In Oklahoma, hailstorms aren’t a rare event—they’re part of the seasonal rhythm. From spring to early fall, hail damage is one of the most common reasons homeowners file roof insurance claims. But while the sound of hail on your roof is unmistakable, what it leaves behind is often overlooked.
Too many homeowners wait to call a roofer until water stains appear on the ceiling or a shingle blows off in the wind. By then, the damage has often spread beneath the surface, increasing costs and reducing coverage options.
At Tier-One Roofing, we’ve inspected and repaired thousands of hail-damaged roofs across Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Jenks, and surrounding areas. We’ve seen what hail can do—and we’ve seen what happens when it’s ignored.
This guide will help you understand how hail truly damages a roof, why it matters immediately (even if it’s not leaking), and how to respond in a way that protects your home, your budget, and your peace of mind.
What Really Happens When Hail Hits Your Roof
Hail doesn’t need to be the size of a baseball to cause real damage. Even stones as small as a quarter, traveling at high speeds, can compromise your roof’s integrity.
The damage can be both cosmetic and structural—but it’s the structural issues that can silently eat away at your roof’s performance.
Here’s what actually happens:
1. Granule Loss
The protective granules on asphalt shingles shield them from UV rays and impact. Hail knocks these granules loose, leaving bald spots. This accelerates aging and reduces water resistance.
2. Bruising and Cracking
Underneath the shingle’s surface, the impact may cause bruising. It feels soft to the touch, like a bruised apple. Left alone, it leads to cracking, which exposes the felt layer and underlayment to moisture.
3. Shingle Displacement
In more severe cases, hail impact lifts or shifts shingles. This creates entry points for water and makes the roof more vulnerable to wind damage in the next storm.
4. Flashing and Vent Damage
Hail often hits exposed metal components like flashing, ridge vents, and pipe boots. Dents, cracks, or compromised seals can allow water to enter around these elements.
5. Decking and Structural Weakening
When the impact is strong enough, it damages the decking beneath your shingles. This isn't visible without lifting shingles or entering the attic—and most insurance adjusters won’t look for it unless we’re there to show them.
Just because you can’t see the damage doesn’t mean it’s not there. And ignoring it only gives the problem time to spread.
Call Tier-One Roofing at (918) 393-4682 for a no-cost inspection after any hailstorm. We’ll check every inch and give you the truth—no fluff, no pressure.
The Hidden Cost of Waiting
Some damage is loud and obvious. But most hail damage works quietly over time:
Bald shingles soak up heat, drying out the asphalt and leading to curling or cracking.
Small cracks turn into leaks during the next rainstorm.
Water trapped beneath bruised shingles begins to rot the wood decking.
Mold and mildew start forming inside your attic.
Even worse, waiting often hurts your insurance claim. Most policies require that hail damage be reported within 6–12 months of the storm.
We’ve seen homeowners denied coverage just because they waited too long.
Don’t let that be you.
Call (918) 393-4682 and let Tier-One Roofing inspect your roof today. If you’re in the clear, we’ll tell you. If you need a claim, we’ll help you handle it right.
What Hail Damage Looks Like (and Why It’s Hard to Spot)
Unless you’re trained to recognize hail impact, it’s easy to mistake damage for regular wear and tear. Even insurance adjusters get it wrong.
You might have hail damage if you see:
Dented gutters or downspouts
Granules in your gutter runoff or around your foundation
Black or shiny spots on shingles
Loose, curling, or missing shingles
Water stains in the attic or ceiling
Dented metal flashing, vents, or roof accessories
The damage isn’t uniform. It’s random. That’s why many people think their roof is fine—until it’s too late.
At Tier-One Roofing, our team is trained to detect subtle and structural signs of hail damage. We use drones, physical inspections, and thermal imaging (when needed) to spot every issue.
Peace of mind starts with information. We can give you that in one simple visit.
The Insurance Angle: Why Fast Action Pays Off
Let’s get real: your insurance company is in the business of minimizing payouts.
If you wait too long to report hail damage:
Your claim could be denied as “wear and tear”
Your roof could suffer more damage and get excluded
The storm date may become harder to verify
Your depreciation reimbursement (if you have RCV) may expire
The faster you act, the stronger your case. Especially when you have professional documentation from a licensed roofing contractor.
Tier-One Roofing specializes in insurance-supported roofing claims. We:
Track local hailstorm dates and intensities
Document damage in insurer-friendly formats
Meet with your adjuster onsite to ensure nothing is missed
Provide supplements when estimates fall short
Handle everything from first call to final nail
If you’ve recently experienced hail—call us. Don’t guess. Don’t delay. Just get answers.
Repair or Replace? The Big Question
After a hailstorm, many homeowners want to know: Can my roof be repaired, or do I need a full replacement?
The answer depends on:
The extent of damage across the roof
The age of your roof
Shingle availability (some brands are discontinued)
Local building code
Here’s how we help you decide:
If your roof is under 5 years old and damage is localized, repairs may suffice.
If hail has affected multiple slopes or aged shingles, replacement is often the better (and covered) option.
If your shingles are no longer manufactured, repairs may not be code-compliant—which gives you leverage for full replacement.
We don’t guess. We assess. And we make recommendations that put your long-term protection first.
Don’t get talked into patchwork if your roof deserves a fresh start. Tier-One Roofing will show you what’s best—and we’ll back it up.
How We Handle Hail Damage at Tier-One Roofing
We’ve built our reputation on honesty, craftsmanship, and service. When you call us after a hailstorm, here’s what to expect:
Free, thorough roof inspection
Detailed findings report (with photos, ready for your insurer)
Assistance with your insurance claim (if needed)
Onsite adjuster meetings to advocate for you
Prompt scheduling and high-quality work
Clean-up, warranty, and final walkthrough
We don’t take shortcuts. We don’t leave messes. And we don’t disappear after the job is done.
Our job isn’t just fixing shingles—it’s protecting homes and families.
Call Tier-One Roofing at (918) 393-4682 or visit tier-oneroofing.com to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My roof isn’t leaking—could it still be damaged? Yes. Hail damage often doesn’t lead to immediate leaks. But the damage compromises your roof’s integrity and leads to failure over time.
Q: How soon should I get my roof checked after a storm? As soon as possible. Prompt inspection ensures you meet policy deadlines and catch damage before it spreads.
Q: What if the insurance adjuster already came and said I’m fine? Get a second opinion. We’ve had dozens of claims reapproved after our inspections revealed missed damage.
Q: Will filing a claim raise my premiums? Not usually. Storm damage is considered an “Act of God,” and premiums are based on regional risk, not individual claims.
Q: Do I have to use the roofer the insurance company recommends? No. You always have the right to choose your own contractor. Choose someone who works for you, not your insurer.
Final Word: Protect What Protects You
Your roof shields everything that matters most—your home, your family, your peace of mind. After a hailstorm, you owe it to yourself to find out if that shield is still intact.
Ignoring hail damage won’t make it go away. Waiting won’t help your claim. And hoping it’s “not that bad” is a gamble you don’t need to take.
Tier-One Roofing is here to help you see clearly, act wisely, and move forward confidently.
Call (918) 393-4682 today or schedule your free hail inspection at tier-oneroofing.com.
Don’t wait for the leak. Don’t wait for the next storm. Know for sure—then do what’s right.
We’ll help you every step of the way.