The August 7, 2026 storm brought another round of severe weather to the Oklahoma City metro, including large hail and damaging winds. If your home was in the storm path, your roof may have damage that is difficult to see from the ground. Here’s what Oklahoma City homeowners should know about contacting a roofing contractor, checking for hail damage, and dealing with a potential insurance claim.
Storm reports for the event indicate hail around 1.25 inches in diameter and a measured wind gust of 63 mph near Piedmont, with Oklahoma City, Yukon, El Reno, and other nearby communities included in the impacted area.
How to Check Your Roof for Hail Damage
Hail does not always leave obvious holes or missing shingles. In fact, some of the most important damage can be subtle and go unnoticed from the ground.
Look for:
- Missing or bruised shingle granules: Hail can knock granules loose and expose the underlying shingle material.
- Soft spots when pressed: A damaged shingle may feel unusually soft or spongy, although homeowners should never walk on a steep or damaged roof.
- Dented gutters, vents and flashing: Damage to metal components can be a strong indicator that hail reached the roof as well.
- Cracked, lifted or displaced ridge caps: High winds can loosen or damage the shingles along the roof’s highest points.
- Shingle pieces or excessive granules in gutters and the yard: These can be signs that the storm damaged your roofing materials.
A ground-level inspection is only a starting point. Hail damage is often difficult to see from the street, which is why a professional 18 point roof inspection from OKC Roofers after a significant storm can be worthwhile.
Cosmetic vs. Functional Roof Damage
Not every mark caused by hail means your roof needs to be replaced.
Cosmetic damage primarily affects the appearance of the roofing material and may have limited coverage depending on your insurance policy.
Functional damage is different. This occurs when the storm compromises the roof’s ability to perform its intended job of protecting your home. Depending on your policy and the extent of the damage, functional hail or wind damage may be covered; but a professional roofing contractor can help you contact your insurance adjuster and get your questions answered.
The Oklahoma Insurance Department notes that most standard homeowners insurance policies cover hail damage, but policies can contain restrictions, cosmetic-damage exclusions and separate hail deductibles.
That’s why homeowners should avoid assuming that a few visible marks automatically mean a roof replacement—or that a roof that looks fine from the ground is undamaged.
How Long Do You Have to File an Oklahoma Hail Claim?
The sooner you document storm damage and contact your insurance company, the better.
Many homeowners have heard that they have exactly one year to file a hail claim. However, the actual deadline depends on your policy and the circumstances of the loss.
Still, don’t wait.
After the August 7 storm:
- Schedule a professional roof inspection. At OKC Roofers we will help you with all the following steps!
- Take dated photos and videos of visible damage.
- Check your gutters, siding, windows and other exterior areas.
- Contact your insurance company if you suspect damage.
- Avoid permanent repairs before your insurer has an opportunity to inspect the damage.
The Oklahoma Insurance Department also recommends photographing damage, making necessary temporary repairs to prevent additional damage, saving receipts and obtaining estimates from trusted local contractors.
If your insurance adjuster visits your property, a qualified roofing contractor can help identify storm-related damage and provide documentation to make sure nothing is missed.
What Should You Do After the August 7 Storm?
If you live in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, Moore, Piedmont, Yukon or Mustang and your property was in the storm area, now is a good time to have your roof checked—even if you don’t currently have a leak. See more information about the storm here https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=OUN&issuedby=OUN&product=AFD&format=ci&version=1&glossary=1 in the blog itself here is a link to make it more credible
OKC Roofers is a licensed Oklahoma roofing contractor, BBB A+ rated, and offers a 25-year leak guarantee on qualifying roof replacements. Our inspections include a detailed evaluation of your roof and attic, photos and documentation to help you understand your roof’s condition.
Request a Free Roof Inspection
Don’t wait for the next storm to reveal damage that may already be there.
Call OKC Roofers at (405) 796-8858 or request a free, no-obligation inspection.
Schedule your FREE Inspection Here!
We serve homeowners throughout the Oklahoma City metro, including Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, Moore, Yukon and Mustang.
Your roof doesn’t have to be leaking for the August 7 hailstorm to have caused damage. A professional inspection can help you know what you’re dealing with before a small problem becomes a much bigger one.
Storm information: Available storm reports indicate approximately 1.25-inch hail and a 63-mph measured wind gust near Piedmont on August 7, 2026. Storm reports can be updated as additional information becomes available.
