Storm Damage Roof Repair in OKC: What to Do in the First 48 Hours

Oklahoma City averages more than 20 severe thunderstorm warnings per year, and when one of those storms drops hail or sends 70 mph winds through your neighborhood, the clock starts ticking. What you do in the first 48 hours after storm damage can make the difference between a smooth insurance claim and a costly headache. Here's your action plan.

Hour 0–4: Safety First

Before you even think about your roof, make sure your family is safe. If the storm caused structural damage, flooding, or downed power lines near your home, stay inside or evacuate until the area is cleared. Once it's safe to go outside, do a quick walk around your property — but do not climb on your roof. Damaged roofing materials can be slippery and unstable, and you could cause further damage by walking on compromised shingles.

Hour 4–12: Document Everything From the Ground

Grab your phone and start taking photos and videos of everything you can see from ground level. Focus on these areas:

• Gutters and downspouts: Look for dents, dings, and granule buildup (the small sandy particles that wash off damaged shingles)
• Siding and window frames: Hail leaves circular dents and cracks on vinyl and aluminum siding
• Outdoor AC units, mailboxes, and fences: Damage to these items supports your claim that the storm was severe enough to damage your roof
• Yard debris: Fallen branches, scattered shingle pieces, or roofing felt in the yard
• Interior ceilings and walls: Water stains, drips, or bubbling paint indicate the roof has been breached

Save these photos in a dedicated folder on your phone — you'll need them for your insurance claim. Also note the date and approximate time of the storm. Your insurance company will cross-reference this with National Weather Service records.

Hour 12–24: Call a Local Roofing Contractor

This is the most important call you'll make, and the order matters: call your roofer before you call your insurance company. Here's why — a professional roofing contractor will climb up and inspect your roof, document every point of damage with close-up photos, and give you an honest assessment of whether the damage warrants an insurance claim.

Not every storm causes enough damage to justify a claim. If you file a claim and the adjuster finds minimal damage, you could end up with a claim on your record and no payout. A good contractor will tell you straight whether it's worth filing.

When choosing a contractor, look for:

• A local company with a physical address in the OKC metro (not a storm chaser from out of state)
• An Oklahoma contractor's license and proof of insurance
• A willingness to meet your insurance adjuster on-site
• No upfront fees for the inspection

Hour 24–48: File Your Insurance Claim

Once your contractor has confirmed significant damage, call your insurance company to file a claim. Have the following ready:

• Your policy number
• The date and time of the storm
• Your ground-level photos and your contractor's inspection report
• A description of the damage you've observed

The insurance company will assign an adjuster to inspect your property, usually within 5–14 days. Schedule the adjuster's visit when your roofing contractor can be present. This is critical — your contractor knows exactly where the damage is and can ensure the adjuster doesn't miss anything.

Emergency Tarping: When You Can't Wait

If the storm created an active leak or tore off a section of your roof, you need emergency tarping immediately. A reputable roofing contractor can install a temporary tarp to prevent further water damage to your home's interior. Keep the receipt — emergency tarping costs are typically reimbursable through your insurance claim as a "reasonable measure to prevent further damage."

What NOT to Do After Storm Damage

• Don't wait weeks or months to act. Most Oklahoma insurance policies require claims to be filed within 12 months, but evidence deteriorates quickly. The sooner you file, the stronger your claim.
• Don't sign with the first contractor who knocks on your door. Storm chasers canvas neighborhoods after every major storm. They often do poor-quality work and won't be around for warranty issues.
• Don't make permanent repairs before the adjuster visits. Temporary measures like tarping are fine, but replacing shingles or making permanent fixes before the adjuster sees the damage can complicate your claim.
• Don't accept the first estimate without review. If the insurance payout seems low, your contractor can file a supplement with additional documentation.

ScottBuilt's Storm Damage Response

At ScottBuilt Roofing & Construction, storm damage response is what we do best. When severe weather hits OKC, we mobilize quickly to help homeowners protect their homes and navigate the insurance process. We offer free storm damage inspections, emergency tarping, full insurance claim assistance, and quality roof replacements backed by manufacturer warranties.

We've helped hundreds of Oklahoma families get their roofs replaced after storm damage — often at little to no out-of-pocket cost beyond the deductible.

Storm hit your neighborhood? Call (405) 219-2123 for a free inspection. We respond fast and we'll be honest about what we find.