2026 California Title 24 Window Code Guide

Homeowners comparing California Title 24 windows in 2026 need to look beyond an “energy-efficient” label. The correct window must match the project type, property location, applicable code cycle, approved energy documents, and local permit requirements. That matters in Sacramento and Roseville, where most homes fall within inland Climate Zone 12 and regularly deal with strong afternoon sun and long summer cooling seasons.

California Title 24 window compliance means selecting, documenting, and installing windows that meet the energy-performance requirements assigned to a particular building project.

The 2025 California Energy Code took effect on January 1, 2026, and generally applies when a permit application is submitted on or after that date. Before windows are ordered, we recommend confirming the jurisdiction, code cycle, U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, opening size, and inspection requirements. Taking those steps early can prevent a good window from becoming the wrong window on paper.

What Are California Title 24 Window Requirements?

Title 24 and the California Energy Code

When Sacramento-area homeowners say “Title 24 windows,” they are usually referring to the energy rules in Part 6 of the California Building Standards Code. These rules determine how windows are evaluated for heat transfer, solar heat gain, certified performance, installation, and documentation.

For a window project, compliance may involve:

• A maximum whole-window U-factor
• A maximum Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, or SHGC
• National Fenestration Rating Council product labels
• Limits on total window area for certain projects
• Proper perimeter sealing and installation
• Energy-compliance forms that match the installed products
• Verification during plan review or inspection

Meeting the energy code is the baseline, the address, permit, and paperwork have to match too. A bedroom window may also need to meet emergency-escape requirements. Glass near a door, bathtub, stairway, or walking surface may require safety glazing. Enlarging an opening may involve framing and structural review.

That is why we do not treat “Title 24 compliant” as a one-size-fits-all product description. The window must be appropriate for the actual address and scope of work.

Why Windows Are Regulated

In the Sacramento Valley, window performance becomes easy to feel by mid-afternoon. A west-facing family room in Roseville or an older living room in East Sacramento can collect heat for hours, especially when the home still has single-pane glass or conductive aluminum frames.

California regulates window performance because glass and frames can allow heat to move through the building envelope. Older or poorly sealed units may contribute to:

• Hot rooms during summer
• Drafts during cooler months
• Uneven indoor temperatures
• Air leakage around the frame
• Longer air-conditioning run times

Modern energy-efficient windows can use insulated glass, Low-E coatings, improved frame construction, and more effective perimeter sealing. Title 24 gives these features measurable standards instead of relying on vague terms such as “premium” or “high-performance.”

What Changed Under the 2025 California Energy Code?

When the New Standards Took Effect

The 2025 Energy Code became effective on January 1, 2026. According to the California Energy Commission, buildings with permit applications submitted on or after that date generally need to comply with the new code cycle.

The date on the permit application usually matters more than the date the homeowner received an estimate, ordered the windows, or scheduled installation.

For example, a Roseville homeowner may have selected windows in December 2025 but submitted the permit in January 2026. In that situation, the 2025 Energy Code may govern the project even though planning began under the previous year.

Before finalizing an order, confirm:

• Whether the project requires a permit
• When the application will be submitted
• Which code cycle the building department will apply
• Whether the product ratings match that code cycle

This check is especially important around a code transition. Ordering first and reviewing the energy forms afterward can result in delays, product changes, or avoidable costs.

Important Window-Related Updates

The 2025 Energy Code tightened prescriptive window performance in several climate zones. For single-family projects using the applicable prescriptive path, the maximum fenestration U-factor is now 0.27 in Climate Zones 1 through 5, 11 through 14, and 16. Sacramento and Roseville are generally associated with Climate Zone 12, so the updated 0.27 value is particularly relevant to local new construction and qualifying additions.

That does not mean every replacement window in the region automatically requires the same figures. Requirements can change according to:

• Whether the work is new construction, an addition, or an alteration
• The compliance path used for the project
• The size and amount of new glass
• Exceptions available under the code
• The exact property location
• The approved energy calculations

A window marketed as “Title 24 compliant” may meet one common specification without meeting every California project. We recommend comparing the certified ratings with the approved documents rather than relying on a showroom description or product-series name.

Which Window Projects Must Follow Title 24?

New Construction and Home Additions

For a new home, windows are evaluated as part of the entire building envelope. Their size, orientation, U-factor, SHGC, and total area may be reviewed along with insulation, air sealing, mechanical equipment, walls, and roofing.

Additions also introduce new window area that may need to meet the current energy standards. Common examples include:

• A bedroom added to the back of a Sacramento home
• New windows in a garage conversion
• A sliding glass door installed during a kitchen expansion
• A larger opening created for a family-room remodel
• Bay, bow, garden, or specialty windows
• French doors leading to a patio

Glazed doors are often treated as fenestration under the Energy Code. A homeowner adding French doors in Land Park or a large slider in a newer Roseville development should not assume that door requirements are separate from window-energy calculations.

