The 5-Minute Roof Check Every Homeowner Should Do After a Summer Storm

Oklahoma summer storms don’t ask for permission. One moment it’s sunny, the next it’s high winds, hail, and torrential rain. When it’s over, homeowners often stand at their windows wondering: “Is my roof okay?”

The good news? You don’t need to climb a ladder or spend hours to find out if your roof might need help. You just need five minutes and a sharp eye.

At Tier-One Roofing, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners catch problems early—before they turn into leaks, costly repairs, or insurance battles. Here’s how you can do the same.

Why a Quick Check Matters

After a storm, time is critical:

Small damage turns big fast: A single loose shingle can lead to thousands in water damage after the next rain.
Insurance deadlines: Most policies require timely reporting of storm damage.
Safety: You want to know if your roof is compromised before another storm hits.

A quick check gives you peace of mind—and the chance to call us for a professional inspection before things get worse.

How to Do a 5-Minute Roof Check (From the Ground)

1. Walk Your Property Perimeter

Do a slow lap around your home, looking up at the roof. You’re checking for:

Missing shingles
Shingles that look curled or lifted
Debris or branches sitting on the roof

Tip: Use binoculars if you have them. No ladder needed.

2. Check Gutters and Downspouts

Storm debris often clogs gutters, and heavy rain can pull them loose.

Look for detached or sagging gutters
Check for shingle granules in downspout runoff (a sign of hail damage)

3. Inspect Roof Penetrations from the Ground

Vents, chimneys, and skylights are prime leak areas.

Look for metal flashing that appears bent or loose
Check for any unusual gaps or shiny metal edges (indicating sealant failure)

4. Look for Water Inside

Step inside and check:

Attic spaces for wet insulation or wood staining
Ceilings for new water spots or discoloration
Walls for paint bubbling or peeling

5. Scan the Yard

Pieces of shingles, nails, or metal flashing on the ground mean your roof took a hit. Take photos for insurance documentation.

This simple check often reveals the difference between a quick repair and a long, expensive insurance claim.

When to Call a Professional (Hint: More Often Than You Think)

Even if your roof looks okay from the ground, hidden damage happens:

Hail bruises shingles, reducing lifespan
High winds loosen fasteners you can’t see
Flashing damage is often invisible without a close inspection

Tier-One Roofing provides free, same-day post-storm inspections. We get on the roof safely, check every vulnerable area, and document everything with photos you can use for insurance claims.

Why Homeowners Miss Damage

They only check once: Storm damage can appear days later as materials settle.
They don’t know what to look for: Hail bruises look like dirt spots but actually compromise the shingle’s protective layer.
They assume a lack of leaks means no damage: Leaks can take weeks or even months to appear after a storm.

That’s why insurance companies often recommend professional inspections—even when things look fine.

What Tier-One Roofing Does Differently

Comprehensive Inspection: We don’t just look at shingles; we check flashing, gutters, vents, and the attic.
Photo Documentation: You see exactly what we see—no guesswork.
Insurance Support: We work directly with you to provide what your adjuster needs, without gimmicks or pressure tactics.
Local Expertise: As a veteran-owned, Oklahoma-based company, we know how local weather affects your roof—and how to fix it right.

The Value of Early Detection

Catching damage early means:

Fewer expensive repairs later
Lower risk of interior water damage
Stronger insurance claims (with proof)
Peace of mind heading into the next storm

Five minutes today can save you thousands tomorrow.

Your Next Step

The moment the skies clear, give your home five minutes of attention. Then call us:

Tier-One Roofing offers free, no-pressure storm inspections with same-day availability. We’ll climb where you don’t have to, document everything, and give you clear options.

Because your roof’s job is to protect your home. And our job is to protect your roof.