After hail or high wind, Black Crown Construction repairs storm-damaged roofs, siding, gutters, soffit and fascia on homes across the Tulsa metro and Oklahoma City. The first hours after a storm matter most for limiting damage, and for avoiding the contractors who follow storms door to door.
First steps after a storm
The state's post-storm guidance for Oklahoma homeowners recommends that you:
- Cover broken windows, holes, leaking roofs and damaged walls
- Take photos or videos of the damage
- Save receipts for temporary repairs
- Get more than one bid for the work
- Never sign a contract with blank spaces, and keep a copy
Stay off the roof. Ladders and wet or damaged roofing are a bad mix.
What hail damage looks like
IBHS's homeowner guide, Do I have hail damage?, notes that real hail damage falls in a random pattern and that installation marks and manufacturing defects can be mistaken for hail. Dents in metal flashing, vents and air-conditioning fins are signs you can check from the ground. The Storm Prediction Center's definition of a severe thunderstorm includes hail at least 1 inch in diameter.
Check the storm reports
The Storm Prediction Center posts daily storm reports with the location and size of hail and wind reports. They are preliminary, and hail sizes are listed in hundredths of an inch (175 means 1.75 inches). A report a few miles away is a reason to look at your roof, not proof of damage at your house.
Watch for storm-chasing contractors
The BBB warns in a scam alert about people who show up at the door claiming to work in your area, and about inspectors who fabricate damage or show photos of someone else's roof. The Attorney General has warned about unsolicited offers after severe weather and urges homeowners to research a contractor before signing. Oklahoma registers roofing contractors through the Construction Industries Board, and the registration act requires the registration number on advertising, bids and contracts, so ask for it and look it up.
What gets repaired
Storm work often covers more than shingles: flashing, pipe boots and vents, gutters and downspouts, siding, soffit and fascia, and windows. A written estimate should list each item and whether it is repaired or replaced. For roofs that need more than a repair, see roof replacement.
Get a free estimate
Black Crown Construction offers a free on-site estimate to homeowners in the Tulsa metro and Oklahoma City. Call (918) 212-4720 or request an estimate online. Financing is available through a contractor-financing partner; ask about it during your estimate. OK Roofing Registration #80008030. Service area: Tulsa, Jenks, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Owasso, Sapulpa, Sand Springs, Glenpool, Claremore, Catoosa, Coweta, Skiatook and Oklahoma City.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do right after a hailstorm?
Cover any openings, photograph the damage, keep receipts for temporary repairs and stay off the roof. Then get more than one written bid before signing anything.
How can I check whether a roofer is legitimate?
Ask for the contractor's Oklahoma roofing registration number and look it up with the Construction Industries Board. Be wary of unsolicited door-to-door offers right after a storm.
Does a hail report near my house mean my roof is damaged?
No. Storm Prediction Center reports are preliminary and a nearby report only means hail fell in the area. Have the roof itself inspected.
What does hail damage on a roof look like?
IBHS notes that real hail damage falls in a random pattern. Dents in metal flashing, vents or air-conditioning fins are clues you can see from the ground.