Large areas of glass may also affect the compliance method. When a design includes oversized windows or extensive west-facing glass, the project may require more than a quick comparison with one prescriptive value.

Replacement Windows and Alterations

Most existing-home window projects are treated as alterations, but the exact requirements depend on what is being replaced and whether the opening is changing.

A retrofit installation typically fits a new window into a suitable existing frame. A full-frame installation removes the complete old assembly and exposes more of the opening. Our guide to retrofit versus full-frame window replacement explains where each method may be appropriate.

In established neighborhoods such as East Sacramento, Land Park, Carmichael, and Arden-Arcade, we often see older openings with aluminum frames, previous repairs, worn sealant, or exterior finishes that require careful planning. The installation method must suit the condition of the opening, not just the desired glass package.

Changing the opening size adds another layer. Enlarging a window may affect framing, stucco or siding, waterproofing, safety glazing, and structural requirements. Bedroom windows also need to be checked for emergency-escape provisions, which are separate from U-factor and SHGC.

Repairs That May Be Treated Differently

Replacing a complete window is different from repairing one component. A broken lock, damaged screen, failed roller, or isolated glass unit may be handled differently from removing the entire frame and sash assembly.

Common repair work includes:

• Replacing a lock or balance
• Repairing a screen
• Adjusting an operable sash
• Replacing damaged weatherstripping
• Replacing an insulated glass unit
• Renewing deteriorated exterior sealant

The permit and energy-code treatment depends on the actual scope and jurisdiction. We do not recommend assuming that every repair needs a full permit, but a complete replacement should not be described as a minor repair simply to avoid documentation.

When the boundary between repair and replacement is unclear, describe the work accurately to the appropriate building department before ordering materials.

Understanding Window U-Factor and SHGC

What U-Factor Measures

U-factor tells us how readily heat moves through the complete window. It includes the glass, frame, spacer system, sash, and other parts of the tested assembly.

A lower U-factor generally means the window resists heat transfer more effectively.

Here is how we explain it to homeowners: two products may use similar-looking dual-pane glass, but the complete windows can still have different ratings because the frames and internal components are not identical. That is why a center-of-glass value should not be substituted for the whole-window number shown on the certified label.

For Sacramento and Roseville homes, U-factor matters throughout the year. Summer heat gets most of the attention, but local winter mornings can also expose drafts and cold interior glass surfaces in homes with aging windows.

The rating should always be checked against the project documents. A low number is useful, but it must be the correct certified number for the exact window configuration being installed.

What Solar Heat Gain Coefficient Measures

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient measures how much solar heat passes through the window. A lower SHGC generally means less heat from sunlight enters the room.

This is one of the most practical ratings for Sacramento-area homeowners. In July or August, west-facing windows can receive direct sun during the hottest part of the day. We see the effect most clearly in rooms that remain comfortable in the morning but become noticeably warmer from late afternoon into the evening.

Under the common prescriptive package for Climate Zone 12, an SHGC of 0.23 is a key benchmark for applicable new-construction and addition projects. Alteration requirements and approved performance calculations may differ, so the project documents remain the final reference.

Low-E coatings help manage solar gain while preserving natural light. The right coating should be selected based on the window orientation, code documents, room use, and homeowner priorities rather than appearance alone.

Other Ratings Homeowners May See

NFRC labels may also include:

• Visible Transmittance: The amount of visible daylight passing through the product
• Air Leakage: The rate at which air passes through the tested window assembly
• Condensation Resistance: The product’s resistance to interior surface condensation under specific test conditions
• Performance Grade: Structural, air, and water performance under standardized testing

Visible Transmittance can be useful when comparing how bright different glass packages may feel. Air Leakage can help explain why two windows with similar thermal ratings do not necessarily feel the same near the frame.

For Title 24 planning, however, whole-window U-factor and SHGC are usually the first numbers to verify. Keep the original label attached until any required inspection is complete.

California Title 24 Window Requirements by Climate Zone

Why Climate Zones Matter

California does not use one window specification for the entire state. A home near the coast does not experience the same heat, sun, or overnight temperatures as a home in the Sacramento Valley.

Sacramento and Roseville are generally in California Climate Zone 12, but homeowners should still verify the specific property using the California Energy Commission’s Climate Zone Tool. Jurisdictional boundaries and climate-zone boundaries are not always understood in the same way by homeowners.

