When a major storm hits Tulsa, Broken Arrow, or any of our surrounding Oklahoma towns, it can leave behind more than just downed tree limbs and flooded streets. Your roof—your home’s first line of defense against the elements—often takes the hardest hit. At Tier-One Roofing, we know the stress and confusion that follows. As a veteran-owned company, we believe in honesty, service, and treating our customers like family. So let’s get to it: Here’s exactly what you should do when a storm damages your roof.
Step 1: Stay Safe and Assess the Situation (From the Ground)
Safety first. Always. After a storm, especially one with high winds or hail, your instincts might tell you to go outside and climb onto your roof to check things out. Don’t. It’s dangerous, and frankly, unnecessary.
Instead, walk around the outside of your home and look up. Take note of any obvious signs:
Missing shingles
Pieces of metal flashing on the ground
Exposed plywood
Damaged gutters or downspouts
Water spots on your ceiling or attic walls
Take photos and videos from multiple angles. These will help later during the insurance process and will also be valuable when you speak with your roofer.
Seeing signs of storm damage? Call Tier-One Roofing at (918) 393-4682 for a free, honest inspection.
Step 2: Understand the Types of Storm Damage
Storms in Oklahoma come in many forms, and they each leave their mark differently.
Hail Damage: Even small hailstones can bruise shingles, knock off protective granules, and weaken your roof’s defense over time. Large hail can puncture shingles entirely, leading to leaks that may not show up for weeks.
Wind Damage: Wind doesn’t just blow things around—it can lift shingles, damage flashing, and tear entire sections of roofing away. If your shingles are creased, curled, or completely missing, wind is the likely culprit.
Tornado Damage: If a tornado has swept through, damage can be catastrophic. But even on the outskirts of the path, debris and suction can wreak havoc on your roofing system.
Water Damage: Not all leaks are visible right away. Water might find its way through a small tear and start rotting the wood decking underneath. Mold and mildew are soon to follow.
Understanding what type of storm hit your area helps Tier-One Roofing inspect and diagnose more accurately.
Step 3: Schedule a Professional Inspection Immediately
Time is critical. Delaying a roof inspection can mean the difference between a simple repair and a total replacement. At Tier-One Roofing, our trained inspectors know exactly what to look for. We don’t just spot damage—we assess the whole system.
What our inspection includes:
Drone and manual inspection of shingles, flashing, vents, and valleys
Attic evaluation for hidden leaks or moisture
Photographic documentation
A full explanation of your options: repair vs. replacement
We’ll never push you into something you don’t need. If your roof can be repaired safely, we’ll tell you. If a full replacement is necessary, we’ll explain why and guide you through the next steps.
Book your free inspection today. Don’t wait until that tiny leak becomes a major problem.
Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company (With Evidence In Hand)
Your homeowners insurance likely covers storm damage—but there’s a process. And it matters how you handle it.
Before you call:
Gather all your photos and videos
Get your inspection report from Tier-One Roofing
Review your insurance policy (look for terms like RCV and ACV—we’ll explain those below)
Then call your provider to file a claim. Be clear, be calm, and be honest. Mention the date of the storm, what you observed, and let them know a licensed contractor has already inspected the damage.
Pro tip: Some insurance companies will schedule their adjuster’s inspection WITHOUT notifying you first. That means they might evaluate your roof without your contractor present. We recommend asking your insurer to notify you of the inspection date—so that we can be there too.
At Tier-One Roofing, we frequently meet adjusters onsite to ensure they see all the same evidence we do.
Step 5: Know the Insurance Terms That Matter (RCV vs ACV)
Navigating roof insurance claims can feel like trying to read a foreign language. Here’s the breakdown:
ACV (Actual Cash Value) pays for your roof’s value at the time of the damage, minus depreciation. If your roof is 15 years old, you might only get a small portion of what it costs to replace it.
RCV (Replacement Cost Value) pays what it actually costs to replace your roof with a new one—you just pay your deductible.
RCV policies are generally better. If you’re not sure what you have, check your declarations page or call your agent. And if you’re shopping for new coverage, choose a policy with RCV and a deductible you can afford.
Tier-One Roofing can help explain the difference, and we work with all major insurers.
Need help navigating your insurance policy? Our experts can walk you through it—just call Tier-One.
Step 6: Don’t Agree With the Adjuster? Here’s What To Do
Sometimes, insurance adjusters don’t get it right. Maybe they missed damage. Maybe they downplayed the severity. Maybe they flat-out denied your claim.
You are NOT out of options.
You can request a reinspection (yes, that’s a real thing)
You can get a second opinion from another adjuster
You can ask Tier-One Roofing to provide additional evidence
You can bring in a public adjuster if needed
We’ve helped many homeowners fight for the full value they’re owed. You deserve a safe roof. Don’t settle.
Step 7: Choose a Local, Reliable Roofing Contractor
Storm chasers are real. They show up with out-of-state plates, flashy promises, and disappear as fast as they came.
Here’s how to spot a trustworthy roofer:
Local license and insurance
Verified Google reviews
Physical address in the Tulsa area
Experience dealing with your insurance company
Tier-One Roofing checks all those boxes and more. As a veteran-owned business, we don’t play games. We show up, tell the truth, and do things right the first time. We treat your home like it’s ours.
Step 8: Repair or Replace? Let’s Talk About It
We get this question all the time: Can I just repair the damage instead of replacing the whole roof?
The answer? It depends.
When a repair is enough:
Minor shingle damage (1-2 areas)
Flashing or sealant issues
The roof is less than 10 years old
When replacement is better:
Widespread shingle loss
Structural or decking damage
Recurring leaks despite past repairs
Your roof is 15+ years old
Tier-One Roofing will walk you through your options with full transparency. We’ll never upsell you. If a repair gets the job done safely, we’ll do it.
Step 9: Get the Job Done Right (and Fast)
Once your claim is approved, we move fast. We schedule your project, pull permits, deliver materials, and keep you updated throughout. No disappearing crews. No broken promises. Just real work, done with integrity.
We specialize in:
Shingle roof replacement
Storm and hail damage repair
Insurance restoration projects
High-wind-resistant shingle systems
We also offer financing if needed. We know unexpected damage can create unexpected costs. You have options.
Schedule your roof inspection or talk to our team now. Call (918) 393-4682 or fill out the form on our site.
Step 10: Protect Your Roof Going Forward
After the repair or replacement, don’t stop there. Roof maintenance in Oklahoma is essential.
Clean your gutters twice a year
Watch for branches touching your roof
Inspect after every major storm
Have a professional inspection every 1-2 years
Tier-One Roofing offers routine roof checkups and maintenance plans. Think of it as preventive medicine for your home.
Final Word: We’re Here When You Need Us
When a storm hits, you shouldn’t have to figure it out alone. Whether you’re dealing with a few missing shingles or a total loss, Tier-One Roofing is the team you can trust. We’ll give you the truth, help you through the claim process, and protect your home like it’s our own.
Don’t wait until a small issue becomes a disaster.
Call Tier-One Roofing at (918) 393-4682 today or visit tier-oneroofing.com to schedule your inspection.
Let’s fix this—together.