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Repair or Replace? How to Know What Your Roof Really Needs After a Storm

Repair or Replace? How to Know What Your Roof Really Needs After a Storm

You’ve just weathered a storm. Maybe it was hail. Maybe it was wind that sounded like a freight train roaring through your neighborhood. Now you’re looking at your home and wondering: What’s next? Is it a simple repair job—or do you need a full roof replacement?

It’s not an easy question. And the wrong answer could cost you thousands down the line.

At Tier-One Roofing, we help homeowners across Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Jenks, Bixby, and Owasso make the right call—not just for today, but for the long haul. We’ve inspected, repaired, and replaced thousands of roofs in Oklahoma. We know what’s salvageable and what’s not. And we believe in telling the truth, even when it’s not what you were hoping to hear.

This article is here to guide you through the decision-making process. We’ll walk through the signs that point to a repair, those that demand a replacement, and how to evaluate the financial, structural, and insurance-related angles.


What You Need to Know Before Making Any Decision

Let’s start with a few key truths:

  1. Just because your roof isn’t leaking doesn’t mean it’s fine.
     

  2. Not all visible damage requires a full replacement.
     

  3. Insurance might cover more (or less) than you think.
     

A proper roof inspection is essential. And not from someone looking to make a sale. From someone who’s going to give you real facts.

Tier-One Roofing offers free, pressure-free inspections designed to help you make an informed decision. We don’t sell—we serve.

Call (918) 393-4682 today or schedule your free inspection at tier-oneroofing.com.


Signs Your Roof Can Likely Be Repaired

Some damage doesn’t require a full tear-off. A targeted, professional repair may get the job done.

1. Isolated Shingle Damage
If a few shingles are missing or damaged, and the surrounding roof is in good shape, a repair can be effective. We match shingle color and brand as closely as possible.

2. Damage Is Limited to One Area
Wind often affects only one side of the roof. If the rest of your roof is sound, repairs may restore full function.

3. Your Roof Is Under 10 Years Old
If your roof is relatively new and built with quality materials, it’s more resilient. We can often repair newer roofs without compromising long-term performance.

4. No Signs of Leaks or Water Intrusion
If the underlayment and decking are still dry and solid, a surface-level repair may be sufficient.

5. Insurance Covers the Repair
Some storm claims result in partial payouts. If the approved scope covers a specific repair area, we work within those parameters to restore your roof effectively.

We won’t upsell you if a repair will honestly fix the problem. We’ve built our reputation on doing what’s right, not what’s profitable.


Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Roof

A repair can buy you time—but sometimes, time isn’t on your side.

Here’s how to know when a full roof replacement is the smarter and safer call:

1. Widespread Shingle Damage
If damage is scattered across multiple slopes or sides of the roof, repairs will only provide temporary relief. The next storm could do worse.

2. Your Roof Is 15+ Years Old
Asphalt shingles have a lifespan. If yours are nearing or past their prime, repairing just prolongs the inevitable.

3. Hail Has Compromised the Shingle Mat
Hail bruises can damage the fiberglass mat under the granules. Even if it looks fine today, moisture is already working its way in.

4. Missing Shingles Expose the Decking
When shingles tear off and expose the wood underneath, that wood absorbs water. That can mean rot, mold, and bigger problems soon.

5. Insurance Denied the Claim Because of Age or Neglect
If your claim is denied, and your roof is past its expected lifespan, replacement is your only path forward.

6. Multiple Layers of Shingles
If your roof already has one or more layers beneath the top layer, repairing becomes more complex—and potentially code-violating.

When we recommend a replacement, it’s not to pad a quote. It’s because we know what can happen if the underlying problems go untreated.

And we’ll always walk you through why in plain English.


How Insurance Affects the Decision

Your insurance policy plays a huge role in whether you repair or replace. Understanding your coverage is crucial.

  • RCV (Replacement Cost Value) covers the full cost of a new roof (minus your deductible).
     

  • ACV (Actual Cash Value) subtracts depreciation—meaning you get far less money for a roof that's aged.
     

If you have RCV and the damage is significant enough to qualify, replacement is often the smartest financial choice.

We work directly with insurance adjusters to:

  • Ensure damage is fully documented
     

  • Push back when coverage is undervalued
     

  • Submit supplements for materials and code upgrades
     

We don’t just install roofs—we advocate for you.


Long-Term Costs: Repair vs. Replace

Let’s talk numbers.

A repair might cost $500–$2,000. That’s a much smaller check than a replacement.

But if the underlying damage spreads—or if another storm hits—your repair may fail, and you’ll be starting over, potentially with less insurance coverage available.

A replacement might cost $10,000–$20,000, depending on size and materials. But if it’s covered by insurance, your out-of-pocket cost may be just your deductible.

At Tier-One Roofing, we help you understand the full picture—not just what you pay today, but what the next 5–10 years will look like.

It’s not just about fixing a problem. It’s about doing what’s best for your home’s future.


What We Do at Tier-One Roofing

Every roof is different. Every storm is different. That’s why we never assume. We inspect. We evaluate. We advise.

Our process includes:

  1. Full tear-off or repair area prep
     

  2. Inspection of decking and support structure
     

  3. High-quality underlayment and ice/water protection
     

  4. 6-nail shingle installation for wind resistance
     

  5. Correct flashing, ventilation, and code-compliant materials
     

  6. Clean-up, walkthrough, and documentation
     

Whether we’re repairing a few shingles or replacing the entire system, we do it like it’s our own house.

Call (918) 393-4682 or visit tier-oneroofing.com to schedule your inspection today.


FAQs

Q: How do I know if my roof is too old to repair?
If your roof is 15–20 years old, and especially if it's asphalt, it's likely at the end of its useful life. Repairs might not hold for long.

Q: What if I can’t afford a new roof?
We offer financing options for uninsured or out-of-pocket replacements. And if you have an insurance claim, we’ll maximize what your policy allows.

Q: What if another roofer told me it’s fine?
Get a second opinion. Not all roofers are equal. We’ll give you honest feedback with no strings attached.

Q: Can you do emergency repairs while I decide?
Yes. We can tarp or patch the roof to prevent immediate damage, then help you make a long-term decision.


Final Word: Make the Call That Protects Your Home

This isn’t just about shingles. It’s about what’s underneath. It’s about your walls, your ceilings, your furniture—and your family.

Whether your roof needs a minor repair or a complete replacement, you deserve to know for sure. No sales tactics. No scare tactics. Just straight answers and quality work.

At Tier-One Roofing, we bring clarity to confusion. We bring protection to vulnerability. And we bring craftsmanship to every single nail.

Let’s figure it out together.

Call (918) 393-4682 or schedule your free inspection at tier-oneroofing.com today.

We’ll show you exactly what your roof needs—and help you make the smartest, safest call.

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