When a tree falls on your roof, it can cause immediate structural damage, create safety hazards, and expose your home to water intrusion. Heavy limbs or full trees can break through roofing materials, damage framing, and require urgent attention. Prompt action helps reduce the risk of further damage and speeds up insurance claims and repairs.
In this post, we explain what steps to take if a tree falls on your roof, how to stay safe, and what to expect during the inspection and repair process.
Immediate Steps to Take If a Tree Falls on Your Roof
Step 1: Call a Local Roofing Company
The first thing we recommend when a tree falls on your roof is to call a local roofing contractor, ideally one with storm response experience. Even if the damage looks small, it’s rarely just cosmetic. Branches often puncture shingles, and metal panels, or even break through the decking underneath. It’s important to have a professional assess the full extent of the damage right away.
At Precision Roofing, our crews are trained to handle emergencies like this. We prioritize securing the roof to prevent more water from getting in and making the situation worse.
Step 2: Secure the Area and Prevent Further Damage
When we arrive at a home where a tree has fallen on the roof, our first task is to remove any loose debris that could cause further harm. That might include cutting away branches or removing smaller pieces of the tree. From there, we install tarps or synthetic underlayment to cover holes and exposed areas. This temporary covering helps block rain and keeps your attic, insulation, and drywall from sustaining additional water damage.
If left open, even a small hole in the roof can quickly result in soaked walls, ruined flooring, and mold growth. That’s why getting the roof covered promptly is one of the most important parts of the process.
Involving Your Insurance Company
Step 3: Start the Insurance Claim Process
Once your home is safe and covered, the next step is to contact your homeowner’s insurance company. Let them know a tree fell on your roof and request that they send an adjuster to inspect the damage. In most cases, your policy will cover structural repairs, and the adjuster will help determine whether you need minor patchwork or a full roof replacement.
We regularly work with insurance companies and can meet your adjuster on-site to point out the damage and answer technical questions. This makes the claim process go more smoothly and ensures nothing gets overlooked.
Assessing the Damage: What to Expect
Step 4: Inspection and Written Estimate
The level of damage varies depending on how large the tree was and where it hit. We’ve seen everything from punctured shingles and cracked decking to broken trusses and displaced gutters. During our inspection, we’ll look for:
- Holes in the roofing material or sheathing
- Structural damage to framing or trusses
- Broken or bent gutters and fascia boards
- Water intrusion signs in the attic or living areas
After a full inspection, we’ll provide a detailed estimate for the repairs or replacements needed. If the insurance company is involved, we’ll share that scope of work with them directly to help speed up the approval process.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Act
When a tree falls on your roof, acting quickly can make all the difference. Waiting to call a professional can allow water to keep entering your home and cause long-term damage that your insurance may not fully cover. It can also delay the timeline for filing a claim, which may affect whether your repairs get approved.
Even if you’re not sure how bad the damage is, it’s worth having us take a look. Some issues aren’t visible from the ground or until after the next rainfall.
Key Takeaways: Be Prepared and Take Action Fast
- If a tree falls on your roof, call a roofing professional immediately to assess and secure the damage.
- Temporary coverings like tarps and synthetic underlayment help prevent additional water intrusion.
- Your insurance company should be contacted right away to start the claim process.
- We’ll coordinate with the adjuster and provide a clear scope of repair or replacement.
- Acting quickly protects your home and increases the chances of full coverage from your insurer.
We’re Here When You Need Us
At Precision Roofing, we’ve helped many homeowners through storm-related roof emergencies. If a tree falls on your roof, don’t wait. Contact us for fast, professional service that prioritizes your safety and peace of mind. We’ll help you get your home protected and walk you through every step of the repair or replacement process.
