What You Should Do When a Large Tree Falls on Your Roof

The trees can topple during a storm, causing the limbs and branches to
fly off. This can cause different types of damage. It can be terrifying if the
tree or its parts land on your roof. Although wind and hail are the two major
enemies of your roof, trees can also cause significant damage. Trees falling on
your roof should be treated with utmost urgency.

Unfortunately, knowing what to do at such a point can be confusing,
especially if you’ve never experienced it. Therefore, I’m here to guide you
through the essential steps following such an incident.

Evacuate to a Safe Place

If a tree falls on your roof, run out of the home. Evacuate your family
and pets as quickly as possible. If you live in a shared roof or walls, such as
a duplex, alert your neighbors immediately. Tell them what has happened and
advise them to evacuate, too.

Initially, your roof might seem strong enough to withstand all the
weight and damage. However, things could get worse with time. Certain damages
will likely be immediately noticeable once a tree falls onto your roof. With
time, your roof’s structural integrity might weaken, causing it to cave in.
This can result in potential injury to your family and damage to your property.

Call 911 for Immediate Assistance

If the damage is severe, seek emergency assistance immediately. Some
damages can be ruptured gas pipes, downed power lines, or injury to anyone.
While many wait for severe damage to ask for help, it’s crucial to inform the
authorities promptly. The damage might seem minor initially, but it can get
worse with time, which can cause unexpected harm.

Notifying the fire department helps them assess the danger and take the
necessary precautions. If there are signs of further damage, they can
de-energize damaged power lines or request gas shutoff. The health department
can also assess the victims to ensure no one suffered undiagnosed injuries. You
should never try solving the problem alone, no matter how minor the problem
seems. Apart from not managing to help, the roof might be a scary place at the
moment.

Document All Damages

After damage occurs, take photos, videos, and other necessary
documentation. This will be useful when reporting the damage to your insurance
or law enforcement. Documenting the damages also helps you determine the
repairs needed and later changes. When you submit such evidence to the roofing
company, they’ll know what exactly needs to be done. Your insurance company
will also use the same evidence to calculate the repair costs.

Before leaving your home, ensure the doors, windows, and other openings
are sealed. You might not return for some time, especially after severe damage.
Lock up what’s left in your home to protect it from excess moisture. You
should, however, be cautious when handling damaged structures. If the tree is
still on top of the roof, avoid going up there to remove it. Getting your local
roofer to handle it is advisable.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Assessing your home before calling in the insurance company is very
important. However, ensure immediate danger has passed, and your local fire
crew has dealt with any impending danger. This will mark the beginning of the
restoration process. Examine how much damage the tree has caused to your home.
Although climbing up the roof might give you a better view of the damage, it is
not advisable.

After an initial assessment, call your homeowner’s insurance company to
do the rest. You can also start filing an insurance claim. The insurance will
send an adjuster to visit your home and process your case. They’ll also
inventory the damage and try to identify the cause. After everything has been
well handled, they’ll apply the available coverage from your policy to the cost
of needed repairs.

Contact a Professional Roofer

After a tree falls on your roof, contacting a professional roofer to
assess the damage is wise. You should then schedule comprehensive roof repair
or replacement if need be. Do this as soon as possible to prevent complications
like water damage. Before calling your roofer, find out from your insurance
company their preferred roofer.

 Your agent will also clarify the repairs your homeowner’s
insurance coverage covers. They’ll also calculate the money you’ll receive to
cover the damages. Getting this information before the restoration process
begins is essential. If the damages seem minor, request your roofer to inspect
the roof after cleaning.

Crises don’t wait for a convenient moment. As a result, having a
trustworthy partner is critical when calamity strikes. The Scartelli Roofing
and Exteriors crew is always available to help you navigate any roofing
emergency. Contact us today to help you get your roof back on track.