Understanding Title 24 Storefront Doors: Compliance and Benefits

In California, businesses and developers are tasked with adhering to Title 24, which is a portion of the California Code of Regulations. These standards are designed to limit energy consumption in buildings for fenestration products like skylights, windows, and doors. Along with improving efficiency, these measures aim to expand the use of renewable energy to reduce the negative impact that buildings can have on the environment.

By following Title 24 guidelines when developing a building, you’ll also benefit from decreasing your utility costs. Keep in mind that the criteria listed under Title 24 should be applied to all aspects of a building, which include everything from the lights and doors to the mechanical systems and appliances.

Title 24 benchmarks are overseen by the California Energy Commission (CEC). However, county and city governments are authorized to enforce compliance, which means that they are responsible for assessing fines to developers and businesses that don’t follow these guidelines when constructing a building. In this guide, you’ll learn about Title 24 storefront doors and how to maintain compliance.

The Role of Storefront Doors in Title 24 Compliance

Windows, skylights, and doors significantly impact the amount of energy a building uses. Also known as fenestration, these parts of a building can make up more than 50% of the costs associated with heating and cooling the interior. If you own or manage a retail building, storefront doors can cause ample heat loss during the winter months.

Whenever a customer walks through your doors, some of the interior air will leak, which will make it more difficult for your HVAC system to maintain temperatures. No matter the materials that are used or the type of door you purchase, every storefront door experiences some amount of energy loss. You can, however, reduce the energy loss that occurs by selecting the right door.

There are numerous aspects of storefront doors that determine how much heating you lose. For example, the glazing, size, and orientation of the door can influence energy usage.

When considering the effects of Title 24, they have regulations for high-performance fenestration products like storefront doors. The materials, installation, and design of the door might alter your building’s cooling, heating, and lighting costs, which is why you must follow the Title 24 guidelines.

Key Energy Efficiency Metrics for Storefront Doors

There are three metrics that you need to consider to properly identify the energy efficiency of your storefront doors, which include U-Factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), and Visible Transmittance (VT) metrics.

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U-Factor

U-factor is a metric that measures the heat transmission rate of a door or window. If the U-factor of a door or window is low, there’s a good chance that it comes with high energy efficiency and ample insulation. The recommended range for compliance is between 0.15 and 1.20.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is a type of metric that’s used to identify the total amount of solar radiation that can get through a window or door. If a product has a lower SHGC value, this indicates that it’s more effective at blocking solar heat and maintaining indoor air temperatures. These values usually range from 0.25 to 0.80 in compliant products.

Visible Transmittance (VT)

Visible Transmittance (VT) is a metric that you can use to determine how much visible light a window or door can transmit. It’s highly recommended that you focus on balancing this factor when possible to reduce heat gain and optimize natural light in your store. Natural light is an effective way to illuminate your store without using too much electricity. However, too much light can increase the interior temperature.

Meeting Title 24 Requirements with High-Quality Storefront Doors

Part 6 of California Title 24 requires every commercial building to achieve Net-Zero Energy (NZE) levels by 2030. Based on this standard, companies must meet the necessary energy specifications for replacement and new skylights, doors, and windows. If these items have more than 25% glass surface area, they’ll need to meet the following energy specifications:

  • Residential doors and windows need to have a minimum U-factor of 0.30 as well as an SHGC of 0.23 or higher. If a door has less than 25% glazing, the maximum allowable U-factor is 0.20.
  • All new windows need to meet the Low-E2 standard and be dual-glazed.
  • Vertical fenestration throughout commercial buildings must come with a maximum U-factor of 0.36 for a fixed window, 0.45 for a glazed door, 0.41 for storefronts, and 0.46 for operable windows.
  • If a replacement window has an aggregate area that’s 75 square feet or smaller, it can have a maximum SHGC factor of 0.35 and a U-factor of 0.40. Doors need to be solid-core, exterior-grade models.

Innovative Brands Leading the Way

There are many innovative brands that are leading the way in helping companies and developers maintain Title 24 compliance. For example, Black Badge steel doors and windows adhere to these regulations, which means that you can maintain compliance at your storefront by installing these products.

Black Badge is committed to meeting and exceeding the current Title 24 standards by utilizing innovative manufacturing processes and high-quality materials. If you need to add a storefront door or window to your building, consider Black Badge products to maximize efficiency.

Black Badge Storefront Door Performance Metrics

Before you purchase a Black Badge storefront door, consider the performance metrics that their products have.

High U-Factor Ratings

Black Badge currently offers numerous fenestration products with U-factor ratings that only reach as high as 0.18. As mentioned previously, a low U-factor rating is better for the environment than a high one. The recommended range based on industry guidelines is 0.20 to 1.20, which means that all Black Badge products exceed these regulations. With these ratings, you’ll receive products that offer considerable energy efficiency and insulation.

Low SHGC Ratings

Black Badge also has some of the lowest SHGC ratings in the industry. Regardless of the product you purchase, the SHGC ratings will range from 0.18-0.53. Because of how low these ratings are, you can be confident that the storefront door you purchase will block most solar heat and help you maintain your indoor temperature.

Balanced VT Ratings

It’s difficult to properly balance visible transmittance. However, Black Badge offers the ideal range that extends from 0.19 to 0.54. These ratings allow you to let in the optimal amount of natural light without increasing the indoor air temperature by a significant amount.

The Environmental and Economic Benefits of Compliance

Complying with Title 24 guidelines offers many environmental and economic benefits. For example, you’ll be able to increase your store’s energy efficiency, which will reduce your monthly utility bills. It will also increase the availability and reliability of electricity. Your building will be more comfortable for employees and shoppers. Overall, the store will have a lower environmental impact.

Adhering to these standards makes it easier for you to pass building inspections and meet California’s sustainable goals. You’ll also reduce your operating costs, which can help you increase revenues and profits. Implementing energy-efficient practices in your building also allows you to reduce demand on the electrical grid.

Before you buy a storefront door or window for your building, you should understand what happens when you don’t comply with these regulations. Noncompliance often comes with a fee. If the city or county your building is situated in identifies a compliance issue in your building, you’ll likely be given 15 days to resolve the problem. If you don’t comply by this deadline, you’ll receive the fee.

City and county governments charge a noncompliance fee to recover some of the money that comes with inspecting commercial buildings. This penalty also covers the costs associated with performing administrative tasks during this process. Keep in mind that only one fee can be sought if you don’t comply with the order. However, the county may charge additional fees that don’t directly relate to Title 24. These penalties are detailed in the Los Angeles Municipal Code.

It’s also important to understand that a noncompliance fee can’t be imposed unless the government includes a legal description of the 15-day time limit. The language in the enforcement order must state that you will receive a noncompliance fee if you don’t make the necessary corrections after receiving the order. These penalties can be appealed.

Conclusion

Title 24 regulates the energy efficiency of all residential and commercial buildings in California. While residential buildings were tasked with complying with these regulations by 2020, owners of commercial buildings have until 2030 to make the necessary changes. If you’re shopping for compliant storefront doors, make sure the product you buy has the correct U-factor, SHGC, and VT ratings. Compliant products offer environmental and financial benefits that can help your business get ahead of the competition.

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