In Oklahoma, it’s not a matter of if your roof will face storm damage—it’s a matter of when. We see it all: hailstones hammering shingles, winds whipping up debris, and tornadoes ripping entire sections off homes. But what many homeowners don’t realize is that each type of storm causes different damage, and how you respond matters more than you think. Knowing what kind of storm impacted your roof can make the difference between a denied insurance claim and a fully covered replacement.
At Tier-One Roofing, we’ve inspected thousands of roofs across Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Jenks, Owasso, Bixby, and beyond. We know what storm damage looks like because we live here, too. We’re not here to scare you. We’re here to educate, equip, and empower you—so that if your roof is ever compromised, you know exactly what to do.
Let’s walk through the real signs of tornado, wind, and hail damage, how to distinguish between them, what your next steps should be, and why Tier-One Roofing should be the first call you make.
First, Why It Matters What Caused the Damage
When it comes to storm damage, insurance companies care a lot about what type of weather caused the issue. The type of storm not only affects your claim, but it can also determine:
What’s covered and what’s not
Which repair codes apply
Whether you need a full replacement or patchwork
How urgent the response needs to be
This is why we always ask our clients one key question: "Do you know which storm hit your area?" If you don’t, that’s okay. Our team tracks local storm events and pairs our findings with onsite evidence to help validate your claim.
You should never be in the position of having to prove your case to an insurance adjuster alone. We handle that with you—and for you.
What Hail Damage Looks Like
Hail might seem harmless compared to a tornado, but don’t underestimate it. Even quarter-sized hailstones can weaken your roof enough to create leaks, especially when paired with high winds.
Common Signs of Hail Damage:
Random patterns of bruising on shingles
Loss of granules (you may see them in your gutters or downspouts)
Soft spots on asphalt shingles (feel like a bruise on an apple)
Dented vents, flashing, gutters, or metal accessories
Cracked or chipped tiles on tile roofs
Shiny spots where granules were knocked off
Important to Note: Most hail damage is not visible from the ground. You may not see a leak for months, but the damage can be compromising your roof's integrity from day one.
If you're in the Tulsa or Broken Arrow area and a hailstorm recently came through, it's worth getting an inspection immediately. Our team has worked hail claims from pea-sized stones to baseball-sized hail impacts, and we know how to spot both the obvious and hidden signs of deterioration.
It doesn’t cost a thing to check. But it can cost thousands if you wait.
Call Tier-One Roofing at (918) 393-4682 to schedule your free hail damage inspection.
What Wind Damage Looks Like
Strong Oklahoma winds, often reaching 60-80 mph in storms, can peel a roof apart without warning. It doesn’t have to be a tornado to do serious damage.
Common Signs of Wind Damage:
Creased shingles (a sure sign shingles were lifted and bent)
Missing shingles altogether
Curling or uplifted edges
Displaced flashing or ridge caps
Tree limbs on the roof or nearby damage
Exposed nail heads or fasteners
Here's why wind damage is so tricky: It often affects one side of your home more than others—the wind-facing side. That means damage can be very localized and hard to spot. Insurance adjusters sometimes try to deny claims by saying the damage was "isolated" or "not widespread enough." But even a few compromised shingles can open your home to water intrusion.
At Tier-One, we know that wind damage doesn’t always mean the whole roof is destroyed—but it does mean the roof is no longer protecting your home the way it should.
Don't leave it to chance. We’ll document everything and advocate for the repairs or replacement you actually need—not just what your adjuster can see from the curb.
What Tornado Damage Looks Like
Tornado damage is usually obvious—but not always total. Yes, we’ve seen homes stripped down to the studs. But we’ve also seen subtle tornado-related damage: debris impacts, suction damage, uplifted decking, or cracked rafters.
Common Signs of Tornado Damage:
Entire sections of roof missing
Puncture wounds from debris
Cracked rafters or structural members
Gaps where decking has been lifted
Siding peeled or warped
Windows blown out or broken
Important Insight: Even if a tornado didn't hit your house directly, you could still have damage from the pressure wave or debris field. And just because your neighbor's house looks worse doesn't mean your roof is fine.
