Missing or damaged shingles
High winds can rip shingles off, while falling branches can crack or break them.
Holes or punctures
Large branches or the whole tree can leave obvious holes. But even smaller branches can puncture your roof, so inspect closely.
Damaged flashing
The metal flashing around vents, chimneys, and skylights could be bent or damaged, compromising the watertight seal.
Water stains
Leaks caused by tree damage might show up as stains on your ceilings or walls. Pay close attention if these appear after a storm or a tree-related incident.
Granules in gutters
Excessive asphalt shingle granules in your gutters signal roof damage.
Structural damage
In the worst cases, a tree can damage your roof's structure or even interior walls. Look for sagging rooflines or cracks that appear suddenly indoors.
Emergency roof cover
The first step is to secure your roof with a temporary covering like a tarp to prevent further damage from rain.
Assessing the damage
A thorough inspection will reveal the full extent of the damage and determine the best path forward.
Tree removal (if needed)
If the tree is still on your roof, safe removal might be necessary before repairs can proceed.
Insurance coordination
Your roofing contractor can work directly with your insurance company to streamline the insurance claim process.
Repair
Built to Last Roofing uses high-quality materials and skilled craftsmanship to bring your roof back to full strength.
Cleanup and inspection
We'll clear any debris and do a final quality check, leaving your property as we found it.
Regularly trim trees
Keep branches away from your house to reduce the risk of falling limbs.
Remove dead or diseased trees
Dead or unhealthy trees are more likely to fall in storms, so consider removal.
Choose the right trees
If adding new trees, choose species that won't grow too tall or wide for the space, preventing future roof conflicts.
Regular roof inspections
In addition to maintaining your trees, it's important to have your roof inspected regularly by a professional roofing contractor.
Emergency preparedness
Even with precautions, storms happen. Have an emergency plan for your household in case a tree does damage your roof, lessening the stress in a difficult situation.
As a homeowner, a tree falling on your roof is a nightmare scenario. Storms, high winds, or even just an aging tree can cause devastating and expensive damage. In fact, the Insurance Information Institute reports that wind and hail alone account for nearly 40% of all U.S. homeowners insurance claims.
Worse yet, roof claims make up about 30% of all U.S. property insurance losses, and trees are a major culprit. Severe weather events, a major cause of tree-related claims, have increased by a staggering 50% over the past decade.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the steps to take when dealing with roof repair from tree falling damage, ensuring that your home is protected and restored to its former glory.
Signs of Roof Damage from Trees
Tree damage to your roof can range from minor to severe. In states like Texas, homeowners face particular risks due to our weather patterns and tree types. Here are some common signs to look out for:
What to Do If a Tree Fell on Your Roof: 5 Easy Steps
The National Storm Damage Center reports a shocking truth: falling trees cause over $1 billion in damage to U.S. homes every year. If a tree damages your roof, these three steps are crucial to protect yourself and start the repair process:
1. Assess the Situation and Ensure Safety
As soon as you realize a tree has fallen on your roof, safety is your top priority. If the damage looks severe or you suspect the structure is compromised, leave the house immediately and contact emergency services. Also, if you see downed power lines or any fire risk, call your local fire department and utility company. Once it's safe to approach, you can start assessing the damage.
Before starting any repairs, it's vital to document the damage thoroughly. Take photos and videos of the fallen tree, the damaged roof, and any other affected areas of your house. The Insurance Information Institute stresses the importance of doing this as soon as it's safe. Capture different angles, close-ups, and wide shots that show the full extent of the problem. This evidence will be crucial for your insurance claim and discussions with your roofer.
2. Document Everything for Insurance
Before you start any roof repair process, it's crucial to document the damage thoroughly. Take pictures of the fallen tree, the damaged roof, and any other affected areas of your property. These photos will serve as evidence when filing an insurance claim and communicating with your local roofing contractor.
The Insurance Information Institute stresses the importance of doing this as soon as it's safe. Capture different angles, close-ups, and wide shots that show the full extent of the problem. This evidence will be crucial for your insurance claim and discussions with your roofer.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
After documenting the damage, reach out to your insurance company as soon as possible. Most homeowner's policies cover damage from fallen trees, though it's always best to double-check your specific coverage. Your insurer will likely send an adjuster to assess the situation and determine the repair or replacement costs.
It's helpful to know that the Insurance Information Institute reports the average wind and hail claim for homeowners is around $11,200. Be ready to share your photos and a detailed account of the tree incident – this will help speed up the claims process.
4. Hire a Professional Roofing Contractor
Repairing roof damage from a fallen tree is a job best left to the experts. Look for a reputable local roofer who has experience specifically with tree and storm damage. A skilled company like Built to Last Roofing can assess your roof's overall condition, spot any hidden damage, and recommend the best approach – whether that's targeted repairs or a full replacement.
5. Remove the Tree and Debris
Before any roof repairs start, the tree and debris need to be safely cleared away. For larger trees or complex situations, it's usually necessary to hire a professional tree removal service. The average cost for this ranges from $500 to $1,500, depending on the tree's size and location. If you feel confident tackling a smaller tree yourself, use extreme caution and take steps to avoid any further damage to your roof or property.
The Roof Repair Process
Once the tree and debris are safely cleared, your roofing contractor can begin restoring your roof. The extent of the damage will dictate whether repairs are enough or if a full replacement is a better long-term solution. The average roof repair cost falls between $350 and $1,500.
Here's what to expect:
Preventing Future Tree Damage to Your Roof
Once your roof is restored, take proactive steps to prevent future problems and minimize the risk from trees:
Built to Last Roofing: Your Partner in Roof Restoration
Roof damage from a fallen tree is stressful for any homeowner. By choosing a trusted company like Built to Last Roofing, you gain a partner who takes the worry out of the process, ensuring your home is protected and repaired correctly.
Remember, safety always comes first! Document the damage thoroughly, and keep open communication with your insurance company and roofing contractor. With the right support and a careful approach, you'll soon have a strong, reliable roof once again.
Ready to get started? Contact the Built to Last Roofing team today and let us handle your roof repair – we're here to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible!
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