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Storm Season in Green Country: How to Prep Your Roof Before the Next Big One

How to Prep Your Roof for Oklahoma Storm Season | Tier-One Roofing

Every Oklahoman knows storm season isn’t a matter of if—it’s a matter of when. From March through late summer, Green Country becomes the epicenter of hail, tornado-level winds, and violent thunderstorms. Your roof, more than any other part of your home, takes the brunt of this punishment.

The question is: will it hold up?

Too many homeowners wait until after a storm to think about roof health. By then, the damage is already done—shingles torn away, hail bruises forming leaks, and water seeping into ceilings. But with the right preparation, you can cut risks dramatically. Prepping your roof for storm season isn’t just smart—it’s the difference between a small repair and a financial disaster.

Tier-One Roofing has been through every storm season Green Country can throw at us. We know what these storms do, how roofs fail, and what steps homeowners can take to minimize damage before the skies turn black. Let’s walk through exactly how to prepare, what to look for, and why having a roofing partner on call is essential.


Why Storm Season Hits Oklahoma Roofs Hard

Oklahoma’s geography makes it storm central. Warm, moist air from the Gulf collides with cold, dry air from the Rockies, creating violent clashes that produce some of the strongest thunderstorms in the world. That means:

  • Hailstones the size of golf balls—or larger—slamming into roofs at 100 mph.

  • Straight-line winds exceeding 70 mph, ripping shingles and flashing away.

  • Driving rains that expose even the smallest cracks or weak spots.

  • Tornado activity that tests every structural element of a home.

Even a brand-new roof isn’t immune if it hasn’t been installed or reinforced for Oklahoma’s conditions. Storm prep isn’t optional here—it’s survival.


Step One: Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

The single most important prep step is an inspection. Too often, damage that looks minor to the untrained eye—slightly lifted shingles, worn seals, or hairline flashing cracks—becomes catastrophic under storm stress.

A Tier-One Roofing inspection isn’t just a “look from the curb.” We climb up, check every square foot, photograph issues, and explain what we find in clear terms. We catch small problems before they become major ones.

If you’ve gone more than a year without an inspection—or if you’ve weathered multiple hail or wind events since your last one—you’re overdue.


Step Two: Check Gutters and Drainage

Storm damage isn’t just about shingles. If your gutters are clogged or damaged, water has nowhere to go. Instead, it backs up under shingles, into soffits, or against your foundation.

Before storm season, clear out debris, secure loose sections, and make sure downspouts are draining away from the house. If you’re not sure, Tier-One Roofing can check your drainage system during our inspection.


Step Three: Reinforce Weak Spots

Every roof has vulnerable areas—valleys, flashing around chimneys, skylights, vents, and ridges. These are the first places storms exploit.

  • Flashing should be sealed tight and rust-free.

  • Valleys should be free of debris and properly overlapped with shingles.

  • Ridge caps should be secured; if they’re loose, high winds will rip them off first.

Tier-One Roofing reinforces these weak spots during prep inspections, making sure your roof is armored before the storm season begins.


Step Four: Trim Trees and Remove Debris

One of the most overlooked storm prep steps is tree maintenance. Overhanging limbs are missiles waiting to fall. Even small branches can puncture shingles or crack tiles when whipped around by 70 mph winds.

Trim back trees at least six feet from your roofline. Remove dead limbs and clean up loose yard debris that can blow onto your roof. Prevention here is much cheaper than repairs later.


Step Five: Evaluate Your Attic

Your attic is the first line of defense against leaks—and the first place signs of trouble appear. Before storm season:

  • Check for water stains or damp insulation.

  • Look for daylight peeking through the roof deck.

  • Make sure ventilation is working properly to reduce heat and moisture buildup.

If your attic already shows water damage, your roof is compromised. Tier-One Roofing can identify where the water is getting in and seal the breach before the next storm.


Step Six: Review Your Insurance Coverage

Storm season isn’t just about physical prep—it’s about financial prep too. Too many homeowners discover after a storm that their coverage is limited, depreciated, or doesn’t include certain damage types.

Review your policy now. Check:

  • Whether you’re covered for replacement cost value (RCV) or actual cash value (ACV).

  • Your deductible for wind and hail damage.

  • Claim filing deadlines.

Tier-One Roofing has walked countless homeowners through this process. We’ll explain what your coverage really means and help you be ready before the adjuster ever shows up.


Step Seven: Have a Storm Response Plan

Preparation doesn’t stop once the storm hits. Know what to do afterward:

  1. Stay safe—don’t climb your roof after a storm.

  2. Document visible damage from the ground.

  3. Call Tier-One Roofing for an emergency inspection.

  4. File your claim quickly, supported by our documentation.

Having this plan in place takes the panic out of storm recovery.


The Cost of Skipping Prep

What happens if you don’t prepare? The numbers don’t lie.

  • Hail damage left unchecked can shorten a roof’s lifespan by 5–10 years.

  • A clogged gutter during a single storm can cause thousands in water intrusion.

  • Insurance claims denied due to “pre-existing wear” cost homeowners out of pocket.

We’ve seen families in Tulsa spend $15,000+ repairing interior storm damage that could have been avoided with a $500 roof reinforcement. Preparation isn’t a luxury—it’s protection.


Real Oklahoma Stories

  • Bixby Homeowner: Had Tier-One inspect their roof before storm season. We found lifted flashing and sealed it. When hail hit two weeks later, their roof held.

  • Tulsa Family: Skipped inspections for years. A spring storm tore off shingles and caused attic leaks. Insurance cited “maintenance neglect” and denied part of the claim. They paid thousands out of pocket.

  • Broken Arrow Couple: Took our advice, trimmed trees, and reinforced ridge caps. A tornado-wind storm ripped through their neighborhood. Their roof? Fully intact.

Preparation made all the difference.


Why Tier-One Roofing Is the Partner You Need

Storm prep isn’t just a checklist—it’s expertise. Tier-One Roofing brings:

  • Local knowledge of Oklahoma’s storm patterns.

  • Detailed inspections that uncover hidden vulnerabilities.

  • Preventative reinforcements to protect against hail and wind.

  • Insurance guidance so you’re financially ready as well as physically ready.

  • Rapid response teams after storms hit, so you’re not left waiting.

We don’t just fix roofs—we protect homes, families, and futures.


Take Action Before the Storms Arrive

Storm season in Green Country isn’t slowing down. Every year, hailstones get bigger, winds get stronger, and insurance gets stricter. The time to prepare is now, not when your ceiling starts leaking.

Call Tier-One Roofing today for a free inspection and storm prep consultation. We’ll walk your roof, secure weak spots, document its condition for insurance, and give you peace of mind before the next storm rolls in.

Your roof is your first line of defense. Don’t leave it to chance. Protect it now—with Tier-One Roofing.