How Tulsa’s Historic Homes Need a Different Kind of Roof Inspection
Tulsa’s historic neighborhoods are some of the most beautiful and cherished parts of the city.
Maple Ridge. Swan Lake. Florence Park. Brady Heights.
These communities carry legacy, character, and craftsmanship you won’t find in modern builds.
But they also come with roofing challenges no basic inspection checklist can handle.
At Tier-One Roofing, we’ve inspected and repaired hundreds of historic homes across Tulsa. We’ve learned that protecting these roofs isn’t just about checking shingles — it’s about understanding the materials, the structure, and the decades of wear most inspectors ignore.
If you own a historic Tulsa home — or are thinking about buying one — this is what you need to know about the risks, realities, and requirements of proper roof inspections.
Historic Charm Comes with Hidden Roofing Risks
From the curb, these homes are stunning.
From the inside, they often need more than their owners realize — especially when it comes to roofing.
Most of Tulsa’s historic homes were built between 1900 and 1940, which means:
Framing techniques were different
Decking wasn’t standardized plywood
Roof pitch and materials were designed for a different climate
Ventilation barely existed
Many roofs have multiple layers of old roofing material
A “standard” roof inspection — the kind your average storm-chasing roofer or real estate inspector might do — simply won’t catch what matters.
And in a home that’s already survived 80 or 100 years? Missing something small can lead to catastrophic failure later.
Why Standard Roof Inspections Miss Critical Issues in Historic Homes
Most roof inspections are designed for homes built after 1990 — not homes with original framing, slate remnants, or 100-year-old flashing.
Here’s what often gets missed:
1. Improper or Rotted Decking
Older homes frequently used 1x8 or 1x12 spaced plank decking, not the solid sheathing modern shingles require.
If this is missed, a new roof may be installed without proper fastener support, leading to wind uplift, leaks, or warranty voids.
2. Multiple Layers of Old Roofing
It’s not uncommon for these homes to have two or even three layers of roofing — wood shake, then asphalt, then another layer of asphalt.
Most inspections only check the surface layer. But the damage is often buried beneath.
3. Flashing That’s Decades Out of Code
We regularly find original lead flashing or galvanized steel buried in walls and chimneys.
Rust, separation, and improper sealing are common failure points — but they’re hidden unless you know where and how to look.
4. Chimney, Gutter, and Soffit Interfaces
Older homes often have unique roof-to-wall transitions, ornate soffits, and brick chimneys with custom framing.
These require specialized flashing and sealing techniques most newer roofers never learn.
5. Inadequate or Nonexistent Ventilation
Many historic homes were built with zero ridge or soffit ventilation, trapping heat and moisture in the attic.
Most inspectors don’t even check.
But it’s one of the biggest contributors to roof rot and shingle failure over time.
Own a historic home in Tulsa?
Schedule a Tier-One Roofing inspection.
We know what to look for, what to watch out for, and what’s worth saving — because these homes deserve real care, not a rushed clipboard inspection.
Why These Mistakes Cost Tulsa Homeowners Thousands
When roofers miss these problems — or worse, ignore them — you get short-term repairs that lead to long-term damage:
Shingles failing early because the decking isn’t solid enough to hold nails
Leaks appearing years later because old flashing was never replaced
Warranty denials because the roof wasn’t built to manufacturer standards
Insulation ruined and energy bills spiking due to hidden moisture in unventilated attics
Tier-One Roofing has replaced dozens of brand-new roofs on historic homes — because they were installed wrong the first time.
Our job is to make sure it’s done right the first time — and built to last.
Materials Matter (Especially in Historic Neighborhoods)
When replacing a roof on a historic home, material selection isn’t just about performance — it’s about maintaining character.
Many older homes were originally roofed with:
Wood shake
Slate
Metal standing seam
Early asphalt (now obsolete)
Replacing with modern architectural shingles can work — but only when installed with attention to detail and structural alignment.
We’ve seen shingle installs that covered vent pipes, violated pitch requirements, or clashed horribly with the home’s architecture.
Tier-One Roofing helps homeowners in historic districts choose materials that:
Comply with Tulsa’s neighborhood guidelines
Preserve the home’s visual identity
Improve durability without compromising style
Integrate with old framing and existing masonry
We also offer options like impact-resistant shingles that mimic shake or slate — combining form with long-lasting function.
Thinking of Buying a Historic Tulsa Home? Don’t Skip the Roof Evaluation
A standard home inspection during escrow won’t cut it.
Those inspections are built around surface-level checks — not in-depth, roofing-specific assessments.
If you’re considering a home in:
Maple Ridge
Swan Lake
Brady Heights
Florence Park
Riverview or Renaissance
...your roof is likely already past its second generation. And the layers beneath the surface might be holding problems that affect resale value, livability, or even safety.
Tier-One Roofing offers pre-purchase roof assessments specifically for historic homes — evaluating:
Material integrity
Structural deck condition
Ventilation system
Flashing and gutter compatibility
Future maintenance needs
Replacement costs (if needed)
This information can be used to negotiate the sale, budget accurately, or avoid buying a lemon.
Buying or selling a historic Tulsa home?
Call Tier-One Roofing for a certified inspection built for homes 50+ years old.
Know exactly what you’re working with — before you sign.
What Tier-One Roofing Does Differently
We’ve built our reputation by doing what others won’t:
Inspecting roofs down to the decking — not just the surface
Checking flashing systems, not skipping them
Respecting historical architecture — not trying to modernize what makes your home beautiful
Educating homeowners without pressure
Using premium materials designed to work with older homes
We’re local. We’re veteran-led. We do the job right — because we’ve seen what happens when someone else doesn’t.
If your home has character, history, and stories built into its walls — it deserves a roofer who respects that.
Own a historic home in Tulsa?
Call Tier-One Roofing today.
We’ll help you protect the legacy you live under — with craftsmanship, care, and attention to every detail.