Steps to Take if Your Roof Suffers Tree Damage

An incident involving a tree crashing onto your roof always qualifies as a roofing emergency. The aftermath of such an event may not always reveal visible signs of damage. What many fail to recognize is the substantial weight of tree branches, and when they descend upon your roof, it’s often propelled by powerful winds, generating immense force and damage upon impact. However, even in the absence of direct harm, there still exists a compelling likelihood that your roof’s structural integrity has taken an impact, warranting immediate attention and assessment.

Why Trees Fall

Generally, trees do not just fall. Instead, something, usually extreme weather, causes them to fall. The most common culprits are hurricanes, tornadoes, and other high-wind scenarios.

You can take steps to help avoid tree damage. It would help if you trim dead or dying branches from your trees. If you have a sick older tree, you can remove it to avoid the hazard. While these trees are not guaranteed to fall, they are more vulnerable than healthy trees. That is really important to understand because if there is any negligence that contributes to the tree falling, your homeowners’ insurance may not cover the damage.

Evacuate Your Family

A tree on your roof can lead to a cave-in. So, the first thing you want to do is get all of your family members and pets out of the home. Once they are safely outside, you can begin to assess the damage. Does it appear safe to enter the house? The reality is that most people are not qualified to determine that. So, if you have any questions about safety, contact a roofing company for assistance.

Take Photos

Thorough documentation of the damage is crucial, especially when considering an insurance claim following a tree-related incident. Ensuring a comprehensive record of the damage is not just advisable, it is essential. Take detailed pictures and videos, capturing the extent of the damage from various angles. Additionally, it’s wise to proactively contact your insurance company to understand precisely what documentation they require. By being proactive and meticulous in your documentation, you not only strengthen your insurance claim but also pave the way for a smoother and more efficient resolution process.

Remove the Tree

If possible, you want to remove the tree or part of the tree from your home. Even if the tree does not go through the roof, the weight will cause structural damage. It can also block drainage, leading to leaks. Of course, the size of the tree and your skills impact whether you can remove the tree on your own. For most people, safely removing the tree themselves is not an option. You can contact a roofer for help with that process.

Contact Us

When a tree finds its way onto your roof, it’s definitely an emergency situation that demands immediate attention to assess the damage. Do not hesitate, reach out to Roofing By Carl’s without delay to secure the timely and expert assistance you need.