Climate Zone 12 reflects inland conditions that include:

• Hot, dry summers
• Strong western solar exposure
• Long cooling seasons
• Cooler winter nights
• Large daytime temperature swings

These conditions affect older neighborhoods and newer developments differently. A 1940s or 1950s home near Land Park may have smaller original openings and aging aluminum windows. A newer Roseville home near the Interstate 80 or Highway 65 corridor may have larger expanses of glass that collect more afternoon sun.

Climate-zone requirements can influence U-factor, SHGC, allowed window area, and energy modeling. Confirm the address before ordering rather than assuming that every Northern California product package is interchangeable.

Prescriptive Versus Performance Compliance

Under the prescriptive approach, individual components must meet the listed requirements. For many applicable single-family projects in Climate Zone 12, the 2025 code’s common prescriptive window benchmarks include a maximum U-factor of 0.27 and a maximum SHGC of 0.23.

Under the performance approach, approved software evaluates the building as a complete system. The design may use different component combinations as long as the overall project meets the required energy budget.

Climate Zone 12 consideration	Prescriptive approach	Performance approach
Window U-factor	Common maximum of 0.27 for applicable new construction and additions	Entered into approved energy modeling
Window SHGC	Common maximum of 0.23 for applicable projects	Evaluated with orientation, area, shading, and other building features
Window area	Must satisfy applicable prescriptive limits	Modeled as part of the complete design
Product selection	Must meet required listed values	Must match the values used in the approved model
Field verification	Labels and products should match the documents	Installed products should match the modeled specifications

These figures should not be copied automatically onto every replacement-window order. Alterations, exceptions, small additions, performance calculations, and project-specific approvals can produce different requirements.

The best compliance check is simple: compare the exact NFRC ratings on the proposed product with the values listed on the approved energy documents.

Do You Need a Window Permit in Sacramento or Roseville?

Sacramento Window Permit Considerations

The answer depends first on where the property is located. A Sacramento mailing address does not always mean the project falls under the City of Sacramento.

Properties inside city limits are handled by the City of Sacramento Building Division. Homes in unincorporated communities are generally handled through Sacramento County Building Permits and Inspection.

That distinction matters in places such as Carmichael, Arden-Arcade, Foothill Farms, and Antelope, where homeowners may use “Sacramento” conversationally even though the county administers the permit.

A permit review may become more involved when the project:

• Enlarges or relocates an opening
• Changes structural framing
• Replaces a bedroom emergency-escape window
• Adds glass near a hazardous location
• Affects a historic property
• Forms part of a larger remodel
• Changes an exterior elevation subject to additional review

In older East Sacramento and Land Park homes, we also pay close attention to exterior materials, unusual frame depths, and earlier modifications. An opening that appears straightforward from inside may reveal stucco, trim, or waterproofing conditions that affect the replacement plan.

Roseville Permit Considerations

Roseville has its own building authority, permit process, and inspection procedures. A permit answer received from Sacramento or Sacramento County should not be applied automatically to a Roseville property.

The scope matters. Replacing a window within the same opening may be reviewed differently from creating a new opening, installing a larger unit, or modifying structural framing. Bedroom use and safety-glazing locations must also be identified accurately.

Roseville’s housing stock varies widely. Established areas near Downtown Roseville may have older openings and previous window upgrades, while newer communities north and east of the city may have larger builder-grade windows or more extensive west-facing glass.

Roseville Electric is also the local electric utility. Its efficiency information may help homeowners understand energy use, but utility guidance does not replace building-code approval or permit requirements.

Before purchasing windows, homeowners should review permit information through the City of Roseville Development Services Department or contact the department about the specific property and scope.

Permit Jurisdiction Checklist

Before ordering windows:

• Confirm whether the property is in Sacramento, unincorporated Sacramento County, or Roseville.
• Identify whether the opening size will remain unchanged.
• Note which windows serve bedrooms or sleeping rooms.
• Check for glass near doors, tubs, stairs, and walking surfaces.
• Confirm the applicable code cycle.
• Gather the proposed U-factor and SHGC ratings.
• Ask which energy forms are required.
• Determine who will obtain and close the permit.
• Keep NFRC labels attached until the inspection is complete.

A permit is not just a receipt. It gives the building department a defined scope to review and gives the inspector a set of approved documents to compare with the finished work.

How to Check Whether a Window Meets Title 24

Review the NFRC Label

The NFRC label is usually the fastest way to confirm the certified whole-product ratings. Look for:

• Whole-window U-factor
• Whole-window SHGC
• Visible Transmittance
• Manufacturer and product information
• The specific rated configuration

Do not compare windows based only on the glass description. A manufacturer may offer the same glass package across several frame styles, sizes, and operating types, but the final certified ratings can differ.

