Hail Damage FAQs

1) Document visible damage with dated photos of your roof, gutters, windows, siding, and AC unit.
2) Check for interior water spots on ceilings and in the attic.
3) Tarp any active leaks (emergency tarping: $200–$600).
4) Call your insurance company to open a claim.
5) Get a professional roof inspection from a licensed LOCAL contractor (not a storm chaser).
6) Be present when the adjuster inspects. Proof Construction offers free post-storm inspections within 24 hours.

No. Hail bruising on shingles can take weeks or months to become visible as granule loss accelerates. This is why a forensic inspection using specialized tools (thermal imaging, moisture meters, close-up photography) is critical within 6 months of a storm event. Insurance policies typically have a 12-month filing deadline in Oklahoma.

1.0 inch (quarter-sized) hail can damage asphalt shingles, especially older ones. 1.25 inch (half-dollar) hail consistently causes damage. 1.75 inch (golf ball) hail causes severe damage to all roofing types. Metal roofs dent but rarely leak from hail. Tile roofs can crack. Class 4 shingles resist damage up to 2.0 inch hail.

Look for:
1) Dents or bruises on shingles (looks like a dark spot where granules are missing).
2) Granules in gutters and downspouts.
3) Dents on metal vents, flashing, gutters, and AC fins.
4) Circular cracking patterns on shingles.
5) Soft spots when walking the roof (bruised mat). A professional forensic inspection identifies damage invisible to the untrained eye.

Hail damage: random pattern, dents with missing granules at impact point, often accompanied by collateral damage (dented vents, gutters). Blistering: uniform pattern across shingles, caused by manufacturing defects or poor attic ventilation. Insurance covers hail damage but NOT blistering. A professional can distinguish between the two.

Some granule loss is normal in the first few weeks after installation ('loose granules' from manufacturing and installation). Excessive or continuing granule loss beyond 2–3 months can indicate: manufacturing defect, improper installation (over-driven nails), or foot traffic damage. If granule loss continues, contact your installer for inspection.

Yes. Oklahoma regularly experiences 60–80 mph straight-line winds from severe thunderstorms. Even properly installed shingles can lift at 70+ mph. The key is: properly installed shingles re-seal when temperatures warm up. Shingles that DON'T reseal were likely improperly nailed. Architectural shingles have better wind ratings (110–130 mph).

Wind damage: shingles lifted, creased, or torn off; often concentrated at edges, ridges, and corners. Pattern: directional (prevailing wind). Hail damage: random impact marks, bruised mat, granule loss at impact points, collateral dents. Both are covered perils. Sometimes a storm causes both — each requires separate documentation for insurance.

A hail map shows hail swath paths from specific storm events using radar data and ground reports. Roofers use hail maps to:
1) confirm whether a specific address was in the hail zone,
2) document storm date and estimated hail size for insurance claims,
3) identify neighborhoods that experienced the same storm (helpful when adjusters question whether hail occurred). Proof Construction maintains detailed hail maps for all recent Oklahoma storm events.

1) Evacuate immediately — structural integrity may be compromised.
2) Call 911 if anyone is injured or if power lines are involved.
3) Once safe, call Proof Construction's 24/7 emergency line at (918) 734-4444.
4) Document with photos from a safe distance.
5) Call your insurance company.
6) Secure the property — we'll tarp exposed areas same-day. Do NOT attempt to remove the tree yourself.

Proof Construction offers same-day emergency tarping across the Tulsa metro area. Response time: 2–4 hours average, 24/7 availability. Our emergency crews carry heavy-duty 6-mil polyethylene tarps, furring strips, cap nails, and safety equipment. We'll secure your roof, document damage for insurance, and provide a repair/replacement assessment.

1) Contain water: place buckets/towels under the leak.
2) Poke a small hole in the sagging ceiling drywall with a screwdriver — this releases water in a controlled location and prevents ceiling collapse.
3) Move furniture and electronics away.
4) Call Proof Construction's 24/7 emergency line at (918) 734-4444.
5) Document everything with photos for insurance.
6) If safe, identify the leak source in the attic.

A roofing emergency is any situation where the roof's ability to keep water out is compromised. This includes: active water intrusion into the living space, large sections of missing shingles exposing decking, fallen trees/limbs penetrating the roof, structural damage (sagging/collapse risk), fire damage, and severe wind damage during an active storm. When in doubt, call us — we'll assess urgency and respond accordingly.

Rare in residential homes but possible with: flat/low-slope roofs with drainage problems, roofs with pre-existing structural issues, ponding water (standing water 48+ hours after rain), and older homes with inadequate framing. Warning signs: new cracks in interior walls/ceilings, doors suddenly sticking, visible roof sag, creaking sounds. If you see these signs, evacuate and call for immediate professional assessment.

Do not go outside during an active tornado warning. Shelter in place in a basement or interior room. After the warning passes and conditions are safe:
1) Check for structural damage from the ground — do not climb onto the roof.
2) Tarp any visible holes from inside the attic if accessible.
3) Call Proof Construction at (918) 734-4444 — we mobilize crews immediately after tornado events.
4) Document all damage with photos before temporary repairs.

For a DIY emergency patch (use only if professional help is hours away):
1) From inside the attic, locate the leak entry point.
2) If safe to access from outside, cover the area with a heavy-duty tarp extending at least 4 feet past the damage in all directions.
3) Secure tarp edges with 1x2 furring strips and roofing nails (not staples).
4) Place a 2x4 on top of the tarp at the ridge to prevent wind lift.
5) Never go on the roof during rain or lightning. Warning: this is temporary — call Proof Construction for a proper inspection and permanent repair.

Yes. Our emergency response team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We cover the entire Tulsa metro area with same-day response for active leaks and storm damage. Emergency services include: tarping, temporary board-up, water mitigation coordination, and immediate insurance documentation. Call (918) 734-4444 — a real person answers, day or night.

After any Oklahoma severe thunderstorm, inspect for:
1) Missing or lifted shingles (look for debris in yard).
2) Dented gutters, downspouts, and flashing.
3) Granule accumulation in gutters (indicates hail impact).
4) Dents on AC fins and window screens (collateral hail evidence).
5) Interior water spots on ceilings and walls.
6) Loose or displaced ridge vents.
7) Damaged or missing siding. Proof Construction offers free post-storm inspections within 24 hours.

Yes. Most homeowners insurance policies cover emergency mitigation — the reasonable cost of temporary repairs to prevent further damage. This includes emergency tarping, water extraction, and board-up services. Key: save all receipts, document damage before and after temporary repairs, and notify your insurance company within 24 hours. Proof Construction provides emergency services with detailed documentation for seamless insurance reimbursement.