Blog . August 12, 2025

As energy costs climb and Oklahoma summers grow hotter, commercial property owners face a serious challenge: how to keep buildings comfortable without breaking the bank. Dark roofing materials like asphalt absorb more sunlight and heat. That heat gets transferred into the building and trapped, overworking the air conditioning system and raising energy costs.

Cool roofing is a smarter, more efficient way to manage heat hitting your roof. These innovative roof systems reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption, resulting in significant energy savings, improved indoor comfort, and longer roof life.

What is a Cool Roof?

Cool roofing refers to roofing materials and systems specifically designed to reflect more sunlight and emit absorbed heat more efficiently than traditional roofs. These high-performance materials have a high solar reflectance (how much sunlight they reflect) and high thermal emittance (how well they release absorbed heat).

How Cool Roofing Works

Dark roof materials like asphalt absorb heat and transfer it into your building, cool roofs bounce sunlight away and act as effective thermal emitters. This keeps rooftop temperatures dramatically lower, by up to 50°F in some cases, reducing the amount of heat transferred into the interior space.

Measuring “Coolness”

The Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) is a measurement for rating the roofing materials’ ability to reflect solar radiation and release thermal energy. The higher the SRI, the better the material is at staying cool under the sun. Products that qualify as cool roof materials typically have an SRI of 70 or higher.

Benefits of Cool Roofing for Businesses

Significant Energy Savings

By reflecting sunlight and minimizing heat gain, cool roofing lets a building use less air conditioning, especially during Oklahoma’s scorching summers. One study showed that a cool roof, like a TPO roof, reflects 80% of sunlight and stays 50º cooler than a dark roof like asphalt.

So, does a new roof help with heating and cooling? Absolutely. Not only does a cool roof lighten the load on your HVAC system, but it also improves energy efficiency throughout the building.

Extended Roof Lifespan

Cool roofing reduces thermal cycling – the constant expansion and contraction of roofing materials caused by extreme heat. This lowers stress on your roof systems, leading to fewer repairs and longer-lasting performance. Plus, reflective surfaces protect against UV degradation, extending the overall lifespan of your roof materials.

Improved Indoor Comfort & Productivity

By keeping interior temperatures more stable, cool roofs contribute to a more comfortable working environment. This helps regulate internal climate without relying heavily on mechanical cooling, which is a win for both employees and customers.

Environmental Impact: Combating the Urban Heat Island Effect

In OKC, traditional roofs amplify the urban heat island effect, raising local temperatures. Cool roofing helps combat this by minimizing rooftop heat absorption, ultimately reducing carbon emissions associated with excessive energy consumption.

Potential Rebates & Incentives

Many states and municipalities offer tax credits, rebates, or other incentives for installing energy efficient roof systems. While these vary, they can significantly offset upfront costs. Be sure to ask your local roofing expert or contact Preferred Roofing for guidance on potential savings.

Oklahoma Cool Roofing Installation

What is the Coolest Type of Roof?

The “coolest” roof depends on your building type, budget, and energy goals, but here are several options worth exploring:

Single-Ply Membranes

  • TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) is one of the most popular cool roof materials. It’s naturally reflective, lightweight, and resistant to chemical and UV exposure.
  • Great for flat or low-slope roofs, especially in commercial applications.

Silicone Coatings

  • These roof coatings can be applied over existing roofing surfaces, creating a seamless and highly reflective layer.
  • Ideal for restoration projects that don’t require full replacement.

Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) with Reflective Coating

  • SPF provides excellent insulation and is topped with a cool roof coating that reflects sunlight.
  • It also forms a seamless, self-flashing surface, reducing leaks and improving durability.

Is Cool Roofing Right for Your Commercial Property?

How Expensive Are Cool Roofs?

Initial costs can be higher than traditional roofing, depending on the materials and system selected. However, the energy savings, reduced maintenance, and extended roof life make this an investment with a strong ROI.

Current Roof Condition

If your existing roof is in good shape, a cool roof coating might be all you need. If it’s nearing the end of its lifespan, full replacement with cool roof materials may be more cost-effective long term.

Building Type & Occupancy

If your building houses sensitive equipment, operates around the clock, or sees heavy foot traffic, consistent interior temperatures are critical, and cool roofing delivers that.

Local Climate

In Oklahoma, where summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, the benefits of reducing energy consumption and boosting comfort are magnified.

Building Codes & Regulations

Some local and federal codes now recommend or require energy efficient roof systems, especially for new construction or large-scale renovations. Incentives may also apply.

Choosing the Right Partner for Your Cool Roofing Project

When it’s time to make the switch to cool roofing, here’s what to look for in a contractor:

  • Experience: Choose a roofer with proven expertise in installing cool roof systems.
  • Reputation: Check reviews, request references, and look for photos or case studies of past work.
  • Warranty: Understand the warranties offered on both labor and materials.
  • Local Knowledge: Oklahoma’s heat and storm conditions demand a local expert who knows what works best.

Preferred Roofing has proudly served Oklahoma businesses with trusted, high-quality roofing solutions for years. Our team can help you find the right cool roof option for your building and budget.

A roof designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat, reducing indoor temperatures and energy usage.

Yes, especially when it’s a cool roof, which improves HVAC efficiency.

Generally, yes, especially with reflective coatings that qualify them as cool roofing materials.

TPO and SPF systems with reflective coatings are among the most effective for reducing heat.

Yes. The average energy-saving effect of the roof ranges from 15% to 35.7% across different climatic zones.

Costs vary, but long-term savings and possible rebates make them a wise investment.

Temporarily, yes. But for lasting relief and energy efficiency, cool roofing is far more effective. Also, spraying your house with water raises water costs – trading one bill increase for another.

The best roof for hot weather is a cool roof, such as TPO, SPF, or modified bitumen. Cool roofs reflect solar heat and release it efficiently.

Any with a high SRI (solar reflectance index), such as TPO, SPF, and reflective metal, are top performers.

Oklahoma Cool Roofing

Cool roofing is more than a trend – it’s a smart solution to high energy bills, rising temperatures, and premature roof wear. With proven performance in hot climates like Oklahoma, cool roofs offer lasting value through energy savings, comfort, and environmental responsibility.

Ready to explore the benefits of cool roofing for your business?

Contact Preferred Roofing today for a free, no-obligation consultation and estimate.

Preferred Roofing is the top roof company in OKC, offering expert commercial roofing & residential roofing repair in Oklahoma City. Specializing in metal roofing, shingle roofers, TPO roofing, spray foam roof, and silicone roofing. From metal shingles to standing seam roofs, explore our cost-effective solutions, including corrugated metal, steel sheets, asphalt shingles, and more. As the best roof contractors in OKC, we prioritize satisfaction, providing durable solutions for both commercial and residential roofing.