Cool Roofing Solutions for Tulsa: Reduce Energy Costs and Beat the Heat

Beating the Tulsa summer heat takes more than a sleeveless tee. With the cost of energy rising every year, you can’t just flick the air conditioning on whenever it gets a little humid. If you’re sweating your butt off to save some money, a cool roof might be just the thing you need. You might be thinking, “A new roof? To save money? What is a cool roof?” You’d be surprised at what kind of savings someone can rake in with new, cool roofing materials available. While there is an upfront cost to think about, a contemporary cool roof might be way less than you think. Staying informed of your options is going to save you a substantial sum in the long run. Find out how Native Roofing is leading the drive to modernize roofing materials that beat the Tulsa heat. Schedule your cool roof consultation today!

What Is a Cool Roof?

When exposed to sunlight, most traditional roofing materials will absorb more heat than they reflect, warming your home’s interior in the process. Cool roofs are designed with materials that reflect more sunlight than they absorb, leaving your home cooler on hot summer days.

A good cool roof also has high thermal emittance, meaning it projects heat in addition to reflecting it. This can be achieved with high ventilation or an insulating design between the roof and the interior building. Heat is absorbed but then expelled before it can enter inside.

While you might think a cool roof is a specific design, it’s actually more of an umbrella concept. Several designs can be considered cool roofs, many made from various materials with specific goals in mind. What works for one home might not work for another.

Cool roofs are often made from materials that are lighter in color than more traditional roofing materials. For example, a traditional asphalt shingle roof may have darker shingles, while cool roofs built using modern shingles are commonly light grey or beige. Light colors are more reflective, meaning they absorb less heat.

Benefits of Cool Roof Systems in Tulsa’s Climate

If you live in Tulsa, you know it can get hot in the summertime. In 2024, the city experienced one of the hottest, driest summers on record. A cool roof can go a long way to alleviating some of the problems associated with rising temperatures. In short, it’s the best roof for hot climates, no matter where you live.

Here are some ways cool roofs benefit your home or business, including:

Extended roof life
Reduced air conditioning costs
Reduced strain on the electrical grid
Modernized curb appeal
Increased ventilation
Better water runoff
Improved insulation
Increased safety

If you’ve been wondering how roof cooling techniques can improve your home’s energy efficiency, look no further. Schedule a consultation with a roofing expert from Native Roofing today.

Top Cool Roofing Materials for Tulsa Homes and Businesses

There is a wide variety of residential and commercial cool roofing materials on the market. The cool roof on top of the Johnsons’ house isn’t made from the same materials as the pharmacy’s down the street. Every building requires a unique roofing solution.

That being said, some materials are better than others. Here are some of the best ones that Native Roofing likes to use:

Metal – Highly reflective and durable. Typically lightweight, taking less time to install than other materials. Typically used for commercial buildings, but can work for residential as well.
Asphalt Shingles – Made from modern materials. Reflective, durable, and lightweight. Aesthetically appealing, better for residential properties. Otherwise known as modified bitumen roofing.
TPO/PVC Synthetic – Extremely light, highly reflective. Typically less durable than traditional materials, but very effective for cool roofing systems. Also inexpensive to replace or repair when the time comes.
Shake – Modern wood shingles have natural cooling properties. Not as water resistant, but inexpensive to install and aesthetically appealing. Can be coated to increase water-resistance and reflectivity.

Cool roof technology has come a long way in the last few years. Have all your options laid out for you when you call our expert roofers at Native Roofing.

Commercial vs. Residential Cool Roof Solutions

Cool roof solutions rarely have a one-size-fits-all approach. The project’s cost, time, and materials will change depending on whether you’re looking for a commercial cool roof system or a residential one.

Commercial Cool Roof Systems

The best commercial cool roof systems that large and flat, made from PVC, TPO, or other synthetic lightweight roofing materials. These are perfect for commercial roofs because they’re relatively easy to install, using inexpensive materials that are made to last years.

There are also highly durable cool seal roofing systems available that can retrofit established roofs to be more reflective. Coating your roof can be a budget-friendly solution that doesn’t involve replacing the whole roof.

A solar reflective roof can save your business thousands in energy costs. A cool roof can reduce the need for air conditioning, reducing maintenance costs and energy consumption while increasing your profit margin.

Residential Cool Roof Systems

Residential cool roofing is often sloped to facilitate better rain runoff, preventing damage that can result from excess water buildup. They’re also made from aesthetically appealing materials, such as slate, metal, asphalt, or cool roof tiles. These highly reflective materials are perfect for keeping you and your family cool in the Tulsa heat.

However, replacing your home’s roof with a cool roof system is a big upfront cost that many Tulsans can’t commit to as temperatures hit the 90s. Instead, Native Roofing can retrofit your existing roof with a solar reflective coating. This budget-friendly option reduces energy costs while saving you the hassle of replacing the whole roof.

How to Choose the Best Cool Roof for Your Property

While reflective roofing may seem pretty straightforward, you don’t want to commit to a specific material or structural plan without understanding the nuances of your property first.

Choosing the best cool roofing option for your home or business in Tulsa depends on a few factors, including but not limited to:

Location – Is your home located in a sunny area or a shaded area? Is it on a hill with natural water runoff? Does it get very windy?
Materials – What is the structure made from? Do you want the roof to match the walls? Do you prefer synthetic materials like TPO or PVC? Or natural materials like shake?
Structure – Do you have a pitched roof home or a flat roof commercial building? How large is the structure? Is reflectivity going to be an issue for the people around the building?
Local incentives – Does your area provide incentives for cool roofing? Are they specifically for residential or commercial enterprises?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with cool roofing options, contact Native Roofing. We can guide you through the process to make sure you’re committing to the best cool roof possible for your home or business.

Cool Roof Installation and Maintenance Tips

If you’re thinking about installing a cool roof, there are a few steps you should take to ensure the installation process goes smoothly and that maintenance is done correctly:

Prepare the roof – Cleaning and repairing any cracks to the existing roof will help installers do the best job possible installing your new cool roof. Seal any penetrations to the interior structure using high-quality sealants and ensure proper ventilation and insulation.
Choose the correct material – Make sure you do your research on what material is the best for your home or business. Choosing the wrong material can lead to a myriad of problems down the line. Also, consider a high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) if reflectivity is a priority.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions – Installing the roof is one thing, but if you don’t follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the material or structure, your roof won’t last as long as you’d like it to.
Check for rebates – Checking for rebates or local incentives before scheduling your installation can save you a ton of money. Contact your local municipality to see if there are any incentives provided to your area.
Schedule regular inspections– Unless you’re qualified to maintain the roof on your own, you’re going to need regular maintenance to ensure structural integrity. We recommend scheduling inspectors to come twice per year to check reflectivity and scan for any cracks or holes.

However, you should know that Native Roofing does it all. Give us a call and we’ll handle the rest.

Are Cool Roofs Worth It in Oklahoma?

In today’s economy, it can be hard to justify a big purchase. However, a cool roof is one of the best ways you can guard against future financial uncertainty.

While the upfront cost can be substantial, the potential long-term savings and increase in property value make it absolutely necessary. Investing in a cool roof doesn’t just keep you chill in the summertime, it’ll help keep you warm in winter.

Finding savings in all four seasons is what Native Roofing is all about. And with our easy financing options, now is the best time to get your new cool roof installed. Call Native Roofing today!

Schedule Your Free Consultation with Our Tulsa Cool Roofing Experts!

Ready to slash your energy bills? Schedule a free consultation with our Tulsa cool roofing experts!

When it’s hot in Tulsa, contract with the roofing company committed to keeping you cool. Contact Native Roofing today!