When the Oklahoma heat rolls in—and your energy bill rolls up—many homeowners start thinking seriously about energy efficiency. If you’re considering a roof replacement or upgrade, it’s the perfect time to ask your contractor the right questions about roofing efficiency and installing an energy saving roof.
Not all roofing systems are created equal. The materials, ventilation, and installation techniques your roofer uses can make or break your home’s long-term performance. So how do you make sure you’re getting more than just shingles?
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What makes a roof truly energy efficient
- Which questions to ask your roofing contractor before signing
- How roofing materials, ventilation, and underlayment affect your energy bills
- Regional factors that influence roofing efficiency in Oklahoma
- How Honor Roofing & Construction helps you make smart, savings-driven choices
Want expert answers you can trust? Honor Roofing & Construction can help.
Why Energy-Saving Roofs Matter in Oklahoma
In central Oklahoma, roof performance isn’t just about keeping rain out—it’s about controlling intense summer heat and retaining warmth during cold snaps. An outdated or poorly insulated roof can drive attic temperatures up to 160°F in July, overloading your HVAC system and wasting energy.
The key to improving roofing efficiency lies in:
- Reflective materials (like cool shingles or metal)
- Proper attic ventilation and airflow
- Radiant barriers and synthetic underlayments
- Strategic design to reduce thermal transfer
With local codes becoming more energy-conscious and utility costs on the rise, investing in an energy saving roof isn’t a luxury—it’s a smart, long-term upgrade. For a breakdown of which materials and systems deliver the most return, explore our blog on Energy‑Efficient Roofing & Siding in Oklahoma: Long‑Term ROI.
Before You Talk to a Roofer: What You Need to Know
To get the most out of your roofing project, be prepared with these essentials:
- Know your energy history. Bring a few months’ worth of energy bills to help benchmark improvements.
- Confirm your attic’s current condition. Insulation and airflow are part of the roofing system.
- Check neighborhood or HOA rules. Some areas have material or color requirements.
- Understand local code updates. New roof installs may need to meet modern energy efficiency requirements.
- Have your long-term goals in mind. Are you trying to cut costs, sell soon, or simply make the home more comfortable?
7 Smart Questions to Ask Your Roofer About Energy Efficiency
When you’re sitting down with a roofer—whether it’s for an estimate or a final contract—ask these energy-focused questions. A reputable pro will be ready with honest, informative answers.
1. What roofing materials offer the best energy efficiency for this region?
Energy saving roof systems in Oklahoma typically include cool-rated asphalt shingles, standing seam metal, or impact-resistant products with reflective granules. Your roofer should recommend based on your home’s pitch, orientation, and budget.
2. Does this roof come with ENERGY STAR® or Cool Roof certification?
If a product is labeled with ENERGY STAR®, it meets federal efficiency guidelines and may be eligible for local rebates or tax credits. Ask for documentation.
3. How will attic ventilation be handled?
Even the best materials won’t perform if the attic is a heat trap. Make sure your roofer is addressing ridge vents, soffits, and intake/exhaust airflow.
4. Is radiant barrier sheathing or synthetic underlayment included?
These “invisible upgrades” reduce thermal transfer into the attic and offer longer-term moisture protection.
5. Will this system qualify for any rebates or incentives?
Ask your roofer to help you check local programs or utility rebates tied to energy-efficient installations. Every dollar helps.
6. Can you show me past projects where efficiency was a priority?
Reputable contractors should have photos or case studies of past energy-focused installs, with real feedback on savings.
7. How do you ensure the warranty stays valid?
Some energy-efficient materials require certified installation for the warranty to stay intact. Confirm that your contractor is authorized.
Deep Dive: Materials, Warranties, and Savings Potential
At Honor Roofing & Construction, we work with proven brands like CertainTeed, IKO, TAMKO, and Owens Corning—each offering product lines designed for energy efficiency. Many of these carry long-term warranties and meet state energy codes when installed correctly.
Materials That Maximize Roofing Efficiency:
- Cool Shingles: Reflective granules reduce heat absorption by up to 15%
- Metal Roofing: Reflects solar radiation and often lasts 2–3x longer than asphalt
- Radiant Barriers: Blocks 95–97% of radiant heat from entering the attic
- Synthetic Underlayment: Creates a better moisture and heat barrier than felt
Pros & Cons Snapshot
| Feature | Pros | Considerations |
| Cool Roofing Shingles | Energy savings, affordable | Slightly higher upfront cost |
| Metal Roof | Long lifespan, highly reflective | May require stronger decking |
| Radiant Barrier | Major temp reduction | Only effective with proper ventilation |
| Improved Ventilation | Boosts comfort, supports HVAC | Must be balanced across intake and exhaust |
Smart Roofing FAQ for Energy-Minded Homeowners
What makes a roof energy-efficient in Oklahoma?
A roof is considered energy-efficient in Oklahoma when it incorporates reflective materials, proper insulation, and balanced ventilation to minimize heat gain in summer and retain warmth in winter. These features help reduce HVAC usage and lower utility bills, especially in our extreme seasonal climate.
How much energy can a new roof save?
A new, energy-efficient roof can reduce cooling costs by 10–25% annually, depending on the materials used and how well your attic is ventilated and insulated. Homes with metal roofing, cool-rated shingles, or radiant barriers typically see the biggest energy improvements.
Will an energy saving roof qualify for rebates?
Yes, an energy saving roof may qualify for local utility rebates or federal tax credits—especially if the roofing materials are ENERGY STAR®-certified or meet Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) standards. Your contractor should be able to help you check current rebate programs.
Do cool roofs only help in summer?
Cool roofs offer the most noticeable energy savings during Oklahoma’s hot summers, but they also support year-round efficiency by working with attic insulation to regulate indoor temperatures—keeping heat out in summer and reducing loss in winter.
Can older homes see real benefits from roofing upgrades?
Older homes benefit significantly from roofing upgrades because many were built before modern insulation or reflective material standards. Updating the roof, attic ventilation, and underlayment in an older home can improve comfort and energy efficiency dramatically.
Let’s Build a Roof That Works Smarter
Choosing an energy-efficient roofing system means lower bills, greater comfort, and a roof that works as hard as it looks good.
At Honor Roofing & Construction, we don’t just install—we guide. From comparing energy ratings to identifying rebate opportunities, we help homeowners in OKC and beyond make smart, future-focused roofing decisions.
Schedule your free inspection today.
We’ll inspect your roof, identify areas of energy loss, and build a plan that adds value to your home and keeps your energy bills in check.