Oklahoma homeowners know the struggle of soaring summer energy bills. With high temperatures, intense sun, and unpredictable weather, keeping your home cool and energy-efficient is no small task. What many people don’t realize is that your roof plays a huge role in how hard your HVAC system has to work—and how much you pay each month.
Choosing an energy efficient roofing system isn’t just good for the environment. It’s one of the smartest long-term upgrades you can make for your home’s comfort and your wallet! In this guide, we’ll explain how energy efficient roofing works, which materials perform best in Oklahoma’s climate, and how to choose the right option for your home.
How Roofing Impacts Energy Efficiency
Your roof takes the brunt of Oklahoma’s intense sun, especially during the summer. Traditional roofing materials like dark asphalt shingles can absorb a large amount of solar heat, raising the temperature of your roof and transferring that heat into your attic. This can cause your air conditioner to run constantly, driving up your energy costs.
Energy efficient roofing is designed to:
- Reflect more sunlight
- Absorb less heat
- Reduce attic temperatures
- Improve indoor comfort
- Lower energy bills
Some systems can reduce your roof surface temperature by 30–50°F, which translates to measurable cooling cost savings, especially in hot, sunny areas like Oklahoma City.
Key Features of Energy Efficient Roofs
To choose the right roofing system, it helps to understand the qualities that make a roof energy efficient:
1. Solar Reflectance
The ability of the roof surface to reflect sunlight away from the home. Higher reflectance = cooler roof.
2. Thermal Emittance
How well the roof releases absorbed heat. Roofing materials with high emittance cool down faster once the sun goes down.
3. Color and Finish
Light-colored roofs typically reflect more sunlight than dark roofs. Special reflective coatings can also increase a roof’s efficiency.
4. Ventilation
Proper attic ventilation works hand-in-hand with your roofing system to keep attic temperatures down and prevent trapped heat from affecting the rest of your home.
Best Roofing Materials for Energy Efficiency
Here’s how the most common roofing materials stack up when it comes to energy savings:
1. Metal Roofing (Best Overall Performer)
Metal is one of the most energy-efficient roofing materials available, especially when installed with a reflective coating or “cool roof” finish.
Why it’s great for Oklahoma:
- Reflects solar heat
- Dissipates heat quickly
- Long-lasting (40–70 years)
- High hail impact resistance
- Reduces cooling costs by 10–25%
Metal roofing is especially effective in wide-open neighborhoods with minimal shade or tree coverage.
2. Reflective Asphalt Shingles
Traditional dark shingles absorb heat, but new reflective asphalt shingles are designed to bounce more sunlight. These ENERGY STAR®-rated shingles are made with special granules that increase solar reflectivity without compromising on durability or appearance.
Pros:
- More affordable than metal
- Improves energy efficiency over standard shingles
- Available in lighter colors to reduce heat gain
While not as efficient as metal, reflective shingles are a good balance for homeowners who want improved performance without switching materials entirely.
3. Synthetic and Composite Roofing
Some synthetic roofing systems, like polymer-based shake and slate alternatives, include reflective properties and UV stabilizers to reduce heat absorption.
Benefits:
- Lightweight and durable
- Fade-resistant
- Storm-resistant with some energy savings
These are more common in higher-end installations and can be combined with efficient underlayment and insulation for greater performance.
4. Tile Roofing (Concrete or Clay)
Tile roofs naturally allow airflow under the tiles, helping reduce heat transfer into the attic. Lighter colors reflect sunlight, and some manufacturers offer ENERGY STAR® rated coatings.
Considerations:
- Great for hot climates
- Heavy—requires strong roof support
- Higher installation cost
Tile isn’t as common in Oklahoma as in southern or coastal states, but it’s an effective option where applicable.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Overlook the Underlayment
Your roofing underlayment—the barrier installed beneath your shingles or panels—can make a big difference in how well your roof manages heat. Radiant barrier or reflective underlayments can improve energy performance, especially when paired with good attic insulation.
Combined with proper ventilation and sealing, a cool roof system can cut energy costs significantly while improving indoor comfort.
How Much Can You Really Save?
While results vary depending on your home’s structure, orientation, and current efficiency, Oklahoma homeowners can expect to save between 10–30% on cooling costs by upgrading to an energy efficient roof—especially when moving from a dark, heat-absorbing material to a reflective metal or ENERGY STAR-rated system.
Over time, these monthly savings add up—making energy efficient roofing a smart investment that often pays for itself.
Additional Benefits of an Energy Efficient Roof
Energy savings are just the beginning. Here are a few more reasons to consider a high-performance roofing system:
- Extended roof lifespan: Cooler roofs last longer by reducing thermal stress.
- Reduced HVAC wear and tear: Your air conditioning unit doesn’t have to work as hard.
- Higher home value: Buyers appreciate energy-saving features.
- Potential tax credits or utility rebates: ENERGY STAR® roofs may qualify for local or federal incentives.
What’s the Best Energy Efficient Roofing Choice for You?
The answer depends on your home’s design, your budget, and your long-term plans.
- Short-term budget with modest gains: Consider light-colored asphalt or reflective shingles.
- Long-term investment and highest performance: Choose standing seam metal roofing with a reflective finish.
- Custom or high-end homes: Synthetic or tile roofing paired with radiant barriers and attic ventilation can deliver major savings.
Ready to Upgrade? Start with a Free Roof Assessment
If your roof is aging, damaged, or contributing to high energy bills, it may be time to explore energy efficient roofing options. At Triple Diamond Construction, we help homeowners throughout Oklahoma City and surrounding areas find the best solutions for comfort, performance, and long-term savings.
We offer free roof inspections, energy evaluations, and material comparisons so you can make an informed decision. Let’s lower those utility bills—starting at the top. Schedule a free roof inspection today to get started!
