Oklahoma homes take a beating from both ends of the weather spectrum. Summers bring relentless triple-digit heat, while winters swing between ice storms and freezing nights. That means your roof isn’t just protecting you from rain—it’s one of the biggest factors in how much you pay to heat and cool your home.
Energy efficiency isn’t just about windows or insulation. The right roofing material can cut hundreds off your annual energy bills, keep your home more comfortable, and extend the life of your HVAC system. But not all roofing options are created equal. Some trap heat. Others reflect it. Some excel in one season but fail in another.
If you’re a homeowner in Oklahoma, choosing the right roof isn’t just about looks or durability—it’s about building year-round efficiency. Tier-One Roofing has installed every type of roof material you can imagine across Tulsa, Bixby, Broken Arrow, and beyond. We know what works here, and we know what doesn’t. Let’s dig into the best roofing materials for energy efficiency in Oklahoma’s unique climate.
How Roofs Impact Energy Efficiency
Your roof is like a giant shield between your home and the elements. When it’s designed for energy efficiency, it works with your home to regulate temperature. When it’s not, it works against you, forcing your AC or heater to run constantly.
Here’s how roofing materials make the difference:
Reflectivity: Light-colored or specially coated roofs reflect heat, reducing attic temperatures.
Thermal Emittance: The ability of a material to release absorbed heat keeps homes cooler in summer.
Insulation Value: Some materials provide better thermal barriers, slowing heat transfer.
Ventilation Compatibility: Certain roofing systems allow better airflow under the roof deck, which reduces energy use.
In Oklahoma, where summers and winters are both extreme, you need a balance—materials that reflect and release heat in July, but also insulate and stabilize in January.
Asphalt Shingles: The Standard Option
Asphalt shingles are the most common roof in Oklahoma, and while they’re affordable and widely available, they aren’t the best for energy efficiency. Dark shingles absorb heat, driving attic temperatures up to 150°F in summer. That heat radiates downward, forcing your AC to work harder.
However, newer cool roof shingles are making progress. These are designed with reflective granules that bounce sunlight back. If you’re set on asphalt shingles, opting for light colors and cool-rated products is the smarter choice.
Tier-One Roofing installs high-quality shingles designed to maximize efficiency in Oklahoma’s climate—not the bargain-bin products that wear out quickly and trap heat.
Metal Roofing: The Efficiency Powerhouse
Metal roofs are one of the best choices for energy efficiency in Oklahoma. Why?
Reflective Coatings: Metal reflects solar radiation better than almost any other material.
Cooler Attics: Studies show metal roofs can cut attic temps by up to 40°F.
Durability: Metal lasts 30–40 years here, far longer than asphalt.
Winter Benefits: With proper insulation beneath, metal roofs also reduce heat loss in cold snaps.
Homeowners often hesitate at the upfront cost of metal, but when you factor in energy savings and longevity, it’s one of the smartest investments you can make. Tier-One Roofing has installed countless metal systems across Oklahoma, designed to maximize both efficiency and storm durability.
Tile and Slate: Beauty Meets Thermal Performance
Tile and slate roofs are rare in Oklahoma compared to the Southwest, but they’re excellent for energy efficiency. Their natural thermal mass absorbs heat during the day and releases it slowly, preventing extreme indoor temperature swings.
The downside? They’re heavy, expensive, and not always the best match for Oklahoma’s windstorms unless installed by a true expert. Tier-One Roofing has the experience to install tile and slate safely, but we usually recommend them for homeowners who prioritize aesthetics alongside efficiency and have the budget to support them.
Synthetic Roofing: The Newcomer Worth Considering
New synthetic materials—like polymer-based shakes and tiles—are engineered for energy efficiency. Many are designed with reflective coatings and insulation layers built in. They’re lighter than tile but more durable than asphalt, making them a strong middle ground for Oklahoma homeowners.
The challenge is picking the right product. Some synthetics are excellent; others are glorified plastic that won’t stand up to hail. Tier-One Roofing vets these products carefully to make sure our clients don’t get stuck with the latter.
The Role of Proper Installation
Even the best roofing material will fail on efficiency if it’s installed poorly. Gaps, bad ventilation, and shortcuts in underlayment create heat traps and air leaks. We’ve replaced “energy-efficient” roofs that actually raised energy bills because the installation was rushed or careless.
Tier-One Roofing takes installation seriously. We optimize attic ventilation, use the right underlayment for Oklahoma conditions, and make sure the entire system—roof, vents, insulation—works together to deliver true efficiency.
The Cost Savings of Energy-Efficient Roofing
Energy-efficient roofing isn’t just about comfort—it’s about dollars.
Lower AC bills in summer. A reflective or cool-rated roof can reduce cooling costs by 15–25%.
Reduced heating costs in winter. Proper insulation and thermal performance keep warm air inside.
HVAC longevity. When your system isn’t overworked, it lasts longer, saving thousands in replacements.
Over the life of a roof, these savings often equal or exceed the difference in upfront cost. A metal or synthetic roof may be pricier upfront, but when you cut years of energy waste, the investment pays for itself.
Common Misconceptions About Energy-Efficient Roofing
Many homeowners are misled by quick sales pitches. Here’s what’s real and what’s not:
“Darker shingles are fine.” In Oklahoma summers, dark shingles absorb too much heat. Light or cool-rated shingles are the better choice.
“Metal roofs make houses hotter.” The opposite is true—metal reflects heat away.
“Any insulation will solve the problem.” Insulation helps, but without a reflective roof, your attic still becomes an oven.
“It’s too expensive.” The long-term savings in energy bills and fewer replacements outweigh the upfront costs.
Tier-One Roofing makes sure homeowners understand the reality—not myths—so they can make smart choices.
Real Oklahoma Stories
Tulsa Family: Upgraded from dark asphalt shingles to a cool-rated shingle system installed by Tier-One. Their summer energy bills dropped by 18%, and their home stayed noticeably cooler.
Bixby Homeowner: Switched to a metal roof. While the upfront cost was higher, they cut summer AC bills by nearly $150 a month and gained peace of mind with storm durability.
Broken Arrow Couple: Tried a bargain “cool roof” shingle from a discount installer. Within two years, hail damage forced a full replacement. Tier-One Roofing corrected the installation with quality materials and proper venting—true efficiency this time.
Why Tier-One Roofing is the Smart Partner
Energy-efficient roofing isn’t just about buying a certain material. It’s about designing a roof system that works for Oklahoma’s specific climate. Tier-One Roofing brings:
Local expertise with extreme heat, hail, and storms.
Access to high-quality, energy-rated roofing products.
Proper installation practices that maximize performance.
Honest recommendations tailored to your home and budget.
We don’t just sell roofs—we design solutions that save you money year after year.
Take Action for Comfort and Savings
If your roof is trapping heat in summer and leaking warmth in winter, it’s costing you every month on your energy bill. Don’t wait until your HVAC system burns out or your attic becomes unbearable.
Call Tier-One Roofing today for a free inspection and consultation. We’ll evaluate your current roof, explain where efficiency is being lost, and recommend the best materials for your long-term comfort and savings.
Your home deserves protection. Your wallet deserves relief. And your family deserves comfort—365 days a year. Tier-One Roofing can deliver it all.