After any confirmed tornado activity in your area, schedule a roof inspection. Insurance policies often treat tornado-related claims differently, and prompt documentation is key to full coverage.
If you’ve just experienced one of Oklahoma’s infamous spring twisters, don’t wait. Tier-One Roofing is equipped to handle both minor and catastrophic storm events, from the first tarp to the final nail.
What Happens If You Have Multiple Types of Damage?
It’s common in Oklahoma for one storm to bring hail and wind at the same time. In fact, many of the most severe damage reports we see involve mixed sources.
If your roof has both hail bruising and wind-lifted shingles, that’s not unusual. But it is something your insurance claim needs to reflect properly. The type of damage affects the:
Claim category
Timeline for filing
Coverage limitations (some insurers split hail/wind deductibles)
Tier-One Roofing will help identify all types of damage and make sure your insurance company doesn’t overlook anything.
Your roof only works when every part of it is sound. We inspect it like it’s our own home—because that’s what you deserve.
What Your Insurance Company Hopes You Don’t Know
Let’s be real. Insurance companies are not in a hurry to pay out claims. Their adjusters work for them, not for you.
Here are a few truths they hope you never learn:
You don’t have to accept the first claim result. Reinspections are allowed. We’ve helped dozens of homeowners successfully challenge low-ball or denied claims.
You have the right to have your contractor present during the adjuster’s visit. We make sure nothing gets missed.
Damage doesn’t have to cause a leak to be covered. Latent damage is still damage.
Your policy might include code upgrade coverage. If your roof needs to be brought up to modern code, they may be required to pay for it—but they’ll rarely mention it.
That’s why having Tier-One Roofing on your side isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
We know what they cover. We know what they owe. And we know how to get you every dollar you deserve.
How We Handle It at Tier-One Roofing
When you call us, we don’t show up with a clipboard and a sales pitch. We show up to help you understand what happened, what needs to be done, and what the smartest path forward is.
Here’s what you can expect:
Free, no-pressure roof inspection
Detailed report with photos and honest assessment
Assistance with your insurance claim (if needed)
Licensed, insured, and highly-trained crews
Top-tier materials and manufacturer warranties
Clean worksite and constant communication
We don’t rush jobs. We don’t cut corners. And we don’t disappear after we get paid.
Your home deserves more than that. We deliver more than that.
Call (918) 393-4682 today or request your free inspection at tier-oneroofing.com.
Questions You Might Have (And Our Honest Answers)
Q: What if I don’t know when the storm happened? A: We track storm dates and hail/wind paths using satellite reports. We can usually pinpoint the event and match it to your location.
Q: My neighbor filed a claim, but I didn’t see any damage on mine. Should I still call? A: Yes. Roofs age differently and face different angles. Your neighbor’s damage could be worse—or yours could be hidden. Better to know.
Q: Do I have to file a claim right away? A: Most policies require storm-related claims to be filed within 12 months. But the sooner the better, especially if another storm hits.
Q: Will filing a claim raise my insurance premium? A: Not usually. Storm damage is considered an "Act of God," and premiums are based on area-wide risk, not individual claims.
Q: What if I already filed and was denied? A: You may still have options. Let us review your claim and see if a reinspection or supplemental claim is warranted.
Final Word: It’s Your Roof. It’s Your Right.
You don’t need to be a roofing expert. You just need someone in your corner who is.
Whether you’ve been through a tornado, a hailstorm, or straight-line winds, one thing is true: you deserve a roof that protects your home completely. And you deserve a contractor who shows up, tells the truth, and makes sure you get what you’re owed.
That’s what we do at Tier-One Roofing.
Call (918) 393-4682 today or visit tier-oneroofing.com to book your free storm damage inspection.
We don’t just fix roofs. We restore peace of mind.