What If a Tree Falls on Your Roof? What Should You Do?

 Your roof protects you, your family, and your valuables from the elements and weather.

Unfortunately, extreme weather is your roof’s worst enemy. Hail and wind are typically your two
main culprits, however trees can also cause significant damage to your roof.
What are things that can cause a tree to fall on your house?
First we need to discuss what caused a tree to fall on your roof. This may seem obvious, but it’s
important because different causes require different solutions.
Trees can fall in extreme weather such as thunderstorms, hurricanes and tornadoes. Regardless of
size or type, they usually fall when wind speeds reach 94mph. Older trees that are sick or dying
are more vulnerable to high winds.
Most trees are rooted in the ground and withstand high winds, thunderstorms and other weather
extremes. But they also fall due to poor soil nutrition, poor care, insect infestation, wood rot, and
old age. In most cases, if a tree falls on your roof it will not be covered by your homeowners
insurance policy.
What damages can a tree cause to your roof?
The most obvious is structural damage. Tree limbs that fall on your roof can cause serious
structural damages, in some cases even go through your roof. So if a tree were to fall on your
house, the damage could be very significant.
If a tree lands on your roof, it will cause damage. Even if the tree doesn’t penetrate the roof, you
can still experience roof leaks, roof damage and other serious issues.
Leaves, sticks, and other debris can rapidly build up in your gutter and cause water to back up
into your house. When this happens, you’re at risk for water damage that could cost thousands of
dollars to repair.
What should you do?
1. Asses any damage to your home. If a tree has fallen on your home, it is critical to assess
the damage before entering your home. If a tree has fallen completely through your roof,
evacuate the house immediately. There could be damage to the wiring in the attic that
could cause potential fires. If smoke or fire is detected then immediately call 911.
2. Get in contact with your insurance. After an emergency, the first step is to contact your
insurance company to file an insurance claim. After providing the relevant information,
they’ll either send out an adjuster or tell you to find a roofing company for an inspection.

3. Find a local contractor. Whether your insurance company says it’s time for a roofing
contractor or not, you’ll need to find one. A roofing contractor will assess the damage,
help support your claim, and legally do the work (and more) that insurance companies
specify.