Tulsa Storm Damage Roof Inspection: What to Expect
Severe weather has just passed through Tulsa, and you suspect your roof may have been damaged. The natural next step is scheduling a storm damage inspection - but most homeowners have no idea what actually happens during one. Will someone climb on the roof? How long does it take? What will they find? What happens after?
Understanding the inspection process in advance eliminates the mystery and helps homeowners prepare effectively. Quality storm damage inspections follow a standardized methodology that produces reliable documentation - the foundation for successful insurance claims.
This guide walks through exactly what to expect during a Tulsa storm damage roof inspection, from the initial phone call to the final report. Whether you are filing your first claim or your tenth, knowing the process helps you participate effectively.
For context on the broader claim process, see our companion article on filing a hail damage roof claim in Tulsa.
Step 1: Schedule the Inspection
The inspection process begins with a phone call or online request. Most quality local contractors offer free post-storm inspections and can typically schedule within a few days of the request. Information you may need to provide:
Your name and contact information
Property address
Date of the storm event you are concerned about
Brief description of any visible damage
Preferred inspection time
Contractors typically respond more quickly during heavy storm seasons but may have longer wait times after major events when many homeowners are scheduling simultaneously.
Step 2: Pre-Inspection Preparation
Before the inspector arrives, a few simple preparations help:
Move vehicles out of the driveway to provide ladder access
Secure pets
Make attic access available if interior inspection may be needed
Have your insurance policy information available if you plan to discuss claim potential
Make any photos of visible damage available for review
No major preparation is required - the inspection is a brief visit that does not significantly disrupt normal household activities.
Step 3: Initial Walk-Around
When the inspector arrives, the inspection typically begins with a ground-level walk-around of the property. The inspector looks for:
Visible damage to gutters, downspouts, and other rooftop metals
Damage to siding, windows, and exterior trim
Damage to vehicles, outdoor furniture, fences, and landscaping
Storm debris on the property
Granule accumulation in gutters and at downspout discharge points
Overall storm impact indicators.
This walk-around takes 10-15 minutes and establishes context for the rooftop inspection.
Step 4: Ladder Setup and Rooftop Access
The inspector sets up appropriate ladders for rooftop access. Quality inspectors use:
Extension ladders rated for the height and weight requirements
Ladder stabilizers to prevent damage to gutters
Proper anchoring against the eave
Safety harnesses for steep roofs (typically 6:12 pitch and above)
Time to set up safely: 5-10 minutes
The inspector then climbs onto the roof to begin the detailed assessment.
Step 5: Slope-by-Slope Roof Walk
The inspector systematically walks each roof slope, looking for damage indicators. The walk typically follows this pattern:
North slope - often less weathered; provides baseline for comparison.
East slope - moderate weathering.
South slope - heaviest weathering due to peak solar exposure; often shows worst storm damage.
West slope - significant weathering and afternoon heat exposure.
On each slope, the inspector documents:
Number and density of hail strikes
Granule loss patterns
Visible bruising or mat fractures
Damage to flashings and accessories
Condition of ridge caps
Any wind-related damage (lifted shingles, missing material)
Step 6: Test Square Documentation
Quality storm inspections use the "test square" methodology - selecting 10-foot by 10-foot sections on each major roof slope and counting hail strikes within each square. The strike density determines whether the slope qualifies for insurance replacement under most carrier guidelines.
Test squares are documented with:
Photo of the test square area with measurement reference
Count of hail strikes within the square
Notes on damage type and severity
Comparison with adjacent areas if relevant
Most carriers require 8-10 strikes per test square as the threshold for full slope replacement. Slopes below the threshold may qualify for repair rather than replacement. Standards used by inspectors are typically based on training from organizations like Haag Engineering.
Step 7: Detail Inspection
Beyond the field shingles, the inspector examines specific roof features:
Chimney flashing - damage to step flashing, counter flashing, or chimney cricket.
Skylights - glazing damage, flashing condition.
Pipe boots - rubber gasket condition, particularly if damaged or aged.
Vent caps and stacks - impact damage to metal components.
Valleys - water flow patterns and any visible damage.
Drip edge and rake metal - dents or displacement.
Solar panels and other rooftop equipment if present
Each detail receives separate documentation with photos and notes.
Step 8: Photo Documentation
Throughout the inspection, the inspector takes extensive photos. A typical inspection produces 30-100+ photos covering:
Overview shots of each roof slope
Close-ups of specific damage examples
Test squares with strike counts
Detail damage at flashings, vents, and other features
Comparison shots showing damaged vs. undamaged areas
Identification photos of the property (address, house features)
These photos become the documentation that supports any subsequent insurance claim. Quality inspectors maintain organized photo libraries for each project.
Step 9: Interior Inspection (If Applicable)
If interior damage is suspected, the inspector also examines:
Attic spaces - look for water staining, fresh leaks, or visible damage from below.
Ceiling stains - documenting any visible water damage indoors.
Walls - particularly upper sections of exterior walls near the roofline.
Around windows - signs of water infiltration.
Indoor inspection is most relevant when active leaks or visible water damage have been reported. For most hail-driven claims, the exterior inspection covers the necessary documentation.
Step 10: Discussion and Initial Findings
After completing the inspection, the inspector typically discusses preliminary findings with the homeowner:
Whether damage exists that warrants further action
The type and extent of damage observed
Whether the damage likely qualifies for insurance coverage
Recommended next steps
Time-sensitive considerations
This discussion typically happens at the property immediately after the inspection. Formal written reports may follow within a day or two.
