Why a Cheap Roof Isn’t a Bargain in Oklahoma
There’s nothing wrong with being budget-conscious. But when it comes to your roof—the one thing standing between your family and a 70 mph Oklahoma storm—a cheap job can be a financial trap.
At Tier-One Roofing, we’ve been called to fix “affordable” roofs that didn’t make it two years before failing. Not because the homeowner made a bad choice, but because they were sold something that sounded good on paper—and wasn’t built to last.
Here’s what you need to know about how low bids turn into big problems, what to look out for when comparing quotes, and why going with Tier-One saves you more in the long run—even if we’re not the cheapest line on the estimate.
The Real Cost of a Cheap Roof
Let’s say you get three quotes. One is $9,200. One is $10,500. One is $6,700.
Your instinct might be to grab the lowest one and feel good about the money you “saved.” But that’s the number before the first storm hits.
Cheap roofs tend to fail fast because corners get cut. That means:
Shingles that aren’t rated for high wind
No ice and water barrier at key spots
Underlayment so thin it tears under foot
Fasteners that don’t meet local code
And when that roof fails? You’re not just paying to replace it again. You’re also dealing with:
Water damage
Mold remediation
Insurance claim headaches
Potential claim denials due to improper install
In the end, that $6,700 roof can cost you $15,000+.
It’s not a deal. It’s a delay on disaster.
How Low-Cost Roofers Make the Numbers Work
If someone gives you a rock-bottom quote, it’s not magic. It’s math.
They’re reducing cost by:
Paying unskilled labor
Buying cheap or discontinued materials
Skipping permit fees
Rushing the install
Leaving out things you won’t see until it’s too late (like proper flashing or ventilation)
In short: they’re betting you won’t notice until they’re long gone.
At Tier-One Roofing, we don’t play that game. We bid based on what it takes to do the job right, every time.
Because we’re not just building roofs—we’re protecting families.
Oklahoma Is Brutal on Roofs
This state isn’t forgiving. Your roof has to stand up to:
Golf ball-sized hail
60+ mph winds multiple times per year
Sudden freeze-thaw cycles
Torrential rain
Summer UV that breaks down weak adhesives
You need materials and methods that don’t just meet code—but beat it.
Cheap shingles with low wind resistance ratings won’t hold. Substandard underlayment won’t last. Weak ridge vent systems buckle and allow water in.
That’s why we only use high-performance systems backed by real warranties—materials that have proven themselves in Oklahoma’s extremes.
Warranties: The Silent Difference
Most “budget” roofers will tell you the shingles are covered by a 30-year warranty. What they won’t say is that improper installation voids that warranty.
So even though you got the “same” shingles, if the roofer didn’t install them according to manufacturer spec, your coverage is worthless.
Tier-One Roofing is certified by multiple manufacturers. We follow install protocols to the letter. That means when we say your roof is warrantied—we mean it.
And if something ever goes wrong? You’re not chasing down a 1-800 number. You’re calling a local crew that’s already proven they’ll show up.
Insurance Claims and the Cheap Roof Problem
Here’s where it really stings. If your cheap roof fails during a storm, your insurance company will inspect the install quality before paying your claim.
If they find:
Improper flashing
Missing starter shingles
Incorrect nailing
Poor sealing around penetrations
…they can reduce or deny your payout. Meaning you’re stuck covering the damage out-of-pocket.
We’ve helped dozens of homeowners fight these situations—but it’s preventable. Get it built right the first time.
What Tier-One Roofing Does Differently
We’re veteran-owned. That means we don’t tolerate shortcuts. Our crews are trained, background-checked, and supervised every step of the way.
When we quote a job, we factor in:
High-quality, Oklahoma-tested materials
Proper ventilation and flashing
Clean-up, debris haul-away, and full protection of your landscaping
Full manufacturer warranty compliance
We also walk you through the quote—not just throw a number at you. We want you to understand what you’re paying for and why it matters.
Because we’re in this for the long term. We want your referral. We want your second home. We want your neighbors to say, “I wish I’d used Tier-One.”
What to Watch Out For in a Quote
Even if you don’t go with us, please protect yourself.
Watch for these red flags in a roofing estimate:
“Insurance deductible assistance” (can be illegal)
No line item for underlayment or ice/water shield
Labor-only warranty (meaning no backing from the manufacturer)
No local address or license info
High-pressure tactics or one-day discounts
Your roof isn’t a car wash. It’s one of the most important parts of your home. Treat it that way.
Ready to Stop Worrying About Your Roof?
Here’s the Tier-One difference:
Veteran-owned
Mission-driven
Built to hold, not just to pass
Call Tier-One Roofing today for a free, no-pressure inspection and quote. We’ll give you the truth about your roof, your options, and the smartest path forward.
No scare tactics. No gimmicks. Just the best roof you’ll ever own.
Because cheap isn’t a deal—it’s a risk you don’t have to take.