How to Maximize Roof Energy Efficiency

In this section, we’re discussing the top picks if you’re looking for energy-efficient roof options that work well here in Oklahoma City.

Cool Asphalt Shingle Roofs

These are a lot like traditional asphalt shingles, but they usually come with specially coated granules that reflect heat and more sunlight. With these energy-efficient asphalt shingles, you’ll get the look of a traditional asphalt roof, but with better performance in hot weather. They’re the middle-ground choice because they’re budget-friendly, widely available, and a solid upgrade from basic shingles.

Additionally, if you go with a lighter color, that’s even better. This is because light-colored asphalt shingles naturally reflect more heat, while darker tones tend to absorb it.

Metal Roofs with Reflective Coating

Metal panels naturally work as a reflective roof. But add a reflective coating on top of that, and you’ve got a roof that can stay 50-60 degrees cooler than dark asphalt that tends to absorb heat a lot, especially on a sunny day.

They also last for decades, protecting the other parts of your system, including your roof deck and overall structural framework. In fact, some hit 50 years or more with minimal maintenance. And if storms roll through (which they will), metal roofing holds up against wind, hail, and debris better than a lot of other options.

Composite Roofing (Synthetic Slate or Shake)

If you want something that looks upscale but doesn’t cause your attic to heat up too much, composite roofing might just be the answer. These shingles are made from recycled material that look like slate, wood shake, or tile roofs, but without the weight or the heat absorption. Some brands offer high reflectivity ratings, too.

They’re on the expensive end of roofing materials, but they usually come with longer warranties and better durability, so they’re a smart long-term choice.

Concrete and Clay Tile

These aren’t very common in Oklahoma City, but they do pop up in more architecturally styled homes. Both clay and concrete tiles have natural thermal properties, meaning they absorb heat slowly and release it gradually, which helps reduce heat transfer inside.

They’re great at resisting fire and wind, and they can last for more than 50 years. The only catch is that they’re heavy, so your home has to be structurally ready for them.

Radiant Barrier Add-Ons

Not exactly a roofing material, but definitely worth mentioning. Radiant barriers are reflective sheets installed under the roof decking or along attic rafters. They bounce radiant heat back up, keeping your attic and living space cooler. They’re especially helpful as a retrofit if your existing roof isn’t quite ready for full replacement, but you still want some energy savings.

Cool Roof Coating

These are light colored roofs that are designed to reflect sunlight and have less heat absorption than a standard roof. What makes a roof “cool” is usually the coating, the color, and the material. Some are made from special membranes, while others are made with solar reflecting granules. In Oklahoma City, there are plenty of cool buildings around, since commercial properties tend to absorb heat more due to their size.

Green Roofs

Green roofs are basically a layer of vegetation that grows on top of a waterproof roofing system. They’re more common in big cities, but we’re starting to see a few pop up in Oklahoma City, too. The soil absorbs heat and, in turn, provides cooler air, and during heavy rainfall, green roofs can absorb water and reduce runoff.

Energy-Star Rated Roofs

The Energy Star program also certifies roof coatings and materials that meet strict standards for solar reflectance and thermal performance. To qualify, a roof has to reflect a significant portion of the sun’s heat away from the surface and into the atmosphere. Energy Star roofs come in a variety of traditional roofing materials: shingles, metal, tiles, and membranes. If you see that little blue Energy Star label on a roofing product, it means it’s been tested and rated to help you cut down your energy use.

Solar Panels

While not technically a roofing material, solar systems do mount on the roof (or come in solar roofing shingles) and absolutely impact your home’s energy profile. Installing solar panels can offset your electric bill because you can use the sun’s energy for your everyday needs rather than electricity from the grid. In fact, on sunny days, you might even generate more solar heat (energy) than you use, and feed it back into the grid.

What Is the Solar Reflectance Index?

The solar reflectance index (SRI) is basically a rating system that tells you how well a roofing material reflects sunlight and releases absorbed heat. Basically, it’s a number that shows how “cool” a roofing surface stays under the sun. This is usually done by organizations like the Cool Roof Rating Council.

It combines two things:

• Solar reflectance (how much sunlight is bounced away instead of absorbed)

• Thermal emittance (how well the material releases the heat it does absorb)

The higher the number, the cooler the roof stays. SRI is measured on a scale from 0-100, but some materials go even higher. A traditional black asphalt roof might have an SRI of 0-20. A bright white cool roof would have an SRI in the 80s or 90s.

You can use this table as a quick guide for SRI ratings:

Other Ways to Boost Energy Efficiency That Don’t Involve a Full Replacement