Step 11: Written Report
Within 1-3 business days of the inspection, the inspector typically provides a written report including:
Summary of findings
Photo documentation organized by location and damage type
Test square analysis
Specific damage descriptions
Recommended scope of work if applicable
Any caveats or limitations of the inspection
Quality contractors provide this documentation in a format that can be shared with insurance carriers or other contractors for verification.
What the Inspector Will Not Do
Several things storm damage inspectors typically do not do:
They will not perform the work during the inspection. The inspection is fact-finding only.
They will not commit you to anything - inspections are typically no-obligation and do not require signing contracts.
They will not file insurance claims for you - that is your responsibility, though they can support the process.
They will not negotiate with insurance carriers during the inspection itself - that comes later.
They will not guarantee outcomes - the inspection provides documentation; insurance carriers make coverage decisions.
They will not authorize work that the insurance has not approved - quality contractors wait for proper authorization before beginning work.
How Long the Inspection Takes
Total inspection time typically:
Standard residential property (1,500-3,000 sq ft) - 45-90 minutes total
Larger or more complex homes - 90 minutes to 2 hours
Initial ground walk-around: 10-15 minutes
Ladder setup: 5-10 minutes
Roof inspection: 30-60 minutes
Interior inspection (if needed): 15-30 minutes
Discussion and documentation: 15-30 minutes.
The actual time on the roof is shorter than total inspection time because of setup and documentation phases.
Cost of Storm Damage Inspection
Most quality local contractors offer free post-storm inspections for prospective customers. The economics:
Free inspections - the inspector hopes the inspection leads to claim work. If damage exists, the contractor gets the opportunity to perform the work. If no damage exists, the homeowner has been served at no cost.
Paid inspections - some inspectors charge $200-$500 for more detailed reports, particularly for non-claim purposes (pre-sale inspections, due diligence, etc.).
For post-storm damage assessment, the free inspection from a quality local contractor is the appropriate first step. Our companion article on roof inspection cost in Tulsa covers the inspection cost landscape.
What to Expect After the Inspection
Following the inspection, several scenarios are common:
No damage found - the inspector finds no claim-qualifying damage. The homeowner has documentation that the roof is in good condition. No further action needed.
Minor damage worth monitoring - some damage exists but not enough to qualify for full replacement. The homeowner may choose to file a partial claim or continue monitoring for future storms.
Significant damage warranting a claim - the inspector documents damage clearly above claim threshold. The homeowner can proceed to file an insurance claim with confidence.
Severe damage requiring immediate action - rare but possible. Active leaks or structural concerns may require emergency tarping or temporary repairs.
Quality inspectors discuss the specific findings and recommended next steps with the homeowner before leaving.
Free Inspection vs Adjuster Inspection
It is important to distinguish between contractor inspections and insurance adjuster inspections:
Contractor inspection (free) - typically performed before filing a claim, helps determine whether claim is warranted, supports the homeowner.
Adjuster inspection - performed by the insurance carrier after a claim is filed, determines coverage scope and pricing, supports the carrier's decision.
Best practice is to have your contractor present at the adjuster inspection. The contractor can point out damage that might be missed and ensure the scope is comprehensive.
Inspection Quality Indicators
Quality storm damage inspections share several characteristics:
Inspector uses proper safety equipment (ladder stabilizers, harness on steep roofs)
Inspector takes extensive photos throughout the process
Inspector uses test square methodology rather than vague visual assessment
Inspector documents damage with specific counts and locations
Inspector provides written report with photos
Inspector discusses findings clearly with the homeowner
Inspector does not pressure for immediate signing of contracts
Inspector verifies and explains licensing and credentials when asked
Cut-rate or fraudulent operations skip these quality indicators. If your inspection feels rushed, lacks documentation, or pressures you to sign immediately, the inspection quality is suspect.
After the Storm Chasers
After major storm events, "storm chasers" descend on affected areas offering quick inspections and immediate contracts. Warning signs:
Door-to-door solicitation
Out-of-state license plates
Pressure to sign immediate contracts before the adjuster has seen the roof
Promises of "guaranteed insurance payment"
Lack of physical office location locally
No verifiable business history in the Tulsa metro
Quality storm damage inspections come from established local contractors who will be available for warranty service years later. Storm chasers move on as soon as the work is done. For criteria on selecting reliable contractors, see our companion article on choosing a roofing contractor in Jenks.
When to Schedule a Storm Damage Inspection
Schedule a storm damage inspection when:
Hail of 1 inch or larger affected your area, regardless of visible damage
Severe winds of 60 mph or higher passed through your neighborhood
Any visible damage is present on the property (gutters, vents, vehicles, landscape)
Neighbors are filing claims for damage from the same storm
You have observed any indoor signs of water damage
Your insurance carrier suggests inspection for any reason
You are considering selling the property within a few years and want documentation
Better to schedule and find no damage than to skip the inspection and discover serious damage too late to file a claim.
The Bottom Line
Tulsa storm damage roof inspections follow a standardized 11-step process: scheduling, preparation, ground walk-around, ladder setup, slope-by-slope inspection, test square documentation, detail inspection, photo documentation, interior inspection if needed, findings discussion, and written report.
Quality inspections take 45-90 minutes total and produce comprehensive documentation that supports successful insurance claims when damage is found.
For homeowners in the Tulsa metro who have experienced storm conditions, the right next step is scheduling a free post-storm inspection within days of the event. RainTech Oklahoma performs storm damage inspections across the Tulsa metro from our teams in Midtown Tulsa, Owasso, Bixby, Broken Arrow, and Jenks. Reach out through our contact page.
