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Asphalt, Metal, or Impact-Resistant Shingles: What’s the Best Roof for Oklahoma’s Wild Weather?

Best Roofing Materials for Oklahoma Weather | Tier-One Roofing

Asphalt, Metal, or Impact-Resistant Shingles: What’s the Best Roof for Oklahoma’s Wild Weather?

In Oklahoma, your roof isn't just a feature of your home — it's your first and last line of defense against some of the harshest weather in the country.

Every year, homes across Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Bixby, and surrounding areas take a beating from:

  • Hailstorms big enough to destroy car windshields

  • Straight-line winds that peel roofs like sardine cans

  • Tornadoes that rip through entire neighborhoods

  • Blistering sun that dries and cracks even the toughest materials

With stakes that high, the roofing material you choose matters more than ever.

At Tier-One Roofing, we get this question all the time: Should I go with asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or spend the extra on impact-resistant shingles?
The answer depends on your budget, your home’s structure, and how much peace of mind you want when the next sirens sound.

Let’s walk through the real pros and cons of each — and show you why the right roofing decision can save you tens of thousands over the life of your home.

What Oklahoma's Weather Really Demands from Your Roof

Before diving into materials, it's important to understand what your roof is up against here:

  • Extreme wind uplift: Winds in Oklahoma can exceed 70 mph during severe storms — enough to lift improperly nailed shingles or peel away under-secured panels.

  • Impact from hail and debris: Even "average" hail events can drop stones the size of golf balls — and many roofs experience multiple hailstorms over their lifespan.

  • Thermal expansion and contraction: Hot summers and sudden cold fronts cause roofing materials to expand and contract rapidly, leading to cracks, splits, and loosening.

  • UV radiation: Oklahoma’s long, sunny seasons bombard roofs with ultraviolet rays that break down adhesives, dry out asphalt, and weaken surface granules.

Your roof isn't just battling time — it's in a nonstop fight against forces that destroy materials from above, below, and within.

Choosing the right roofing material isn’t about looks.
It’s about survival — and long-term value.

Asphalt Shingles: Oklahoma's Standard Choice (But with Some Limits)

Pros:

  • Affordable: Asphalt shingles are by far the least expensive roofing material upfront, making them attractive for budget-conscious homeowners.

  • Quick installation: Most crews can complete a standard asphalt shingle roof in 1–2 days.

  • Good aesthetic options: Available in a wide variety of colors and styles to match any home design.

  • Widely available: Every roofer knows how to install them, and replacements are easy to source after a storm.

Cons:

  • Shorter lifespan under Oklahoma conditions: Standard asphalt shingles often only last 12–18 years here — not the 20–30 years manufacturers advertise for milder climates.

  • Lower wind and hail resistance: Standard 3-tab shingles can fail at winds of 60–70 mph and are vulnerable to hail impact, which can crack, bruise, and tear them.

  • Granule loss over time: Asphalt shingles gradually lose the granules that protect them from UV rays, accelerating wear and vulnerability to water infiltration.

Best for:
Homeowners needing the most affordable option upfront, or those planning to sell within 5–10 years.

What Tier-One Roofing Recommends If You Choose Asphalt:
If you're going asphalt, always choose architectural shingles over basic 3-tab.
Architectural (also called dimensional) shingles are thicker, stronger, and better at withstanding Oklahoma’s winds and hail than old-style flat shingles.

We install only high-quality brands (like CertainTeed Landmark, TAMKO Heritage, or GAF Timberline) — not big-box store budget lines — and we install them to manufacturer specifications for full warranty protection.

Need help choosing the right shingles for your budget and home?
Call Tier-One Roofing today for a free, no-pressure consultation.
We’ll explain your options clearly — and always recommend what's best for your situation, not ours.

Impact-Resistant Shingles: The Smart Upgrade for Storm Protection

Pros:

  • Superior hail and debris resistance: Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are tested to withstand steel ball drops simulating 2-inch hailstones.

  • Higher wind ratings: Many impact-resistant shingles are rated for winds up to 110–130 mph.

  • Potential insurance discounts: Some insurers offer premium reductions for Class 4 roofs because of reduced claims risk.

  • Longer lifespan: Because they resist damage better, these shingles typically last several years longer in storm-prone climates.

Cons:

  • Higher initial cost: Impact-resistant shingles cost 20–30% more than standard architectural shingles upfront.

  • Not invincible: Severe enough storms can still damage any roof — but impact-resistant materials buy valuable time and protection.