Also check that the label belongs to the exact unit being installed. A fixed picture window, horizontal slider, and single-hung window from the same product line may not carry identical values.

Homeowners considering vinyl window installation should ask for the ratings before approving the final order, especially when the project includes several operating styles.

Match the Window to the Project

A compliant rating must match the approved project. Verify:

• The project address and climate zone
• The permit-application date
• The applicable code cycle
• Whether the work is an alteration, addition, or new building
• The required U-factor and SHGC
• The compliance path
• The window sizes and operating styles
• Bedroom emergency-escape requirements
• Safety-glazing locations

During product selection, small changes can matter. Switching from a picture window to an operable unit, increasing a window’s size, or choosing a different glass package may change the certified values.

Do not wait until installation day to compare the order with the plans. At that point, an incorrect unit may already have been manufactured.

Ask for Written Documentation

Keep a project file containing:

• NFRC ratings
• Manufacturer specifications
• The final window order
• Approved plans
• Energy-compliance forms
• Permit records
• Installation instructions
• Inspection results
• Warranty information

For a whole-home replacement, label each unit or room clearly. This makes it easier to match a window in an upstairs bedroom, kitchen, or west-facing living area with the correct order details.

Good documentation also helps if a question arises during inspection. The goal is to show that the installed product is the same product approved for the project, not merely a similar window from the same manufacturer.

Common Window Compliance Mistakes

The most common compliance problems are not always caused by poor-quality windows. They are often caused by a mismatch between the product, paperwork, opening, and approved scope.

Watch for these mistakes:

• Assuming every energy-efficient window meets Title 24
• Using a center-of-glass value instead of the whole-window rating
• Applying Climate Zone 12 values to an address without verifying the zone
• Treating new-construction values as universal replacement-window requirements
• Ordering windows before confirming the permit date and code cycle
• Removing NFRC labels before inspection
• Installing a different configuration from the one shown on the energy forms
• Changing the size of an opening without reviewing framing requirements
• Overlooking bedroom emergency-escape dimensions
• Missing safety-glazing requirements
• Leaving gaps or incomplete seals around the frame
• Assuming every retrofit project is permit-exempt
• Treating the City of Sacramento, Sacramento County, and Roseville as one jurisdiction
• Failing to keep product and compliance records

One local mistake we regularly warn homeowners about is relying on a Sacramento mailing address to identify the permit authority. A home in Carmichael or Arden-Arcade may be handled by Sacramento County, while a home a few miles away inside Sacramento city limits follows the city process.

Another common issue is shopping by product series alone. Always confirm the rating for the exact size, style, and glass package being ordered.

Planning a Code-Compliant Window Replacement

Questions to Ask Before Ordering Windows

Ask these questions before signing the final order:

• Which Energy Code cycle applies?
• Is the property in Climate Zone 12?
• Which building department has jurisdiction?
• Is a permit required for the proposed scope?
• Will the openings remain the same size?
• What whole-window U-factor and SHGC are required?
• Is the project using prescriptive or performance compliance?
• Do any windows serve bedrooms?
• Is safety glazing required?
• Who will provide the energy documentation?
• Who will schedule and close the inspection?
• Do the final order details match the approved plans?

For older Sacramento homes, also ask whether the existing aluminum frame is suitable for a retrofit or whether full-frame removal would better address the opening condition. In Roseville homes with large west-facing windows, review solar-control needs before choosing the glass package.

These decisions affect comfort and appearance, but they can also affect whether the installed units match the approved project.

Work With a Local Window Specialist

Superior Window helps homeowners review window ratings, frame conditions, installation methods, glass packages, and documentation before products are ordered. We understand how Sacramento Valley heat, strong west-facing sun, older aluminum frames, stucco exteriors, and different housing eras affect real replacement projects.

Eligible Anlin installations include a double lifetime transferable warranty and glass breakage protection. Veteran, senior, and referral discounts are available, along with financing options that can make a window replacement project easier to plan.

Our role is to help make the window portion of the project clear and properly prepared. The local building department remains the final authority, but careful product selection and documentation reduce the likelihood of preventable inspection problems.

Homeowners can explore our Sacramento window replacement services or learn more about our complete window replacement process.

You can also review feedback from local homeowners on our customer reviews page and confirm whether we serve your community through our areas we serve page.

Planning a replacement under the 2026 code should not begin with guessing which label looks best. It should begin with the address, jurisdiction, project scope, and required ratings.

Contact Superior Window to request a free estimate and discuss a code-conscious window replacement for your Sacramento or Roseville home.

This guide provides general educational information. Requirements can vary by project, jurisdiction, compliance method, and approved plans. The building department with authority over the property makes the final permit and code-compliance determination.