When Oklahoma skies turn dark and the sound of hail echoes across your roof, it doesn’t take long to start wondering what kind of damage you’re facing—and whether your insurance will actually cover it. At Tier-One Roofing, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, and surrounding areas navigate the aftermath of hailstorms. We’re here to break it all down for you: the truth about hail damage, how to spot it, how the insurance process really works, and how to get the protection and peace of mind you deserve.
Let’s get into it.
What Hail Really Does to Your Roof
Hail damage is deceptive. While a baseball-sized stone crashing through a window is easy to see, most hail damage to roofing materials is invisible from the ground and doesn’t show leaks right away. That’s why so many homeowners delay action—and why many insurance companies get away with underpaying claims.
Here’s what hail can do to different roofing materials:
Asphalt Shingles:
Knock off granules (reducing UV protection)
Bruise the shingle mat (weakening integrity)
Create small punctures or cracks that lead to slow leaks
Metal Roofs:
Cosmetic dents (which can affect resale value)
Damage to coating or paint (opening the door to corrosion)
Tile or Slate Roofs:
Cracked or shattered tiles
Dislodged components compromising the waterproofing layer
Flat Roofs (EPDM, TPO, etc.):
Punctures and membrane tears
Pooling water caused by impact-created depressions
Hail may not cause your roof to leak immediately, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t cause damage. Most leaks from hail damage show up 6-12 months later if not addressed.
Don’t wait for the leak to show up. Call Tier-One Roofing at (918) 393-4682 for a free hail damage inspection.
How to Tell If Your Roof Has Hail Damage
Even if your roof looks fine from the sidewalk, it could be seriously compromised. Here are the top signs to look for:
Exterior Signs:
Dented gutters or downspouts
Siding damage on the wind-facing side of your home
Shingle granules collecting in gutters or around the foundation
Impact marks on metal flashing, vents, or roof accessories
Interior Signs:
Water stains on ceiling or attic rafters
Moldy smells in the attic
Light visible through attic boards
Remember, a roof inspection from the ground is never enough. And climbing up yourself can be dangerous. That’s where we come in.
At Tier-One Roofing, our inspections include:
Drone-assisted imagery for full coverage
Physical inspection by trained experts
Documentation of all visible and hidden damage
A written report you can use for your insurance claim
Think your roof might have hail damage? Get peace of mind with a no-cost, no-pressure inspection.
The Insurance Side: What Most People Don’t Know
Oklahoma is one of the top states in the country for hail-related insurance claims. But not all policies (or adjusters) are created equal.
Here are a few insurance truths:
Most policies cover hail damage, but only if it’s reported promptly. Waiting too long can give your insurer an excuse to deny the claim.
Your deductible matters. If your policy has a 2% wind/hail deductible, and your home is worth $300,000, you’re responsible for $6,000 before coverage kicks in.
RCV vs. ACV is a game-changer.
RCV (Replacement Cost Value): Your insurer pays the full cost to replace your roof, minus your deductible.
ACV (Actual Cash Value): They pay the depreciated value of your roof. If it’s 15 years old, you might get only a fraction of what you need.
Insurance adjusters don’t always catch everything. We’ve seen cases where hail clearly damaged a roof, but the adjuster called it ‘wear and tear.’ That’s why you want a trusted contractor like Tier-One on-site when the adjuster visits.
Most policies require you to make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. If you delay and more water damage occurs, it may not be covered.
Confused about your policy? Let us walk through it with you. Tier-One Roofing works with all major insurers.
The Claims Process, Start to Finish
Here’s a no-nonsense breakdown of what happens when you file a hail claim.
Step 1: Get a Roof Inspection
Before you file, have Tier-One Roofing inspect your roof. We’ll document everything and help you determine if a claim makes sense.
Step 2: File the Claim
Call your insurance company and provide:
Date of the storm
Description of what happened
Photos if you have them
Step 3: Insurance Adjuster Visit
Your insurer will send an adjuster. You have the right to have your contractor there. We strongly recommend it. Tier-One Roofing will make sure the damage is properly assessed.
Step 4: Claim Approval & Estimate
If approved, the insurer will issue a payment (minus your deductible). If the estimate is too low, we help fight for supplements based on local code, proper materials, and full repairs.
Step 5: Roof Replacement or Repair
Once approved, Tier-One schedules your job, manages all materials, permits, and crew scheduling, and delivers on our promise.
Common Hail Claim Problems (And How We Help)
Here are some issues we see all the time:
"The adjuster said there wasn’t enough damage."
Tier-One Roofing can request a reinspection and bring additional documentation.
"They approved repairs, but I know I need a full replacement."
We provide line-by-line damage reports to justify a full replacement when warranted.
"They paid for shingles, but not for code-required underlayment or ventilation."
Our team knows Oklahoma building code and fights for supplements to meet it.
"They’re using outdated pricing in their estimate."
We provide updated, market-rate pricing for materials and labor to ensure you’re treated fairly.
Your insurer may not advocate for you. We do.
Tier-One Roofing doesn’t just repair roofs—we defend homeowners. Let us fight for your full claim value.
Why Timeliness Matters (Don’t Sit On It)
Too many homeowners wait to act. We get it—life is busy. But the longer you delay:
The harder it is to prove the storm caused the damage
The more time moisture has to get inside and create costly repairs
The more likely your claim will be reduced or denied
Most insurance companies require claims to be filed within 12 months of the storm date.
Also, if another storm hits, your new claim could be denied because they can say the damage was pre-existing.
Don’t leave that door open.
If you even suspect hail damage, let Tier-One Roofing inspect it now. It costs nothing to check, but could cost thousands if ignored.
Choosing the Right Roofing Partner After Hail Damage
You have options. But not all roofers are created equal. After a big storm, it’s common for "storm chasers" to flood the area, promising quick work and disappearing before warranty issues pop up.
Here’s what sets Tier-One Roofing apart:
Veteran-Owned and Operated
Local, Trusted, and Highly Reviewed
Certified by Leading Manufacturers (GAF, Owens Corning, etc.)
Licensed and Insured in Oklahoma
Experts in Insurance Restoration Projects
We treat every home like it’s our own. And we always stand behind our work.
What You Get With Tier-One Roofing:
Full transparency from Day 1
Help with your insurance claim
Timely scheduling and completion
Clean-up and final walkthroughs
Warranty-backed work you can trust
Questions We Hear All the Time
Q: My roof isn’t leaking. Could it still be damaged? A: Absolutely. Most hail damage is latent, meaning it weakens the roof slowly. Leaks often take months to appear.
Q: Can I file a claim myself? A: Yes, but having a contractor help document damage before the adjuster visit improves your chances of a fair assessment.
Q: What if my neighbor got a new roof, but I didn’t? A: Every roof is different. Age, pitch, direction it faces—all these factors change how hail affects it. Let us take a look.
Q: What happens if I have another storm before I fix it? A: Your next claim could be denied. Insurers may argue the damage is "pre-existing."
Q: Do I have to pay upfront? A: No. Most insurance-based jobs don’t require upfront payment beyond the deductible. We also offer financing if needed.
Final Thoughts: Your Roof Is Too Important to Gamble With
Hail damage is serious. Ignoring it doesn’t make it go away. And assuming your insurance company will just "take care of it" without advocacy can leave you thousands of dollars short.
Tier-One Roofing exists to help Oklahoma homeowners weather the storm with confidence. We offer free inspections, insurance guidance, honest assessments, and roofing work that stands the test of time.
Take the first step now.
Call Tier-One Roofing at (918) 393-4682 or schedule your inspection at tier-oneroofing.com.
We’re here to protect what protects you.