Best for:
Homeowners planning to stay long-term who want maximum protection against hail and storm damage — and who understand that better protection pays off over time.

What Tier-One Roofing Recommends If You Choose Impact-Resistant Shingles:
We strongly recommend products like TAMKO Titan XT, CertainTeed NorthGate, or GAF ArmorShield for homeowners serious about surviving Oklahoma’s worst storms without constant repairs.

We install impact-resistant roofs to full manufacturer standards — including enhanced nail patterns and code upgrades — so you qualify for all available insurance discounts and warranty protections.

Thinking about upgrading to impact-resistant shingles?
Schedule a consultation with Tier-One Roofing today.
We’ll walk you through the cost, the benefits, and whether your insurance provider offers premium discounts for upgrading — no pressure, just real answers.

Metal Roofing: Maximum Durability — for the Right Homes

Pros:

  • Exceptional lifespan: High-quality metal roofs can last 40–70 years — two to three times longer than asphalt.

  • Superior wind and fire resistance: Properly installed standing seam metal roofing resists winds over 140 mph and has top-tier fire ratings.

  • Energy efficiency: Metal reflects radiant heat, lowering cooling costs during Oklahoma’s brutal summers.

  • Lightweight: Puts less stress on your home’s structural framing compared to heavy tile or slate.

  • Eco-friendly: Metal roofing is often made from recycled materials and is 100% recyclable at end of life.

Cons:

  • Higher upfront cost: Metal roofing can cost 2–3 times more than architectural asphalt shingles initially.

  • Noise during heavy rain or hail: Without proper attic insulation, metal roofs can be louder than asphalt during storms.

  • Potential for cosmetic denting: Severe hailstorms can leave cosmetic dents, though most Class 4-rated metal roofing withstands significant impact without structural compromise.

  • Complex installation: Metal roofing requires experienced crews; mistakes can lead to leaks and shortened lifespan.

Best for:
Homeowners planning to stay in their homes long-term who want the ultimate combination of strength, efficiency, and longevity — and are willing to invest more upfront for decades of peace of mind.

What Tier-One Roofing Recommends If You Choose Metal Roofing:
We recommend standing seam metal roofing systems (not exposed fastener or corrugated panels) for maximum water shedding, storm resilience, and aesthetic value.

We work with premium vendors like McElroy Metal and Sheffield Metals to ensure you get a top-quality, fully warrantied roof system built to last through whatever Oklahoma throws your way.

Curious if metal roofing is right for your home?
Contact Tier-One Roofing today for a personalized consultation.
We’ll help you understand the pros, the cons, and whether the investment makes sense for your property.

The Bottom Line: What’s the Best Roof for Your Oklahoma Home?

There’s no single right answer for every homeowner.
But here's a guide based on what matters most to you:

  • Lowest upfront cost: Architectural asphalt shingles (good brands only)

  • Best long-term protection against hail and wind: Class 4 impact-resistant shingles

  • Longest lifespan and energy savings: Standing seam metal roofing

If you plan to stay in your home 10+ years, investing in impact-resistant shingles or metal almost always saves money and headaches in the long run.
If you're selling soon or working with a tight budget, quality architectural asphalt shingles may be the right fit for now — but installed properly to minimize future issues.

Whatever you choose, the real difference isn’t just in the materials.
It’s in the workmanship, experience, and integrity of the crew installing it.

That’s why so many homeowners across Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Bixby, and beyond trust Tier-One Roofing.

Why Tier-One Roofing Is Oklahoma’s Trusted Roofer for All Materials

  • Expertise across all systems: Asphalt, impact-resistant shingles, metal — we install them all correctly, to manufacturer specs, every time.

  • Storm-season resilience: Our roofs are built to survive Oklahoma’s winds, hail, and brutal temperature swings.

  • No-pressure consultations: We help you choose what’s right for you — not what’s easiest for us to sell.

  • Clear communication: We explain every step, every material, every cost up front.

  • Veteran-owned values: Honesty. Excellence. Respect for your time, property, and trust.

When it’s your home on the line, you can’t afford to settle.
You need real protection, installed by real professionals, who take your investment seriously.

Ready to explore your roofing options?
Schedule a free consultation with Tier-One Roofing today.
Let’s build you a roof that’s ready for whatever Oklahoma sends your way — and ready to protect what matters most.

Would you like me to create a downloadable "Choosing the Right Roof in Oklahoma" one-pager as a bonus resource you can offer visitors to this blog? It would help with lead generation too. Let me know!