Patio Enclosure Title 24 Requirements
Enclosing and conditioning a patio is one of the examples the Energy Commission gives for an addition. What gets checked is the new shell: the walls you frame, the glass in them, the roof overhead and the floor underfoot. An existing slab rarely needs edge insulation, so the roof is where most patio projects need a plan.
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Go through the shell side by side
- Walls. Only a wall that extends an existing wood-framed wall may keep its depth, with R-15 cavity insulation in 2x4 framing or R-21 in 2x6. The manual says that typically covers one or two walls. Every other new wall takes U-0.048, or U-0.065 in zones 6 and 7.
- Floor. A slab needs no perimeter insulation in zones 1 to 15 and R-7 (F-0.58) in zone 16. A wood deck or raised platform is a raised floor instead, at R-19 or U-0.037 in every zone.
- Roof. For an addition of 700 square feet or less, an enclosed rafter ceiling takes R-22 between the framing or an assembly U-factor of 0.043, and a ceiling below a ventilated attic takes R-38 or R-30 by zone. Table 9-1 lists no relief for an existing roof, so document the old patio cover as part of the new shell.
- Glass. Sliders and fixed panes share one cap: 75 square feet or 30 percent of floor area at 400 square feet or less, with 60 square feet facing west in zones 2, 4 and 6 to 15.
Heating the new room
Extending any length of existing duct brings the whole existing duct system under the sealing test: 10 percent leakage or less, or 7 percent or less to outside. A ductless unit avoids it. Additions of 1,000 square feet or less that are not a new dwelling unit skip the whole-dwelling ventilation airflow, and those of 300 or less skip the cool-roof rule.
Enclosed but never conditioned
A screened or glazed patio with no heating or cooling, closed off by weatherstripped doors, stays unconditioned and only its lighting must comply (Section 150.0(k)), though an official may require conditioning if it looks habitable. Open structures are on patio covers.
For glass-heavy designs see sunroom conversions, and for a raised entry space see porch enclosures. The size bands are on room additions, the test is on duct leakage testing, and our residential Title 24 reports work from your plans.
Common Title 24 Questions
- When is Title 24 required for a home?
- Does a remodel need Title 24?
- Does a room addition need Title 24?
- What plans are needed for a residential Title 24 report?
- How much does a residential Title 24 report cost?
- How long does a residential Title 24 report take?
Frequently Asked Questions
Not for energy compliance in zones 1 to 15, where the addition package asks for no slab perimeter insulation. In zone 16 the requirement is R-7.
If it has no heating or cooling and closes off from the house with weatherstripped doors, only lighting is regulated. Ask the building department whether it wants a certificate.
Explore Additions and Remodels
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View all Additions and Remodels guides → · Permits and Compliance · Title 24 guide