Oklahomans don’t need a weather app to tell them tornado season is on the way. The sky tells us. The wind shifts. The sirens test. And like clockwork, between March and June, our state becomes one of the most tornado-active regions in the country. If you’re a homeowner here, prepping your property for spring storms isn’t optional—it’s essential. And when it comes to protecting your home, it all starts with your roof.
Tier-One Roofing has helped hundreds of homeowners across Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Jenks, and beyond get storm-ready. And after inspecting thousands of storm-damaged roofs, we can tell you this: most storm-related roofing catastrophes were preventable.
In this no-nonsense guide, we’ll show you exactly how to prepare your roof for tornado season. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or a seasoned Oklahoman, these steps will give you the upper hand before the next funnel cloud hits the radar.
Why Tornado Season Demands a Roof Check
Oklahoma sees more tornadoes per square mile than any other state in the country. On average, we get about 56 tornadoes a year, but in heavy years, we’ve topped 100. The most active months are April, May, and June—and that’s not even accounting for the wind and hail that accompany most spring storms.
Tornadoes don’t need to directly hit your house to cause damage. The high winds they produce can:
Tear off shingles
Damage flashing
Dislodge gutters
Send debris crashing into your roof
Cause tree limbs to fall onto your home
All of this creates openings for water to enter your house, sometimes weeks before you notice. And when water enters? Mold, rot, insulation damage, electrical problems, and structural issues follow.
The key takeaway: A compromised roof during tornado season is a ticking time bomb.
If you do nothing else this spring, inspect your roof. Or better yet, let Tier-One Roofing do it for free.
Step 1: Get a Professional Roof Inspection (Yes, Before It Storms)
This is non-negotiable. Most roofing issues caused by storms were pre-existing weaknesses made worse. Cracked shingles, loose flashing, or aging underlayment create the perfect opportunity for wind to lift, water to penetrate, or debris to shatter through.
What a Tier-One Inspection Covers:
Shingle condition, placement, and seal integrity
Flashing and roof penetrations (chimneys, vents, skylights)
Roof deck stability and soft spots
Gutter attachment and drainage
Ventilation and attic moisture levels
We don’t just look—we explain. We photograph, document, and walk you through anything that looks even slightly compromised. And we don’t pressure you into a full replacement unless it’s absolutely necessary.
CTA: "Book your free tornado-season roof inspection with Tier-One Roofing today. We’ll help you spot problems before the storm does."
Step 2: Secure Loose Shingles & Flashing
Shingles that are already lifting or curling are like mini sails in high wind. Tornadoes, even EF0s or EF1s, create updrafts strong enough to rip them clean off.
What to do:
Replace any cracked, torn, or missing shingles
Reseal edges that show signs of lifting
Re-nail or re-seal flashing around chimneys, valleys, and vents
Tip: Not all damage is visible from the ground. That’s why a professional inspection is safer and more reliable than DIY guesswork.
Step 3: Trim Overhanging Branches
Even healthy trees can become a threat when winds hit 70+ mph. Branches act like battering rams, crashing into shingles, cracking decking, and sometimes causing full collapses.
What to do:
Cut back limbs that hang over or near your roof (within 6-10 feet)
Remove dead or weakened trees from your property
Consider professional tree trimming for large, mature trees
This simple step can save you thousands in post-storm repairs.
Step 4: Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Stormwater has to go somewhere. If your gutters are clogged, it overflows—pooling near your foundation or backing up under your shingles.
Prep checklist:
Remove leaves, nests, and debris from gutters
Check that all brackets are tightly fastened
Ensure downspouts extend 4-6 feet away from your foundation
If your gutter system has sections pulling away or isn’t draining properly, Tier-One Roofing can inspect and repair them as part of your storm prep.
Step 5: Check Attic Ventilation & Insulation
This is where roofing gets overlooked. Improper ventilation can cause humidity buildup in the attic, weakening wood structures and creating mold-prone areas. Insulation that’s been compromised by moisture may not protect against temperature fluctuations during storms.
Warning signs:
Musty smells
Condensation on rafters
Mold or mildew around attic openings
Tier-One Roofing checks your ventilation and moisture barrier systems during every inspection. Fixing poor airflow now can prevent major rot and mold after the first major spring storm.
Step 6: Know Your Insurance Policy (Before You File a Claim)
It’s critical to understand your homeowners insurance before you need it. One of the most common calls we get after a storm is: "My adjuster won’t approve a full replacement—what do I do?"
Key terms to check:
RCV vs ACV: Replacement Cost Value vs Actual Cash Value. RCV pays what it costs to replace the roof today. ACV subtracts depreciation.
Deductible Amount: What you’ll pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in
Named Perils vs Open Perils: Does your policy specifically include wind and hail?
Tier-One Roofing works with you and your insurance company, not against them. We meet with adjusters, provide detailed documentation, and make sure nothing gets missed.
CTA: "Don’t wait until after the storm to figure out your policy. Let Tier-One Roofing walk you through your options and inspect before you file."
Step 7: Photograph Your Roof Now (Pre-Storm Condition)
One of the smartest things you can do is document your roof’s current condition. It creates a baseline for your insurance company to compare against any post-storm damage.
How to do it:
Take wide-angle shots of your roof from all sides
Snap photos of your attic, soffits, gutters, and ceiling corners
Store these in a labeled folder (email them to yourself for easy access)
If Tier-One Roofing conducts your inspection, we take and save this documentation for you—making the claims process smoother if needed.
Step 8: Build a Post-Storm Plan
Storms don’t come with a heads-up. But being prepared helps you act quickly afterward.
Your plan should include:
A safe place to shelter
Emergency contacts (insurance, contractor, electrician, etc.)
A trusted roofing company you can call immediately
That last one is critical. Scammers show up in storm-hit neighborhoods fast. When you already have Tier-One Roofing in your phone, you skip the guesswork and get a team that shows up, gets on your roof fast, and gives you an honest read on your situation.
CTA: "Put our number in your phone now: (918) 212-2222. We’re local. We’re veteran-owned. And we’ll be there before and after the storm."
You Don’t Need to Worry—You Just Need a Plan
The truth is, most roof damage from tornado season is preventable. With a proper inspection, a few simple repairs, and a team you can trust on speed dial, you’ll sleep easier knowing your home is ready for whatever Oklahoma skies throw at it.
Tier-One Roofing isn’t here to sell you what you don’t need. We’re here to help you protect what matters. We’re local, licensed, and committed to doing things the right way—because it’s your home, and that means everything.
Ready to prep your roof for tornado season?
Book a free inspection with Tier-One Roofing today.
You’ll thank yourself when the sirens go off.
👉 Call (918) 212-2222 or schedule online at tier-oneroofing.com