Tennessee's residential energy code sets minimum insulation but does not mandate roof reflectivity. Property owners weighing a cool roof should price it against shade trees and attic ventilation.
No fines. Not a mandate. Enforcement is limited to building code requirements for permits when reroofing, which all property owners must follow.
See how Memphis's cool roof requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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